“The Eastern Cuba Discovery Tour enables one
to meet and enjoy Cuban people of all ages,
in authentic Cuban settings,
untainted by commercial tourism.”
(Carol McLean, Montrose, BC) |
This tour is truly a new experience every day. Eastern Cuba steeps of colonial history and revolutionary figures, and you will have the opportunity to visit sites where famous battles took place including San Juan Hill and the Moncada Barracks.
 Because tourism hasn’t overwhelmed the region you can enjoy a Cuba Libre at traditional night club where the locals outnumber the tourists.
The town of Baracoa is a gem located at the Eastern end of the country that only gained accessibility by road in 1960. As a result of this isolation it has retained a special culture of its own – very laid back and friendly. Nestled between the ocean and the mountains, the rainforest area that surrounds it is lush and rich in tropical fruits such a cocoa. Important archaeological discoveries have also been made in this area and we view some in an airy cave with dripstone formations.
Another anomaly is the island of Cayo Saetía
– complete with exotic animals running wild
such as water buffalo and zebras formerly imported
for Russian and senior party leaders for sport
hunting.
But the highlight is meeting and interacting with Cubans in their daily activities as we visit them during pre-arranged stops including a ranch, nursery school, a community project devoted to children, and a music school.
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Overlooking beautiful Holguín
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Days 1, 2
Holguin – Hotel Pernik or Mirador Mayabe – 2 nights
Our tour begins in Holguin City where you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
The following morning the group will meet at an orientation to learn about Cuban customs and what to expect during the upcoming two weeks.
A walking tour of the downtown area introduces us to the city’s historical sites and busy squares. We will drive to La Loma de la Cruz (Hill of the cross) outlook for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
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 Days 3, 4
Bayamo – Hotel Royalton or Hotel Sierra Maestra – 2 nights
Two nights are spent in this colonial town founded in 1513 by the Spanish, and known as the “cradle of independence”.
We will tour the birth-home of Céspedes, known at the “Father of our Country”. The home is one of few homes that survived a fire that decimated the city in 1869, and it has been transformed into a museum.
We will also stop at the church to see the original Cuban flag sewn by Cespedes wife. The church (Iglesia Parroquial del Santisma Salvador) is where the revolutionary anthem was first sung in 1868.
We also visit Cuba’s only wax museum which has displays of many birds as well as famous Cubans. While small the workmanship is truly admirable.
We will travel to the nearby town of Jiguani to stop at a community project which is devoted to children in low economic and social development areas. A stop is also made at a “Casa de Abuelos” – a place where seniors can go during the day for fellowship and to be cared for while their families are at work.
We will be treated to dinner at a “Paladar” – a privately owned restaurant located in the home of the people who prepare the meal for us, and later walk to the local Casa de la Trova where traditional music is performed by local musicians in an atmospheric setting.
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Days 5, 6, 7
Santiago de Cuba – 2 nights – Hotel Las Americas
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overlooking Santiago Harbour
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En-route to Cuba’s second largest city we stop at the beautiful El Cobre, Cuba’s only basilica. The faithful come here from across the country to pay their respects and ask for protection from a black Madonna, the Virgin of Charity.
Santiago de Cuba has a population of approximately 400,000 people and is the home of rum and revolution. We take a ferry to Granma Key, a small fishing village located in the harbour, for lunch then continue to the enormous El Morro Fort which was started in 1638 perched on the cliffs overlooking Santiago Harbour.
The Santa Ifigenia Cemetery is the resting place of many of Cuba’s heroes including those who died in the 26th of July attack on the Moncada Barracks. The tomb of José Martí, the single most important person in Colonial Cuban history, is also located here and we will watch the solemn ceremony of the changing of the guards.
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Changing of the Guards
at Marti's Tomb
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 The Moncada Barracks was the former military barracks during the Batista regime where the initial and failed attack by Fidel Castro took place on July 26th, 1953. Many police stations and military compounds were changed into schools following the success of Castro’s revolution, as was the Moncada Barracks. The museum also located here reviews the attack in graphic detail.
Plans to attack the Moncada Barracks were months in the making, and were done from a small chicken farm called the Siboney Farm located outside of Santiago de Cuba. Here we will see the well where weapons were hidden and replicas of the “chicken coops” built to hide the cars used to travel into the city on that fateful day in July.
While in Santiago we will visit the oldest house in Cuba – the Casa de Don Diego Velázquez, as well as the Museum of Emilio Bacardí (the rum baron) which includes an incredible collection of artifacts and paintings from his own collection.
 Learn about how co-operative farms operate, why they were developed, and the benefits they offer by sharing resources, during a visit to a ranch outside of the city. We will be greeted by some of the people who work there and after an explanation about the ranch questions are answered, followed by a walk about some of the immediate area. A free afternoon while in Santiago will give you a chance to expand upon your own interests whether it is a dance performance at the Tropicana, museums, or simply to relax around the pool at the hotel. Your Canadian and Cuban guides will be there to assist you.
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Days 8, 9, 10
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View over harbour at Baracoa
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Baracoa - Hotel Porto Santo – 3 nights
We travel over a beautiful mountain range by way of the winding “Farola Highway” (rollercoaster highway) to the lush rainforest area around Baracoa. The views along the way are fabulous, and the contrast between the arid South and the green North is quickly apparent.
 Baracoa is about as far “off the beaten track” as you can get in Cuba. The town situated close to the Eastern end of the island and is surrounded by a mountainous national park. Because of its remoteness not many tourists make the journey and it is this very isolation that has allowed Baracoa to retain its individuality and laid back atmosphere. “The best part of Baracoa is just being there”.
One noticeable point about Baracoa is the lack of motorized vehicles. Bicycle taxis are everywhere and their drivers are some of the most hospitable and helpful people you will encounter. This is where Columbus first landed and he described it as “the most lovely scene in the world”. The region is also one of the only areas in Cuba where the aboriginals were not annihilated and the remains of their culture are apparent here in the food, and in some of the faces.
A walking tour of the downtown area includes a stop at some historical buildings on the main square and a climb up to a former fort, El Castillo, which has been remodelled into a hotel with panoramic views of Baracoa and the bay.
We will also visit a unique Archaeological Museum located at the opening of an airy cave where an exhibit of native history can be seen.
During our stay we travel into the countryside and take a short boat trip down the Rio Toa to the ocean, followed by lunch at the Finca Duaba, a fruit farm with a thatched roof restaurant.
We climb into the back of a “Safari Truck” and travel to the lush Duaba Park for a leisurely walk through cocoa plantations and coconut tree groves. Enjoy fresh fruit and cocoa picked just for us while a local farmer explains the many uses of different plants growing on his farm.
A stop at a of the local nursery school is always a highlight as the children perform a short program for our group.
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Days 11, 12
Cayo Saetía - 2 nights
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Jeep Sarari on Cayo Saetía
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We make our way west along the picturesque north coastal highway travelling through small towns along the way. Cayo Saetía is a large island just off the mainland of Cuba. Our accommodation consists of a small central lodge with comfortable cabins scattered throughout the grounds.
This was once the hunting grounds for the Soviet and Cuban commanders. There are still many imported animals running free such as antelope, zebras, water buffalo and ostriches. The jeep safari offered has the feel of being in Africa as the driver follows trails pointing out the different species. Bring your camera!
Sit back and enjoy a peaceful afternoon rocking on your porch, or follow the shoreline and find an isolated cove with a calming view of the clear waters of the Atlantic. It’s just another unexpected surprise that Cuba has to offer.
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Day 13, 14
Holguin – Hotel Pernik – 2 nights
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A dancer performs at the
Tropicana style show in Holguin
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Fidel Castro came from a wealthy, capitalist family and this is most evident in a visit to the farm or finca where he was born – Finca Manacas close to Birán. Eventually the farm site included a school house, a house for the teacher, a hotel for guests, a bar, and more. There are many of his personal belongings throughout the buildings and it is truly a unique look into his background.
While in Holguin we will learn about Cuba’s penal system and laws from a Cuban lawyer.
On a downtown plaza every Sunday there is a concert performed, which we will be able to enjoy before having dinner at a nearby restaurant.
One shouldn’t leave Cuba without visiting a cigar factory and Holguin has one of the best. During our visit we will learn about the care taken to produce a single cigar, the wages the workers receive, and then compare it to the prices they are sold for in the nearby cigar shop.
We will also stop by a shop that was formerly an organ factory producing mechanical-organs which were sold around the world. This family run shop also makes guitars by hand and repairs them as well.
Our tour will end with a farewell dinner before heading home the following day.
This is just some of what to expect on the Eastern Cuba Discovery Tour. Each tour is unique due to the fact that we are visiting Cubans in their everyday situations. The special people-to-people visits vary in location and type allowing for some very pleasant surprises.
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2011
Eastern Cuba Discovery Tour Dates & Prices
One
2 week departure:February 8 - 22, 2011.
In
order to make each tour a special experience,
space is limited to 21 people per tour. Book early
to avoid disappointment.
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Price
is for tour only in Canadian dollars: |
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Tour
only based on double occupancy |
$2290
CAD |
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Single supplement |
$350 CAD |
Call for flight and air fare information
from your closest airport.
All prices are in Canadian funds.
Price includes:
- 14 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
- Meals: All breakfasts, 3 lunches, 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.
| 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. 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 Toll free from Canada and the USA
info@cubadiscoverytours.com
Bookings: click here
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