The Antiquity of Cuba
Nov 14th – 7th Dec 2015
May 11th – 4th June 2016
26 DAYS
Step back in time and enjoy the unspoiled Cuba.
What is included in your tour.
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Flights
Accommodation 5* (in Havanna and Varadero)
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (where mentioned)
Engilsh speaking guide
Private transfers between destinations
Guided city walks at all destinations visitied
Airport Transfers
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Highlights
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Rum Museum and Cigar Factory in Havana
Callejon de Hammel
Orchid Garden in Soroa
Tobacco Farm and underground caves in Vinales
Bay of Pigs
Che Guevara memorial in Santa Clara
Cienfuegos Walking tour
Visit Valley of Sugar Mills in Trinidad
Bicycle taxi tour of Camaguey
BBQ riverside lunch and river cruise in Baracoa
Beach-stay in Varadero
panoramic drive along the Malecon promenade towards Morro Cabana (Castle), in a Classic Car
Day 1 and 2
Day 3
In transit (stop over Cancun Mexico)
Arrive Havana
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Havana, or in Spanish ‘La Habana’, is not only the capital, but also the largest city of
Cuba with a population of more than 3 million. It is one of the oldest cities founded by
Europeans in the Western Hemisphere - first established in 1515 to become the capital of
Spanish Cuba in 1552. Havana’s history and people have always been colourful. It was
repeatedly attacked and burnt by pirates, buccaneers and French corsairs during the 16th
century and the sinking of the US battleship ‘Maine’ in its harbour in 1898 kicked off the
Spanish-American War. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Havana became a flourishing
and fashionable city. Wealth and power was concentrated in the city, because of its dual role
as Cuba’s colonial capital, and as the focus of the Spanish colonial trading system. Havana
soon boasted monumental architecture and prosperity amongst the burgeoning middle-class,
and this led to many lavish classical mansions being erected. In more recent times, its
prosperity has been thwarted under the dictatorship of Fidel Castro, but the city still pulses
to the rumba beat of its musicians and is enriched by the local art and theatre culture. With
wonderful museums, fantastic restaurants, a lively nightlife and beautiful beaches, Havana
is character-filled and well worth the visit
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Day 4
Havana
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After breakfast at your hotel this morning you will depart for a guided sightseeing tour of the city of Havana.
A unique experience, this walking tour will visit all the major sights of the city including the historic Plaza de Armas
and Cathedral Square. You can take in the rich atmosphere of the narrow cobblestone streets of Old Havana,
flanked by colonial buildings dating back as far as the 16th Century. Also visit the former official residence Palacio
de los Capitanes Generales.
Lunch will be at an authentic family run Cuban restaurant (Paladar).
The classic cars will be waiting for a unique panoramic drive along the Malecon promenade towards Morro Cabana
(Castle). The castle guards the entrance to Havana’s harbour and offers magnificent views across to the Havana
skyline. Continuing by Old American car along the length of the
Malecon there will be an absorbing drive through Miramar an elegant
area of the city with large colonial mansion houses many now
Embassies before returning to Revolution Square. This is a highly
significant landmark in Havana and overlooked by the famous Che
Guevara Mural.
At the end of the tour, you will visit Hotel Nacional in Havana Vedado
for a drink and a wonderful view of the Malecon at sunset. This
evening will be at leisure to enjoy dinner at the hotel or one of the other
restaurants in the area.
Day 5 and 6
Havana
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Spend two days at leisure in Havana to explore the city and its many districts.
You can follow Hemingway’s footsteps and travel ten miles east of Havana to Hemingway's Cuba house - Finca
Vigia, meaning "lookout house". Finca Vigía has made both the World Monuments Fund list of 100 Most
Endangered sites, and The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered Places.
You can also investigate Cuba’s most famous exports and visit the Havana Club Rum Museum, to see a recreation
of a traditional rum distillery. Visitors can view first hand the journey one of Havana’s world-renowned products
has taken to be bottled and sold. There is also the opportunity for tastings and to purchase souvenirs. At the
Partagas Cigar Factory you can see how authentic Cuban Cigars are made and packaged. Visitors will learn about
the different types of cigars, leaves and treatments with an expert guide and have the opportunity to purchase cigars
as well.
We also recommend a visit to Callejon de Hammel in central Havana. Callejon de Hammel is where the Cuban
artist fraternity congregate, and is a wonderful place to experience day-to-day Cuban life. Located in central
Havana, the alley is brightly decorated in Cuban sculptures, art and paintings. You might also be able to catch a
glimpse of a dance exhibition or meet Lazaro Salsita, who opens his home to teach neighbourhood children the art
of papier-mâché. Make sure you check out Local artist Salvador González Escalona’s neighbourhood makeover.
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Day 7
Havana > Vinales
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It’s time to travel to the dramatic limestone pincushion hills of the
Pinar del Rio province and the rural town of Vinales. Along the way
we will pass lush, green landscapes and bright, coloured houses before
arriving at the small village of Soroa. Referred to as The Gate to The
Garden of Eden, this stunning village is the starting point for many
hikes to the soaring Sierra del Rosario. After exploring the village we
will visit the famous Orchid Gardens of Soroa. In 1943, inspired by
the natural beauty of Soroa Cuba, the Spanish landowner Thomás
Felipe Camacho compiled 700 different orchids to start a botanical garden in the area. Now hugely popular, there
are thousands of orchid and other plant species on display at the gardens.
Outside of the botanical gardens there are 20,000 different plant and fern species all around Soroa, as well as
countless tree species all held in this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. You will visit the Salto Arco Iris, a
magnificent waterfall that forms part of the Rio Manantiades. The great river bubbles through the rainforest before
gushing down as a 22 metre high waterfall; at its feet, the refreshing water culminates in an enclosed basin, which is
perfect for dipping in and cooling off.
Today you will have the chance to have a look around the township and experience Vinales’ lively music and dance
scene.
Day 8
Vinales
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The moment you spot a cigar chewing guajiro driving his oxen and plough through a rust-coloured tobacco field, you know that you must
be within striking distance of Vinales. This is a slow, relaxed, wonderfully traditional settlement that occupies one of Cuba’s most
beautiful natural corners.
Today your guide will take you on a walking tour of the Vinales township and surrounding farmlands, followed by
lunch at an authentic Cuban Paladar. To learn about the local tobacco-growing process we visit a tobacco
plantation and see a fully operating Secadero (drying house) in which tobacco leaves are cured from February to
May. The staff gives brief explanations to help you understand the process.
Your guide will also take you to visit the Cuevas del
Indio ("Indian Caves"), five kilometres north of
Viñales. The cave is well developed for tourists, with
lights and an underground boat tour. Experience
first-hand the hospitality of Cuba (the fresh fruit
here is simply delicious) and take advantage of the
many outdoor activities available to you. Breathtaking views and an enthusiastic nightlife will surely
make your stay in Vinales a memorable one. The
perfect opportunity to experience the ‘real’ Cuba
away from the crowds.
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Day 9
Vinales > Cienfuegos
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After breakfast and an early morning meeting with your guide, you set-off to the first stop of the day - the infamous
Bay of Pigs / Playa Girón, long associated with the USA’s first military failure in Latin America. The natural beauty
of this area is stunning with cave systems, coral formations and an abundance of sea life making it a must for
snorkellers, divers and ocean lovers alike.
Located in the southern part of the
Matanzis province, you can swim here
in the open sea or in caves flooded
with brackish water, linked to the
esteemed speleo-lacustrian system of
the Cienaga Zapata.
Corals, sponges, sea fans, reef fish,
barracudas and groupers grace these waters. There is also fantastic (and very convenient) wall diving and for wreck
lovers “The Jaruco” is nearby; which was purposely sunk in 1994. The area also has a number of cenotes to survey
including the well known ‘cave of fishes’.
A lunch at a local Paladar - at your own cost, is followed by another short drive - 1 ½ hours to the city of
Cienfuegos.
Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation. Your guide will then take you on a tour of the city. Explore the
wide streets and promenades, visit Parque Jose Marti and enjoy a walk by the Malecon, the longest promenade on
the island.
Cienfuegos is a charming waterfront city situated on the bay of the same name.
Its picturesque nautical setting has earned it the title, “the
Pearl of the South,” a description that has endured for centuries. The region’s
calm waters are ideal for diving, sailing, boating and kayaking. City highlights
include an architecturally noteworthy group of buildings that were declared a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Castillo de Jagua, an imposing
fortress built to protect Cienfuegos from menacing pirates, is widely recognised as
one of Cuba’s most important military structures. Legend has it the castle is
haunted by ‘the Lady in Blue,’ a ghost in a blue brocade gown.
“Cienfuegos is the city I like the best”, wrote Beni More, one of
Cuba’s most important musicians in the first half of the 20th
century. Here your guide will host you on a tour of the city as you
take in the grand, crumbling architecture over a cocktail at the very
impressive yacht club. The ultimate in kitsch comes near the end
of Calle 37 when, with a sharp intake of breath, you'll stumble upon
the Arabian Nights-like Palacio de Valle.
Built in 1917 by Alcisclo Valle Blanco, a Spaniard from Asturias,
the structure resembles an outrageously ornate Moroccan casbah.
Batista planned to convert this colorful riot of tiles, turrets and
stucco into a casino, but today it's an (aspiring) upscale restaurant
with an inviting terrace bar.
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Day 10
Cienfuegos > Santa Clara > Trinidad
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After breakfast you will travel with your guide stopping in Santa Clara en
route to Trinidad,. (most of us have heard of Trinidad- few have
experienced the life)
On the way to Santa Clara, you will have the opportunity to visit the Che
Guevara mausoleum and memorial, where the mortal remains of this
Cuban revolutionary are interred. Here you will learn about how
Guevara played a pivotal role in the demise of the dictator Batista and
the rise of Fidel Castro, a turning point in the Cuban revolution. The
museum is very interesting and informative – for example, did you know
that Che was a very keen rugby player and edited the rugby magazine
called Tackle at his university in Buenos Aires during his student days?
Santa Clara is the site of the last battle in the Cuban Revolution in 1958, there are many tributes to the city’s
troubled history to be seen on your guided tour through the town. There are also many interesting buildings in
rather eclectic architectural styles, and you can visit a really interesting cigar factory and the trendy La Casa de la
Ciudad where the progressive young artists in the town can be found.
Lunch will be at one of the restaurants adjoining the main square and then continue by road to Trinidad.
Upon arrival, you will have an orientation walk with your guide.
Your time in Trinidad would not be complete without at least one evening sitting on the steps outside Casa de la
Musica. Every night the area beside the Cathedral in Plaza Mayor comes alive with a live ‘Salsa’ band. Entrance is
free – the music and atmosphere is great – the mojitos are cheap and what’s more…you get one of the most
beautiful starry skies thrown in for nothing.
UNESCO declared Trinidad, founded in 1514, the third Spanish settlement in Cuba, to be a part of world cultural heritage because
of its colonial architecture, which dates from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. The oldest part of the city is one of its greatest
attractions. It contains beautiful churches such as the Great Parish Church, a neoclassical edifice built in 1892 and public squares, the
most important of which is Main Square, surrounded by buildings of great beauty and historic and architectural interest and considered
the second most important square in the country, after Havana's Cathedral Square.
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Day 11 and 12
Trinidad
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After a big Cuban breakfast, it is time to explore the city and a
half day guided tour will give you the perfect opportunity to
acquaint yourself with this Caribbean gem.
The ruins of dozens of ingenios (small 19th-century sugar
mills), including slave quarters and manor houses, are scattered
throughout this valley. The royal palms, waving cane and
rolling hills are timelessly beautiful. The prime sight is Manaca
Iznaga, an estate purchased in 1795 by the dastardly Pedro
Iznaga, who became rich by trafficking in slaves. Staying in the
area, you will also have the opportunity to visit the rugged
90km-long Sierra del Escambray mountain range, some 20km
northwest of Trinidad.
The most popular hike is the 2.5km, 2½-hour round-trip trek to the Salto del Caburní, a 62m waterfall cascading
into cool swimming holes.
Perhaps visit the sparkling shores of the nearby beach. Playa Ancon, a precious ribbon of white beach on Sancti
Spíritus' iridescent Caribbean shoreline, is usually touted – with good reason – to be the finest arc of sand on
Cuba's south coast.
You can get to Playa Ancon from Trinidad in less than 15 minutes by car. There is also the option to visit the old
fishing port of Casilda, 6km due south of Trinidad. The road from Ancón to Casilda crosses a tidal flat, meaning
abundant birdlife is visible in the early morning.
Day 13
Trinidad > Camaguey
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Sandwiched on Carretera Central halfway between Ciego de Ávila and Las Tunas,
the city of tinajones (clay pots), as Camagüey is sometimes known, is Cuba’s
third-largest city, easily the suavest and most sophisticated after Havana, and the
bastion of the Catholic Church on the island. Well known for going their own
way in times of crisis, the resilient citizens are popularly called 'agramontinos' by
other Cubans, after local First War of Independence hero Ignacio Agramonte,
coauthor of the Guáimaro constitution and courageous leader of Cuba's finest
cavalry brigade. In 2008 its well-preserved historical center was made Cuba's
ninth Unesco World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, you will have an orientation walk with your guide.
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Day 14
Camaguey
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Camagüey has an active performing arts scene, and is considered by some to be the cultural center of cuba. As
the birthplace of Nicolas Guillen, Cuba’s national poet, Camaguey has a rich tradition of celebrating the arts. If you
have the opportunity to catch a
performance by the Ballet de Camaguey,
your guide will help you get your tickets.
When not touring internationally, the
Camaguey Ballet Company performs at
the Teatro Principal, located at Padre
Valencia 64, two blocks notheast of Plaza
de los Trabajadores.
Today your guide will organise a tour on
the back of a bicycle taxi through
Camaguey’s narrow streets - a great way
to see the very best of Camaguey.
Tonight might be the perfect opportunity
to check out the festivities of La Noche
Camagüeyana (Camagueyan Night). Salsa
dancing, free-flowing rum, and energetic music make for an unforgettable evening. Follow your ears to the rowdy
fun along Calle Maceo and Calle Republica, streets that are both closed to vehicles.
Experiencing Cuban culture first-hand is a great way to get a handle on the rich history that the city has to offer.
Day 15
Camaguey > Santiago de Cuba
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It’s now time to head to the east of Cuba and the colourful city of Santiago de
Cuba.
As the most Caribbean of Cuban destinations with a backdrop of mountains and
rugged terrain, Santiago de Cuba has many things to show off and be proud of.
It is the hub of most of the music genres in Cuba and the locals are hospitable,
resourceful and virtuous.
In the evening we recommend visiting Casa de la Trova. "Casa de la Trova" is
the most famous of the Santiago de Cuba nightspots, near the Parque Cespedes
and Casa Granda hotel, featuring Cuban Traditional music and is usually open
every evening until late.
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Day 16
Santiago de Cuba
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Today we would recommend visiting Castillo de San Pedro
de la Roca del Morro. A Unesco World Heritage Site since
1997, the San Pedro fort sits impregnably atop a 60m-high
promontory at the entrance to Santiago harbor, 10km
southwest of the city. The stupendous views from the
upper terrace take in the wild western ribbon of Santiago's
coastline backed by the velvety Sierra Maestra.
There will also be the opportunity to visit the lively Parque
Céspedes. If there's an archetype for romantic Cuban street life, Parque Céspedes is it. A throbbing kaleidoscope of
walking, talking, hustling, flirting, guitar-strumming humanity, this most ebullient of city squares, with the bronze
bust of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes , the man who kick-started Cuban independence in 1868,at its heart, is a sight
to behold any time of day or night.
You might choose to visit the original Bacardi Rum Factory. While it's not as swanky as its modern Bahamas HQ,
the original Bacardí factory, which opened in 1868, oozes history. Spanish-born founder Don Facundo dreamt up
the world-famous Bacardí bat symbol after finding a colony of the winged mammals living in the factory's rafters.
The Cuban government continues to make traditional rum here – the signature Ron Caney brand as well as Ron
Santiago and Ron Varadero.
Another option might be to visit the Museo de la Lucha Clandestina. This gorgeous yellow colonial-style building
now houses a museum detailing the underground struggle against Batista in the 1950s. It's a fascinating, if macabre,
story enhanced by far-reaching views from the balcony. Across the street is the house where Fidel Castro lived
from 1931 to 1933, while a student in Santiago de Cuba (not open for visits).
In the evening there is plenty of great restaurants and music venues to visit including Casa de la Música , nwhich
features a mix of live salsa and taped disco and is always a fun-filled night out.
Day 17
Santiago de Cuba > Baracoa
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Today you travel to Baracoa. Cuba’s first colonial capital,
Baracoa is set amongst a mixture of palm, chocolate and banana tress.(a heavenly gourmet
treat) It is a land blessed with many rivers and a healthy annual rain fall, that has
worked to create some of the most lush vegetation and rainforest you will ever encounter.
The town has remained relatively unchanged over the years, with several houses dating
back to the 19th century and a system of colonial fortifications that includes Matachin
Fort and La Punta Fort.
Upon arrival, you will have an orientation walk with our guide.
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Day 18 and 19
Baracoa
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Over the next two days you will have the free time to explore
Baracoa and its surroundings.
In Baracoa there are many outdoor excursions to go on, each
making use of its beautiful surroundings. Explore the bountiful
rivers in the area or go boating between the tall cliffs at the
mouth of Yumuri River. You can also see over 900 species of
endemic flora, including around 360 that are found only in this
area. Relax, unwind and enjoy the serenity of this truly beautiful
Cuban paradise.
Day 20
Baracoa > Havana > Varadero
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Today you will take an internal flight back to Havana and then transfer
to Cuba’s premier resort location – Varadero
Day 21,22 and 23
Varadero
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Spectacular pristine beach bordered by lush tropical
vegetation is what you can expect when visiting Varadero.
On arrival you will be greeted by kilometres of immaculate
beaches with wide stretches of fine white, sparkling
turquoise waters, copious vegetation playing host to
endemic wildlife.
Varadero offers the perfect chance to relax and
unwind, while taking advantage of one of the
Caribbean’s best beaches, before we sadly have to leave Cuba behind us, bringing home som wonderful memories,
new friends and the love of the cigar!
Day 24
Varadero > Havana Airport
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Today you will be collected and transferred to Havana Airport for your departure flight.
Day 25 and 26
In Transit to New Zealand
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