Laos & Cambodia Explorer holiday package

A Touch of Cuba holiday package

Price

$4,990 AUD

Days

Approximately 13 days based on 8 day land itinerary + 2 nights either pre or post accommodation + travel from from/to Australia.

Includes:

• Return economy flights from any Australian capital city

• Choice of either 2 nights pre or post accommodation

• Urban Adventure day tour of your choice in either Havana, or stopover cities, LA, Mexico City or Cancun

Book by 31 May 2016

Call us on 1300 854 445 to speak to a travel specialist today or

Enquire now!

Cuba dances to the beat of it's own drum. Uncover the rich musical traditions of Trinidad, trace the history of the Cuban revolution, stay in guesthouses with local families and hit the dance floor after a relaxed salsa class.

Departure dates from Havana *Below dates are subject to availability

• Sat 11 Jun 2016 - Sat 28 May 2016
• Sat 2 Jul 2016 - Sat 9 Jul 2016
• Sat 9 Jul 2016 - Sat 16 Jul 2016
• Sat 23 Jul 2016 - Sat 30 Jul 2016
• Sat 13 Aug 2016 - Sat 20 Aug 2016
• Sat 27 Aug 2016 - Sat 3 Sep 2016
• Sat 24 Sep 2016 - Sat 1 Oct 2016
• Sat 5 Nov 2016 - Sat 12 Nov 2016
• Sat 3 Dec 2016 - Sat 10 Dec 2016

Is this trip right for you?

Cash is difficult to access in Cuba. Credit cards (not debit cards) are essential – ideally multiple credit cards from several different banks.
Luxuries such as air conditioning, and even kitchen sinks, are often scarce. Part of the experience here is learning to appreciate everyday Cuban resourcefulness.
There's plenty of time to eat the delights of the sea, but it's good to keep in mind that accompaniments are not as expansive as in another countries due to limitations on imports.
Internet access can be hard to come by, and when it's available it's often unreliable and expensive. This is, on the other hand, a great opportunity to take a break from modern devices and have a true holiday.
Hotels in Cuba are government-run, which means renovations are few and far between. Premium guesthouses rival, If not surpass, most Cuban hotels when it comes to decor and facilities.
There are unprecedented changes happening in Cuba right now. It is an exciting time but it also means some patience and understanding is required for the heightened demand of infrastructure, accommodation and crowds.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1: Havana

On arrival to Havana airport you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel. Please ensure you provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel so the transfer can be organised. After collecting your luggage, please continue walking through the 'Main Arrivals Hall' of the airport (Do not exit through the side door). A Peregrine representative holding a sign with your name on it will be waiting to take you to your pre-arranged transfer. If you can't locate the Peregrine representative, please call +53 52506496 (Do not rely on somebody else to call for you as they may be seeking commissions to direct you to another transfer company). In the evening, approximately 7pm, you will meet your local guide and the other members of your group for a pre-tour briefing. Please ask reception to confirm the time and place of your meeting. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. The briefing is generally followed by an optional group dinner. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Accommodation

Hotel Nacional or similar (1 night)

Optional Activities

Havana - Buena Vista Social Club - USD30
Havana - Cigar factory tour - USD12
Havana - La Cabana Fortress canon blast ceremony - USD10
Havana - Baseball game (Oct - Apr) - USD3
Havana - Tourist bus day pass - USD5
Havana - Ernest Hemingway tour - USD30

Included Activities

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Havana - Walking tour of Old Havana

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Days 2-3: Soras - Vinales

This morning your leader will take you on a walking tour of Old Havana, including the cathedral, Plaza de Armas, San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja and Central Park. Entry fee to the Camara Oscura lookout at Plaza Vieja is included. Drive west to Soroa where you will stop for lunch and tour the impressive orchid garden. Continue on to Vinales where tobacco and sugarcane fields lie side by side and limestone outcrops dot the landscape. The scenery here is some of the most picturesque in Cuba and there are many outdoor, optional activities available to help you enjoy it. Choose from cycling, hiking through tobacco fields, or hiking to mountain caves.

Accommodation

Guesthouse, Cuba (1 night)

Optional Activities

Soroa - Hike to waterfall - USD3
Vinales - Bicycle hire (per hour) - USD2
Vinales - Beach excursion to Cayo Jutias - USD30
Vinales - Salsa lesson (per hour) - USD8
Cueva del Indio cave walk and boat trip - USD5
Vinales - Palenque Cave - USD1
Vinales - Live music venues - USD1
Vinales - Santo Tomas cave visit & return taxi - USD35

Included Activities

Soroa - Orchid Garden tour
Vinales - Valley walking tour
Vinales - Informal Salsa lesson

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (1)
Dinner (1)

Days 4-5: Trinidad

Today you will board the bus and drive to Trinidad. UNESCO declared the town and its surrounding hills a World Heritage site in 1988. Established by the Spaniards in 1514 and lined with cobblestone streets and colourful houses, the town of Trinidad is easy to wander around and almost every scene offers superb photographic opportunities – from locals casually smoking their huge cigars on the doorsteps of their homes to old Chevrolets cruising by. It is easy to see why Trinidad is one of the most visited towns in Cuba. Learn about the many religions, such as Santeria which is one of the Afro-Cuban religions (related to Voodoo) that is practised in Cuba.
Explore some great Spanish-style churches as well as the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, where sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see.
For some beach side fun head down to Playa Ancon for some long stretches of white sand but please be careful of the sea urchins!

Accommodation

Guesthouse, Cuba (1 night)

Optional Activities

Trinidad - Snorkelling trip - USD15
Trinidad - Cayo Blanco island catamaran cruise - USD45
Trinidad - Ancon beach (transport) - USD4
Trinidad - Trek to waterfall (taxi and entrance fee) - USD27
Trinidad - Steam train ride - USD10
Trinidad - Bicycle rental (full day) - USD5
Trinidad - Live music venues - USD5
Trinidad - Salsa Dance Lesson - USD5
Trinidad - Musical instrument lesson (guitar, double bass, tres, percussion - per hour) - USD10

Included Activities

Trinidad - Afro-Cuban folklore show

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (1)
Dinner (1)

Day 6: Cienfuegos

A short drive will take you to Cienfuegos today. While you're here you will visit the Palacio del Valle - Cienfuegos' architectural pride and joy, dripping with ornate carvings in Venetian alabaster.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night)

Included Activities

Cienfuegos - Visit to the Palacio del Valle

Meals Included

Breakfast

Days 7-8: Havana

You will stop in at Santa Clara to visit the Che Guevara mausoleum and memorial on the way back to Havana.Upon arrival in Havana, you will prepare for a final night celebration of salsa dancing and dinner. Your trip will come to an end after breakfast on Day 8. If you wish to extend your stay in Havana it is possible to book additional accommodation - this should be done at the same time you book your holiday.

Accommodation

Hotel Nacional or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Santa Clara - Visit to Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum

Meals Included

Breakfast (2)
Lunch (1)

Included Activities

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Aircon bus

Accommodation

Guesthouse (2 nights), Premium Guesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (2 nights)

Inclusions

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Havana - Walking tour of Old Havana
Soroa - Orchid Garden tour
Vinales - Valley walking tour
Vinales - Informal Salsa lesson
Trinidad - Afro-Cuban folklore show
Cienfuegos - Visit to the Palacio del Valle
Santa Clara - Visit to Che Guevara Mausoleum and Museum

Group size

Min 1, Max 16

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more here.

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