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Tour Date: 25 Oct 2013 - 19 Nov 2013
Tour Cost ($AUD): $13,997.00
To visit Cuba is to step back in time and we invite you to do just that on this exhilarating tour, which also takes in the highlights of Mexico. Now is definitely the time to visit Cuba. Who knows what lies in store for this fascinating island in the future? Unlike many tours, we cover the entire island from Pinar del Rio and the enchanting capital, Havana, to Santiago de Cuba at the country's eastern tip. En-route we take in Che Guevara's adopted hometown, Santa Clara, and the fabulous World Heritage-listed town of Trinidad. The Mexico component begins in the lush seaside resort of Cancun. We then head to Merida and the great ruins of Chichen Itza and on to another great Mayan site, the jungle ruins of Palenque. Heading into the mountains, we visit the beautiful colonial town, San Cristobal de las Casas, before finishing in the world's largest capital, Mexico City. A fitting end to a magnificent adventure!
25/10/2013 Sydney - Los Angeles
Check in at your chosen airport for the flight to Los Angeles, via Sydney. Crossing the International Date Line, we arrive in Los Angeles on the same day.
Depart Sydney Qantas QF 11, 14.05
Arrive Los Angeles 09.45
On arrival in Los Angeles we transfer to our hotel.
Los Angeles Hotel
2500 Mason Street
Los Angeles
California 92802
Ph: 0011-1-415-362 5500
26/10/2013 Los Angeles - Mexico City (B)
 Los Angeles
A full day at leisure in fabulous Los Angeles. Late this evening we transfer to the airport for our flight to Mexico City.
Depart Los Angeles Aero Mexico AM 469, 23.05
27/10/2013 Mexico City - Havana (BD)
Downtown Havana
Early this morning we arrive into Mexico City and connect with our flight to Havana.
Depart Mexico City Aero Mexico AM 451, 09.50
Arrive Havana 13.30
After completing Cuban customs and immigration formalities we transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Telegrafo
Prado No 408/Equina Neptuno
Havana
Ph: 0011-537-861-1010
Fx: 861-4844
28/10/2013 Havana (BLD)
On the streets of Havana
This morning we start to explore this fascinating city with a tour of old Havana (Habana Vieja). We visit Plaza de Armas and the cathedral before taking in the handicraft markets and enjoying a stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old city. After lunch at the Morro Fortress we tour the new part of the city, visiting the Plaza de la Revolucion and the university. Afterwards we return to our hotel for dinner.
29/10/2013 Havana - Pinar del Rio - Havana (BLD)
Cigar factory at Pinar del Rio
No visit to Cuba would be complete without an excursion to the ‘tail’ of the island, which is in the shape of a shark. This region, Pinar del Rio, is the westernmost province and contains some stunning scenery. The beautiful Vinales Valley is the finest tobacco-growing area in the world. After lunch we visit a cigar factory and meet the workers before returning to Havana for dinner.
30/10/2013 Havana (BLD)
Cojimar
Today we head out of central Havana to the delightful fishing village of Cojimar, a 'pilgrimage' for fans of Ernest Hemingway. It was here the great author lived and wrote 'The Old Man and the Sea'. A simple but profound story, it was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. After lunch we return to Havana for some leisure time before dinner.
31/10/2013 Havana - Trinidad (BLD)
Central markets, Trinidad
After breakfast we leave Havana by bus for Trinidad. We travel through vast sugar cane plantations before stopping for lunch at the small port town of Cienfuegos. In the afternoon we travel through mountainous countryside. This is the Sierra del Escambray and in many spots the sheer-walled limestone cliffs are covered in magnificent bougainvillea. Finally we reach Trinidad, the jewel of Cuba’s colonial cities. Fantastically preserved, this charming town is a national monument. There are no modern buildings, few cars and many of the streets are cobbled.
Motel Las Cuevas
Finca Santa Ana
Trinidad
Ph: 0011-53-4196133
Fx: 4196161
01/11/2013 Trinidad (BLD)
 Typical street scene in Trinidad
In the morning we take a tour of this fabulous town, visiting the main square and the markets. The afternoon is at leisure.
02/11/2013 Trinidad - Santa Clara (BLD)
Topes de Collantes
After breakfast we leave Trinidad and drive to the national park of Topes de Collantes. We transfer to a 4WD vehicle and drive into the Guanayara Reserve, an area rich in flora and fauna. A local guide takes us on a fascinating walk through the forest where we may be lucky and see the exquisite Cuban hummingbird. After lunch at La Gallega cattle farm, we continue through the mountains until we reach Santa Clara.
Hotel La Granjita
Caretera Malez
Santa Clara
Ph: 0011-53-4228190
03/11/2013 Santa Clara - Camaguey (BLD)
Che Guevara's home town,
Santa Clara
Santa Clara was the adopted city of the great revolutionary, Che Guevara. It was the site of one of the most important battles of the revolution and an impressive mausoleum houses Guevara's remains. After a tour of the city we head south to Camaguey.
Hotel Gran
Marceo 64
Camaguey
Ph: 0011-53-32-292314
Fx: 293933
04/11/2013 Camaguey - Santiago de Cuba (BLD)
Dancers in Santiago
After breakfast we continue our journey south to one of the most beautiful cities in the Caribbean, Santiago de Cuba. Due to its remote location, few travellers visit this irresistible cosmopolitan city. Known as the home of rum and revolution, Santiago is the second-largest city on the island. It has a rich racial mix, producing some of the most exciting architecture, music and art in the Caribbean.
Hotel Casa Granda
Calle Forte
Santiago
Ph: 0011-53-22686600
05/11/2013 Santiago de Cuba (BLD)
Morro Castle overlooking
the Caribbean
In the morning we explore both the old quarter and the new part of this lovely city, visiting delightful plazas, parks, the Moncada Museum and the magnificent Morro Castle on the cliffs overlooking Santiago Bay.
06/11/2013 Santiago de Cuba (BLD)
Cathedral of Santiago
Today is totally at leisure in Santiago de Cuba.
07/11/2013 Santiago - Havana - Cancun (Mexico) (B)
Cancun
This morning we transfer to the airport for the short flight to Havana and connect with the flight to Cancun.
Depart Santiago CU 985, 09.55
Arrive Havana 11.30
Depart Havana CU 152, 12.55
Arrive Cancun 13.25
After completing customs and immigration procedures, we transfer to our hotel.
Villas Tacul
Boulevard Kukulkan Km 5.5
Cancun 77500, Quintana Roo
Ph: 0011-52-998-8830000
Fx: 8497070
08/11/2013 Cancun (B)
Markets in old Cancun
Today is entirely at leisure in Cancun. Lapped by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Cancun has pure white beaches, formed by fossilised micro-organisms rather than sand.
09/11/2013 Cancun - Chichen Itza - Merida (BL)
El Castillo Pyramid, Chichen Itza
This morning we begin our journey through the Yucatan Peninsula. En-route we visit the stunning ruins of Chichen Itza. Ruled by the Mayans from the 6th to the 10th century, it is one of the largest and best maintained archeological sites in the country. The stunning El Castillo pyramid was voted one of the seven modern Wonders of the World. After our visit to the site, we head to the charming city of Merida.
Hotel Mision
491 Calle 60 N.
Merida, Yucatan
Ph: 0011-52-998-239500
10/11/2013 Merida (B)
Panama hats
After breakfast we explore the city of Merida on foot; the narrow streets and shady parks make it ideal for a walking tour. Today is Sunday and the centre of Merida is closed to traffic, with families enjoying the vibrant market and party atmosphere. The colonial architecture is superb and Merida is also famous for producing some of the world's finest Panama hats. The afternoon is at leisure.
11/11/2013 Merida - Villahermosa - Palenque (BD)
Archeological site of Palenque
Depart Merida AM 2469, 14.10
Arrive Villahermosa 15.10
This morning we transfer to Merida airport for the short flight to Villahermosa. On arrival we head directly to the magnificent Mayan site of Palenque. Surrounded by lush jungle, these great ruins are stunningly preserved.
Hotel Plaza Palenque
Carretera Catazaja-Palenque
Chipas
Ph: 0011-52-934-50268
Fx: 50395
12/11/2013 Palenque - San Cristobal (BL)
Aqua Azul waterfalls
This morning we drive to San Cristobal via the beautiful waterfalls of Aqua Azul. The falls are situated in a delightful jungle setting with dozens of white cascades thundering into turquoise pools. San Cristobal, a small colonial town 2,150m above sea level, is set in a beautiful pine-clad valley surrounded by Indian villages. It was largely undiscovered by travellers until the mid-1960s.
Hotel Mansion del Valle
Diego de Mazariegos
30 San Cristobal de las Casas
Chipas
Ph: 0011-52-967-82582
Fx: 82581
13/11/2013 San Cristobal (BL)
Indians at San Cristobal
Today we explore the mysterious Tzotzil and Tzeltal Indian villages. Despite savage repression, the Indians have shown a fierce determination to survive and maintain their cultures and traditions. We visit a family workshop to see the locals working on magnificent embroidered garments and blankets. Back in San Cristobal we have time to visit the colourful markets.
14/11/2013 San Cristobal - Tuxtla - Mexico City (BL)
Sumidero Canyon
Today we leave the valley and head to Tuxtla Gutierrez for our flight to Mexico City. Our drive to the airport takes us through the spectacular Sumidero Canyon where we enjoy an exhilarating powerboat ride on the Rio Grijalva.
Depart Tuxtla Gutierrez AM 556, 15.00
Arrive Mexico City 16.30
On arrival in Mexico City we transfer to our hotel and the evening is at leisure.
Hotel Metropole
Luis Moya 39
Mexico City
Ph: 0011-52-5-510850830
Fx: 5121273
15/11/2013 Mexico City (BL)
Metropolitan Cathedral, Mexico City
We spend the whole day sightseeing in the world’s largest city. Among the attractions are the Museum of Anthropology, the National Palace and the great cathedral.
16/11/2013 Mexico City (BL)
The Temple of the Sun, Teotihuacan
Our last day in Mexico takes us 50 km outside the capital to the ancient Aztec city of Teotihuacan, the site of the huge Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, Teotihuacan was once Mexico’s largest city and dates back to AD 150. It is considered to be the country's most important archeological site and provides a fitting finale to this fantastic tour.
17/11/2013 Mexico City - Los Angeles (B)
Mariachi band in Mexico City
After a morning at leisure we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Australia, via Los Angeles.
Depart Mexico City Aero Mexico AM 642, 14.25
Arrive Los Angeles 16.30
Depart Los Angeles QF 12, 22.25
18/11/2013 In flight
Qantas
As we head back towards Australia we cross the International Date Line.
19/11/2013 Arrive back in Australia
Arrive Sydney 08.25
On arrival in Sydney we transfer to the domestic terminal for the flight to our chosen Australian city.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Moderate
OCTOBER 2013 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: $13,997
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $3,215
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia and Cuba/Mexico and Australia
* All ticketable taxes (may be subject to change)
* All accommodation (twin share)
* All transfers
* All ground transportation
* All meals as specified
* All local guides throughout
* Tour leader
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* Visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 per person at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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