Heart of Cuba 11 days Starts/Ends: Havana

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1 11 days Starts/Ends: Havana Take in Cuba's vibrant cities, picturesque landscapes and beautiful beaches on this 11 day tour of the Caribbean's largest island. Explore colonial pearls such as Trinidad and Cienfuegos, the Vinales Valley, the tropical paradise of Cayo Levisa and of course, Cuba's captivating capital Havana. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Havana - take in the highlights of Cuba's captivating capital and sample Rum in the Havana Club Rum Museum Guama - take a scenic boat ride on Laguna del Tresoro (the Treasure Lake) Cienfuegos - explore this colonial city located on beautiful Cienfuegos bay Topes de Collantes - enjoy a scenic hike through this beautiful nature reserve in the Escambray Mountains Trinidad - step back in time exploring this UNESCO Listed colonial gem, with its rainbow coloured buildings and cobblestone streets Valle de los Ingenios - visit Torre Iznaga, a former watchtower in this verdant valley of sugar cane fields Santa Clara - pay your respects at the famous Che Guevara Memorial Vinales - take in the highlights of this sleepy agricultural town, which is surrounded by tobacco plantations and rugged mogotes Cayo Levisa - soak up the sunshine on the island's beautiful beaches and swim in the crystal clear water Pinar del Rio - see beautiful green tobacco fields in this picturesque region which is famous for producing the best tobacco in the world Las Terrazas nature reserve - explore the rural eco village, nestled in the majestic Sierra del Rosario mountain range What's Included 7 nights 3-4 star hotels and 3 nights Casa Particular in Trinidad Airport arrival transfer on day 1 Private transportation in air conditioned mini van Escorted by a local English speaking tour guide with specialist guides at certain sites of interest 7 breakfasts and 4 lunches and 2 dinners Guided sightseeing in Havana, Topes de Collantes nature reserve, Trinidad, Vinales, Las Terrazas community and nature reserve Boat trip on Laguna del Tresoro (the Treasure Lake) Excursion to Havana Rum Club, Guama crocodile farm, Torre Iznaga, Che Guevara Memorial, Cayo Levisa beaches What's Not Included International flights and tourist Card (entry visa) Tipping - an entirely personal gesture Airport departure transfer - can be booked at an additional cost upon request DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 : Havana Monday. Welcome to Cuba! You will be met upon arrival at Havana airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight - Havana - 11 days - 1 -

2 Day 2 : Havana City Tour Day 4 : Topes de Collantes nature reserve Trinidad. Another option is to spend the day at the beach Playa Ancon. Overnight - Trinidad (Casa Particular) Day 7 : Santa Clara Meet your guide at 8:30 am in the hotel lobby. Today the historic centre of Havana awaits us. Around the Parque Central, the gate to the old town, we see baroque and Jugendstil buildings right next to each other. We also stop at the famous restaurants La Bodeguita del Medio and La Floridita, where Hemingway enjoyed numerous Mojito. You will learn everything about Rum in the Havana Club Rum Museum and of course we have the chance to taste it. Afterwards lunch will be served in a restaurant. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight - Havana (B, L) Day 3 : Guama & Cienfuegos Cienfuegos - Trinidad. After breakfast we travel to Sierra de Escambray. The Topes de Collantes nature reserve is a heaven for nature lovers with caves, waterfalls, natural pools and much more, including the Hacienda Codina health resort. Many rare rainforest plants and animals can also be found here. We enjoy a hiking tour where we can take in the beautiful landscapes with waterfalls and picturesque 'fincas'. Before travelling on to Trinidad, we will be served a delicious lunch in a typical local restaurant. Overnight - Trinidad (Casa Particular) (B, L) Days 5-6 : Trinidad Trinidad - Santa Clara. Today we drive to Santa Clara where we visit the famous Che Guevara Memorial. The memorial is where the remains of the famous revolutionist rest, which were only found a few years ago. Overnight - Santa Clara (D) Day 8 : Pinar del Rio & Vinales Havana - Guama - Cienfuegos. After breakfast we set off in the direction of Cienfuegos, which is often referred to as the Pearl of the South. On the way there we visit Guamá, where we set off on a boat trip through Laguna del Tresoro (the Treasure Lake) that lies in a picturesque landscape with many water canals, mangrove forests and palms. We also have the opportunity to visit a village reconstructed in Taino-Indian style and a crocodile farm. You can opt for lunch in a typical local restaurant. This afternoon we explore the city of Cienfuegos situated on the beautiful Cienfuegos bay. You can admire the neo-classical architecture of the city and visit Tetro Terry and Palacio del Valle. Overnight - Cienfuegos (B) Day 5 starts with an informative city-tour of Trinidad followed by free time to explore on your own. The city was built in the 16th century and just walking through its streets it is as if time stands still there. Don t forget to try the typical local drink Canchanchara. In the afternoon we enjoy an excursion to Valle de los Ingenios where we visit Torre Iznaga - the former watchtower which was used to oversee slaves working on the sugar cane fields. The following day is free for you to spend at leisure. The adventurous can go for another hiking tour in Topes de Collantes or enjoy a horseback ride in the surroundings of Santa Clara - Pinar del Rio - Vinales. After breakfast we travel to the region Pinar del Río, where we visit a West Cuban city of the same name, which is famous for the best tobacco in the world. Continuing our journey we drive past beautiful, green tobacco fields, heading towards our final destination of the day, Vinales. Vinales is surrounded by tobacco plantations and mogotes - unique limestone formations. We take in the main highlights of the town and have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight - Vinales (B, D) - 11 days - 2 -

3 Day 9 : Cayo Levisa Overnight - Vinales (B, L) Day 10 : Las Terrazas nature reserve Vinales - Las Terrazas - Havana. This morning we visit the Las Terrazas community and nature reserve. The community is located in the majestic Sierra del Rosario mountain range. Forestry and eco-tourism are the main industries in this spectacularly beautiful area. We will be served lunch in a local restaurant. After exploring this rural community, nestled in a natural paradise, we return to Havana. Overnight - Havana (B, L) Day 11 : Havana Thursday. Our tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out today. We can arrange a departure transfer upon request. We would be delighted to help you extend your stay in Cuba and book more nights for you if you re still not quite ready to head home.(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. 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 payment is required in non-convertible pesos which are hard for tourists to obtain. We recommend that you obtain convertible pesos once you arrive in the airport (CUC $). 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 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 The accommodation on this tour depends on the location but generally we work with 3 star standard hotels and above (except in Trinidad where we have a homestay). Our hotels 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. 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. Tours are scheduled to arrive in the afternoon/evening before the departure day to allow time to pack and freshen up. 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 days - 3 -

4 Important: If you are going to be delayed, you must advise us as soon as possible to try and 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 your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency phone number on your voucher. 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 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. 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 and tastiest food available. 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. 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 the country as this will need to be produced on departure. Do not lose this! US Nationals: Travel to Cuba for US nationals is prohibited for tourism purposes so unfortunately, we cannot accept US passport holders on our Cuba tours. 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 the US Dollar in all tourist institutions, such as hotels and restaurants. There are two currencies in Cuba. Cuban Peso (CUP) which is used by the locals and 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 days - 4 -

5 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 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. Countless brands are available but the most common are Cristal, Mayabe, Hatuey and Bucanero, just to name a few. Rum, the most popular drink in Cuba has 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. 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. 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 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 include standard protection against Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Diphtheria is recommended, as well as Hepatitis B and Typhoid Fever. For more information please visit: and 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 days - 5 -