SPIRIT OF CUBA TOUR - 9 DAYS
Havana – Trinidad – Las Terrazas
Nowhere else in the Caribbean is there such an intoxicating combination of endless palm fringed
beaches, colonial heritage, Latin American culture, spectacular scenery, rich animal and bird life
and some of the friendliest people, whose passion for music and dance is legendary. The unique
backdrop to this tropical paradise is the fact that Cuba is still strongly socialist and this
combination ensures an unforgettable experience.
Rugged conifer-covered mountains rolling down to fertile plains and miles of white sandy beaches.
Plantations of sugar cane and tobacco stretching into the distance dominated by the tall swaying
palm trees.
Mile upon mile of deserted roads reaching into the island, their tranquillity only disturbed by the
clip of horses hooves as they pull their heavy load or the roar of a 1950's American car whose
engine is kept running by hope rather than spare parts.
Weathered campesinos sitting in a creaking old rocking chair, surveying the scene, all the time
puffing on a titanic Havana cigar.
Glorious cities with their fading and crumbling facades. Streets alive with people all seeming to be
there without purpose, just watching the world go by or discussing the latest baseball game, an
obsession with most Cubans. The sound of salsa permanently in the air with young people
gathering along the Malecon, at the weekend in Havana, to celebrate their passion for music and
rum.
Daily Itinerary :
DAY 1
Depart Gatwick on scheduled services of Virgin Atlantic to Havana.
On arrival at Havana Jose Marti Airport you will be transferred to Old Havana for overnight at the
historic Hotel Sevilla or the Hotel Parque Central, both of which are within a very short walk of Old
Havana.
DAY 2
(B / L / D)
After breakfast depart for a guided sightseeing tour of Havana taking in the major sights of the
city including the historic Plaza de Armas and Cathedral Square. Absorb the atmosphere of the
narrow cobblestone streets of Old Havana, flanked by old colonial buildings dating back as far as
the 16th Century.
Visit the impressive Museum of the Revolution and experience how
Cuba’s famous cigars are still handmade by local experts by visiting one
of Havana’s famous Cigar Factories. Stop at the Havana Club Rum
factory where there may be the chance to sample the different rums.
Lunch at the famous El Patio restaurant situated overlooking the historic
Cathedral Square in the heart of Old Havana.
After lunch continue to the impressive Revolution Square overlooked by the mural of Ernesto
“Che” Guevara with the tour ending with a drive along the “Malecon”, Havana’s seafront
promenade.
The remainder of the day will be at leisure to enjoy exploring Old Havana or relax by the hotel
pool!
Dinner at El Aljibe restaurant specialising in traditional Cuban cuisine.
Overnight in Havana.
DAY 3
(B / L / D)
After breakfast check out before transferring to Trinidad.
Stop en route at the city of Santa Clara the final resting place of “Che Guevara” and visit the
mausoleum and the museum dedicated to his extraordinary life, followed by a short orientation
tour of the city including the train “Tren Blindado” that was attacked in the decisive moments of
the Cuban Revolution.
After lunch in a local restaurant continue through the Escambray Mountains to Trinidad.
Dinner and overnight at the centrally located Hotel Iberostar Grand Hotel.
DAY 4
(B / L / D)
After a leisurely breakfast there will be a morning tour of Trinidad, a UNESCO heritage site and
one of the best preserved colonial cities in the world.
Visit the Romantic Museum, enjoy traditional Cuban music at the Casa de la
Trova followed by a visit to La Canchanchara, an old house dating back to the
18th Century, for a refreshing Trinidad rum and sugar cane juice cocktail.
After lunch at the Grand Hotel Trinidad the remainder of the day will be free
for you to explore this historic city at your leisure.
Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Iberostar Grand.
DAY 5
(B / L / D)
After an early breakfast, checked out and transfer to Pinar del Rio in the west of Cuba.
There will be a stop en route at Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South,
located on a beautiful bay on the southern coast of Cuba. Take a short tour of
the town centre, including the square, where the main attraction is the ornate
Tomas Terry Theatre, built by a rich sugar mill owner, which contains a marble
lobby and frescoes.
Continue to Guama for a boat journey across the Laguna del Tesoro (the largest natural lake in
Cuba) to the “Taino-Village”.
Late afternoon arrival at the Hotel Moka located in the Sierra del Rosario Nature Reserve.
Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Moka.
DAY 6
(B / L / D)
After breakfast visit the beautiful Soroa Orchid Garden which claims to be the world’s second
largest, with over 20,000 plants representing over 700 species, 250 of them indigenous to Cuba.
Lunch at the Buena Vista coffee plantation restaurant after which a visit will be made to the local
community of Las Terrazas, maybe buy a locally produced coffee and cake at Maria’s coffee shop
on a hill overlooking the village followed by a cooling swim in the San Juan River.
Dinner will be in a farmer’s restaurant specialising in Cuban cuisine and set in a peaceful rural
setting where you dine at the farmer’s house on his terrace!
Overnight at the Hotel Moka.
DAY 7
(B / L / D)
After breakfast depart for the famous Vinales Valley, with stops to enjoy panoramic views over the
“Mogote-Valley” with its spectacular limestone rocks.
After lunch at the Rancho San Vicente restaurant enjoy a boat tour on a
river through the limestone cave “Cueva del Indio”.
Dinner will be at Cuban’s only restaurant specializing in organic
vegetarian cuisine with all ingredients produced within the Las Terrazas
community! Many previous visitors have said this is the best restaurant
in Cuba, an excellent end to the day.
DAY 8
(B)
After breakfast, free time to enjoy the additional activities on offer at the Hotel Moka and Las
Terrazas. After lunch transfer back to Havana for your return flight to the UK.
DAY 9
Arrival at London Gatwick.
NB. Programme and hotel details may be subject to change according to local circumstances.
Optional extensions available on request.
Price on application.
Included
• Return economy class direct flights with Virgin Atlantic to Havana
• UK airport taxes & charges (at current prices)
• Hotel accommodation in twin bedded rooms with private facilities
• Daily breakfast
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
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English speaking guide throughout
Air conditioned transportation in connection with the itinerary
Entrance fees as applicable
Cuba tourist card (entry visa for Cuba)
Not included
• Travel insurance
• Cuba departure tax (currently CUC 25 – approx £18) – payable locally
• Drinks with meals
• Any meals not specified as included
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Items of a personal nature, spending money. laundry, etc
• Any tours/ excursions not included as part of the advertised itinerary
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Please note Interchange are fully bonded under the UK Government ATOL Licence (No. 2429)
and hold public liability insurance cover of £5,000,000.
The price of our air holiday packages includes the amount of £2.50 per person as part of the ATOL
Protection Contribution (APC) we pay to the CAA. This charge is included in our advertised prices.
We reserve the right to change the information in our leaflet.
This leaflet is issued on the sole responsibility of the Tour Operator. It is not issued on behalf of and does
not commit the Airline(s) mentioned therein, or any Airline whose services are used in the course of the tour.
The liability of any Airline involved in the carriage of passengers and their baggage shall be limited by the
terms and conditions of carriage of the Airlines.
INTERCHANGE, INTERCHANGE HOUSE, 27 STAFFORD ROAD, CROYDON, SURREY, CR0 4NG
TEL: 020 8681 3612 E: [email protected]
www.interchangeworldwide.com