Discover Cuba 15 days Havana to Guardalavaca/Holguin Airport

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1 15 days Havana to Guardalavaca/Holguin Airport Uncover the delights of Cuba's vibrant cities, pristine beaches and beautiful national parks on this 15 day tour. Head west from Havana to the verdant tobacco fields of Vinales, before travelling down the coast to colonial Trinidad and on to Cuba's second city, Santiago de Cuba in the east, enjoying scenic hikes and city sightseeing en route. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Havana - sip on a cocktail at the famous Havana Club Rum Museum Drive along the wild and romantic Cuban coastline and the famous Pass La Farola Cienfuegos - dine in the Palacio de Valle in Cienfuegos, the Pearl of the South Trinidad - step back in time exploring this UNESCO Listed colonial gem, with its rainbow coloured buildings and cobblestone streets Trinidad - spend two nights with a local family in a casa particular Camaguey - relish in the beauty of this colonial city on a city bike taxi tour Sierra Maestra - take a leisurely hike in this beautiful mountain range and learn about the fascinating history of this region - 15 days Vinales - discover the well preserved and stunning Cueva del Indio and visit a tobacco farm in the breathtaking Vinales Valley which is surrounded by rugged mogotes Santiago de Cuba - pay your respects at the famous Santa Ifigenia cemetery, final resting place of Fidel Castro, and visit the El Cobre shrine El Cubano Park in Topes de Collantes - enjoy a scenic hike through this beautiful nature reserve in the Escambray Mountains Cayo Granma - take a boat trip out to this enchanting island Cayo Levisa - relax on ivory white sand and soak up the sunshine on Cayo Jutias beach Baracoa - cruise along the River Toa and visit the famous cacao Finca Duaba (cocoa trail) Alejandro De Humboldt National Park marvel at the beautiful scenery on a hike through this UNESCO World Heritage Listed national park What's Included 6 nights 2-4 star hotels and 8 nights in a Casa Particulares (homestays with private en suite rooms) Havana airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a Holguin airport departure transfer on day 15, or transfer to a hotel in Guardalavaca if you choose to extend your stay Private transportation in air conditioned vehicles Escorted by a local English speaking tour guide with specialist guides at certain sites of interest. 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners Guided sightseeing in Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Camaguey, and Bayamo Excursions to Havana Rum Club, Cueva del Indio, Cayo Levisa beaches, Cienfuegos botanical gardens, El Cubano National Park, Sierra Maestra, El Cobre, Castillo El Morro, Santa Ifigenia cemetery, Humbold National Park Tour tobacco and cocoa farm Boat tours along River Toa and to Cayo Granma Entrance to live music venue Casa de la Trova What's Not Included International flights, departure and border taxes and visas. Tipping - an entirely personal gesture DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Havana Monday. Welcome to Havana! Upon arrival at the airport you will be transferred to your hotel -1-

2 to check in and freshen up. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and explore the city before our tour starts tomorrow. Overnight - Havana Day 2 : Havana city tour The afternoon finds us exploring the beautiful Cueva del Indio (Cave of Indians), an ancient cave dwelling nestled in the national park of Vinales. The cave was rediscovered in 1920 with the remains of the Indian aboriginals and Day 5 : Cienfuegos is one of the 17 recorded caves in Cuba. The region's Aboriginals fled to the caves upon arrival of the Spanish and cut the limestones (mogote rock) to shelter themselves from the weather. With relics and pictograms on We meet our guide and spend the morning on a guided walking tour through the historical and colonial sites of Cuba s charming and quirky capital city, with our main focus being on Havana's Old Town which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in eclared a UNESCO world Heritage in The atmosphere of bygone days is still present in Havana's streets, with over 500 years of history to be uncovered. the caves walls, we explore the shelter of the Indian Aboriginals and discover the land the Indians called home. Then we enjoy a tasty lunch at Restaurant Palenque de los Cimarrones before making our way to Vinales, a small picturesque town surrounded by green tobacco fields and mogotes. Tonight we spend the first of many nights enjoying the hospitality of a local family in a casa particular (homestay), which is an essential Cuban experience. Overnight Vinales (Casa Particular) (B, L) Vinales Cienfuegos. We continue our journey to the vibrant city of Cienfuegos, the pearl of the south this morning. The coastal town is known for its well preserved palaces and villas which boast spectacular views. The Palacio de Valle, with its Gothic, Venetian and Neoclassical architecture, is one of Cienfuegos' most beautiful places and after a guided walking tour we enjoy dinner at this historic villa before returning to our hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight - Cienfuegos (Casa Particular) (D) Day 4 : Cayo Levisa Day 6 : Trinidad We visit the famous Havana Club Rum Museum for a cocktail before some free time to wander through the Old Town. This afternoon we explore modern Havana before enjoying dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Overnight - Havana (B, D) Day 3 : Vinales Havana Vinales. World famous for its tobacco, today we set our sights on Vinales. Our journey through this region finds us passing rolling tobacco plantations and mogote rock formations and we stop to visit a local tobacco farm for a lesson on how the famous Cuban cigars, puros, are made days Today we enjoy an excursion to the beautiful island of Cayo Levisa. We travel by ferry to this small island, which is located off the north coast. Here you can enjoy the dreamlike Caribbean beaches and crystal clear waters. Lunch is included on the island and we make our way back to Vinales in the afternoon, passing stunning landscapes en route. Overnight - Vinales (Casa Particular) (L) Cienfuegos Trinidad. We finish our tour of Cienfuegos this morning with a visit to the oldest botanical garden, home to over 400 breeds of orchids and 280 breeds of palm trees. This afternoon we make our way to Trinidad - Cuba s best preserved colonial city. Trinidad was once the home of wealthy sugar barons so it's the best place to see extravagant palaces, including the Palacio Brunet which is one of the most beautiful palaces in the city and is now home to the Museo Mántico. We spend the afternoon on an informative city tour of Trinidad, discovering its remarkable architecture and taking in wonderful scenic -2-

3 views of the sea and mountains. The evening is free to continue our discovery of Trinidad the rule of thumb is to follow the music as you are likely find the locals playing their instruments and dancing. Overnight - Trinidad (Casa Particular) Day 7 : El Cubano Nature Park Our day starts with an excursion to the El Cubano nature park. We will take a leisurely 2.5 hour hike along the "Huellas de la Historia trail", which gives us an insight to the island's colonial past. We pass through swimming holes on our way to the Javira waterfall where we stop for a dip in its green waters. The afternoon is free to spend at leisure. Perhaps head to the Playa Ancon beach (12km away) or enjoy a stroll around Trinidad. This evening we get to enjoy some live music at the Casa de la Trova. the heart of the city, or try some of the local delicacies. Overnight - Camaguey Day 9 : Bayamo Camaguey Bayamo. After taking some time to visit Camaguey's typical craft shops we continue to the small town of Bayamo. Known as the city of horse carts, this elegant, quiet town is a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the cities. As we re guided through the town we witness how the town has transformed since the arson blaze which destroyed many of the town's colonial buildings in The rest of the evening is free to stroll down El Bulevar for a spot of shopping and dinner, or go to Casa de la Trova for some traditional music and dancing. Day 10 : Sierra Maestra Hike Day 8 : Camaguey Bayamo - Sierra Maestra - Santiago de Cuba. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, relax and unwind or continue exploring. Go in search of the many plazas, sip on a cocktail in - 15 days Located between the mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Cuba s second largest city offers an in depth history of the revolution against the dictator Fulgencio Batista as well as amazing landscapes and today we discover why. Our first point of call will be to the Castillo El Morro, a stunning 16th century citadel and military fortress built in 1638 by Phillip II to fortify his colonies and defend them from ever growing piracy. Overnight - Bayamo (B) Overnight - Trinidad (Casa Particular) Trinidad Camaguey. Today we continue our journey to the city of Camaguey which was designed to confuse invading pirates centuries ago. Here we embark on a tour of this labyrinthine city by bike taxis. Learning about Cuba s catholic soul we pass the many gorgeous cathedrals and churches and venture down the maze of alleyways that make Cuba s ninth UNESCO World Heritage site so special. Day 11 : Santiago de Cuba Later on we visit the tombs of many famous Cubans including Fidel Castro, Emilio Bacardi and Cuba s national hero Jose Marti, at the fascinating Santa Ifigenia cemetery. We end our tour in the Plaza de la Revolucion where we enjoy lunch together before we have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax. Overnight - Santiago de Cuba (Casa Particular) (L) Day 12 : Cayo Granma The mountains await us this morning as we start our day with a scenic 3-4 hour hike in the Sierra Maestra. Here we learn about the interesting history of the area during the independence wars against Spain and revel in the spectacular scenery. The afternoon finds us heading to the foothills of the Sierra Maestra to pay our respects to the famous El Cobre shrine dedicated to Cuba s patron saint - La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre before ending our day in lively Santiago de Cuba, the cultural capital, which has a strong Afro-Caribbean influence. Overnight - Santiago de Cuba (Casa Particular) (B) This morning we set sail for Cayo Granma, a very small island known for its red-roofed wooden houses, with many of them on stilts above water, only accessible by boat. We have the rest of the morning to explore Cayo Granma at our own leisure. You can head up to the Iglesia de San Rafael - the islands highest point and perhaps eat some fresh seafood while looking out onto the -3-

4 waves before we make our way back towards Santiago de Cuba stopping at the beautiful Playa Verraco beach. Overnight - Santiago de Cuba (Casa Particular) Day 13 : Baracoa This afternoon we visit to Finca Duaba, a verdant farm with a short cacao (cocoa) trail, which gives a great insight to the history of the cacao plant. To finish off our day we embark on a boat tour of the River Toa, Cuba s largest payment is required in non-convertible pesos which are hard for tourists to obtain. and mightiest river before heading back to our hotel for the evening. Overnight - Baracoa (B, L) $). There are lots of ATMs available and exchange bureaus and whilst you may not get as good of an exchange rate than if you were to exchange in the city it is good to have some cash on you. Please note that US Dollars are Day 15 : Guardalavaca/ Holguin Airport Monday. Baracoa - Guardalavaca/Holguin Airport. Today we say Adios to Cuba. We will transfer you to Holguin Airport for your onward flight or to a hotel in Guardalavaca if you have decided to extend your stay. Santiago de Cuba Baracoa. This morning we drive along the beautiful Cuban coastline and the Pass La Farola one of Cuba's most famous roads, en route to the coastal town of Baracoa. Historically only accessible by sea, this old and isolated town is surrounded by the mountains of the Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa and offers a very unique atmosphere. Upon arrival go for a walk through the centre and get acquainted with this fascinating town at leisure. Overnight - Baracoa Day 14 : Alejandro De Humboldt NP We can help extend your stay with extra nights accommodation and activities upon request and we can also arrange a flight back to Havana for you.(b) Our Partners This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers who booked through different operators, not solely On The Go. The sightseeing group may vary in size from 2 18 persons. Arriving into Havana An airport arrival transfer is included on day 1 of your tour from Havana Jose Marti International Airport which is approximately 30 minutes away. At the airport terminal please wait where all pre booked transfers wait. Your driver will be holding a sign with your name on it. Ticking another UNESCO World Heritage site off our list will be on today s agenda as we go on a hike through the Alejandro De Humboldt National Park. With the Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve occupying more than half of the park's land we will bask in the glorious views of mountains, rivers, bays and plateaus surrounding the area days If for any reason you miss your connecting flight or will be delayed more than an hour, please let us know by calling our emergency phone number on your voucher. If, for any reason, you need to make your own way to the hotel, metered taxis are available to the city centre and costs approximately CUC $25 however be sure to confirm the price with the driver if the taxi doesn t have a meter. We do not recommend trying to use the buses as this can be tricky due to the fact that bus We recommend that you obtain convertible pesos once you arrive in the airport (CUC no longer accepted in Cuba and visitors will be charged commission to exchange them. The hotel has safe deposit boxes for your use. Please leave all of your important documents, money and travellers cheques here when you go out but remember to carry some form of ID and a photocopy of your passport with you. Accommodation This tour offers a combination of casa particulares and hotels, which range from 2 4 star. A casa particular is the Cuban version of a bed and breakfast, where you ll be staying in a private, en suite room in a family home, which provides you with a fascinating insight into local life. The hotels we stay in are usually situated close to the main sights and town centres. Staff are friendly and there is often a bar and restaurant either on site or nearby. All accommodation is included from the arrival day until check out time on the final day of the tour however there is an option to extend your stay and book additional post night accommodation. Clothing & Footwear We recommend bringing lightweight clothing with you for the duration of your trip. Evenings in certain locations such as Guatemala and San Jose can be cold, we recommend bringing clothes that you can layer with at least one pair of warm trousers and jumpers. For anyone visiting during rainy season we highly recommend a waterproof jacket. Please avoid any military or camouflage patterned clothing as this may be illegal in some countries and can cause problems. -4-

5 Comfortable walking shoes with grip and ankle support are essential for our tours, ideally these will be waterproof. Essential Items A lightweight water/windproof jacket with hood Easy to pack wide-brimmed hat or cap Towel - you will need a towel for most overnight excursions Swimwear Sandals/flip flops/thongs Check the climate and altitude at to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your tour so that you can pack accordingly. Hotels & Transfers Day 1 of the tour is a joining day for you to have the flexibility to arrive into the joining city at your own leisure. The tour starts from the morning of day 2 and the times will be confirmed in your final itinerary and details will be at the joining hotel reception for you to request this information. Should you wish to spend more time in the start/end cities of the tour we can happily organise pre and post tour accommodation upon request. Check in time in hotels differentiates per property but is usually from 1300 on day 1. If you wish to use the services of the room beforehand then it is recommended to advise the hotel and request an early check in however this may incur an additional fee and will depend on the hotel facilities if they can accommodate this request. The same applies for any clients wishing to arrange late check out on the last day however this may incur an additional nights cost. A departure transfer to Holguin Airport is included in the tour price on the final day or we can transfer you to a hotel in Guardalavaca if you have chosen to extend your stay. Please let us know at time of booking and provide us with your flight details. Important: If you are going to be delayed, you must advise us as soon as possible to try and - 15 days rearrange your transfer (a supplement may apply). If we are not made aware of any delays our driver will only wait for one hour after the scheduled time and after this, you will have to arrange your own transport to the hotel at Imported brands such as coca cola may be slightly harder to find but the local brands are well worth a try. Restrictions also mean that restaurants will cook dishes depending on the season, so they can use the freshest your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency phone number on your voucher. and tastiest food available. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Cuba Country Guide Cuba - Fact file Official Name: Republic of Cuba Capital: Havana Population: million Total Area: 109,884 square kilometres Official Language: Spanish Religions: Roman Catholic 60% Voltage: 110 volts, US-style two pronged plugs Dialling Code: +53 Time Difference: GMT/UTC -5 Cuba Accommodation Accommodation We use different types of accommodation on our tours through Cuba. This is usually a combination of locally owned hotels or guest houses, known as casa particulares, to give you a completely authentic experience. Hotels As the demand for tourism in Cuba has increased and the number of beds is still trying to accommodate these extra tourists, there may be some last-minute changes to your accommodation and may have a series of nights in different properties. We will try to avoid these changes as much as possible however unfortunately these changes are usually out of our control and we thank you for your patience should this situation arise. Cuba What to Expect Cuba is a country boasting an array of cultures, architecture and jaw dropping landscapes. This is one of the many reasons Cuba is becoming more and more popular for travellers looking for an authentic experience. Cuba has faced and continues to face challenges. Having remained cut off from the rest of the world and free from western influence, the facilities and standards are lower than other Central American countries. Expect a completely authentic experience full of every day challenges and surprises and expect the little things we may take for granted may be harder to find such as WiFi and toiletries. WiFi is usually only available in 5* hotels located in major cities and may occur a service charge. As the WiFi is so unreliable and sporadic we recommend you don t rely on your internet connection while in the country. Due to the trade restrictions in Cuba which have been set in place by the USA it is advised that you bring any medication and toiletries that you may need whilst in Cuba as they may be harder to locate once there. Casas Particulares A casa particular is the Cuban version of a homestay, where you ll be staying in a private en suite room in a family home, which provides you with a fascinating insight into local life. We use casa particulares in Trinidad on all of our tours which is a real highlight. The group will have to be split between different casas within walking distance of each other. Cuba Visas All nationals travelling to Cuba will need a tourist visa which comes in a 30-day tourist card which must be obtained from your local embassy or visa company before you travel. On arrival to customs you will be asked to provide a passport valid for six months or more, valid health insurance, and return flight ticket. Some officials may ask for proof of accommodation although this is rarely asked for. Once you have provided all of the relevant documentation your passport or tourist card will be stamped. Important: You must keep your stamped tourist card in your passport until you leave -5-

6 the country as this will need to be produced on departure. Do not lose this! the US Dollar in all tourist institutions, such as hotels and restaurants. US Nationals: Travel to Cuba for US nationals is prohibited for tourism purposes so There are two currencies in Cuba. Cuban Peso (CUP) which is used by the locals and unfortunately, we cannot accept US passport holders on our Cuba tours. Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) which was introduced for tourists to replace the US dollar in tourist locations. US dollars are no longer accepted in Cuba and travellers will be charged 10% commission to exchange them. Please note that all visa requirements are valid at the time of writing but are subject to change. Visa procurement is the responsibility of the traveller and not On The Go Tours. Please also ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of departure from Cuba. Cuba Climate Cuba s subtropical climate is divided into two seasons: the dry winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. During the summer months humidity usually gets very high. The average of the yearly temperature increases to 28 C during the day and 21 C at night. July and August are the hottest months, December and January the coldest. In all seasons, short but strong rainstorms can occur at any time. Light clothes, comfortable and sporty, are recommended in addition to your swimming clothes and never forget your sunscreen! If you plan to travel further into a rain forest, bring your insects repellent. Travelling in the winter months requires taking a sweater to be prepared for cooler days. Due to its geographic location, the country is prone to hurricanes and the country is affected between June and November due to hurricane season. Winds of up to 200 kilometres per hour and heavy storms can hit the island however experiencing a hurricane emergency is a non-dangerous fact of life there. All of the hotels and homes we stay in have modern structures or have been strengthened to deal with the climate. Cuba Money The national currency in Cuba is the Cuban Peso (CUP) (=100 Centavos), however the government introduced the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) for tourists to replace - 15 days This commission is not applicable to any other currencies (eg. Sterling, Euro) so we don t recommend taking US dollars. The Peso Convertible can easily be exchanged against most currencies or debited from credit or debit cards in bureaux de change, banks and hotel receptions. The Convertible Peso is considered an accepted form of payment for both residents and tourists and can be used in shops, hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes or to hire a car and pay taxi drivers or other companies who used to accept the US Dollar as payment. Please only exchange your money in approved bureaux de change or at your hotel (not available in all hotels), to avoid con-artists or thieves! It is also important to note that the Cuban Peso cannot be taken out or brought into Cuba. Cuba - Local Transport Most tourists coming to Cuba land at Varadero, Havana, Cayo Coco or Holguín airports. You are encouraged to book private transfers to your final destinations, especially groups and families. Tourist taxis will be marked with a blue T and should negotiate the price of the journey before getting into the vehicle if there is no meter. Shared taxis, or colectivos are harder to come by but more cost effective. For shorter distances we recommend coco taxis. Travel by public bus is not recommended because the buses are old, unreliable and rather uncomfortable but you might like to try the camello in Havana (a semi-truck with a camel shaped trailer where the passengers mostly stand). Cuba - Food/Drink Casa Particulars or Paladares offer best value for money for meals as you may find Cuban food is expensive compared to other Latin American counties. These small family run establishments only offer approximately 12 seats and are located all over Cuba. Expect to pay about CUC 3 for a breakfast; between CUC 5-CUC 10 for main meal but the size will be much bigger than in a restaurant and far tastier. Your tour leader will also be able to recommend local restaurants. Cuban cuisine usually consists of roast or fried pork or chicken with rice, beans and root vegetables. Popular dishes include ropa vieja, shredded beef or lamb, stewed in tomatoes, onions and garlic as well as the delicacy of marinated spit-roast or oven roasted suckling pig. Lobster, shrimp and fish are also very popular, fresh and best served pan fried or grilled. Vegetarians Vegetarians who do not eat fish may find Cuban food limiting as salads and fresh vegetables are rare as their motto is more meat the better. Your diet will usually consist of rice, beans, eggs, plantain, salads, pizzas and omelettes. Drink All drinks along the tour will be at your own expense. We have put together a guideline for drinks bought in shops and on the street. Restaurant and higher end establishments may differ from the pricing below: Half litre of water CUC 1.00 Bottle of soft drink CUC 1.50 Bottle of national beer CUC 2.00 Drinks such as guarapo which is a sweet frothy drink made from sugar cane juice and mostly found at agromercados but will probably have ice in it so be careful if you have a sensitive stomach. Coffee is usually a presweetened espresso and served in most bars, restaurants and coffee stands. Cubans usually add the sugar to the pot while brewing the -6-

7 coffee so make sure to ask if you would like your coffee unsweetened. Beer or as the Cubans call it ceveza is another favourite for locals and tourists. vaccinations before travelling to Cuba as treatment for foreigners is limited to special hospitals which can be expensive. Cuba has been classified as having a risk of Zika virus transmission and other vaccinations Countless brands are available but the most common are Cristal, Mayabe, Hatuey and Bucanero, just to name a few. include standard protection against Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Diphtheria is recommended, as well as Hepatitis B and Typhoid Fever. Rum, the most popular drink in Cuba has For more information please visit: over 80 different makes which come in an array of cocktails: cuba libre (rum & coke), mojitos and daiquiris or even straight however it is recommended that you don t drink any 3 star rums straight, drink 5 or 7 star rums for the best taste. Cuba is now producing its own wine from the Pinar del Rio region with viticulture expertise gained from the Spanish. travel.de and Cuba Security Cuba is considered a safe country, however as with any other country you should keep your valuables out of sight, preferably in your hotel safe. Cuban people are very helpful towards tourists and you can travel around the country without any real concern but remember that an open door may tempt a saint. Customs and import regulations You can bring in up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 3 litres of beverages, laptop for personal use, gifts of up o a value of CUC $50.99 and any other medication required for your own personal use without paying tax or duty; this also applies to electrical goods. However, we recommend that you only bring in the electrical goods that you absolutely need for personal use, otherwise you may become under suspicion of attempting to give them to the locals, which is a criminal offence. Medical Insurance All visitors to Cuba must purchase comprehensive travel and medical insurance before they travel. On arrival you will be asked to show proof of your name, insurance cover, policy number, certificate and valid travel card for the duration of your stay in the country. Anyone who has failed to pre-purchase insurance will be required to do so on arrival will be required to purchase on arrival. The cover will likely be lower than what insurers in your home country can provide and will not cover essential elements such as emergency evacuation to mainland facilities or travel of family members to the hospital. Cuban insurance policies are most likely to be designed to handle medical situations on the island, in domestic hospitals, hotels or clinics. Health It is absolutely recommended you visit your GP and take care of all your check-ups and - 15 days -7-