Historical Central Cuba

14 Nights

November 13 - 27, 2011
January 22 - February 5, 2012
Tour Prices

History buffs will enjoy Central Cuba which features colonial and revolutionary history. This area was the hub of wealth and commerce during colonial times which is evident during our stays in Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Havana. We'll take trek in the mountains, enjoy traditional roast pig dinner, visit an organic farm, an arts school, and be entertained by talented musicians and actors. Visit the tomb of Che Guevara, a cigar factory, take percussion lessons, learn to salsa….and much more.

Varadero

(1 night)

Day 1

Arrive at Varadero airport and transfer to your hotel.

Santa Clara

Los Caneyes (2 nights)

Che Guevara

Day 2

After arriving in Santa Clara we will visit the Che Guevara Memorial and the site of the historic "Train Wreck" which marked the end of the Batista regime.

Day 3

Today a tour through a cigar factory sheds light on the efforts taken to produce a single cigar.

We will be welcomed at El Mejunje (The Mix) by its founder, and learn about the history of this unique project created in 1984 for those marginalized in society such as rock singers, artists, and homosexuals to gather, visit and perform. It is now renowned throughout the country.

We also stop at a "Bodega" (ration store) and learn about the goods available by this method.

Trinidad

Las Cuevas (3 nights)

Art School

Percussion Lessons in Trinidad

Day 4

We travel to Trinidad and explore the cobble stoned streets which remain as they were in the 16th century. We tour the Romantic Museum which has a collection of beautiful antiques and glassware.

Day 5

Today's visits include an Arts School where gifted children from throughout the province learn fine arts, photography and sculpture. At a co-operative farm farmers will explain how these farms function, answer questions, and show us some of the property.

The afternoon is free. We have arranged for optional percussion lessons with a talented musician for those who are interested.

Tonight's included dinner is at a Paladar – a privately owned restaurant located in a home.

Day 6

We climb aboard a former Soviet army truck and wind our way into the Escambray Mountains to the ruins of an historic coffee plantation. A traditional pig roast lunch awaits us, and a local guide will take us on a trail where we will see some remarkable rock formations and a natural orchid garden.

Cienfuegos

Faro Luna (2 nights)

Day 7

A one hour drive takes us to Cienfuegos. Today's stops include the Botanical Gardens which were originally ran by Harvard University; a visit to the Terry Thomas Theatre with 3 tiers of balconies; and the architectural jewel, the Palace of the Valley. We check in during the afternoon to a quiet seaside resort.

Day 8

Beach Day! Today is yours to relax and enjoy the Caribbean. Perhaps there will be a baseball game in town for those interested.

Playa Larga

Hotel Playa Larga (2 nights)

Organic Garden - Organoponico

Hiking in the Topes Collantes

Day 9

When the Soviets pulled out of Cuba a severe food shortage resulted in the development of vegetable farms within towns and cities called organoponicos. The lack of fertilizer resulted in rapid advancements in organic production which we learn about during our visit.

We continue to the wildlife reserve Cienaga de Zapata and visit the "Bay of Pigs" museum dedicated to the invasion funded by J.F. Kennedy's administration. Our resort is located on a beautiful stretch of beach.

This evening professionals perform theatrics, dance and music for us at a nearby centre.

Day 10

This morning we take a hike on a recently developed trail which features sinkholes, flooded caves, swamp, wooded areas and a natural stone bridge. The afternoon visits include a crocodile farm, and boat ride to a reconstructed Taino Village where we will have lunch.

Havana

Hotel Telégrafo or Ambos Mundos (3 nights)

Cathedral Square in Old Havana

Day 11

Havana bound! Spending 3 nights in Havana gives one a chance to get a sense of the city that was once home to hundreds of millionaires in the 1950's. Our historic hotel is located in the heart of Old Havana. The first stop is the Museum of the Revolution which is housed in the former Presidential Palace.

Day 12

This morning we explore Old Havana on foot, visiting some of the main squares. You will see how it is being restored one building at a time. The afternoon is free to strike out on your own. Your guides will give you suggestions that suit your interests.

This evening we visit the rooftop patio of a private home for a very special evening of dance and music.

Day 13

Today we board our coach to visit Modern Havana built during the 40's and 50's, replete with mansions and colonnaded streets. Stops include Revolution Square where Castro often spoke, the Hotel Nacional where Myer Lanski lived, a local market and a tour of the opulent Columbus Cemetery. We will visit the neighbourhood and home of the renowned artist, Fuster.

Varadero

(1 night)

Day 14

Returning to Varadero we stop at the former Dupont Mansion and Capone's former summer home. You will have time to visit the craft markets or walk on the famous Varadero beach before our farewell dinner.

Day 15

Transfer to airport

2011 - 2012 Central Cuba Discovery Tour Dates & Prices

Two 2 week departures;
November 13 - 27, 2011
January 22 - February 5, 2012

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

Price is for tour only in Canadian dollars:
Per person based on double occupancy	$2350
Single supplement	$350
Book by October 30 and save $50.00 per person..

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

Price includes:

14 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
Meals: all breakfasts, 4 lunches and 12 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: Medical insurance is mandatory in order to enter Cuba. Cancellation and trip interruption insurance is optional. Premiums depend on your age, the length of time away and the cost of your tour. Insurance will be discussed and 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: 65 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.

Notification:	Penalty:
65 days or more	Deposit Only
64 to 30 days	50% of Tour cost
29 days or less	100%

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

To Book the Central Cuba Tour Click Here