| Feb 16 to Mar 2, 2009 |
Matanzas (3 nights) - Havana (3) - Cayo Levisa (2) - Viñales (2) - Soroa (3) - Varadero (1)
Number of nights in ( ) above |
| One
departures: Feb 16 to Mar 2, 2009 |
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"This tour offers a golden opportunity to get beyond the usual insular tourist experience and expand your horizons to connect with Cubans of all ages in their everyday lives. It was an eye-opener for me."
Bonnie Hoffer-Steiman,
Winnipeg MB |
The contrasting areas and beautiful landscapes in Western Cuba are only a part of this tour's appeal. Stays vary from the quiet agricultural countryside to vivacious Havana. Two nights on a beautiful island offer a short break before continuing on to the surreal "mogote" covered landscape of the tobacco growing region of Viñales. And just when you think you can no longer be impressed we move to a beautiful biosphere reserve nestled in the mountains and overflowing with flora and fauna.
But most rewarding is the interaction that takes place during planned visits with Cuban's as they welcome us at schools, businesses and farms. Come and experience Cuba our way!
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Matanzas - 3 nights
 Our tour begins in a peaceful rural area at a hotel located beside a river where the group will meet and get acquainted.
After an orientation we journey to the nearby city of Matanzas and tour an historic Pharmaceutical Museum which still houses hundreds of original flasks and medicines. It is one of the hemisphere's finest museums of this type. We also see the beautiful European-style Sauto Theatre and the frescoed ceilings of San Carlos Cathedral during a walking tour.
On our second full day doctors at a local polyclinic (medical centre) will be expecting us and we will learn about the medical advances that have been made and the preventative health care system which is in place.
After the Soviet pull out and resulting collapse
of the Cuban economy it became necessary to produce
vegetables on a large scale within cities. We will
visit an Organic Farm and learn about the progress
that has been made in this field.
Later in the afternoon relax on a boat cruise down the Canimar River.
An excellent Tropicana show is located within 200 meters of the hotel which may be of interest in the evening.
Hershey Train
 Arrangements have been made to take the famous Hershey Train as we make our way towards Havana. This electric train winds its way slowly from Matanzas to Hershey through some very picturesque and tranquil areas. The train is a legacy of the famous chocolate company's formerly vast network of sugar plantations in Cuba. Our coach will meet us in Hershey and we continue on to Havana.
Havana - 3 nights
 Spending three nights in Havana gives you the opportunity 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 many historical buildings where the architecture is similar to that found in Europe. Open-air markets full of interesting crafts and the vibrant pulse of the city with its ever present music await us.
On a walking tour through the cobblestone streets of Old Havana you will witness the contrast of crumbling buildings and those being restored to their original grandeur as we move from one historical square to another.
The City of Havana Museum (Museo de la Ciudad de La Habana) is housed in a magnificent 3 story palace that was completed in 1791. You will see its exquisite exhibits ranging from extraordinary china to horse-drawn carriages.
The former Presidential Palace is now the Museum of the Revolution. Its graphic displays and commentary demonstrate Cuba's struggle for independence from Spain, and later the United States. The attached Granma Memorial has exhibits of tanks, planes, and cars used during the more recent Castro-lead revolution.
There are no words to describe the home and area of the world famous painter and ceramist, José Fuster. You know you are approaching “The Picasso of the Caribbean’s” home as the buildings in the neighbourhood are covered in bright mosaics of ceramics from top to bottom – and that’s just a sample of what to expect during a our stop at his home and studio.
 On a driving tour through Modern Havana stops include the Revolution Square where Castro often makes his speeches to the masses, the famous Hotel Nacional which was formerly owned by the Mafia, and the Coppellia for a taste of the renowned Cuban ice cream. These areas, replete with mansions, were built up during the 1940's and 50's when the US dominated the country.
A special evening of Cuban music has been arranged
for our group. You will even have the opportunity
to learn to salsa if the rhythm moves you!
Beach Time - Cayo Levisa - 2 nights
 After the hustle and bustle of Havana the small island of Cayo Levisa is a welcomed retreat midway through the tour.
Accessible only by boat, we leave our motor coach
and take the half hour "ferry" ride to this quiet,
tropical paradise with its spectacular white sand
beach. We stay at the only hotel on the island where
our "rooms" are individual cabañas and some larger
units with 4 rooms in each, all within meters of
the ocean. Snorkel, take a catamaran excursion,
walk the 3 kilometer beach, or enjoy a relaxing
massage. Evenings may be spent dancing or listening
to music at the small outdoor bar, or "helping"
the Cuban employees play dominos as they relax in
the evening. You may just take the game up yourself!
 Viñales - 2 nights
Viñales Valley offers 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 cruise on a subterranean river reveals beautiful stalagmites and other formations. The view from the hotel is fabulous
This area is the best tobacco growing region in Cuba. We will visit a local private farmer on his farm and learn about the careful process of growing this important crop.
 Some coffee is also grown in this area and we stop at a larger type of farm - a cooperative - and find out how money and resources are shared. We will have a simple lunch with the farmers that they have prepared just for us to complete a very memorable experience!
In the evening we will return to the farm for a party with the Cubans. Food, drinks, music, dancing and Cuban hospitality can be expected!
Soroa - 3 nights
 For those interested in flora and fauna you will particularly enjoy the time spent in Soroa. Nestled between mountains in the beautiful Sierra Del Rosario Biosphere Reserve (national park) this region is an eco tourism area offering a wealth of opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying nature.
Our stay in the park is in individual cabañas making the experience even more special.
An Orchid Garden is within walking distance of the
hotel and an interpretive tour of it is included.
Although orchids are not in season you will see
some. The other vegetation includes over 700 species
and is spectacular.
 A short 2 km trekking adventure of the Maravillas de Soroa trail will give you further opportunities to admire the richness of local plants and birds.
We will visit a primary school in Candelaria where
the enthusiastic welcome by the students and teachers
alike is heartwarming. This glimpse into the Cuban
education system is both enlightening and gratifying.
For those who wish to participate, school supplies
are donated to the school.
Las Terrazas is a self-sustained community with an interesting history. The area was formerly stripped of trees, and is now a wonderful example of reforestation. It is also an artist community with many studios located right in the artists' homes.
Not far from Las Terrazas explore an historic French coffee plantation built in 1801. You can still see the remains of the slave quarters and drying beds for coffee beans.
During a free afternoon you may want to enjoy the huge free-form pool, or a massage.
Varadaro - 1 night
Today we stop on the outskirts of Havana for lunch at Lenin Park before continuing on to Varadero for the afternoon and a chance to shop and walk the beaches of the most famous resort area in Cuba. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner before returning home tomorrow.
Important information: See "What makes our tours unique" learn about the concept of our tours.
One 2-week departure: February 16 to March
2, 2009
In order to make each tour a special experience
space is limited to 21 people. 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.
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Prices |
Air
and Tour inclusive, departing from: |
Feb 16 - Mar
2, 2009 |
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$2890 |
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$2750 |
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$2990 |
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$2990 |
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Call for prices
from other cities |
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Tour
only: |
$2120 |
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, 1 lunch, 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 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. $2120 X 3% = 63.00)
| 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 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.
For information contact:
K-435 Rosser Avenue
Brandon MB Canada R7A 6S2
Phone 204-727-2305, FAX 204-726-5856
Call toll free1-800-417-0250 from anywhere in Canada or USA.
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 Bookings: click here
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