Varadero - 1 night
Our tour begins in Varadero, the most popular resort area in Cuba with a white sand beach stretching 17 kilometres. You will be met by our local guide and transferred to the hotel.
Soroa – 3 nights - Villa Soroa
 Our first Cuban experience begins on a three hour journey on the Hershey Train. We will wind our way slowly from Hershey to Guanaba Station through some picturesque and tranquil areas.
Soroa is located in the Sierra del Rosario biosphere reserve where flora and fauna abound and there are many opportunities for hiking, bird watching an (cabins). Our accommodation in the park is in individual cabanas making the stay even more special.
We visit the Botanical Garden which covers more than 35,000 square meters and features thousands of specimens of ferns and trees. There is also a greenhouse featuring many species of orchids.
 A two kilometre trek with the local naturalist will give you further opportunities to admire the natural richness of the area.
Las Terrazas is a self-sustained community which was created after the 1959 Revolution. As we tour this unique development we will learn about how the area was formerly stripped of trees and is now a superb example of reforestation.
The historic Buena Vista Coffee Plantation was built in 1801 by the French and operated with slaves. We will walk about the ruins and see where the beans were dried, as well as the former slave’s quarters.
 An informative visit to an elementary school gives some insight into Cuba’s educational system which has brought the illiteracy rate in the country down to 5% since 1960 when it was close to 60% semi-illiterate.
Pinar Del Río - 2 nights - Hotel Vuelta Abajo
Our historic hotel is located in the heart of this city which has an abundance of highly decorated well maintained neoclassical buildings.
We stop at the home of Mario Pelegrin Pozo where he has transformed his backyard into a cultural institution seeking to improve the quality of life and strengthen art and literature in the area. Adults and children alike come to “Pelegrin’s Backyard Community Project” to partake in various activities.
This part of the country is known for tobacco production, so it is a must to visit the local cigar factory.
During a tour of the downtown area stops include the recently restored Jose Jacinto Milanes Theatre, the San Rosendro Cathedral, and the Guayabita Factory where an alcoholic beverage unique to this area is produced.
Jesus Carrete has a child with Down Syndrome. He started “Gravadown” - a centre where adults and children with this condition could come during the day to do workshops with the assistance of specialists. We will learn more during a visit to this special place.
In Cuba, one of the avenues by which political views can be expressed (usually) without repercussions is through art. We will visit the studio of a world renowned artist living in the city and view some controversial paintings.
During the evenings you may want to soak up the local flavour at the “Trova House” where local musicians play traditional music, or possibly take in a performance at the theatre if there is a performance.
Beach Time - Villa Cabo San Antonio – 2 nights
 Few people travel to the westernmost tip of Cuba, so that is exactly why we have chosen this location for a quiet break midway through the tour.
We spend the next two nights in individual lodges within meters of the ocean and located within the Guanahacabibes Peninsula National Park. This Biosphere Reserve is ideal for diving, snorkelling and nature lovers.
Viñales – 2 nights – Hotel La Ermita or Las Jasmines
 Viñales Valley offers some of the most unique and spectacular scenery on the island. Rounded limestone outcroppings called “Mogotes” form a beautiful landscape that simply has to be seen as description can do it no justice. The mogotes are laced with limestone caves and a boat ride on a subterranean river at Cuevas del Indio reveal beautiful stalagmites and other formations.
While in Viñales we will also learn about “ration cards” and visit a “bodega” where Cubans collect their government supplied goods.
We will visit a local private tobacco farmer on his farm and learn about the careful steps taken when growing and harvesting this work intensive crop. We will be invited to see his drying house where the leaves are hung and cured, and then share coffee in his home, prepared for us by his wife.
 The cooperative farm was developed after the Revolution and it is during a visit to one that we will learn why they were formed and how resources are shared among many farmers, and then tour some of the property.
After the Soviets pulled out of Cuba in the early 1990’s the resulting collapse of the economy resulted in food, fuel and fertilizer shortages. Traditionally a “meat eating” culture, Cubans had to learn to produce vegetables on a large scale in order to attempt to feed the population. 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”
Havana – 3 nights – Hotel Telégrafo, Ambos Mundos or similar
 Old Havana is to as a living museum and our hotel is located within this vibrant area.
Spending 3 nights here gives you time to get a sense of the history and life of this fascinating city. Havana once had more millionaires than any other city south of the United States and this previous wealth is evident in the hundreds of historical buildings.
 During our time in Havana our visits will include the massive Fortazela de San Carlos de la Cabaña (San Carlos Fort) which overlooks the Havana Harbour. Che Guevara lived within the fort immediately following the Revolution, and it was here that many executions took place of suspected dissidents and Bastista supporters. A small museum exhibits some of Che’s belongings.
The former Presidential Palace now houses the Museum of the Revolution which is a “must see” in order to gain some insight into Cuba’s tumultuous history and struggle for independence over the centuries. Included is a replica of the Granma yacht used by Castro and 82 others to sail from Mexico to Cuba in 1956. You will also see tractors transformed into armoured tanks, cars and other vehicles used during this period.
 A walking tour of Old Havana explores the four historical main squares, and we will tour the City of Havana Museum. Exhibits include magnificent artwork, palatial furniture, crystal and glassware that belonged to Napoleon, horse drawncarriages, and artillery.
Enjoy an entertaining evening of music and dance at the house of Elsa Maria. On her small rooftop patio a live band plays various types of music while we learn the dance steps to the salsa, rumba and more! It’s fun and casual.
Vedado, Miramar and Cubanacan are some of the areas of “modern Havana” that were developed in the 40’s and50’s when the United States and Mafia dominated the country. You will see mansions, the Canadian Consulate and stop at a local market where meat and vegetables  are sold.
The Columbus Cemetery has more than 500 mausoleums, chapels, vaults, tombs and galleries and today is considered a nationalmonument. We stop here to see what has been described as “an exercise in pious excesses”.
Jose Fuster is a well known artist who has virtually covered every inch of his home and the surrounding neighbourhood in mosaics. We’ll stop here for a close up look at this blast of colour in a country that direly needs paint!
A free afternoon during our time in Havana will give you the opportunity to further explore your own interests, and your guide will be happy to assist with the choices available.
Optional evening activities may include a baseball game, or a performance at the Gran Teatro.
Varadero – 1 night
Today we return to Varadero to do last minute shopping or enjoy the beach before a farewell dinner.
Transfer to airport for your return flight home.
Important information: See "What
makes our tours unique" to learn about the concept
of our tours.
One 2-week departure: March 6 - 20, 2011
In order to make each tour a special experience
space is limited to 21 people. Book early to avoid
disappointment. |
