However you arrive in, Santiago de Cuba. You will be met by our staff and transferred to your homestay, your home for the next three days. Dinner or late Snack at homestay.

We begin the day with a short orientation to the history of this island. We start our walk at the "oldest house" in the Americas, tour the Emilio Barcardi Museum with its treasure trove of artifacts. Jumping ahead in time we will visit the famous San Juan Hill and the tree under which the Cuban Spanish American war finally ended. "El Morro" the 17th century castle built to protect the city against the privateers and pirates like Henry Morgan who sought to relieve Spain of the wealth of Latin America guards the magnificent bay which has provided safe harbour for galleons and oil tankers, yachts and men-'o-war. The little launch which circles the bay will take us to one of the main islands for lunch and an afternoon stroll in this friendly community. Dinner in your homestay.

Optional evening entertainment - visit to local Trova.

Breakfast.

An early start will take us to Internationally acclaimed Fern and Orchid Garden (2) From there we will leave the city and journey through plantations of coffee, oranges and bananas high on the Gran Piedra. Amid a cloud forest of giant ferns and orchids, you will visit a Bird of Paradise Nursery and tour these high altitude gardens. Fragrant hedges circle beds of roses, gladioli and camellias. Every path provides a vista of mountains and plain. We will take time to visit the house and grounds of the Haitian style Cafetal near the summit of the extraordinary rock. Late lunch.

In an Artisans' Village, where you can stroll from gallery to gallery and visit with the artists in their studios.

Dinner in your homestay.

Early morning departure for Camaguey - established initially as a sea-port this town was moved three times to escape the ravages of pirates - including the famous Henry Morgan. En route Lunch and tour of a National garden in the foothills of the Sierra Maestras. This garden is still under development and displays many of the plants of the Sierras and the wetter and hotter plains which surround it.

In Camaguey our homestays are located in the centre of the city. A pleasant evening stroll will often bring you to music and dance in the central square.

Dinner in your homestay.

Walking Tour of Old Camaguey (2)(3) accompanied by an architect. Special visits to churches, museums for fine furnishings, Baccarat Crystal, and elaborate table settings and objets d'art.

Lunch at a Paladar outside the city dinner in your homestay.

Free Evening to enjoy the fun of impromtu nightlife in the city squares.

Early visit to Camaguey's Ballet School - if possible we shall be invited to view a class in progress. Exclusive visits behind the scenes to the wardrobe and shoe making shop. Visits to the Galleries (2) and Studios of some of Camaguey's leading artists and craftspeople Lunch during the tour and dinner in your homestay.

Free evening.

Leave for Santiago. Visit to Monument to Jose Marti - Cuba's hero, poet, writer, educator and revolutionary inspiration.

Lunch.

Dinner and Entertainment by local Afro-Cuban dance group, an opportunity to say goodbye to the Cubans who have been part of your experience. For groups of 4 or more.

The coming of the Spanish brought European 16th century Catholicism to Cuba and an attempt to impose it on the aboriginal population. Within a few years the aboriginal populations were decimated by European diseases, starvation and the brutal work in the mines and fields. Very quickly the Spanish starting importing African slave labourers. The Africans brought with them music, dance, art and religion. Suppression of outward displays of their religion led to a blending of cultures. This is an opportunity to explore the culture which emerged when the two great cultural streams mixed and merged.

The Afro- Cuban religion of Santeria informs much of the art (2), music and culture of Santiago and the island of Cuba. After an introduction to some of the fascinating aspects of Santeria and how they appear in Cuban art, we will pay a visit to a cultural centre with various temples from some of the major Afro-Cuban religions. Lunch in the city. Afternoon visit to the Basilica of the Virgin, Cuba's patron saint. Dinner in your homestay.

Transfer to airport, bus station etc.

This tour includes:

1. Airport Pickup and transfers in Santiago de Cuba - other transfers arranged
2. B&B style Accommodation including breakfast and dinner
3. Tours including expert lecturers, translators, transportation, and lunches
4. Entrances and photography fees at all sites visited
5. Airconditioned transportation - private bus or inter-city bus link

This tour does not include:

1. Flights and expenses associated with entering or leaving the country
2. Personal expenditures
3. Transportation prior to start or after conclusion of tour
4. Evening entertainment except where specified

THIS TOUR IS ALSO AVAILABLE WITH HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Prices and Availability

Available Anytime
Travel by Commercial Inter-city Bus (Mercedes Benz, airconditioned etc.)

2 People $1750.00 per person double occupancy
4 people $1500per person double occupancy

Option
Travel by Private Bus (airconditioned - dedicated chauffeur)

For dedicated transportation for your tour to Camaguey – please contact us

ALL PRICES ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS