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Guided Walking and Sightseeing  Worldwide 

VIVA CUBA  2012 

A journey through Cuba, with its blend of colours, flavours, aromas and sounds, enlivens the senses. See the faded colonial grandeur of Havana and Trinidad, the untouched coastline and delightful rolling countryside of coffee plantations and tobacco fields.  Cuba is changing fast so it is a  great time to visit while its exotic and distinctive style remains.    

Dates:  Feb 5,    March 11,    Oct 21,      Nov 18

2012 Prices:      1,755 GBP    
Prices are per person for 14 nights based on double occupancy without airfare.              Single room supplement 224  

Guided Walks: Walks average 6 miles with a range of 2 to 10 miles. All but one of the walks have an ascent  of less that 1,000 ft, whilst the exception has an ascent of less than 1,500 ft. 

Hotels:  In Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad we stay in three and four-star hotels.  In rural areas accommodation is in more basic guesthouses, all are air-conditioned and in good locations. Included: 14 nights accommodation in  en-suite rooms. All meals from dinner on day one to breakfast on day of  departure.  Services of  local guides and an HF Holidays' leader.  Walks, sightseeing, entrance fees and travel by minibus or coach.
Itinerary:
 
Day 1: Havana    ( 1 night)
Arrive in Havana ( 1 night) and take an evening stroll with cocktails.

Days 2 - 3: Vinales Valley – 2 nights
Explore the historical centre of Havana, including the cathedral and Plaza Vieja, before departing to the Vinales Valley ( 2 nights).  Here we walk through the unusual and beautiful scenery of "mogotes" tobacco fields and small farming communities including the "Tradiciones Campesinas Trail".

Days 4 - 5: Soroa ( 2 nights)
Travel to Soroa ( 2 nights ) for walks in the tropical Rosario Hills through old coffee plantations and small communities.

Days 6 - 7: Las Terrazas  ( 2 nights )
Take the short journey to Las Terrazas (2 nights), a UNESCO biosphere reserve.  We visit the community's project for sustainable development , take an optional refreshing swim in the San Juan River, then follow the El Contento trail around the Taburete mountain, with wonderful birdlife.

Day 8 : Cienfuegos – 1 night
We continue to the south coast and the lovely bay of Cienfuegos (1 night) for a walk around the attractive town centre and the botanical gardens.

Days 9 - 10 : Topes de Collantes - 2 nights
Travel into the Sierra Escambray and Topes de Collantes (2 nights).  Enjoy walks in the mountains at refreshingly cool altitudes with abundant birdlife, tropical flowers, impressive waterfalls and the option to swim in the natural pools.

Days 11 -  13: Trinidad - 3 nights
Our next stop is Trinidad (3 nights)  with its Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and peaceful plazas it seems to be untouched by the modern world.  We walk in the nearby Cubano National Park and the Valley of the Sugar Mills, among the ghostly remnants of conquest and the slave trade.  We stay a little out of town at the beachside hotel, and take a Catamaran trip around the Caribbean bays. 

Day 14: Havana  -  1 night
This morning we visit Playa Giron on the Bay of Pigs, site of the final victory for Fidel Castro's forces.  We return to Havana (1 night) and take a stroll down the "Malecon".  Enjoy a farewell dinner at La Floridita, on of Hemmingway's former haunts, and transfer in classic American cars to a Havana cabaret. 

Day 15:  
After a morning free we travel to the airport for our flight home.


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