Destination Country: Cuba

Regions/Cities include: Lima Havana Vinales Bay of Pigs Cienfuegos Santa Clara Trinidad Remedios Cayo Santa Maria Cameguey Santiago de Cuba

Castro's Cuba

Last few spaces on Sep 2018 still available!

Trapped in a time warp as a result of the Cuban revolution in 1959.  Visit now and discover why there is nowhere else in the world like Cuba!!

May 2019

Fri 10: Auckland > Santiago > Lima We fly to Lima, Peru via Santiago, Chile.

Sat 11: Lima (B) Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of historic Lima.

Sun 12: Lima > Havana (B,D) We transfer to the airport and then fly to Havana. On arrival we will be transferred to the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner and a chance to meet our Cuban guide and discuss the tour ahead.

Mon 13: Havana (B,L) Today we explore colourful Havana. Wander through pastel-coloured boulevards, narrow cobbled streets and flaking Spanish colonial buildings, where faded colours bring charm rather than define age. Highlights include the Cathedral, the Museum of the Revolution, and some beautifully restored parts of the city. Enjoy a delicious lunch in a paladar (family-run restaurant) before being whisked away in a classic (pre- 1959) American car. We'll drive along the 8km Malecon, a broad esplanade beside the Caribbean and a wonderful place to see the locals relaxing and playing music. The tour ends back at the Hotel Nacional.

Tue 14: Havana > Bay of Pigs > Cienfuegos (B) Today, we drive to Cienfuegos via the Bay of Pigs (Bahia de Cochinos), the scene of the botched 1961 American invasion. In Cienfuegos, enjoy the seaside vibe with a walking tour through spruced-up colonial streets, past the Palacio del Valle, an architectural jewel with influences of Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Mudejar architecture - like something out of Arabian Nights. This evening is at leisure with your host on hand to offer suggestions.

Wed 15: Cienfuegos > Santa Clara > Trinidad (B) We drive to Santa Clara, where history was made over 50 years ago. It was here that Ernesto 'Che' Guevara and a band of soldiers derailed a train carrying 350 heavily armed government troops. Using a borrowed bulldozer and some homemade Molotov cocktails, this action sealed the fate of the Batista dictatorship. We'll see the statue of Che guarding a museum and the mausoleum beneath it. On to UNESCO listed Trinidad, a perfectly preserved Spanish colonial settlement. Enjoy a walking tour along the cobbled streets of the town and then visit the famous Casa de la Musica, popular with the locals for its live salsa band and delicious mojitos sipped under the Caribbean night sky.

Thu 16: Trinidad (B,D) Today we learn how to make Cuban specialties in a cooking class, followed by a salsa lesson. Afterwards, we visit an old sugar plantation in the picturesque Valle de los Ingenios about 10km outside Trinidad. The day ends with a barbecue dinner at the beach, accompanied by live music.

Fri 17: Trinidad > Cayo Coco (B,L,D) Today we head for Cayo Coco, considered one of the finest beach resorts in Cuba. Relax in our beachside hotel and enjoy the warm Caribbean waters.

Sat 18 & Sun 19: Cayo Coco (B,L,D) Two days to soak up the sun and enjoy the facilities of this superb resort on a beautiful beach.

Mon 20: Cayo Coco > Camaguey (B) A relaxing start to the day before continuing west, experiencing scenes of rural Cuba as we head to the charming town of Camaguey.

Tue 21: Camaguey > Santiago de Cuba. (B) Enjoy a bicycle taxi tour through the labyrinthian centre of Camaguey, a UNESCO Historic Site. The town was built that way to confuse pirates. Also famous for its gorgeous architecture and Cuban-baroque churches, Camaguey is a delight. After touring the town, we'll head to the epicentre of Afro-Cuban culture, the city of Santiago de Cuba.

Wed 22: Santiago de Cuba. (B) Explore this fascinating city with our guide. Diego Velazquez de Cuellar made Santiago his second capital, Fidel Castro used it to launch his nationalist Revolution, Don Facundo Bacardi based his first-ever rum factory here, and just about every Cuban music genre first emanated from somewhere in these dusty and rhythmic streets. Included is a visit to Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, the UNESCO listed fortress built to defend Santiago from an attack by pirates. Those interested may enjoy an optional guided evening excursion to visit some of the city's famous music venues.

Thu 23: Santiago de Cuba > Havana (B) Fly to Havana and transfer to your hotel.

Fri 24: Havana & Vinales (B,L) Today we visit the beautiful Pinar del Rio province, a UNESCO Heritage Site where we will see traditional plantations of tobacco, taro, and bananas. We will visit a tobacco farm to learn about the entire production process, and tour an organic farming operation. Then visit the charming agricultural town of Vinales and enjoy lunch before returning to Havana late afternoon.

Sat 25: Havana (B,D) Tour the colourful art district of Havana, Callejon de Hammel. Afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner.

Sun 26: Havana > Lima (B) Transfer to the airport and fly to Lima. Overnight at the airport hotel.

Mon 27: Lima > Auckland (B) Depart Lima and transit Santiago.

Tue 28: In Flight

Wed 29: Auckland

Price

NZ$11,775 per person twin share

NZ$13,710 single*  

*option to twin share with same gender and only pay the share twin price if deposit is paid at least 6 months prior departure

Book this journey and pay your deposit by 30 November 2018, and save $200 per person.

 

Price Includes:

• Economy Class airfares ex Auckland

• Airline and airport taxes

• Fully escorted from Auckland

• Accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels but in some places best available (hotels or superior guesthouses)

• Transfers, sightseeing, and entrance fees as per the itinerary

• Cuban Tourist Card (visa)

• Meals as indicated

• Gratuities

 

Price is subject to change until confirmed and paid in full.