Matanzas - 1 night
We begin our two week tour in the peaceful setting of Matanzas where the group meets and gets acquainted.
Santa Clara - 2 nights
 Travelling
East along the main highway, our first stop is the
city of Santa Clara. During Che Guevara's time in
Cuba he developed an affection for this city. A
memorable stop is the Che Guevara Memorial where
Castro's partner's remains are entombed and a museum
commemorating his life is located. We will also
view the site of the historic "Train Wreck" Che
planned which marked the end of the Batista regime
in 1959.
Santa Clara has an excellent Art Instructors School which we will be welcomed at during our visit with the students and teachers. During a tour of a cigar factory you will witness first hand the care and time it takes to produce a single cigar.
Cuba has developed a preventative health care system which will be explained by the doctors at the local hospital.
Colonial Trinidad - 3 nights
 Today we wind our way through the Escambray Mountains stopping at an inland lake to enjoy a boat cruise and lunch. This beautiful drive takes us through some classic Cuban landscapes with farmers tending their fields with ox-drawn plows.
 Trinidad - the colonial gem of Cuba is a quaint and beautiful cobble-stoned town. Meandering through the 16th century streets is an experience in itself.
We will visit the Romantic Museum which houses many beautiful artifacts and glassware brought from Europe and Asia in bygone centuries. Evidence of the former wealth in Cuba is apparent once again.
We will stop by a family business where pottery has been carefully hand-crafted, glazed and fired for decades.
Trinidad has a handful of excellent laid-back clubs where one can experience traditional Cuban music well into the evening.
A short trip into the country takes us to the historic "Valley of the Sugar Mills". During its heyday 43 sugar mills covered the valley to grind the cane produced in this fertile area. Today remains of many can still be seen. We will stop for lunch at the former hacienda of a land owner, and for those who are more energetic you may climb to the top of the tower where, in the past, a bell was rung to call in the slaves from the sugar fields at the days end.
While in the Trinidad area we will also visit a co-operative farm where farmers will explain how the farming system works, the markets and answer any questions you may have.
Planned free time will give you a chance to further explore Trinidad on your own, or go to the nearby beach.
Villa Guajimico - 2 nights
 Located between Trinidad and Cienfuegos is a small resort on the Caribbean Sea which consists of 54 individual cabins dispersed throughout the grounds. For the next two days you can sit back and relax beside the pool overlooking the ocean, hike through the treed area surrounding the resort, snorkel, enjoy the beach, take a boat excursion, or read a book. It's your time to rest and enjoy!
Cienfuegos - 2 nights
 En-route to Cienfuegos we stop at a beautiful Botanical Garden which was started in 1899 and later controlled by Harvard University until 1959. It is now one of the tropical world's finest botanical gardens.
The next two days are spent in and around Cienfuegos - a port city with a colonial hub, a wide Spanish-style boulevard and colonnaded buildings.
Following the Russian pullout in the early 90's
there was a severe food shortage crisis in Cuba.
During that time Organic Farms were created within
cities to feed their populations. You will visit
such a farm and have the methods explained as you
walk amongst lush vegetable crops.
Cienfuegos is also home to the Palace of the Valley - an architectural masterpiece with an interesting history, as well as a former Yacht Club where the wealthy used to be entertained. You will enjoy a short walking tour of the beautifully restored main square.\
Replace pedestrian mall street with palace
Havana - 3 nights
The scenery abruptly changes from lush farming
country to short brush and reeds as we enter the
national park and wildlife reserve: Zapata National
Park. This region is important for two reasons
- it has complex eco-systems which harbour 900
species of flora, 171 species of birds, 31 reptiles,
and 12 mammals. Tens of thousands of migratory
birds spend their winters here. It was also the
site of the famous "Bay of Pigs" conflict.
The Museum of the Bay of Pigs gives a photographic
account of the events leading up to, during and
after the invasion funded by J.F. Kennedy's administration.
 Classic
cars, opulent historic buildings, cultural events
- Havana overflows with more than you can begin
to see in one visit but we will show you some
of the highlights. The Capitol Building is the
domed building that dominates Havana's skyline;
an impressive structure fashioned after the Capitol
Building in Washington. A guided tour of this
magnificent building is included.
 The
history of Cuban rum and how it is made is explained
during a stop at the Havana Club Museum. During
a walking tour through the cobble stone streets
of Old Havana you will observe the constant restoration
that is in progress there. Buildings are being
brought back to their original grandeur block
by block.
A coach tour of modern Havana includes the Columbus
cemetery, a massive cemetery overlowing with marble
monuments and tombs.
Optional activities may include a ballet performance
at the Theatre. The cost is usually $15.00. Your
tour guide can assist you with this. At some time
during the tour there may be an opportunity to
see a baseball game as well. It is as much fun
to witness the Cuban fans as the game itself and
costs only a dollar or two.
Matanzas - 1 night
On our last full day in Cuba we will stop for a few hours at the resort area of Varadero for some last minute shopping and to witness the contrast between what you have experienced, and Varadero.
Once again in the Cuban countryside relax by the pool and reflect before enjoying a farewell dinner.
One two
week departure; February
16th to March 2nd, 2009 In order to make each
tour a special experience, space is limited to
21 people per tour. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Prices below are for 2008. Prices for
2009 to be confirmed and posted by the end of
June. Now taking pre-registrations; click on register
link at the bottom of this page.
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Air
and Tour departing from: |
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$2990
CAD |
|
|
$2820 |
|
|
$3090 |
|
|
$3090 |
|
|
$3090 |
|
Regina |
$3090 |
|
|
$2890 |
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Other
Cities |
call
for prices from other cities |
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Tour
only: |
$2200
CAD |
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All prices are in Canadian
price per person based on double occupancy.
|
All
prices are in Canadian funds per person based
on double occupancy.
Single Supplement: $350.00.
Price
Includes:
- Air fare from city listed - call for prices
from your nearest airport if not listed
- 14
nights accommodation based on double
occupancy
- Meals:
All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 9 dinners
(2 days all-inclusive)
- All
admissions and cultural visits listed in itinerary
- Air
conditioned motor coach transportation
- Full
escorted by Canadian and Cuban guides
Not included: Taxes, optional
cancellation medical insurance.
IMPORTANT
NOTE The above air-inclusive prices are based
on the lowest airfare being available at the time
of booking. It is important to book early in order
to secure these rates.
Singles wishing to share: We
often get requests for single travellers wishing
to share accommodation. If you are interested
in traveling with a companion please let us know
and we can try to match you up with a suitable
travelling partner.
Insurance: Optional cancellation
and medical insurance is strongly recommended.
The price depends on your age and the cost of
the tour. Insurance will be discussed and prices
quoted at the time of booking.
Payment Schedule:
Deposit: $250.00 on tour portion
plus an additional air fare deposit which will
be advised at time of booking.
Balance: 55 days prior to departure
Forms of Payment: Cheque, Visa
and MasterCard.
Final payments made by credit cards will be subject
to a 3% processing fee of the tour only amount
of the package. (ex. $2230 X 3% = 66.00)
| Notification: |
Penalty: |
| More than 55 days prior to departure |
Deposit |
| 55 to 30 days prior |
50% |
| Within 30 days |
100% |
Cancellation Policy In the event that you have to cancel you must notify Cuba Discovery Tours immediately in writing. The following scale of charges will apply according to the date that notice is received. Air fare penalties may differ and will be discussed at the time of ticket purchase.
For more information contact:
Cuba Discovery Tours
K-435 Rosser Avenue
Brandon, MB. R7A 6S2
PHONE 204-727-2305, FAX 204-726-5856
1-800-417-0250 from anywhere in Canada or the
USA
info@cubadiscoverytours.com
 Bookings: click here
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You will enjoy the contrast of the quiet ocean-side resort at Guajimíco, and the bustle of Havana.
