CUBA DISCOVERY

Departures

While the beaches of Cuba are some of the best in the world, the island has so much more to offer the visitor. In October 1492, Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba and described the scenery as "the loveliest land ever beheld by human eyes." From its very first days of settlement, European and African influences, mixed with aboriginal ingredients, gave rise to features that differentiated Cuba from other Spanish colonies in the New World. Because of these influences, the country’s architecture runs the gamut of styles from baroque to art deco, neoclassical, art nouveau and modern; all melding into a visually striking whole. But there will always be something that reminds us of where we are: the sound of a passionate Cuban song in a bar of Old Havana; the friendly smiles on the faces of the people; the distinctive and passionate sounds of rumba, samba, mambo and soul music; the gentle Caribbean breezes.

Join us as we discover the authentic Cuba; it’s history, culture, sites, people and much more. We will explore cities, towns and villages, off the usual beaten track of sun worshipping tourists.

Space is limited to just 30 members – BOOK EARLY!

Itinerary

February 12, Saturday: Depart CANADA / HAVANA
Tour members from across Canada fly via Toronto to Havana, Cuba’s capital. On arrival, we will be met by our national guide and transferred to the Occidental Miramar Hotel, set in the heart of Havana's sophisticated Miramar neighbourhood, surrounded by old mansions and tree-lined avenues. Balance of afternoon is free. This evening we gather for our Welcome Dinner at our hotel.
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February 13, Sunday : HAVANA
On our morning tour of Havana, historic highlights will include the Plaza de la Revolution, Prado Avenue, Capitolio Nacional, the Grand Theatre of Havana, Central Park, Plaza de la Cathedral, Plaza de Armas and more. One of Cuba’s most famous products will be on display in the Rum Museum and we shall be delighted with a visit to Ernest Hemingway’s home, before enjoying lunch at Las Terrazas de Cojimar restaurant.
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February 14, Monday: VINALES VALLEY
Travel west to the town of Vinales, with its quaint single-storey wooden houses and crops of tobacco. We will visit an orchid garden in Soroa and a nearby tobacco plantation. Enjoy lunch at Casa de Don Tomas. Cuba’s other famous product – cigars – will be showcased today during a visit to the state run tobacco factory where such brands as Cohiba, Montecristo and Romeo & Juliet cigars are made. Rancho San Vicente (1 Night)
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February 15, Tuesday: VINALES VALLEY / HAVANA
With its lush vegetation and lime stone outcroppings, the Vinales Valley is a World Heritage site. Our morning will be spent learning about tobacco on a local plantation, strolling in the Botanico de Caridad (a beautiful garden), exploring the Cueva del Indio (lively limestone caves that we shall tour) and viewing the massive Prehistoric Mural. We will have lunch here before returning to Havana, with the balance of the day free. This evening, enjoy dinner and the sounds of the samba at the famous Tropicana. Ambos Mundos Hotel (1 night)
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February 16, Wednesday: BAY OF PIGS / CIENFUEGOS
Departing early, we will travel via the Zapata Swamp and Lake Tesoro, where Fidel enjoyed most of his vacations. Following lunch, continue to El Cenote (a deep and very clear limestone pool) near Playa Larga where we will have a chance to swim. At the Playa Giron (Bay of Pigs) we will visit the museum giving the Cuban view concerning the US/CIA involvement in the anti-Castro movement. Continue to Cienfuegos. Jagua Hotel (1 night)
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February 17, Thursday : SIERRA DE ESCAMBRAY / TRINIDAD
Travel to the forested beauty of the Sierra de Escambray, a mountain range on the south coast of the central region. Journey by truck for an hour into the mountains to La Codina, an old Spanish hacienda where we will be taken on a guided walk to learn about the medicinal plants used to treat the plantation’s slaves. Explore the Orchid Loop, home to 25 endemic species of orchids before we continue by coach to Trinidad, a delightful colonial city dating back 500 years and retains much of its heritage and charm. Iberostar Trinidad (2 nights)
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February 18, Friday: TRINIDAD
This morning we will tour colonial Trinidad with its magnificent location nestled between the high mountains of the Escambray Range and the lovely coast of the Caribbean Sea. Its architecture is Neo Classical and Baroque with a Moorish flavour and the charming old town boasts red tile roofs, pastel homes, artistic balconies with wrought-iron railings and narrow cobblestone streets. We will visit Brunet Palace Museum, also known as the Romantic Museum, which houses porcelain pieces and fine glassware. Our tour concludes with a Canchanchara, a traditional drink based on rum and honey. The afternoon is free to explore on our own, go to the beach or relax.
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February 19, Saturday: CAMAGUEY
This morning we depart for Camaguey with a lunch stop en route.
On arrival in Camaguey, we will have a city tour including a visit to the Provincial Museum, the Ignacio Agramonte. Here, we will learn about the life of Ignacio Agramonte, a Cuban revolutionary, who played an important part in the Ten Years' War (1868–1878). Hotel Isla de Cuba (2 nights)
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February 20, Sunday: CAMAGUEY
Camaguey, Cuba’s 4th city by size was moved inland in 1528 due to the almost non-stop attacks from pirates. To further baffle the would be attackers, the city was designed with a confusing layout of winding alleys that lead to dead ends or small squares, making it into a maze. We will explore the city, visiting the busy farmer’s market and Plaza de Trabajadores and the Casa de la Cultura, Soledad Church, Plaza Maceo and the 18th century Plaza San Juan de Dios. Balance of the day is at leisure.
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February 21, Monday: CAMAGUEY / HOLGUIN
Our journey takes us south through the heavily forested Sierra Maestra Mountains (home to Cuba’s highest peak) en route to Holguin, the place where explorer Christopher Columbus caught his first glimpse of Cuba. Overlooking the city is a huge crucifix which can be climbed (450 steps). Instead we shall enjoy a walking tour of the city including Revolution Square, the historic centre, Plaza de la Marqueta, San Isidoro Cathedral and Calixto Garcia Square. Hotel Playa Pesquero (1 night)
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February 22, Tuesday: SIERRA MAESTRA / BARACOA
We depart for Baracoa, a village located on the eastern end of the island, the first European settlement, dating from 1511. Here we will find massive forts dating from the 18th Century and an authentic colonial village surrounded by secluded beaches and virgin rainforest. Enjoy a walking tour of the village including the Cathedral and museum and visit the newly constructed Archaeological Museum. Balance of the day is at leisure. Hotel Porto Santo (1 night)
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February 23, Wednesday: RANCHO TOA / SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Today we will visit Rancho Toa, a centre designed for visitors to experience the life of the country people, including their modes of transportation, clothing and ways of life. Learn how to grow and harvest coffee, cacao and coconuts. Enjoy a cruise on the Rio Toa, one of Cuba’s largest rivers, viewing local farms and plantations. Following a lunch of traditional Cuban dishes, we travel to Santiago de Cuba. Melia Santiago (2 nights)
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February 24, Thursday: SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Today we will visit the Morro Fortress (a World heritage site – outstanding architecture), the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery and the Museum House of Diego. This afternoon, we drive to El Cobre to visit the beautiful Basilica del Cobre. Lush green hills greet us as we approach the church, which, since the 17th Century has been home to the statue of the Lady of Charity, the favourite of all Cubans, and, since 1916, has been their patron saint, by decree of Pope Benedict XV. Return to Santiago de Cuba.
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February 25, Friday: SANTIAGO DE CUBA / HAVANA
Very early this morning, we fly to Havana. On arrival, check in at our hotel and enjoy a leisurely last day on this beautiful island. This evening, enjoy our farewell dinner at one of Havana’s finest restaurants, Cafe del Oriente. Ambos Mundos Hotel (1 night)
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February 26, Saturday: HAVANA / HOME
All too soon our unforgettable Cuba Discovery adventure comes to a close as we transfer to the airport for our Air Canada flights via Toronto to our homes across Canada.
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TOUR COST in CANADIAN DOLLARS (per person)

Prices from other cities are available on request. GST is not applicable to this tour.

Prices are based on airfares and exchange rates effective June 2010 and are subject to change. We recommend that you book early.

Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and on a minimum of 20 participants travelling. An escort will accompany this group with a minimum of 20 members travelling.

CT RATING 3 –This tour is designed and best suited for people who are physically fit & active and who enjoy walking and hiking. It should be noted that local conditions in Cuba are not consistent from one area to the next with some areas being quite rustic in nature. Accommodations varies from first class resorts to moderate or best available hotels.

Tour price (and deposit) includes a non-refundable fee ($227 pp) to cover comprehensive insurance. This insurance is effective from the date of confirmation for all passengers under the age of 86 years at the time of travel and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Final payment will be due December 3, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $800 per person to Craig Travel's office.