Havana
Old Havana *
Las Terrazas National Park
Afro-Cuban culture
Criadero de Crocodilos, a crocodile farm
Cienfuegos, city of domes *
Colonial city of Santi Spiritus
Escambray Mountains
18th century town of Trinidad *
Plaza de la Revolucion Ernesto Guevara, monument to Che
Cayo Santa Maria
Fishing town of Caibarién
Steam Train in Remedios
* UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Take a group photo under the iconic mural of Che Guevera, the first Minister of the interior appointed by Fidel Castro, before you leave. Enjoy lunch at La California restaurant, and then check in at our hotel, the Saratoga, Old Havana’s grandest and most iconic hotel. Tonight enjoy a special Welcome Dinner at Café Elite to celebrate our arrival in Havana. Afterwards there is the opportunity to sample some of Havana’s lively nightlife at one of the city’s famous bars, La Esencia. Overnight in Havana. (All Meals)
Enjoy lunch and then experience Afro Cuban culture. Our first stop today is Callejón de Hamel (Hamel’s Alley) where Cuban artist Salvador González Escalona turned the entire neighborhood in a display of African influences in Cuban culture using an explosion of colors, Afro-Cuban imagery, and sculptures. End your day’s touring with a visit to the unique Cuban National Zoo where many of the animals move freely in special areas that mimic their natural habitats and visitors view them from special buses that drive around the zoo grounds. After sunset, enjoy dinner at La Fontana and then hear great music at a private bar in Miramar neighborhood to interact with the locals. (All Meals)
Several well-known Cuban artists are based at Las Terrazas, including Lester Campa, a political artist whose work has been exhibited internationally. You will enjoy lunch at “Casa del Campesino” before heading back to Havana in the afternoon feeling truly inspired. We end our touring today with a half-hour ride in a fancy, classic, exclusive, vintage car. Its then time for classic Cuban cocktail at the garden terrace of the National Hotel while you watch the sunset. Dinner is at La Moraleja Paladar where the menu is a mix of Cuban Creole cuisine with international mixes. Overnight in Havana. (All Meals)
We continue our drive in the afternoon, stopping at the Bay of Pigs (site of the failed 1961 U.S. invasion), where each spring millions of land crabs pour out of nearby swamps and into the shallow waters to breed. We tour Cienfuegos, whose Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its many domes and neoclassical architecture. Finally we arrive at Sancti Spiritus, a charming colonial city painted in blue with colonial architecture and narrow cobblestone streets. The evening is free with dinner at our hotel tonight. (All Meals)
Afterwards, board a vintage steam train for a ride towards Remedios, interacting with the crew and conductor to learn the important role they played in the sugar cane community. In Remedios meet up with the local priest who provides many programs and activities to the community. We return to our resort, and our last evening in Cuba is spent learning how to make Mojitos and Cuba Libre cocktails and tasting various Cuban rum brands prior to our Farewell Dinner. (All Meals)
Think tropical climate when traveling to Cuba. Even in March, the daytime temperatures in the areas visited could reach low to mid 80s, while the nighttime lows might only dip down into the upper 60s. Pack light and try to limit yourself to one small suitcase plus carry-on. Pack medications in a carry-on just in case your bag doesn’t arrive when you do. We suggest leaving expensive jewelry at home!
Suggested Packing List:
The national currency is the Convertible peso (CUC) which is divided into 100 centavos. Major credit cards like MasterCard and Visa are accepted at most establishments provided they were not issued by a bank in the United States. ATMs are available, but in more remote areas can be difficult to find. Currency can be exchanged at local offices, but travelers from the US should note that all dollar transaction incur a surcharge of 10 percent. This, of course, presents a problem for “Americanos,” but those arriving via Montego Bay can exchange money freely and fairly there, or else bring cash to trade on the “local market.”
Tour prices per person
Price: $5,995 in double occupancy hotel accommodations.
Private Room: $1,700 additional, for a total tour price of $7,695.
(Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours will try to match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room. If this is not possible, a single supplement will be applied to your reservation before the final payment date.)
Deposit: $1,000
(Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)
Remaining Balance: $4,995 double / $6,695 single
(Assumes $1,000 deposit has already been made)
Remaining Balance Due: December 10, 2015 (80 days prior to departure)
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
Miami (1 night): Miami Airport Marriott
Havana (3 nights): Hotel Saratoga
Sancti Spiritus (2 nights): Hotel El Rijo
Cayo Encenachos (2 nights): Iberostar Ensenachos
8 nights hotel accommodations including first night at Miami hotel
round-trip airfare between Miami, FL and Havana, Cuba; visa fees
hotel breakfasts daily plus Welcome & Farewell Dinners and other meals as specified in the itinerary
ground transportation in air conditioned motorcoach
sightseeing activities and entrances as listed in the itinerary
fully guided and escorted tour; bottled water on coach and at meals
all tips to driver, guide, and attendants
Not Included:
Round trip airfare from your home city to Miami, FL (MIA);
ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.)
meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary
camera fees; alcoholic beverages
insurance
laundry, telephone calls, faxes, or any other expenses of a personal nature
Operator
Toto Tours
47 Elizabeth Bay Road
Elizabeth Bay
NSW 2011
Australia
02 8005 1690
email us