Arrival in Havana. Your homestay is located in the center of Habana Vieja - the old part of Habana. We'll stroll and Lunch in this historic part of town. After lunch there is a welcome and orientation session. Dinner in your homestay and a free evening to enjoy the nightlife of Old Havana.

Walking tour of Old Havana with architect lecturer who is part of the team restoring this World Heritage site. The tour includes lunch at one of the many bistros. Dinner in your homestay.

Early morning flight to Santiago de Cuba. Cuba's Caribbean city will make your feet move to a different rhythm. Your homestay is located in the centre of the city - close to music, art, and great people watching places. Our walking tour takes us from the birth of the city to to some of the elite inner suburbs, home to Cuban elite and American middle managers. We will lunch en-route. Dinner in one of Santiago's newly restored colonial buildings with Afro Cuban entertainment. We'll enjoy a tour of the building with the architect responsible for the restoration.

Leave for Baracoa - magnificent drive along the coast and through the mountains - beach picnic lunch en route. This jewel of a historical town is between the Atlantic and Caribbean. The surrounding mountains are clothed in old growth forests with many plants seen only in its micro-ecosystems. Your accommodation will be in Casa Particulars (Cuba's B&B's) in the centre of the city. (Limited hotel beach accommodation is available) Dinner in your homestay and stroll around the town to various music venues and art galleries.

Early morning start to climb slopes of El Yunque. This old volcanic mountain is a bio-preserve of old-growth forest. Guided hike with naturalist - packed lunch. Our expert will be either a botanist or ornithologist. Dinner and stroll around the town to various music venues.

Historical walk of the town of Baracoa. We will visit the famous forts which protected this outpost against pirates, and the navies of Britain and France. Lunch at an eco-reserve, after lunch walk and exploration of the area. It is noted for its birds and trees not found elsewhere in Cuba. Return to Santiago de Cuba and your hotel.

Early start to Gran Piedra. This magnificent rock rises 1234 metres and is part of the Sierras. The switch-back drive takes us from the near desert coastal plain to a summit cloud forest. Stops along the way allow us to experience the changing vegetation with visits to coffee plantations time to photograph the glorious views. At the summit we can hike to top of mountain, visit the historic Coffee Plantation house and hike in surrounding forests. Your expert naturalist lecturer will uncover the secret life of the forest around you. Morning snack on the mountain and late lunch in Artisan's Village. Return to Santiago. Dinner An evening of Afro-Cuban entertainment.

An early morning visit to the exquisite Fern and Orchid garden, followed by a pleasant drive along the coast where we will explore the pools and hidden water falls. After lunch time to swim in the warm water and enjoy lazing on a sandy beach. Evening flight to Havana.

A tour of Havana's outstanding Art Museums, galleries and visits to artists' studios. Your lecturer is one of the city's outstanding authorities on Cuban art. Lunch at a bistro during the tour. Optional evening at a cabaret.

Morning visit to Regla - the city of black history across the bay. Home to the early Congos, secret hiding place of Che, this cobblestoned city of quiet streets is just a boat ride away from Old Havana. Lunch on your own and free afternoon before your flight.

This tour includes

1. Airport Pickup and transfers
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 A FULL RANGE OF HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Prices and Availability

Available Anytime
Option 1
Travel by Commercial Inter-city Bus (Mercedes Benz, airconditioned etc.)

2 People $3275/per person
4 people $2295/per person

Option 2
Travel by Private Bus (airconditioned – dedicated chauffeur)

4 people $2695/person

Tour dates – minimum 6 people $2195/person – Private transportation – dedicated chauffeur (dates subject to change)

Nov 23 – December 2nd
December 27th to Jan 5nd
2005
February 12h – 22nd
March 12 – 22nd
April 12 – 22nd