Designers of Discerning Holidays
Designers of Discerning Holidays
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Get off the beaten track and get to know the real locals on a unique tour designed to give you the opportunity experience three very different cultures, their way of life plus the fascinating history of Cuba.
You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel where your tour leader will be waiting for you. Located in the central highlands at nearly 1200m above sea level, San Jose has a mix of colonial buildings with a small city feel. There are no planned activities today, so relax and settle in.
Today we’ll take you on an insightful walking tour of San Jose. This tour will show you the hidden secrets and the beautiful architecture with our wonderful guide. Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin with an incredible bus ride over the mountains to the Caribbean coast, where a half day boat ride takes us to Tortuguero, with spectacular wildlife viewing en route. Tortuguero National Park was created in 1975 to protect the four species of sea turtles which nest along the beaches. We may see herons, egrets, spoonbills, as well as amphibians and reptiles like the “Jesus Lizard” (it walks on water) and caimans. The tropical rainforest gives way to beaches, ideal nesting grounds for Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles. The latter nests from mid- March to May, so we hope to see them on this trip. Spend time cruising the canals looking for howler monkeys, toucans and crocodiles amongst other wildlife and visit the Caribbean Conservation Center. This is an excellent source of information about the turtles and their tropical habitat. Meals included: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 2 Dinners
Leaving behind the Caribbean Coast, we travel by boat and van through lush rainforest and palm plantations to La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Set on the northern plains of Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano sits on the southeast shore of artificial Lake Arenal (77 square kilometres,). Separating the mountain ranges of Guanacaste and Tilarán, the lake was created by a hydroelectric dam. The volcano has been very active and occasional eruptions made it a natural wonder to be respected. However, since the beginning of 2011 it has entered a resting phase. We spend the evening soaking in the hot springs at its base, sipping cocktails. Meals included: Breakfast
From the central valley, ascending into the cool, misty mountain air, we travel by boat across Lake Arenal to Monteverde. Spend time exploring the town and the Forest Reserve which covers 1600 hectares of forest and is home to a great variety of wildlife. More than 2,000 species of plants, 320 bird species and 100 different species of mammals inhabit this small area. You may be lucky enough to see the Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful and elusive birds in the world. Quakers from the United States founded the village of Monteverde in the 1950s. Optional activities include the Sky Walk, a series of suspension bridges through the jungle canopy, a butterfly garden, Ranarium and a thrilling canopy zip line.
Meals included: 3 Breakfast and 1 Dinner
Leaving the heights of the cloud forest, enjoy spectacular views down to the sea as we travel to the sparkling Pacific coast and Manuel Antonio. Set in lush forest, with troups of Squirrel and Capuchin Monkeys, we have a morning guided tour of the park and the rest of the time here is yours to enjoy. Explore more of the national park, raft the Savegre river, take a kayak tour through the Damas mangrove estuary, or soak up the sun on beautiful Espadilla beach. Meals included: 2 Breakfasts
Transfer by van directly to the airport for our flight to Panama City. A city of contrasts between the high rises nestled against a backdrop of lush green hillsides, and of old colonial Panama city. Take a tour of the city and the canal to find out more about this engineering marvel. Meals included: Breakfast
This morning we are taken by van directly to the airport for our morning flight to Havana, Cuba. One of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere, Havana was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Venture among the splendorous crumbling architecture of the streets of old Havana and sit on the famous sea wall (El Malecon) to take in the view and some fresh air, and to socialize with the colourful and friendly 'Habaneros'. Meals included: Breakfast
We'll take you on a guided walking tour of the historic centre of Havana (approx 2 hours) before heading off to Viñales Surrounded by picturesque limestone pincushion hills (“mogotes”), Vinales is a small and culturally rich village, where you will get your first experience staying in the house of a Cuban family. Explore caves, hiking, biking, horseback riding or simply enjoying the views of the valley and sprawling tobacco fields below are all options. Vinales is one of the cooler areas of Cuba, so it’s also a nice escape from the hotter parts of the country. The nightlife is very active in this village with the local residents more than willing participants in dancing to the local live music. Meals included: Breakfast
We head back via Havana to the French founded city of Cienfuegos and the Bay of Pigs. Cubans call their town La Perla del Sur (the pearl of the south). Its appeal lies partly in the European flavour of its colonial hub, with a wide Parisian-style boulevard and elegant colonnades. Beyond Cienfuegos we travel along the picturesque Bay of Pigs past the site where the landing of counter-revolutionary exile militia occurred in 1961. After this you’ll have the chance to stop at a beautiful swimming hole which resembles a huge natural tropical fish tank. The scenery changes shortly afterwards to a densely vegetated swamp where the natural fauna includes boa snakes and crocodiles.
Meals included: Breakfast
It’s only about 2 hour drive to from Cienfuegos to Trinidad which is a standout favourite destination. No other colonial city in Cuba is so well preserved, and the local residents are extremely friendly and festive. Trinidad is steeped in religiosity, none the least of which is Santeria and other Afro-Cuban religions that are related to Voodoo. There are no less than 10 live music venues all within a short walking distance. Many of these have lovely outdoor settings, in courtyards, and within the walls of old colonial ruins.
We are near the lovely Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of Sugarmills) and Playa Ancón, where you can enjoy long stretches of unspoiled, white sand beaches. Snorkelling, swimming in waterfalls and horse-riding are other optional activities. Meals included: 2 Breakfasts
We return to Havana via Santa Clara, where there is a huge statue of Ernesto Ché Guevara, to commemorate his death and that of the revolutionaries who died along with him in Bolivia. There is also a museum here dedicated to his amazing life. Our final night in Cuba is spent back in Havana, where you explore Havana on an Afro Cuban Religion day tour we have included in the trip. This evening will feature a Cuban Music evening. Meals included: 2 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner
Fly to Cancun and spend our last few of days in the bustling, vibrant tourist town of Playa del Carmen. A complete contrast to Cuba! We'll be staying in the central part of town away from the resort hotels, but right near the most beautiful stretch of white sand beach.
While we are here, a trip to the impressive Mayan site of Chichen Itza, is included and you also have the option of visiting the Tulum Mayan site. You'll have time to do as much or as little as you like. Swim, snorkel in the underground rivers, visit Cozumel Island, dive, or do some souvenir shopping for that silly sombrero or gorgeous tiled mirror.
These last couple days are designed as a relaxing end to an active trip, so you may prefer to just sit in a local bar with an icy cold Margarita, squishing sand between your toes and wandering across the beach for a swim in the electric blue water. You tour leader will be on hand at all times to offer help in sightseeing, activities, and great places to eat. We'll also enjoy a final dinner together, celebrating a fantastic and diverse trip. Meals included: 3 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner
Depart any time today, or extend your stay in Mexico or head to Guatemala for an authentic taste of Mayan culture.
Meals included: Breakfast - included in hotel rate. If you depart early, it will be at your own expense.
NZD$7970 per person twin share*
Single supplement priced from US$655 (limited availability)
Price is subject to change until confirmed and paid in full.
*if you are travelling solo but would like to twin share, we will aim to find you a same gender room-mate.
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