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 Libra 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 sport hunting.  A jeep safari gives you a close up look.

But the highlight is meeting and interacting with Cubans in their daily activities as we visit with them during pre-arranged visits to a ranch, a music school, and a nursery school.

Overlooking beautiful Holguín

Days 1, 2, 3

Our tour begins in Holguin City where group participants meet at an orientation and learn about Cuban customs and what to expect in the upcoming two weeks. You will enjoy a walking tour of the city’s historical sites and busy squares.

Handcrafting a guitar.

One shouldn’t leave Cuba without visiting a Cigar Factory – and Holguín has one of the best. Our tour includes both this factory, and a small family-run factory where organs and guitars are handcrafted with great care and pride. Cuba is famous for its ingenuity and there are lots of examples here. You will also be welcomed at a Music School – Cuban’s love their music at all ages.

The hotel is located within walking distance of the professional baseball stadium so if the home team is playing you may want to take the opportunity experience a Cuban baseball game – and the enthusiastic fans – all for about $1.00. Holguin also has an excellent Casa de la Trova (traditional music venue) as well as an outdoor Tropicana style show complete with Vegas type costumes.

Days 4, 5

Two nights are spent at a historical hotel in the heart of Bayamo, the first Spanish settlement founded in 1513 and known as the “cradle of independence”.  We will tour the birth-home of Céspedes which has been transformed into a museum and then see the original national flag sewn by his wife. You will be one of the few tourists to visit Cuba’s only wax museum with over 70 waxworks!  

At a planned stop at a medical facility we are welcomed by doctors and nurses, and learn about Cuba’s health care system and how they have managed to advance in this field with limited resources.  In the evening a two block walk takes us to the local Casa de la Trova where local musicians $quot;strutt their stuff" in an atmospheric setting.

The hotel is located directly on the charming main square so you can soak up the local atmosphere during free time.

Days 6, 7, 8

overlooking Santiago Harbour

En-route to Santiago stop at the beautiful El Cobre, Cuba’s only basilica.  Once a year thousands of Cubans make the pilgrimage here to fulfill a promise made to the saint.  

Santiago de Cuba is Cuba’s second largest city with a population of approximately 400,000 people – and the home of rum and revolution.  Our first view of the city is from the enormous Morro Fort which overlooks the Santiago harbour. You will enjoy lunch at a restaurant on Granma Key which is only accessible by ferry.   

 A walking tour of the historic centre includes a visit to the Bacardi Museum which contents range from slave shackles to antique daggers, pistols and personal effects of Cuban heroes. Some beautiful colonial architecture can be seen on the main square. 

The Moncada Barracks was the former military barracks during the Batista regime where the initial and failed attack by Fidel Castro took place in 1953.  The bullet holes remain on the outside of the building and the display inside reviews the attack in graphic detail.    

Changing of the Guards at Marti's Tomb

Watching the changing of the guards at the tomb of the national hero and visionary, José Martí, in the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery is a memorable experience, as is the cemetery itself full of massive monuments to fallen heroes.    

We will meet with an organization, Poder Popular, for a discussion on the American Blockade, the effects it has had on the country, and how they are overcoming it.

Traveling outside of the city we meet farmers at a co-operative ranch where ranching and farming methods, marketing, incomes and more are discussed.  Questions are answered, followed by a tour of some of the facilities.  These are actual working farms – the visits vary and are non-rehearsed.  (They are not tourist attractions!) 

Planned free time while in Santiago will give you a chance to expand on your own interests whether it is a dance performance, museums or to simply relax around the pool at the hotel.  The Canadian and Cuban guides will be there to assist you.

Guantánamo – En route to Baracoa we pass by the area where the Guantánamo US Military Base is located. Until recently the base could be viewed from an outlook run by the Cuban government, but recently this has been closed to visitors.

Days 9, 10, 11

View over harbour at Baracoa

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”.

Bicycle Taxi

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 explore a unique Archaeological Museum located in a cave where the native history is gradually being put together.  During our stay we travel into the countryside and take a short boat trip down the Rio Toa. 

A planned stop at a day-care/nursery school is planned – it is always a highlight of the tour.

We climb in the back of a “Safari Truck” and travel to the lush Duaba Park for a leisurely walk through cocoa plantations and coconut tree groves. Fresh fruit and cocoa are picked just for us as we meet with local farmers who explain the many uses of coconut and cocoa. A stop is made at the local charcoal making plant as well the Duaba River for an opportunity to wade along the shore.

Days 12, 13

Jeep Sarari on Cayo Saetía

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.

Day 14

A dancer performs at the Tropicana style show in Holguin

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.

After some time for last minute shopping enjoy 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 real Cubans in their everyday situations. The special people-to-people visits vary in location and type allowing for some very pleasant surprises!

2009 Eastern Cuba Discovery Tour Dates & Prices

One 2 week departure: Jan 26 to Feb 9, 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.

All prices are in Canadian funds per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement: $350

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, 2 lunches, 9 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.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The air inclusive prices are based on the lowest fare being available at the time of booking. It is important to book early in order to secure these rates. If you have points or air miles for air fare use the “tour only” prices.

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. $2130 X 3% = 63.00)

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