Caribbean Grand Journey

• Getting there

  Fly into Santo Domingo (SDQ) to arrive on day 1, at any time: the arrival transfer is set to your flight. The journey ends on day 15 at Cancún (CUN), so book an open-jaw ticket, into one city and home from another. The two regional flights in between are included. We can find and book the international flights with you.

  Search flights

• Who the price is for

  Prices are per person sharing a double or twin room: $4,990 for an adult and $4,599 for a child aged 2 to 11. From 12 a traveller pays the adult rate, and an infant under 2 travels on request. A single room is $2,495 more, half the per-person price. Bookings are for 2 to 12 travellers, and 12 places is the most one departure holds; the places still free are shown on each date.

• Entry and documents

  Three countries means three sets of rules. The Dominican Republic asks every traveller to complete its free online e-Ticket for entry and exit. Cuba requires an e-Visa and travel medical insurance valid in Cuba, plus the online D’Viajeros form before you fly; neither the e-Visa nor the insurance is in the price, and we can arrange both with your booking. Mexico records your entry on arrival. Your passport should have at least six months left on it. Travellers from the United States travel to Cuba under specific rules, and the booking asks the questions those rules need.

  Visas and entry, by passport

• Money

  Each country has its own peso. In the Dominican Republic and Mexico cards are widely accepted. In Cuba, carry cash: euros or US dollars in clean notes, enough for meals, drinks and tips, because cards issued by US banks do not work there and card payments and cash machines cannot be relied on.

• Where you stay

  Handpicked hotels in the cities and on the coast, and a casa particular, a private family guesthouse, in Viñales. Each is named in your travel documents once the departure is confirmed; any change is to a stay of the same standard.

• Meals and dietary needs

  Breakfast every day and six dinners: the welcome dinner in Santo Domingo on day 1, then five in Cuba, in Havana on days 3 and 4, in Viñales on day 5, in Trinidad on day 6 and in Varadero on day 7. Lunch is included in Viñales. On the Riviera Maya, breakfast is included and the rest is yours to choose. Tell us any dietary needs or allergies when you book.

• Pace

  Moderate. The first week moves every day or two, with walking on uneven colonial streets and one long drive, Viñales to Trinidad, that takes most of day 6. From day 8 the pace drops: seven nights in one hotel on the Riviera Maya.

• Weather and what to pack

  November to April is the dry season: warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings. Pack light clothes, a layer for air-conditioning and evenings, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent and sunscreen; the cenotes ask for a biodegradable one. Hurricane season runs from June to November.

• Connectivity in Cuba

  Mobile data and Wi-Fi in Cuba are slower and patchier than you are used to, and power cuts happen. Download maps and anything you need offline before you arrive, and bring a power bank. Normal connections return in Mexico.

• Optional extras

  Tulum and the cenotes are offered on days 10 and 11, and further outings on the free days. They are quoted separately and can be added when you book or during the journey.

• Tips

  Gratuities are not included. Tipping guides, drivers and restaurant staff is customary in all three countries and appreciated, particularly in Cuba.

• Cancellation and changes

  Cancel 60 days or more before departure and everything you paid is refunded, less any amounts already paid to airlines and hotels on your behalf that they will not return, which we show you in writing. From 59 to 30 days before departure, the airlines’ and hotels’ own cancellation terms apply and their charges are deducted. From 29 days before departure there is no refund. Refunds are made within 14 days to the card or account you paid from. Up to 7 days before departure you can pass your place to another traveller; any change fees the airlines or hotels charge are passed on. If we have to cancel or materially change the journey, you choose an alternative of equal value or a full refund within 14 days.

• Paying and your booking

  Paid by card when you book. You receive your booking reference straight away and can follow the booking online without an account.

We send a full pre-departure note once your departure is confirmed.

• What if I need to cancel?

  Cancel 60 days or more before departure and everything you paid is refunded, less any amounts already paid to airlines and hotels on your behalf that they will not return, which we show you in writing. From 59 to 30 days before departure, the airlines’ and hotels’ own cancellation terms apply and their charges are deducted. From 29 days before departure there is no refund. Refunds are made within 14 days to the card or account you paid from. Up to 7 days before departure you can pass your place to another traveller; any change fees the airlines or hotels charge are passed on. If we have to cancel or materially change the journey, you choose an alternative of equal value or a full refund within 14 days.

• When do I pay?

  When you book. Payment is taken by card in the same step as the booking, and your receipt comes with your booking reference. One card payment can be up to 2,500 EUR: above that, the whole amount is still paid when you book, in several card payments one after the other, each under that limit. You can use the same card or another one for each part, and your booking is confirmed once the last payment goes through.

• Which payment methods do you accept?

  Credit and debit cards, Visa and Mastercard, through our secure payment provider.

• Are there any hidden fees?

  No. The price you are shown is the price you pay. Any third-party charge, such as a consular visa fee, is listed separately before you book.

• Do I need an account to book?

  No. You can book as a guest, and your booking reference and email address give you access to your booking at any time. If you like, sign in with a one-time code sent to your email: your bookings, requests and saved traveller details are then kept together in one place.

• Do I need a visa for Cuba?

  Most visitors need a Cuba e-Visa rather than a consular visa. We file it for you with your booking, together with the D’Viajeros arrival declaration.

• Is travel insurance required?

  Travel medical insurance is mandatory for Cuba and may be checked on arrival. For every destination we strongly recommend travelling with suitable insurance.

• How long must my passport be valid?

  We recommend at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Some countries and airlines require it.

• What if my travel plans are disrupted?

  If an airline, hotel or supplier changes your arrangements, we contact you and help arrange the best available alternative.

• Can I reach you during my trip?

  Yes. Our team stays available throughout your trip for any help you need.