3-Centre Holiday
Moderate pace with leisurely intermittent walks up to 2 hours on a variety of terrain, including cobblestones and moderate hills. Must be able to climb at least two flights of stairs, negotiate steps without railings and tolerate periods of standing during guided tours. Some days may include 3–5 km of walking over the course of the day.
We depart for the lively beach resort town of Varadero, and upon arrival we transfer to our hotel.
A day to relax, stroll or swim at the beach or enjoy the activity program and facilities of our all-inclusive resort.
We first visit Cardenas City—known as the “Flag City” (we will see where the Cuban national flag was raised for the first time). We also visit a traditional sugar mill factory, where we will stroll through the sugar cane plantation and sample the island’s famous guarapo juice. Then we board a century-old steam train for a memorable journey across Cuba’s scenic countryside— past sugar cane fields, banana and orange groves and lush green hills. Finally, we visit the Oscar Maria de Rojas Museum—Cuba’s second-oldest museum with important collections of art and history.
Our first stop today is Guama, where we visit a crocodile farm. Raised wooden platforms provide vantage points to admire these awesome beasts. From here we’ll take a boat ride through the mangroves to visit the historic indigenous village of Taino where we’ll see first-hand how Cubans lived centuries ago. A delicious seaside lunch is included. After lunch we’ll visit the Playa Giron Museum, located on the landing site of the Armed Cuban Exiles during the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961. Then we proceed to Trinidad for a 3-night stay.
We enjoy a tour of Trinidad, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical importance as a centre of the sugar trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is Cuba’s most well-preserved colonial city. During our walking tour we’ll visit Cantero Palace, the famous Canchanchara Bar (located in an 18th century mansion), and the Plaza Mayor in the town centre. There will be free time to explore colonial Trinidad on our own.
We enjoy an excursion to Cienfuegos, a well-preserved colonial city with European flavour. Our city tour includes a visit to the colonial-style Terry Theatre and De Valle Palace with its ornate architecture. We also enjoy a boat excursion on Cienfuegos Bay, and explore Cuba’s oldest botanical garden before returning to Trinidad. (Fall Tour) This morning we enjoy a boat excursion on Trinidad’s Casilda Bay. Then we’ll visit the Museo San Isidro De Los Destiladeros where we’ll learn about the history of slavery and see Cuba’s first rum distillery, and the site where sugar cane was produced at the time. (Winter Tour)
Our first stop today will be a visit of the Playa Giron Museum, located on the landing site of the Armed Cuban Exiles during the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961. Then we continue to the town of Jaguey Grande where we visit the Commander Museum of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. After our visit we proceed to Cuba’s capital, Havana for a 5-night stay. (Fall Tour) En route to Havana we stop in Cienfuegos, a well-preserved colonial city with European flavour. Our city tour includes a visit to the colonial-style Terry Theatre and De Valle Palace with its ornate architecture. We then explore Cuba’s oldest botanical garden. After our visit of Cienfuegos we proceed to Cuba’s capital, Havana for a 5-night stay. (Winter Tour)
Our tour of historic Old Havana will include a visit to the General Captain’s Palace and the Rum Museum where we will enjoy a sampling, of course!
We tour the Vinales Valley in Pinar del Rio, where the world’s finest tobacco is grown and the sight of ox-drawn plows will transport us back in time. Then we’ll enjoy a boat ride through a local cave where guides will point out fascinating rock formations.
We enjoy a city tour of New Havana, including a visit to Revolutionary Square where you will see the Memorial of José Martí. We will also visit the Decorative Arts Museum.
Today we visit the Ernest Hemingway Museum, one of the most popular museums in Havana. Located in a villa that was owned and occupied by the writer, this was the cradle of many of Hemingway’s best works, including For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea. Later we will enjoy a dance and music performance by the local community.
We proceed to Varadero and our All-Inclusive hotel for a 3-night stay.
Today we’ll enjoy a city tour of Old Varadero before visiting the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve, with its natural caves, ancient burial grounds and unique flora and fauna. Later we’ll see a lively dolphin show, always an exciting and heartwarming experience.
A day at leisure to relax on the beach and to enjoy the many facilities of our all-inclusive resort.
We fly home from Varadero.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
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