Our tour begins in Varadero, formerly the area where the wealthy had their beach homes.  The Dupont Mansion is now the clubhouse for the golf course, and Capone’s beach-front house is now a restaurant.

You will be met by our local guide and transferred to the hotel Arrive in Cuba and transfered to the hotel.

We stop at a “Bodega” and learn about ration cards and the supplies available at these state-run shops, then visit a “dollar store” where goods must be purchased in “Convertible Pesos”.  You will learn about the two currencies used in Cuba and the problems this has created within the country.

We wind our way over the Escambray Mountains and transfer to a truck which was formerly used by the Soviet Army.  We travel 40 minutes on dirt roads to the site of a former Spanish Coffee Plantation located in the Topes de Collantes.  A traditional roast pig lunch awaits us followed by a walking tour to view a natural orchid garden.

We continue to Trinidad – the colonial gem of Cuba where meandering through the cobble-stoned streets of this 16th century town with it’s terra-cotta tile-roofed house is an experience in itself.

During our time in Trinidad we will visit the Romantic Museum located in a former Brunet Palace and see an amazing collection of beautiful antiques and artwork.  It is a wonderful example of the extreme wealth that was here during the sugar-trade period.

We will be welcomed at a “Casa de Abuelos” – a center where seniors gather during the day to share time together – and learn about the services available to them.

Farmers will stop during their busy day to meet with us and explain how their co-operative farm is ran, resources shared, and show us some of the crops or livestock.  These farms and communities were developed after the Revolution in order to share resources.

We will have private percussion lessons with a local musician, and one evening visit a local night club to enjoy traditional music.

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 the remains of many can still be seen. You will see 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.

Planned free time will give you a chance to further explore Trinidad on your own, or go to the nearby beach.

The Faro Luna is a small resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and 100 metres from a wide, sandy beach. 

En-route from Trinidad to Cienfuegos we stop at the beautiful Cienfuegos 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 gardens of this type.

Become acquainted with the colonial hub of Cienfuegos, a beautiful port city with a restored commercial area.  We will tour the Teatro Tomas and the Catedral de la Purísima Concepción, both located on the main plaza.    Cienfuegos is home to the Palace of the Valley, an architectural masterpiece which we will also visit.

Beach time!  The balance of the day and the following day are free to relax beside the pool overlooking the sea, read a book, or further explore on your own.  It’s your time to rest and enjoy!

Playa Larga, Bay of Pigs – 2 nights – Hotel Playa Larga

Following the Soviet Union collapse, Russia pulled out of Cuba resulting in an economic crises and severe food shortage in the early 1990’s.  Urban farms were developed within cities to reduce transportation costs, and as a result of the fertilizer shortages Cuba made early advancements in organic production.  We will learn more about the “Organic Revolution” during our stop at an organic farm, or “organoponico”.

The scenery abruptly changes from lush farming country to short brush and reeds as we enter the national park and wildlife reserve: Cienaga de Zapata.  This region 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. 

This is also where the “Bay of Pigs” conflict took place, and a stop at a the museum here give a photographic account of the events leading up to, during and after the invasion funded by J.F. Kennedy’s administration.

In the evening we travel to the community of Palpite and learn about a cultural community project called Korimacao.  This project provides people from the surrounding communities the opportunity to develop and improve their performing skills such as singing, dance, and playing musical instruments.  After an explanation about how this group has grown over the past 15 years, they will perform for us.

On a morning trek our local guides will point out some of the edibles that can be found en route such as termites and hibiscus flowers!  The 2 kilometre trail also showcases different types of vegetation, sinkholes, flooded caves, swamp, wooded areas and a natural stone bridge. 

A 2 hour river cruise on the Rio Hatiguanico further educates us on the flora and fauna in the area as we wind our way through prime bird and crocodile habitats.  Our guide will tell us about the environmental education program put into practice in this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Havana – 3 nights – Hotel Telégrafo or Hotel Ambos Mundos

Vintage cars, opulent historic buildings, cultural events – Havana overflows with more than you can possibly see in one visit, but we will show you some of the highlights.  Our hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the historic centre.

We visit the Museum of the Revolution, located in the former Presidential Palace, which contains exhibits of Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spain and later the United States.  An outdoor display includes tractors that were covered with steel and used as tanks, the Granma boat on which Castro and Guevara sailed from Mexico, and other revolution era plans and vehicles.

The Capitol Building, which dominates Havana’s skyline, was built between 1926 and 1929 at a cost of US $20 million during a period when most of the population lived in poverty.  This stunning building overflows with marble, bronze, mahogany and is fashioned after the Capitol Building in Washington.  We will tour of this magnificent structure.

On a walking tour of Old Havana’s historical squares we will stop at the studios of some world renowned artists including Robert Fabelo.   Our guide will explain how the area of Old Havana is being restored, one building at a time.

We have arranged for a very special evening of dance and music on the private rooftop patio of Elsa Maria.  Here a band will demonstrate many types of Cuban music, and Elsa will patiently teach us the steps to salsa, rumba and more. 

On another day we will tour through the areas of “Modern Havana” that were built up during the 1940’s and 50’s when the Americans and Mafia controlled most of the wealth in the country.  These include Vedado, Miramar and Cubanacan.  You will see beautifully restored mansions, as well as those that are crumbling which house multiple generations of multiple families. Many of these mansions were left in the hands of the maids and servants when the owners fled to the United States following the 1959 Revolution, believing that they would return after a short period.  Over 50 years later they are still waiting …therefore many of the occupants are now descendents of these employees, and there has been no capital to maintain them.  

Stops will include Revolution Square where Castro would give his speeches which would last literally for hours, the famous Hotel Nacional - former residence of Mafia Myer Lanski, and a local market. 

In 1990 Salvador Gonzalez Escalona, a painter, muralist and sculptor, created a novel block-long art gallery in Central Havana, revitalizing the street by making it a distinctive place where colour and cheer light up the street.  We will visit this unique Afro-Cuban Art Project – Callejon de Hamel - where children, workers and common people in general can interact with the works that are displayed. 

We will also visit the Columbus Cemetery which is replete with massive tombs and marble monuments and learn about the history behind some of the memorials.    

You will have a full afternoon and evening free in Havana to explore your own interests.

If there is a performance at the Gran Teatro you may want to attend the ballet or opera and observe how Cubans’ truly enjoy their arts! 

Varadero - 1 night

We return to Varadero in time to explore the markets, enjoy the beach, and relax before our farewell dinner.

The following day you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

Two 2 week departures;
January 30 - February 13, 2011
February 27 - March 13, 2011

In order to make each tour a special experience, space is limited to 21 people per tour. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Call for flight and air fare information from your closest airport.

Price includes:

• 14 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
• Meals: All breakfats, l lunch, 11 dinners
• All admissions and cultural visits listed in itinerary
• Air conditioned motor coach transportation
• Fully escorted by Canadian and Cuban guides
  

Not included: Taxes, optional cancellation and medical insurance.

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 traveling 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 $65.00 per person processing fee.
There is no processing free for deposits made by credit card.

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