Western Cuba Discovery Tour

14 Nights

Feb 12 – 26, 2012
Tour Prices

Nature and History

Nature is more the focus of this tour with stays in a mountainous biosphere reserve, the tobacco growing region of Viñales with its unique mogotes landscape, and a remote beach at the very Western tip of the island. We take a ride on the electric Hershey Train, and complete your experience with three full days in Havana. Meet farmers, artists, naturalists, and ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their communities.

Western Cuba Tour

Varadero

(1 night)

Day 1

Arrive at Varadero airport and transfer to your hotel. (Havana arrival may also be an option.)

Soroa

Villa Soroa (3 nights)

The Electric Hershey Train - Day 2

Primary School Visit - Day 3

Orchid Garden in Soroa - Day 4

Day 2

Hershey Train – Today we board the historic electric Hershey Train for a 2 hour journey westward. Continuing by coach we reach Soroa which is nestled between tree-covered mountains in the Sierra de Rosario biosphere reserve. Trekking and bird watching are common activities in this area which was formerly a popular spa retreat.

Day 3

Today is spent in and around the self-sustained community of Las Terrazas. A local guide explains how the area was stripped and re-forested and why this model community was developed. At the local school the director will talk about the education system and show us some of the facility. We then travel to the nearby former Buena Vista Coffee Plantation constructed in 1801 to see and learn about how the beans were dried, the owner's hacienda, and the remains of the slaves living quarters.

Day 4

This morning we visit the adjacent Orchid Garden which covers 3 hectares. The micro-climate here makes it possible for more than 700 species of various trees and plants to flourish, many of which the guide will point out. We continue our morning with a naturalist on a 2 km leisurely trek focusing on the medicinal uses of plants in the area. The afternoon is free to further enjoy this tranquil area.

Pinar Del Río

Hotel Vuelta Abajo (2 nights)

Day 5

We stop at the home of a man who has transformed his backyard into a type of whimsical island seeking to improve the quality of life and strengthen art and literature in the area. Adults and children alike come here partake in various activities ranging from dance to culinary. Later during a stop at the studio of a renowned artist we will see his controversial art which includes the "Gran Apagon" or "The Great Blackout" 1994. After lunch a tour of the local cigar factory demonstrates the meticulous process that goes into making a single cigar.

Day 6

Today's visits include the recently restored Jose Jacinto Milanes Theatre, and the Guayabita Factory which produces a unique alcoholic beverage. We stop at a Bodega to learn about ration cards still used today, and the goods that are available through them. Cuba has two currencies and you will find out how they differ and the problems that Cuba is facing while trying to move to one currency.

We will meet a man and the remarkable results of his personal undertaking to create a place for those with down syndrome to come and develop their skills in a welcoming and loving environment.

Beach Time

Villa Cabo San Antonio (2 nights)

Days 7 & 8

Few people travel to the westernmost tip of Cuba, so that is why we have chosen this location for a break midway through the tour at this small oceanfront resort.

Viñales

Hotel La Ermita or Las Jasmines (2 nights)

Tobacco farmer harvesting tobacco leaves - Day 9

A farmer prepares coconuts for us.

Day 9

Learn about organically grown medicinal herbs such as chamomile at a stop at an "organoponico". With the economy's collapse in the 1990s came the necessity of growing plants using no fertilizer and the result has been impressive advancements in this field.

Day 10

Viñales Valley offers some of the most unique and spectacular scenery on the island. Rounded limestone outcroppings called "mogotes" are laced with limestone caves and a boat ride on a subterranean river at Cuevas Del Indio reveals beautiful stalagmites and other formations. A local tobacco farmer and his wife welcome us into their home to tell us about the labour intensive steps taken to grow tobacco. After touring his tobacco drying house enjoy a cup of home brewed coffee!

Cooperative farms were developed after the Revolution and during our visit to one we learn why they were formed and how they function.

Old Havana - Day 11

A monument in the Columbus Cemetery

Havana

Hotel Telégrafo or Ambos Mundos (3 nights)

Day 11

Old Havana is a living museum and our hotel is located within this vibrant area. We tour the former Presidential Palace which now houses the Museum of the Revolution with displays demonstrating Cuba's tumultuous history and struggle for independence from Spain and the USA. Outside see the Granma yacht used by Castro to sail from Mexico to Cuba in 1956.

Day 12

A walking tour of Old Havana explores the historical squares and we tour the Museum of the City which includes palatial furniture, glassware, horse drawn carriages, and artillery. The afternoon is free to further discover on your own. An evening of music and dance is held on a small rooftop patio.

Day 13

Our morning starts with a fantastic view of Havana from the El Morro Fort. We continue to "Modern Havana" which was developed in the 40's and 50's when the United States and Mafia dominated the country. You will see mansions; stop at the Hotel Nacional where Myer Lanski once lived, and tour the Columbus Cemetery which is considered a national monument and has been described as "an exercise in pious excesses".

Havana is full of the unexpected as you will see during a walk down Callejon de Hamel, a street in Central Havana featuring unique Afro-Cuban art and murals covering the block-long gallery.
Optional evening activities may include a baseball game or a ballet performance.

Varadero

(1 night)

Varadero Beach

Day 14

We return to Varadero with stops at the former Dupont Mansion and the past summer home of Al Capone. You will have time to visit the craft market or enjoy the beach before a farewell dinner.

Day 15

Transfer to airport.

2012 Western Cuba Discovery Tour Dates & Prices

One 2-week departure: February 12 - 26 2012
In order to make each tour a special experience space is limited to 21 people. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Price is for tour only in Canadian dollars:
Per Person based on double occupancy	$2290 CAD
Single supplement	$350 CAD
Book 4 months prior to departure and save $50.00 per person on escorted tours.

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

Price includes:

14 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
Meals: All breakfasts, 2 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: 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 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

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