CUBA | by Insider Journeys (UK Version) by Insider Journeys

Imagine the stories

2022

CUBA

·1 INSIDER JOURNEYS • HAND PICKED TOURS • ALL AROUND THE GLOBE Small Group Journeys | INSIDER JOURNEYS

Imagine the stories

Welcome to Insider Journeys! For over 25 years we’ve been helping travellers like you create unique experiences and stories that will last a lifetime. Explore Cuba your way with our independent travel collection. Whether you want to discover ancient forts and royal palaces, go on an amazing wildlife safari in a national park, uncover the spiritual and traditional way of life of the local people, or do all of the above, our selection of private itineraries, short stays, river cruises and rail journeys will give you real insight into these amazing destinations. All our experiences are designed with flexibility in mind by our Cuba experts. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, we will tailor-make an itinerary to suit your exact requirements. Let us help you discover Cuba as an insider.

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INSIDER JOURNEYS | Small Group Journeys

CONTENT Why Travel with Insider Journeys… 4 The Insider Journeys Difference – 25 years of amazing stories 6 Journey Styles 8 TOURS Enjoy the essentials of Cuba Full Cuba tour all the way ton Santiago Cultural tour Nature and active tour Western and central Cuba collective transportation Western and central Cuba with rental car Havana and Varadero Bird watching tour in Cuba Diving experience A long weekend dive into Havana A week all-inclusive in Varadero

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INSIDER EXCURSIONS

INSIDER HOTELS

Important Booking Conditions

Small Group Journeys | INSIDER JOURNEYS

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WHY TRAVEL WITH INSIDER JOURNEYS… At Insider Journeys we make it easy to holiday anywhere in the world. Our private travel collection lets you experience each country as an insider with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Whether it’s getting up early to beat the crowds, staying longer to watch that amazing sunset or spending time chatting with a local, it is this level of flexibility that makes

such an amazing holiday.

all the difference.

We can’t even describe

We know that to truly experience a country, you need to wander off the tourist trail occasionally. Our collection of private itineraries will provide you with experiences that a guidebook alone simply cannot offer. Whether you’re travelling with your partner, family, a group of friends or solo, connecting you with your destination’s heart is what we do best. Let us help you experience the country you visit as an insider!

PRIVATE ITINERARIES Each of our unique, private itineraries are designed by our team of passionate travel experts. Every itinerary includes the must-see highlights and genuine experiences. From the moment your trip begins, our private itineraries provide a seamless travel experience. Our tour programs will sometimes take you off the tourist trail while ensuring you don’t miss any of the essential places. With plenty of free time and the services of knowledgeable local guides in each destination, you’ll really feel like an insider.

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Thank you for giving us

INSIDER JOURNEYS

the experience we had in Bhutan and Nepal. We’ve never seen anything like that before and this was easily the best holiday of our lives! Mark & Kristin, Melbourne, Australia

OFF THE BEATEN PATH An unforgettable experience starts with the unexpected. We’ll make sure you see the most popular highlights of our destinations... but then we’ll show you the places you wouldn’t find on your own, and each country is full of these hidden treasures. From conversations with local families, feasting in street food stalls, and shopping in hidden local markets, we’ll make sure you go home with amazing memories.

It is impossible to choose one highlight as we enjoyed everything so much. This was our fourth tour with Insider Journeys and we will have no hesitation in recommending the company to all our family and friends. Anne & Bruce, New Zealand

LOCAL EXPERTS

SAFE AND RELIABLE For more than 25 years, Insider Journeys has been safely and reliably sharing the beauty of the world with travellers. We are the only Tour Operator with our own offices in several countries throughout Asia for example. Our local partners live and work in the destinations we serve, bringing you the perfect combination of local authenticity while still providing the high level of service and support you expect.

Your local guides are one of the most important elements of your trip. They are the people you see the most, the person who answers your questions, the person who helps to shape your impression of a destination. In recognition of this important relationship, our guides are truly passionate, local experts who are carefully selected and trained to look out for you, to share the history and knowledge that only a local can provide, and to expect the unexpected. Many of our guides have worked with us for years, and feel like a part of our family, just as they will soon feel like a part of yours.

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BESPOKE ACCOMMODATION A quality hotel is an essential element of an enjoyable holiday. We offer an extensive range of accommodation options and experiences, so you can customise your vacation. Our hotels have been handpicked for charm, comfort, location and to provide you with an insight into the region. From the forts and palaces to beach resorts, we have accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

INDEPENDENCE AND FLEXIBILITY An ideal tour is a balance of activity and relaxation. We know sometimes you want to explore on your own, eat on your own, or relax on your own. We can include moments of leisure without any scheduled activities, where you have the freedom to be spontaneous, to choose your own meals, to choose your own experiences, and to enjoy your holiday as you see fit.

Our guides were really good at making the history of India come alive. You could tell that they obviously love their country, and this comes across. We would definitely use Insider Journeys again. Henry & Lisa, Wellington, New Zealand

GETTING AROUND We don’t do ‘bus tours’… we do Small Group Journeys. Whether it’s a tuktuk, jeep safari, or bullet train, you’ll get a local experience when it provides the best sightseeing or transport opportunity. Otherwise, road journeys are in our comfortable air-conditioned vehicles. We keep it small and never use large coaches.

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INSIDER JOURNEYS | Small Group Journeys

TAILOR-MADE FOR YOU You can use our Small Group Journey itineraries as inspiration, or you can create your own completely customised holiday. Either way, you will get a tailor-made holiday where you take control of your experience and we create a holiday exactly the way you want.

I just returned from Sri Lanka and wished to say how much I enjoyed this trip! It was the first time I had used Insider Journeys and I was very impressed with the level of organisation, quality of the hotels, tour guides, vans, cyclos, etc. It was a truly memorable 12 days and thank you to the Insider Journeys team for organising it. Debbie, Wagga Wagga, Australia

For guests who prefer to travel with others, we offer our popular Small SMALL Group Journeys. We limit these groups GROUP to a maximum of 16 people (and JOURNEYS only 12 in Japan) so you can enjoy a personalised, authentic experience. Smaller groups ensure more time with your local expert, more time to make new friends, less time waiting, and more time for you to enjoy the amazing destinations throughout your journey. Whether you’re gathering your family for a reunion, your friends for a dream PRIVATE wedding, or your co-workers for a GROUPS rewards trip, let us design the perfect custom itinerary for your group’s needs. Large groups come with large expectations, and our dedicated Groups department specializes in these unique requirements. We offer advice and support at all times, so you have peace of mind that we are here for your group.

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CUBA Cuba is in many ways a typical Caribbean island, by far the largest, but at the same time unique and different from all the other islands. Of course, you find here the white beaches and hidden islands, the exuberant tropical nature, the easy-going life style and joie-de-vivre of the inhabitants. Cuba also means Havana, a unique bucket-list city with colonial architecture, classic American vintage cars in the streets and a surprising nightlife. Beyond Havana, Cuba also has colonial cities like Trinidad or Remedios.

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INSIDER JOURNEYS

And what about the Cuban salsa, cocktails and cigars? People associate Cuba for Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution which is still present and is considered as the backbone of Cuban society. The US embargo against Cuba means that modern times and consumerism are not yet so pronounced. A unique destination at this moment in time which you need to see now before it all changes.

CUBA

COUNTRY Cuba is the largest island of the Caribbean with a full-length of 1250 km and between 50 and 250 km wide. Cuba has 11 million inhabitants, mostly living in cities like Havana. Cuba is a communist country since 1959 defying the nearby United States. The US has an embargo against Cuba and you will see very few tourists from there. Most visitors come from Canada and Europe, around 4 million per year. You will not find major brands and retail like in other western countries. Without McDonalds eateries and Gucci stores you will find this country surprisingly different and unique.

WEATHER Cuba has sunshine almost every day of the year. Winter (Nov-April) has day temperatures of 20-25 degrees Celsius and summer (May-October) of 25-30 degrees. The difference is the humidity. In the summer the air is a bit heavy and an occasional tropical shower in the late afternoon is possible and refreshing. In the winter air is mostly dry and it rains a lot less. For this reason, most come in this period. As part of the Caribbean in Cuba July till end November is hurricane season. But this is a matter of bad luck and many visitors do come in the summer period. WINTER

SUMMER

HAVANA

TRINIDAD

SANTIAGO

HIGHLIGHTS Whoever thinks of Cuba also thinks of white beaches dotted with palm trees. Varadero is a popular destination, easily accessible by bridge roads from the main land. Cuba offers rich and green landscapes with many nature parks all over its extensive territory, most of them in mountainous areas. A tropical jungle is easily accessible by wellmaintained trails and always with the option of a local nature guides’ assistance. The trails usually end at a fresh waterfall where you can swim in. Cuba is home to many endemic birds, and is a paradise for birdwatcherss.

PEOPLE Cuban people are hospitable and very social. They feel no barriers in between each other and total strangers talking to one another in the street as they were life-long friends is very normal. Cuba is still a developing country but people think collectively when carrying this burden. Cubans have a positive attitude towards life and are very careful with their appearance. They enjoy life with a passion for music, dance, rum, humor and romance. And they strongly believe you will visit the island to share these feelings with them.

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CUBA

HIGHLIGHTS

HAVANA In 2019 Havana celebrated its 500 years and the layers of history are everywhere: The colonial architecture of Old Havana, the grandeur of the waterfront Malecon of the beginning of the 20th Century, the pompous Revolution Square of the socialist era.gI

CLASSIC AMERICAN VINTAGE CARS Cuba is famous for the presence of American vintage cars. Seen everywhere on the streets, they are used as collective taxis by the locals. Take a ride in one of the convertibles and cruise along the Havana Malecon just like a local. s

CUBAN CIGARS In the months of December to April, you can visit tobacco plantations and watch the farmers work their fields. We recommend a visit to a cigar factory and try a long Churchill cigar.

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RUM AND COCKTAILS Cuba is the birth place of many cocktails like mojito, daiquiri, and rum coke. Rum being the common denominator and added to other spirits. There are numerous bars and terraces to try these cocktails.the

vibrant city indulges all the senses with an abundance

COLONIAL CITIES Cuba has many historic cities dating back from the colonial times. Trinidad is a must-see but also Remedios is a real beauty. The historic centers are preserved and restored. Many of them are on the UNESCO list of Patrimony of Mankind.you wander through the

colourful spice market. Take in the stunning sights of the historic Red Fort.

VARADERO Varadero is one of the world’s best beaches. It is a narrow peninsula 20 km long on the north coast. One side has great beaches and here you find all-inclusive hotels in all categories. There is a center with local nightlife, several marinas and a dolphin center.

INSIDER JOURNEYS

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CUBA TOURS

ENJOY THE ESSENTIALS OF CUBA

Day 1 ARRIVAL in HAVANA Arrive in the afternoon in Havana, welcomed by your local English-speaking guide. We drive 30 minutes to your hotel and check in the lodging of your choice. Evening at leisure to relax.

Day 2 HAVANA VISITS in STYLE

HIGHLIGHTS ●

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A 10 days tour to visit the essence of Cuba with Havana, Viñales, Trinidad and Varadero beach. Great local experiences like driving in a convertible classic American vintage, visiting tobacco farmers, swimming in a waterfall, sleeping in the house of a local, driving in a bike-taxi. Tour to enjoy with nice surprising meals, lots of life music and time at the beach.

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Your guide will pick you up at the hotel for your city tour. Experience Havana while riding a classic American vintage car with open roof. Drive through the areas of Miramar with a stop at Mahatma Ghandi Park, drive through the areas of Miramar with a stop at Mahatma Ghandi Park, through Vedado with a stop at the Plaza de la Revolucion and going through the Paseo and Presidentes boulevards. You drive along Havana Malecon to the view point over the city from Morro Castle. Enjoy lunch at the Hemingway restaurant Bodeguita del Medio. Try the Cuban creole cuisine of rice and black beans served with pork, fresh vegetables and potatoes. The meal includes a mojito cocktail which was invented in this place. There is band playing life traditional Cuban Music. In the afternoon take a walk with the guide in Old Havana along colonial streets and squares. You stop at the Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja and Plaza San Francisco. Evening at leisure. (B – L)

Day 3 VIÑALES and the TOBACCO Drive to the area of Viñales, a very beautiful

rural area where the best tobacco in the world grows, then visit a cigar factory in the city of Pinar del Rio. Afterwards, visit the view point over the valley from Jasmines hotel. Proceed to a tobacco farm and learn about the process that is done in the fields to produce to the perfect tobacco. You visit the Mural of the Prehistory. In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Viñales. Return in the afternoon (6 hours’ drive). Dinner tonight is at hotel Nacional de Cuba in the stately gourmet restaurant Comedor de Aguiar. Afterwards, you enjoy the Carribbean show at the Parisien Cabaret in the hotel. (B – D)

Day 4 The INTERIOR of CUBA with CIENFUEGOS and TRINIDAD You leave Havana today and drive to the city of Cienfuegos. Here you visit the historic center of this colonial town founded by French colonists. Marvel at the Parque Marti with the cathedral and the Theatre Terry, a traditional 19th century theatre building. You visit the area of Punta Gorda with nice buildings of the turn of the century (19th to 20th Century) like Palacio Valle. In the afternoon you head to Trinidad. On arrival, stroll through the amazing Old Center passing by colonial squares like Plaza Mayor and the small cobbled stoned streets. Spend the night in the lodging of your choice within the historic city center. Dinner at the hotel. (B – D)

* P rices are per person twin share based on low season and will vary depending on date of travel, unless otherwise stated. Pricing does not include INSIDER JOURNEYS · 13 airfare from Australia. Please contact us for an air-inclusive quote. Refer to our booking conditions for full pricing and payment information. For more information call 1300 365 355, visit insiderjourneys.com.au or see your travel agent..

CUBA TOURS

12 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM $ 2,742* PER PERSON

Day 5 The MOUNTAIN area and beautiful WATERFALLS You head off with your guide into the mountains of the Escambray in the back of Trinidad. From Topes de Collantes mirador you have a wonderful view over the mountains and even the lowlands towards the sea. You will be hiking a trail through a lush forest that takes you to a natural waterfall. You can swim in the falls and its natural pools. You visit the local museum about coffee production in the mountains. In the afternoon you drive back to Trinidad and can continue to the beach area where you can see the Carribbean coastline and beach with its beautiful turquoise tranquil waters. You can take another swim but now in the sea. Dinner at a local paladar with a seafood menu. Visit a music venue like Casa de la Musica and Casa de la Trova with live performances of the famous traditional Cuban music known as Buenavista Social Club. (B – D)

Day 6 COLONIAL CITIES like SANCTI SPIRITUS and CAMAGUEY You depart to the Valley of the Ingenios, a beautiful valley where the sugar industry flourished in the 19th Century. You visit the historic Hacienda Manaca Iznaga. You continue to Sancti Spiritus and enjoy a visit of the historic center. In the afternoon you drive to Camaguey. On arrival you have a tour of this colonial town by local bici taxis. Overnight is in a colonial boutique hotel in

the center like Santa Maria or Sevillano or similar (Hotel Encanto Camaguey). Dinner is at the hotel. (B – D)

Day 7 CHE GUEVARA and RELAX in VARADERO You drive to Santa Clara, back to the center of Cuba. Here you visit the mausoleum and museum of Che Guevara, hero of the Cuban Revolution. Your last stretch now is to Varadero, the well-known beach resort of the Caribbean. The guide ends his services here. Overnight in a Varadero hotel right at the Varadero beach with an international brand like Melia and Iberostar. This is an allinclusive resort (meals and drinks included). (B – All Inclusive)

Day 8 – 9 RELAX at the VARADERO ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH RESORT Days of enjoying the all-inclusive beach resort. (All-inclusive)

Day 10 DEPARTURE DAY Enjoy the all-inclusive services until your departure transfer to Havana airport for your flight out. (All-inclusive)

10 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 1,774* PER PERSON Includes • 9 nights in the hotel accommodation according to the chosen category • (6 nights with breakfast, 3 nights all-inclusive) • Transport in air-conditioned vehicle • Private Touring • Local English-speaking guide • Entrance Fees (except camera fees) • Return airport transfers to accommodation • Meals as indicated (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner) INSIDER JOURNEYS

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CUBA TOURS

FULL CUBA TOUR ...

Day 2 HAVANA in STYLE Tour the city while riding a classic convertible American vintage car through the areas of Miramar, Vedado and to Morro Castle.

HIGHLIGHTS ●

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A 15 days tour to visit the whole of Cuba of Cuba from Havana till Santiago. All Cuban experiences like driving in a convertible classic American vintage, visiting tobacco farmers, nature hikes, life Cuban music, colonial city centers … Most complete tour of driving the whole island up and down and visit major sites but also hidden away treasures.

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Enjoy lunch in Old Havana with the Cuban creole cuisine of rice and black beans served with pork, fresh vegetables and potatoes, including life traditional Cuban music. You walk in Old Havana along colonial streets and squares, like the Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja and Plaza San Francisco. (B – L)

Day 3 HEMINGWAY DAY Visit Cojimar, a small fishing village which was the setting of Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”. You visit Finca Vigia, the house of Hemingway, now a museum. In Old Havana you walk along the Hemingway hangouts like Floridita and Ambos Mundos. You have lunch and a refreshing mojito at the Hemingway restaurant Bodeguita del Medio. Afternoon and evening at leisure in Old Havana. (B – L)

Day 4 The ROSARIO Mountains You leave Havana and you visit the Nature Park Las Terrazas in the Sierra del Rosario. You visit the local community, a coffee plantation and the falls of the river San Juan.

You continue to Viñales, the tobacco growing area of Viñales. Overnight in Viñales. Dinner is at restaurant Finca Paraiso with organic farm food. (B – D)

Day 5 WALK in the VALLEY meeting the TOBACCO FARMERS You walk in the valley and visit local tobacco farmers. You see mogotes everywhere, nature and agriculture. Lunch is included with tasty products from the land. You drive back to Havana. Overnight again in Havana. (B – L)

Day 6 BAY of PIGS and CIENFUEGOS We start with the Bay of Pigs, the scene of the famous battle between the young revolutionaries of Fidel Castro and the US. Now it is a nature park with a coastline full of snorkeling spots and birdwatching trails. You can snorkel here or do a short trail. You drive to the city of Cienfuegos to visit the historic center of this colonial town founded by French colonists. Marvel at the Parque Marti with the Cathedral, the Theatre Terry, the area of Punta Gorda with nice buildings like Palacio Valle. Overnight in Cienfuegos. Dinner tonight is at a bay side restaurant. (B – D)

Day 7 El NICHO You drive into the mountains towards the valley El Nicho. Hike along beautiful waterfalls, hidden in the lush forest. Head to Trinidad. Then head to Trinidad and take a walk in the Old Center. Overnight in the city center of Trinidad. Dinner at the lodging. (B – D)

CUBA

... ALL THE WAY TO SANTIAGO

TOURS

12 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM $ 2,742* PER PERSON

Day 8 CARIBBEAN SEA DAY You have a group excursion by boat on the Caribbean Sea with opportunities to snorkel and stop at an uninhabited island with nice beach and coconut trees. Lunch is included on board as well as drinks. Free evening in Trinidad to discover the night life with lots of live music. (B – L)

Day 9 Drive to the EAST of CUBA with BAYAMO You drive to the east of Cuba and visit the Valley of the Ingenios, where the sugar industry flourished in the 19th Century. Make a stop at the colonial city of Bayamo and continue to the biggest mountain chain of Cuba, the Sierra Maestra. You are lodged at the hotel Villa Santo Domingo including dinner. (B – D)

a boat trip to Granma island and have lunch there. You walk in Santiago city centre with a visit to the House of Velasquez, the Parque Cespedes and the Casa de la Trova. In the evening the guide takes you to the centre to enjoy some live music, as Santiago is the birth place of Cuban music. (B – L)

Day 12 CAMAGUEY We drive today to the colonial city Camaguey. You visit this colonial town by local bici taxis and by foot. Overnight is in a colonial boutique hotel in the centre like Santa Maria or similar. Dinner is at the hotel.(B – D)

Day 13 COLONIAL CITIES and BEACH

Overnight at the hotel of your choice category including dinner. (B – D)

You continue to Sancti Spiritus to visit the historic center. You drive to Santa Clara to visit the mausoleum of Che Guevara. You continue to Remedios, colonial town with a beautiful church. You take a road through the sea to the island Cayo Santa Maria. Here you relax with beach, pool and all drinks and meals included. Overnight in a resort hotel right at the beach with an international brand like Melia and Iberostar. This is an all-inclusive resort (meals and drinks included). (B – All Inclusive)

Day 11 SANTIAGO DE CUBA

Day 14 BEACH TIME

Today you have an extensive visit of Santiago area. You visit the Plaza de la Revolucion, the Cemetary Santa Ifigeneia with the tombs of Fidel Castro and José Martí, the pilgrimage site of the Virgin of the Copper, the Morro Castle. You do a boat trip to the island. Go on

Time at leisure. (All inclusive)

Day 10 FIDEL CASTRO REBEL CAMP You start the day with a hike to the guerilla camp of Fidel in the jungle. The cabins have been preserved and turned into a museum. You continue to Santiago de Cuba, biggest city in the east of Cuba.

Day 15 DEPARTURE Enjoy the all-inclusive services until your departure transfer to the airport. (All-inclusive)

15 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 3,145* PER PERSON Includes • 14 nights’ accommodation • (12 nights with breakfast, 2 nights all-inclusive) • Transport in air-conditioned vehicle • Private Touring • Local English-speaking guide • Entrance Fees (except camera fees) • Return airport transfers to accommodation • Meals as indicated (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)

INSIDER JOURNEYS

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CUBA

CULTURAL TOUR

COLONIAL SIGHTS AND PRESENT DAY ART

TOURS

Day 2 HAVANA VISITS in STYLE Explore Havana while riding a classic convertible American vintage car, through the areas of Miramar, Vedado and to Morro Castle. Enjoy lunch and a mojito cocktail at

HIGHLIGHTS ●

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8 days private tour in the center of Cuba with many colonial cities like Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus, Remedios and even more. Tour with private knowledgeable Englishspeaking driver-guide who knows all about Cuban culture, art and history. Overnights in colonial boutique hotels that are a visit worth on its own.

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the Bodeguita de Medio while listening to a live band playing tradtitional Cuban music. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk with your guide through Old Havana along colonial streets and squares. (B – L)

an Afro-Cuban show. The guide can take you to the Caribbean Sea for some beach time. Dinner at the lodging. (B – D)

Day 3 PRESENT DAY ARTS SCENES of HAVANA

You leave Trinidad and head to Remedios. You visit colonial Sancti Spiritus, and continue to Santa Clara to visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara. You continue to Remedios, with one of the most beautiful churches in the Caribbean. Overnight with dinner in one of the colonial boutique hotels in the center like Barcelona or Mascotte. (B – D)

Visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Havana with Cuban, Art to gain an impression of the creative powers of Cuban artists. Proceed to visit selected art projects within Havana. Lunch in the artistic Palader Atelier. Evening at leisure. (B – L)

Day 4 CIENFUEGOS, French city in Cuba Drive to the city of Cienfuegos and visit the historic center of this colonial town founded by French colonists. Overnight in Cienfuegos. Dinner at the seaside restaurant Villa Lagarto. (B – D)

Day 5 TRINIDAD, colonial pearl Drive to the colonial city of Trinidad, Patrimony of Humanity by Unesco. In the 18th and 19th Century this was a very prosperous city thanks to the sugarcane industry. Visit the valley of the Ingenios, the historic center of Trinidad including two museums. Overnight in the city center. Dinner in the city with the option to visit the historic center featuring live music performances. (B – D)

Day 6 TRINIDAD Visit the scale model of the city with a specialized guide. Go on a walking tour of the city, discover hidden corners and colonial treasures. Visit a local pottery workshop and

Day 7 SANTA CLARA and REMEDIOS

Day 8 SAGUA and MATANZAS You continue along the north coast with visits of the colonial cities of Sagua La Grande and Matanzas. The guide drops you off at the airport of Havana or in your extension hotel in Varadero. (B)

8 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 1,491* PER PERSON Includes • 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation • Transport in air-conditioned vehicle • Private Touring • Local English-speaking guide • Entrance Fees (except camera fees) • Return airport transfers to accommodation • Meals as indicated • (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)

CUBA

NATURE AND ACTIVE TOUR

Day 2 HAVANA VISITS by BIKE Go on a scenic bicycle tour through the areas of Miramar, Vedado and to Morro Castle. Enjoy lunch and a mojito cocktail at the Hemingway restaurant Bodeguita del Medio, while listening to a band playing live traditional Cuban Music. In the afternoon you walk with the guide in Old Havana along colonial streets and squares. You have a ride over the Havana Malecon in a classic American vintage car. (B – L)

Day 3 The ROSARIO Mountains You leave Havana and you visit the Nature Park Las Terrazas in the Sierra del Rosario. You visit the local community, a coffee plantation and the falls of the river San Juan. You do a canopy tour here. You continue to Viñales, the tobacco growing area of Viñales. Overnight in Viñales. Dinner is at restaurant Finca Paraiso with organic farm food. (B – D)

Day 4 HORSEBACK RIDING in the VALLEY meeting the TOBACCO FARMERS You go horseback riding in the valley and visit local tobacco farmers. You will see mogotes everywhere, nature and agriculture. Lunch is included with tasty products from the land. Overnight in Viñales. (B – D)

Day 5 SNORKELING at BAY of PIGS You drive to the Bay of Pigs nature park. You have time to do snorkeling in the Caribbean

Sea. Overnight with dinner at hotel Playa Larga. (B – D)

Day 6 KAYAK and TRINIDAD We have an excursion by kayak in the area of Bay of Pigs. We continue to Trinidad and visit the historic center. Overnight with dinner in a lodging in the centre. (B – D)

Day 7 The MOUNTAIN area and beautiful WATERFALLS After breakfast, you head off with your guide into the mountains of the Escambray in the back of Trinidad. You will be hiking a trail through a lush forest that takes you to a natural waterfall. You can swim in the falls and its natural pools. You drive back to Trinidad and can continue to the beach area. You can take another swim but now in the sea. In the evening you have dinner at a local paladar with a seafood menu. Visit a music venue like Casa de la Musica and Casa de la

TOURS

Trova with live performances of the famous traditional Cuban music known as Buenavista Social Club. (B – D)

Day 8 CHE GUEVARA Breakfast. You drive to Santa Clara, back to the center of Cuba. Here you visit the mausoleum and museum of Che Guevara, hero of the Cuban Revolution. Your last stretch now is to the airport or to your extension hotel in Varadero. (B)

HIGHLIGHTS ●

8 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 1703* PER PERSON Includes • • • • • •

7 nights 3 stars hotel accommodation Transport in air-conditioned vehicle Private Touring Local English-speaking guide Entrance Fees (except camera fees) Return airport transfers to accommodation • Meals as indicated (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)

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8 days private tour in the center and west of Cuba with great activities like cycling in Havana, horseback riding in Viñales, snorkeling and kayak in Bay of Pigs, hiking to waterfalls in Trinidad. Tour with a sportive driverguide who knows all about Cuban nature. Overnights in colonial homes of local people.

INSIDER JOURNEYS

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CUBA

WESTERN AND CENTRAL CUBA WITH COLLECTIVE TRANSPORTATION

TOURS

Day 1 Arrive in the afternoon in Havana, welcomed by your local English-speaking guide. We drive 30 minutes to your hotel and check in the lodging of your choice. Evening at leisure to relax.

Day 2 At 9 am your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a two-hour private tour of the city while riding a classic American vintage convertible (Plaza de la Revolucion, Malecon, View point over the city from Morro Castle).

HIGHLIGHTS ●

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8 days tour to see the essentials HavanaViñales-Trinidad moving around in a cost-effective way leaving lots of time for self-exploring. Overnights in local casas or homestays: great central location to do a lot on foot and enjoying Cuban hospitality. In a Havana you have a city tour by classic vintage car.

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Continue with a walking tour of the Old Town (Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Vieja). Tour ends around 1 pm. Our guide will visit you at the lodging with all information about the trip. (B)

Day 3 You have a collective transfer from Havana to Viñales with a service for international tourists (air-conditioned bus and Englishspeaking guide). They drop you off in the centre near your lodging in Viñales center. (B)

Day 4 Free time in Viñales with optional outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking, visiting tobacco farmers. (B)

Day 5 You have a collective transfer from Viñales to Trinidad with a service for international tourists (air-conditioned bus and English-

speaking guide). They drop you off in the centre near your lodging in Trinidad centre. (B)

Day 6 Free time in Trinidad with many cultural visits possible in the historic centre, hikes to waterfalls in the mountains behind Trinidad or just spend time at the Caribbean beach. (B)

Day 7 You have a collective transfer from Trinidad to Havana with a service for international tourists (air-conditioned bus and Englishspeaking guide). They drop you off in near your lodging in Havana. (B)

Day 8 Transfer to airport by taxi following your flight schedule.

8 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 470* PER PERSON Includes • 7 nights bed and breakfast

accommodation • T ransport in air-conditioned vehicle on collective basis • Private city tour in Havana • Assistance by Local English-speaking rep • Return airport transfers to accommodation • Meals as indicated (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)

CUBA

WESTERN AND CENTRAL CUBA

TOURS

WITH RENTAL CAR

Day 1 Arrive in the afternoon in Havana, welcomed by your local English-speaking guide. We drive 30 minutes to your hotel and check in the lodging of your choice. Evening at leisure to relax.

activities possible like horseback riding, hiking, visiting tobacco farmers. (B)

Day 6 You drive from Viñales to Trinidad You stay in Trinidad centre. (B)

Day 2

Day 7

At 9 am your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a two-hour private tour of the city while riding a classic American vintage convertible (Plaza de la Revolucion, Malecon, View point over the city from Morro Castle). Then guide does a walk in the Old Town pedestrian zone with the guests (Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Vieja). Tour ends around 1 pm. (B)

Free time in Trinidad with many cultural visits possible in the historic centre, hikes to waterfalls in the mountains behind Trinidad or just spend time at the Caribbean beach. (B)

Day 3 Free day in Havana with many cultural and fun visits to do. Our guide will visit you at the lodging with all information about the trip. At 5 PM you pick up an economic car with Cubacar (Geely CK, Renault Sandero or similar). Insurance is included but you must make a deposit (150 usd) to the rental car company as well as the full tank. You get an extensive road map. We suggest you download the app http://maps.me on your mobile with the maps of Cuba. It gives you road planner without internet access necessary.

Day 4 You drive from Havana to Viñales. You stay in Viñales. (B)

Day 5

Day 8 You drive from Trinidad to Havana airport or your extension hotel in Varadero. You turn in the car at the rental office and get the deposit back. You pay a drop off fee of 25 USD. (B)

HIGHLIGHTS ●

8 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 661* PER PERSON Includes • 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation • 5 days rental of an economic car insurance included (from leaving • Havana till end) • Private city tour in Havana • Assistance by Local English-speaking rep • Airport transfer to accommodation • Meals as indicated • (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner) • Possibility to upgrade lodging and rental car category

●

8 days tour to see the essentials HavanaViñales-Trinidad moving around in a rental car allowing lots of time for self-exploring. Accommodations in local casas or homestays: A great way to experience Cuban hospitality. Experience Havana through a city tour while riding a classic American vintage car.

Free time in Viñales with lots of ecological * P rices are per person twin share based on low season and will vary depending on date of travel, unless otherwise stated. Pricing does not include INSIDER JOURNEYS · 13 airfare from Australia. Please contact us for an air-inclusive quote. Refer to our booking conditions for full pricing and payment information. For more information call 1300 365 355, visit insiderjourneys.com.au or see your travel agent.

INSIDER JOURNEYS

· 19

CUBA TOURS

HAVANA AND VARADERO

DAY 4 Transfer to VARADERO You have a taxi to Varadero. Overnight in a Varadero hotel right at the Varadero beach with an international brand like Melia and Iberostar. This is an all-inclusive resort (meals and drinks included). (All Inclusive)

Day 5 – 7 RELAX at the ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH RESORT There is the pool, the beach, the sportive and fun animation program, bars and restaurants. Optional excursions: - Day on a catamaran including the experience of swimming with dolphins and spending time on a remote island beach with seafood lunch - Jeep safari to the backlands of Varadero (All-inclusive)

HIGHLIGHTS ●

●

Stay a few days in Old Havana, the colonial pearl and World Heritage Site. Havana is a city that never sleeps with a unique atmosphere that is about to change when the US market opens up. Add a few days with a Caribbean beach stay in Varadero at a luxury resort in all-inclusive plan: no worries, enjoy the sun, drinks and meals included, no extra resort fees.

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INSIDER JOURNEYS

Day 8 DEPARTURE day

Day 1 ARRIVAL in HAVANA

Enjoy the all-inclusive services until your departure transfer to the airport.

Arrive in the afternoon in Havana, welcomed by your local English-speaking guide. We drive 30 minutes to your hotel and check in the lodging of your choice. Evening at leisure to relax.

Day 2 HAVANA in STYLE Explore Havana while riding a classic convertible American vintage car, through the areas of Miramar, Vedado and to Morro Castle. You walk in Old Havana along colonial streets and squares. (B)

Day 3 DISCOVER HAVANA Free day to explore Havana: Try a salsa dance lesson at Casa del Son. Take the Hemingway Road with Finca Vigia house and Cojimar village. Enjoy the nightlife around the bars of the Old Town for some music and mojitos. (B)

8 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 668* PER PERSON Includes • 3 nights lodging with breakfast in Havana • Private city tour in Havana • 4 nights all-inclusive in a beach resort • Transfer between Havana and Varadero • Return Airport transfers to accommodation • Possibility to upgrade or downgrade lodging • Possibility to buy optional excursions

CUBA

BIRD WATCHING TOUR IN CUBA

Day 1 Arrival in Havana Arrive in the afternoon in Havana, welcomed by your local English-speaking guide. We drive 30 minutes to your hotel and check in the lodging of your choice. Evening at leisure to relax.

Day 2 At 9 am your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a 2-hour private tour in a classic American vintage convertible (Plaza de la Revolucion, Malecon, View point over the city from Morro Castle). Then guide does a walk in the Old Town pedestrian zone with the guests (Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco, Plaza Vieja). Tour ends around 1 pm. Afternoon at leisure in the Old Town. (B)

Day 3 We head off to the western part of Cuba. We do a visit to the nature park Las Terrazas. Here we do a hike to do some birdwatching for the Cuban grassquit or the green woodpecker. We continue to the area of San Diego de los Baños where we overnight in a local hotel. (B – snack lunch – D)

Day 4 We go to the nature park La Guira, a paradise for spotting birds like the giant kingbird, the Cuban trogon and the Cuban tody. We have a full day to visit Guira park and the nearby Cueva de los Portales area. Overnight in San Diego de los Baños. (B – snack lunch – D)

Day 5 Today we drive to the area of the Zapata Peninsula or Bay of Pigs (4 hours driving). On arrival we give time free to enjoy a bit the

beach or go snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea. Overnight in the local Playa Larga hotel. (B – snack lunch – D)

Day 6 We have a full day of visits to the local area to do bird spotting. We begin the day with the Salinas Park with an extensive area of swamps, ideal for spotting Zapata wren birds and Zapata sparrows. Possibly also flamingos. In the afternoon we do the Bermejas trail for spotting quail-doves and blackbirds. See the sunset at your hotel beach. (B – snack lunch – D)

Day 7 Another day in the Zapata area to visit the Santo Thomas Park. Here we hope to find the smallest bird on earth, the Cuban zunzun hummingbird. We’ll do a boat trip on the Hatiguanico river in order to find

TOURS

Gundlach hawks and other birds preying on fish. Tonight, we’ll do a night walk to spot the Stygian owl and the Cuban nightjar. (B – snack lunch – D)

Day 8 We drive back to Havana. If time permits, we allot some free time in the City of Havana for further exploring and the last shopping. (B)

HIGHLIGHTS ●

8 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 1,615* PER PERSON Includes • 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation (5 nights Including dinner as well) • Transport in air-conditioned vehicle • Private Touring • Local English-speaking guide • Entrance Fees to the parks • Return airport transfers to accommodation • Meals as indicated (B= breakfast, L= (snack) lunch, D= dinner)

●

8 days private tour in the center and west of Cuba with visits to national parks to do birdwatching in a variety of natural settings. Private tour with a knowledgeable Englishspeaking driver-guide who knows all about birds. In some parks we add a local guide to help you spot the most hidden birds.

INSIDER JOURNEYS

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CUBA

DIVING EXPERIENCE IN CUBA

TOURS

Day 1 Arrival in Havana. Arrive in the afternoon in Havana, welcomed by your local English-speaking guide. We drive 30 minutes to your hotel and check in the lodging of your choice. Evening at leisure to relax.

HIGHLIGHTS ●

●

8 days tour in a self-drive rental car with a visit to Havana and then off to the 2 best diving spots of Cuba. Time to explore the underwater world of Maria La Gorda, the most western tip of Cuba, and of the Bay of Pigs: corals, tropical fish and sunken boats, all in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Walk through the Old Town’s pedestrian zone. Afternoon at leisure. Our rep visits you at your hotel to provide you with all the information about the trip. At 5 PM you pick up a medium car with Cubacar (Peugeot 301 or similar). Insurance is included but a deposit (200 usd) you pay to the rental car company as well as the full tank. We suggest you download the app http://maps.me on your mobile with the maps of Cuba. It gives you road planner without internet access necessary.

Day 6

Day 3

You drive from Playa Giron to Havana airport or your extension hotel in Varadero. You return the car at the rental office and get the deposit back. You pay a drop off fee of 25 USD.

You drive to the most western part of Cuba, the Peninsula of Guanahacabibes (4 hours). There are many things to visit on the way like the nature parks in the Sierra del Rosario and the tobacco fields of Vuelta Abajo. Overnight in a 3 star beach lodge Maria la Gorda. There might be time left to take a swim in the sea. The beach is just gorgeous.

Day 4 We have arranged a morning and afternoon dive for you. (2 dives including boat trip). Overnight in Maria La Gorda.

Day 5 Today you have a long drive to the central part of Cuba at the south coast (7 hours): the Zapata Peninsula or Bay of Pigs area. On arrival you can enjoy a bit the beach or go snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea. Overnight in the local Playa Giron hotel. This beach hotel is all-inclusive (all meals and drinks included).

We have arranged a morning and afternoon dive for you and we selected spots like the Punta Perdiz and Cueva de los Peces. Overnight in all-inclusive in Playa Giron.

Day 7 We have arranged a morning and afternoon dive for you and we selected spots like the Playa Giron and Caleta Buena. Overnight in all-inclusive in Playa Giron.

Day 8

9 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 1,110* PER PERSON Includes • 7 nights accommodation with breakfast • 6 days rental of a medium car insurance included (from leaving Havana until the end of the tour) • Private city tour in Havana • 6 dives (tank and assistance) • Assistance by Local English-speaking rep • Airport transfer to accommodation

All diving here in the area is straight from the shore. 22 ·

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CUBA KUBA

A LONG WEEKEND DIVE INTO HAVANA XXXXX

Day 1 ARRIVAL in HAVANA

Day 4 HAVANA till the end

Welcome by your guide. Check-in at the historic boutique Hotel Sevilla, located in Old Havana. Evening at leisure.

Enjoy Havana and transfer to the airport.

Day 2 HAVANA in STYLE Explore Havana while riding a classic American vintage convertible and visit the areas of Miramar, Vedado and to Morro Castle. You walk in Old Havana along colonial streets and squares, like the Plaza de la Catedral, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja and Plaza San Francisco. (B)

Day 3 DISCOVER HAVANA Free day to explore Havana: Try a salsa dance lesson at Casa del Son. Take the Hemingway Road with his Finca Vigia house, Cojimar village. Enjoy the nightlife around the bars of the Old Town for some music and mojitos. (B)

4 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 226* PER PERSON

TOURS

HIGHLIGHTS ●

Includes • 3 nights lodging with breakfast in a 4 star Old Havana hotel • Private city tour in Havana • Assistance by Local English-speaking rep • Return Airport transfers to accommodation • Meals as indicated • (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner) • Possibility to upgrade or downgrade lodging

Stay a few days in Old Havana, the colonial pearl and Unesco Heritage Site. Havana is a must see, a city that never sleeps with a unique atmosphere that is about to change when the US market opens up. Don’t be too late to miss it.

CUBA

A WEEK ALL-INCLUSIVE IN VARADERO

TOURS

HIGHLIGHTS ●

Day 1 ARRIVAL Our rep awaits you and guarantees your taxi to your hotel. Check-in a 5 star hotel right at the Varadero beach with an international brand like Melia and Iberostar. This is an all-inclusive hotel (all meals and drinks included). (All Inclusive)

Day 2 – 7 RELAX at the ALL-INCLUSIVE BEACH RESORT

- Tour to Havana - Day on a catamaran including the experience of swimming with dolphins and spending time on a remote island beach. Includes a seafood lunch. - Jeep safari to the backlands of Varadero.

Day 8 DEPARTURE day Enjoy the all-inclusive until departure transfer to Havana airport for your flight out.

There is the pool, the beach, the sportive and fun animation program, bars and restaurants. Optional excursions:

Caribbean beach stay at its best with a week at a luxury resort in all-inclusive plan: no worries, enjoy the sun, drinks and meals included, no extra resort fees.

8 DAY PRIVATE ITINERARY FROM £ 700* PER PERSON Includes • 7 nights lodging all-inclusive in a 5 star beach resort • Return Airport transfers to accommodation • All drinks and meals included in the hotel • Possibility to upgrade or downgrade lodging • Possibility to buy optional excursions INSIDER JOURNEYS

· 23

CUBA

EXCURSIONS

INSIDER EXCURSIONS HAVANA | Viñales day excursion Full Day / Collective Tour This full day bus tour takes you to the tobacco growing and ecological area of Viñales. You visit a cigar factory or a tobacco farmer (depending on season). You see the valley from the Jazmines view point and you visit the village and have lunch in natural surroundings.

£ 79* PER PERSON HAVANA | Hemingway tour with classic vintage car Half Day / Private Tour Ride in a classic American vintage car and visit Cojimar, a small fishing village that was the setting of Ernest Hemingway’s classic “The Old Man and the Sea”. You visit Finca Vigía, the house of Hemingway. You walk along the Hemingway hangouts like Floridita and Ambos Mundos. Enjoy lunch and a glass of mojito at the Hemingway Restaurant Bodeguita del Medio.

HAVANA | Arts Tour Half Day / Private Tour Visit the Museum of Fine Arts of Havana with Cuban Art. See the creative power of Cuba’s artists. We visit a few projects around presentday art in Havana like Fusterlandia and Callejon de Hamel.

£ 106* PER PERSON

£ 127* PER PERSON VIÑALES | Buggy Tour Half Day / Collective Tour Tour with open buggies (selfdrive if requested) through the valley of Viñales, going off-road, visiting tobacco farmers. You see the famous mogotes everywhere, lots of nature, and local people in their daily life, in parts of the valley where few visitors venture.

£ 122* PER PERSON

HAVANA | Tropicana show

VIÑALES | Horseback riding in the valley

Evening visit to the world-famous Tropicana show. The stage is in open air. Enjoy the live music and a cast of more than 100 dancers and singers in the most incredible costumes. On the table are rum and cola to make your own Cuba Libre. This is show time.

Half Day You go horseback riding in the valley and visit local tobacco farmers. You will see mogotes, nature and agriculture everywhere. You go swimming in a cave. The excursion is accompanied by a local guide.

£ 90* PER PERSON

£ 32* PER PERSON

(preferential seating, transfers not included)

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INSIDER JOURNEYS

* P rices are per person twin share based on low season and will vary depending on date of travel, unless otherwise stated. Pricing does not include airfare from Australia. Please contact us for an air-inclusive quote. Refer to our booking conditions for full pricing and payment information. For more information call 1300 365 355, visit insiderjourneys.com.au or see your travel agent.

INSIDER EXCURSIONS VARADERO | Catamaran excursion including swimming with dolphins

CUBA

EXCURSIONS VARADERO | Havana City Tour

Full Day / Private Tour Full day tour on private basis to visit the main highlights of Havana. On arrival you have a panoramic tour over the Malecon, through the areas of Vedado, Miramar and Centro Havana. You stop at the Plaza de la Revolucion. You visit the colonial Old Havana Quarter. Lunch included.

Full day / Collective Tour You board a catamaran for a day trip into the sea. On board all drinks are included. The first stop is at a dolphin centre. Here guests will go in the water with the dolphins. You continue to a reef where snorkelling equipment is given. Then at a remote island a seafood lunch is served and there is free time at the beach before sailing back to Varadero.

£ 132* PER PERSON

£ 115* PER PERSON

VARADERO | Jeep safari Rio Canimar Full day / Collective Tour Full day safari in jeeps with option of selfdrive through the backlands of Varadero. It includes stops like a place for snorkeling in the sea, a speed boat tour on the River Canimar, a visit to the Saturno Cave, the city of Matanzas. Lunch is included at the ecological park La Dionisia.

£ 86* PER PERSON VARADERO | Bay of Pigs safari Full Day / Collective Tour Full day safari in jeeps with option of self-drive to the Bay of Pigs in the southern Caribbean Sea. You visit the fauna and flora of this huge nature park with the crocodile farm and some bird watching in the bushes. You have time for snorkeling and lunch is included at a seaside restaurant.

£ 116* PER PERSON

TRINIDAD | Caribbean Sea Day Full Day from the marina / Collective Tour You have a group excursion by boat on the Caribbean Sea with opportunities to snorkel. You stop at an uninhabited island with nice beach and coconut trees. A seafood lunch is included on board as well as drinks.

£ 74* PER PERSON

CIENFUEGOS | Kayak Tour Half Day / Collective Tour Half day excursion with kayak (self-pedaling) on the lagoon Guanaroca and the entrance of the Bay of Cienfuegos. The lagoon is a nature park full of birds like flamingos. You cross the entrance of the bay and visit the Jagua colonial Castle and the small fishing community.

£ 69* PER PERSON * P rices are per person twin share based on low season and will vary depending on date of travel, unless otherwise stated. Pricing does not include airfare from Australia. Please contact us for an air-inclusive quote. Refer to our booking conditions for full pricing and payment information. For more information call 1300 365 355, visit insiderjourneys.com.au or see your travel agent.

INSIDER JOURNEYS

· 25

CUBA

INSIDER HOTELS

HOTELS

HAVANA | HOTEL NACIONAL DE CUBA 

Here history breaths in every corner. It is like a museum hotel where many famous persons have stayed since its opening in 1930. The style is definitely vintage but the hotel has many facilities like restaurants, bars, gardens, pools, fitness and meeting spaces. The hotel is right at the Havana Malecon in the lively area of Vedado. It is always crowded with guests and just passer-by visitors. Staying here is like really being in Havana. FROM

£ 90* PER PERSON

A very common modality to overnight in Cuba is to stay in the house of a local. Usually they are special houses like with colonial architecture and in the city center. Rooms have private bathroom and air-conditioning. Location is great and you enjoy some local Cuban hospitality with even a home prepaired breakfast included. Many people love it and the personal touch is a distraction from the hotels that are all state owned. Try it out in places like Viñales or Trinidad. You won’t be disappointed.

Bed and Breakfast

Hotel Sevilla is an historic hotel located beautifully in the Old Havana Quarter. It is also one of the few in the area to have a pool. The decoration is the eclectic style of the turn-of-the-century. The lobby has a cozy patio bar and a well-visited shopping gallery. Location is great just next to the Museum of Fine Arts. You are only a few steps away from the Old Havana pedestrian zone with many bars and restaurants.

FROM

£ 80* PER PERSON

HAVANA | HOTEL SEVILLA 

FROM

Bed and Breakfast

VIÑALES | LOS JAZMINES HOTEL 

CUBA | CASAS OR HOMESTAY 

£ 36* PER PERSON

Bed and Breakfast

VARADERO | MELIA PENINSULA VARADERO ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT 

Melia Peninsula Varadero is a typical Caribbean beach resort. The rooms are in max 3 floor high buildings spread around in the garden full of tropical plants and trees. There are several pools, bars and restaurants. There is an active animation program for all ages. The hotel is all-inclusive so all meals and drinks are included. And then there is the beach, don’t forget to check the beach! FROM

£ 82* PER PERSON

All inclusive

Hotel Jazmines is a 3 stars hotel with beautiful location on a hill overlooking the valley of Viñales. If you see a picture of this valley be sure it has been taken from this hotel. The hotel has a pool, restaurant, bar and even medical service. It is at 5 km from the center of the village but there are a few restaurants near the hotel that also have this great view. Try it with sunset. FROM

£ 56* PER PERSON

Bed and Breakfast

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INSIDER JOURNEYS

Cuba has in Old Havana, and also in many other city centers, colonial boutique hotels. They are historic buildings that have been repaired and turned into hotels for international tourism. Rooms have antique-like furniture, private bathroom and air-conditioning. Breakfast is always included. Location of the hotels is always very central in the middle of the historic touristic area. FROM

£ 67 PER PERSON

CUBA | COLONIAL BOUTIQUE CITY HOTELS 

Bed and Breakfast

* P rices are per person twin share based on low season and will vary depending on date of travel, unless otherwise stated. Please contact us for an airinclusive quote. Refer to our booking conditions for full pricing and payment information. For more information call 1300 365 355, visit insiderjourneys. com.au or see your travel agent.

INDIA CUBA

INSIDER HOTELS For the lovers of boutique and out of the ordinary lodgings Villa Teresa is the choice. It is a historic mansion on the top of a hill in a non-touristic residential zone turned into a small boutique hotel. Furniture, architecture, decoration, all breathes the atmosphere of bygone times. Service is guaranteed by Silvio, the owner. The hotel has areas like a restaurant, sitting salon, swimming pool and view point over the city from the roof mirador.

HAVANA | VILLA TERESA 

FROM

HOTELS

HAVANA | SO/ PASEO DEL PRADO 

£ 40* PER PERSON

Bed and Breakfast

The hotel Parque Central is a comfortable stay right in the Old Town of Havana. The hotel has bars, restaurant, SPA and pools. Rooms are in different styles from modern to colonial. Location is very important as from here you walk straight into the Old Town. The hotel is managed by the Spanish chain Iberostar. FROM

£ 124* PER PERSON

HAVANA | IBEROSTAR PARQUE CENTRAL 

Room only

VARADERO | PARADISUS PRINCESA DEL MAR 

Paradisus Princesa del Mar is a highend beach resort. There are several pools, bars and restaurants and a garden full of tropical plants and trees. It is an adults-only resort. The animation program is not invasive as it is all about class and privacy here. The hotel is all-inclusive covering all meals and drinks. The hotel has 2 sections: a standard one with all the rooms junior suites and then a very exclusive royal service part. FROM

This is the latest opening in Havana: a superb hotel managed by the international Accor chain with their top brand SO/. The building is entirely new, the style is modernist and neat. Inside the hotel looks like a cruise ship and it is also located right at the waterfront, on the corner of Malecon and Paseo Boulevard. This is Old Havana at its best with amazing views. The hotel has a swimming pool, SPA, bars, restaurants, shopping gallery and a wonderful view point. FROM

£ 156* PER PERSON

Bed and Breakfast

TRINIDAD | IBEROSTAR TRINIDAD 

£ 127* PER PERSON

All inclusive

La Casona is a hacienda turned into a nice boutique hotel of 8 rooms. Though the pedestrian zone of Trinidad is only 10 minutes away on foot you are here in a green area with views over hills and pastures. The ambience is rural but with a definite touch of quality. For lovers of horse-back riding this is the place as they have some of the best breeding horses in the area. FROM

£ 71* PER PERSON

TRINIDAD | HACIENDA LA CASONA 

Room only

Top hotel of Trinidad in boutique style managed by the Spanish chain Iberostar. The hotel is located at walking distance of the old quarter pedestrian zone. It is in front of the municipal park in a spacious area. FROM

€ 109* PER PERSON

Room only

INSIDER JOURNEYS

· 27

TERMS AND CONDITIONS BOOKING CONDITIONS Please read these conditions carefully as they set out the basis upon which we accept all bookings. We reserve the right to amend our booking conditions from time to time. Please check with your travel consultant for our up to date booking conditions, which are also available on insiderjourneys.com.au before making a booking.

BROCHURE VALIDITY Brochure was printed in January 2021 and is valid until 31 December 2021 and should be used only as a guide in relation to other dates. Exchange rates used when pricing this brochure are as at 05 January 2021. Please note that the content in this brochure is based on information supplied by Third Party Travel Providers and is subject to alteration with or without notice. Please check with your travel consultant about up to date prices, availability and information before making a booking.

RESPONSIBILITY 1. Insider Journeys acts as an agent for the Suppliers (transport, tour, event or accommodation providers) who provide the various goods and/or services (Products). All bookings are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by each Supplier. It is therefore important for you to obtain and read the applicable Supplier’s terms and conditions as they may limit or exclude their liability to you. In producing this brochure, we have used information provided by Suppliers. Irrespective of any measures taken by us to ensure the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing, Insider Journeys disclaims and will be exempt from liability in respect of anything misleading, false, incomplete or inaccurate and any errors, inaccurate description and all associated disappointment, loss, expense, damage, inconvenience, delay, death, shock, illness or injury, however caused. Insider Journeys does not control the manner in which Products featured within this brochure are provided. Insider Journeys disclaims and will be exempt from liability for anything to do with the supply of such Products. This includes liability (whether as a matter of contract, tort, statute, restitution, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss, liability, claim, cost, expense, proceeding, demand, penalty, disappointment, death, injury, illness, shock, inconvenience or delay. This limitation of liability also applies irrespective of the cause, including negligence of us or a Supplier, withdrawal, cancellation or failure to provide a Product, delay, any variation in the Product, the provision of substitute Products or a change in the Supplier. Without limitation, Insider Journeys will not be responsible if the Product is not available due to inclement weather conditions or other acts of God, civil disturbances, fire, floods, acts of Government or any other authorities, accident to or failure of machinery or equipment or industrial action.

PRICES FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS 2. All pricing is reflected in Australian Dollars unless otherwise specifically denoted and is valid at time of publication but is subject to change. ‘From’ prices represent land only and low season twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated). Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government levies and airport taxes as at the date of publication. Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only. Private Travel and Asia River Cruising prices are valid for travel during low season and will vary depending on date of travel. We will use our

28 ·

INSIDER JOURNEYS

reasonable efforts to notify you of changes in prices. The Third-Party Travel Provider may be required to impose surcharges depending on currency fluctuations, surcharges or other variables outside of its control. You acknowledge and agree that you shall be responsible for the prompt payment of all surcharges and price increases. A fee will apply for payments made by debit and credit cards. Please check this fee with us or your travel consultant when booking.

MINIMUM BOOKING REQUIREMENT & SERVICE FEES 3. The following minimum booking requirement and service fees will apply to a booking: • A service fee of A$35 per booking will be charged for train and internal Asia sectors booked without other land arrangements (excludes Japan); • To book international airfares and products not contracted there is a minimum requirement of 4 nights’ accommodation; • Ticket delivery fees may be charged if a flight or train is the first service in a booking.

DEPOSIT & FULL PAYMENT 4. A non-refundable deposit of A$200 per person and passenger names as per passport are required 7 days after issuance of an invoice. Additional deposits may be required depending on the policies of the ThirdParty Travel Provider. Any additional deposits will be advised at the time of booking or on the invoice. Full payment is due and payable to us 65 days prior to the scheduled date of departure from Australia and will be notified to you in your confirmation of booking. 5. We are not responsible for any changes made by a Third-Party Travel Provider to the balance due date and prices are not guaranteed until payment has been made in full and documents have been processed and issued to you. Failure to pay a deposit within 7 days from the date of confirmation or in full by the due date may result in the automatic cancellation of your booking without refund of monies paid, unless you have been unable to complete the booking and pay the balance by the due date, due to our fault. 6. Bookings made within 35 days of scheduled departure require full payment on request. 7. To avoid automatic cancellation of domestic flights and regional flights in Asia, full payment must be received before requesting booking. All bookings are subject to availability at time of booking. 8. Groups – a deposit of 10% of the overall booking is due within 7 days of confirmation, which includes a non-refundable administration fee of $500. Final payment is due by 65 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATION BY THE TRAVELLER 9. All cancellations must be received in writing. No refunds will be made for unused services. Cancellations will be subject to the following cancellation fees applied per person, per confirmed booking: • for cancellations made more than 65 days before the scheduled date for departure from Australia – no refund of deposit; for cancellations made between 10-65 days before the scheduled date for departure from Australia – a cancellation fee of 25%;

• for cancellations made within 10 days of the scheduled date of travel arrangements – a cancellation fee of 100% applies. Additional cancellation charges may apply according to the terms and conditions of the Third-Party Travel Provider. 10. We will not charge a cancellation fee if: • you cancel your booking due to a breach by us of any of our obligations to you or due to our fault; or • the Third-Party Travel Provider cancels your booking for no fault on your part. 11. Notwithstanding clause 9, cancellation of air, cruising, rail and other Third-Party Travel Provider arrangements may be subject to fees in accordance with the terms you agree with the Third-Party Travel Provider, which are separate to our cancellation fees. Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after your arrangements have commenced.

AMENDMENTS BY THE TRAVELLER 12. Once itineraries are confirmed with a deposit on file, one amendment free of charge is permitted provided the amendment is made 65 days prior to departure. All amendments within 65 days prior to departure are subject to a A$50 per booking amendment fee plus any additional fees charged by the Third-Party Travel Provider.

CANCELLATION & AMENDMENTS BY THIRD PARTY TRAVEL PROVIDER 13. If the Third Party Travel Provider changes any part of your booking for reasons beyond its control, for example, if a Third Party Travel Provider changes its schedules, overbooks, or if there are any changes in applicable surcharges, fees or taxes, we will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you. If any such changes result in your Travel Product costing more or otherwise being materially different, then you may cancel the Travel Product and we will refund any monies already paid less any fees charged by us under these terms and conditions and by the Third Party Travel Providers under the terms and conditions you agreed with them. Please check with your consultant before cancelling or amending a Travel Product in these circumstances as some ThirdParty Travel Providers may charge cancellation fees up to 100% of the Travel Product’s price as per their terms and conditions.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 14. Travel documents will be issued after final payment has been received. Travel documents may include special conditions including restrictions such as baggage size and weight limits. Travel documents are not transferable. All airline tickets must be issued in the name of the passport holder and some carriers will deny carriage if the name varies and the booking may be cancelled. We have no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the incorrect entry of a passenger’s name or as a result of the Third-Party Travel Provider’s policies. It is your responsibility to collect all travel documents prior to travel. AIRFARES – CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS 15. Prices displayed in this brochure or provided by us, do not include airfares from or to your departing destination, unless specified. All flights bookings are subject to the carrier’s conditions of carriage. Cancellation and refund policies associated with airfares vary according to airfare

TERMS AND CONDITIONS terms and conditions and the relevant airline. It is your responsibility to understand the terms and conditions that relate to your airfare and contact the relevant airline if you require further information. It is your responsibility to contact the airline prior to departure to ensure there is no change to the scheduled departure time. Please ensure all flight details are correct prior to ticketing as we cannot assume responsibility for incorrectly issued flights. We do not offer advice on Frequent Flyer eligibility on flights.

OTHER CANCELLATION & AMENDMENTS 16. A Third-Party Travel Provider may cancel, reschedule or amend any itinerary in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. This includes alterations to cruise itineraries and schedules including change of embarkation and disembarkation points. We are not responsible for any other travel arrangement affected due to the Third-Party Travel Provider’s cancellations or amendments. Amendments beyond the Third-Party Travel Provider’s control may involve a surcharge for the additional or amended services.

ACCOMMODATION RATINGS 17. The ratings featured in this brochure will provide a general indication of the standard of accommodation and may alter throughout the year due to a change of circumstance. These are our views and are not related to any other rating system. We recommend checking with your travel consultant to find the accommodation that best suits your needs and budget.

PUBLICITY 18. You agree that we may use images of you taken during the trip and any comments made in writing by you regarding the trip, without recourse to you and without compensation to you, for publicity and promotion purposes only through whatever medium we choose.

ERRORS & OMISSIONS 19. We reserve the right to correct any errors in rates or content quoted or calculated for any package, with immediate effect. We will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you of such corrections.

PRIVACY 20. You acknowledge and agree that we may disclose some of or all your personal information as outlined in our Privacy Policy. The terms of our Privacy Policy are incorporated into these terms. A copy of our Privacy Policy is available on www.insiderjourneys. com.au.

JURISDICTION & LAW 21. This brochure and all matters arising out of or in connection with it and all terms are governed by the laws applicable in the State of New South Wales. By acquiring the Booking and Advisory Services from us, you consent and submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of New South Wales. Definitions “We” and “us” means Insider Journeys Pty Ltd. (ABN 32 634 425 951), trading as Insider Journeys. “You” means any person who acquires the Travel Product and Booking & Advisory Services directly from us or indirectly through an independent travel agent and includes any person who acquires a Travel Product

(whether or not the Booking & Advisory Services were acquired by another person). “Booking & Advisory Services” means services provided by us to you in assisting you to acquire a Travel Product from a Third Party Travel Provider and includes advisory and consulting services, and providing a facility to enter into transactions with us and Third Party Travel Providers (whose details and Travel Products appear in this Brochure). “Third Party Travel Provider” and “Suppliers” means the company or person who provides you with the Travel Product on terms and conditions agreed with you. “Travel Product” means the service or product provided by a Third-Party Travel Provider, for example, an airline or a hotel.

ANNEXURE TRAVEL TIPS FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS These tips are not legally binding terms and conditions. You should obtain and read the Third-Party Travel Provider’s terms and conditions which are legally binding on you. Travel Insurance We strongly recommend you take out appropriate travel insurance to cover your travel arrangements. Passports, Visas & Health Requirements Visas, including transit visas, are the passenger’s own responsibility. For more information please log on to: www.dfat.gov.au or www.smartraveller.gov.au. Please check with the respective Embassy or Consulate of each country that you are travelling to, as many destinations require visas for both Australians and non-Australian passport holders. For more information, log on to www. visalink.com.au. You need to ensure that you have at least 6 months validity on your passport from the date of your departure return. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of any health requirements for your travel destinations. Vaccinations are strongly recommended for certain destinations. You need to contact your local doctor who will advise you of these requirements. Please note that vaccinations may be recommended some period in advance of travelling.

paying adults, generally the hotel will expect the child to share the parent’s bed and will not provide an extra bed. Additional charges may be levied for child meals. Where a child rate is provided in this brochure, an extra roll or fold-away bed is usually provided. Children are charged an adult rate if staying in a room without adults. River Cruises – shore excursions & water levels The nature of some shore excursions in Asia means that for some excursions there are no formal jetties. While staff are always on hand to assist, those with limited mobility may find these areas difficult to access. Due to the unpredictable nature of weather and its effect on river conditions and water levels, it may on occasions be necessary to complete some elements of the itinerary by land, rather than by boat, or to alter the route of the vessel including substituting some planned stops for others. Such changes can occur at any time without prior notice or warning and no refunds will be given in this instance. On the lower Mekong River between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, large seasonal variations in water levels necessitate low-water and high-water itineraries. The only significant difference is a vehicle transfer to/from Siem Reap in place of cruising across Tonle Sap Lake. As a guide, low water itineraries are applied typically from January to early July, but this may vary depending on rainfall across the river catchments. Complaint Handling In the unlikely event that you are unsatisfied with any aspect of your Travel Product, you must immediately notify the Third Party Travel Provider of your Travel Product or travel consultant (please refer to your predeparture guide) to ensure we are given the opportunity to address and attempt to resolve any issue that you may raise at the time they occur. If a problem cannot be resolved to your satisfaction and you wish to pursue this matter further you must write to us within 28 days upon your return to the following address: Attention Customer Service Level 1, 503-505 Kent Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Or: customerservice@insiderjourneys.com.au You must provide your booking reference number and full details of your complaint to allow us the opportunity to respond.

Ticketing For international and domestic departure, e-tickets will be issued upon payment and completion of the booking process. In some instances, an e-ticket on the flights or fares selected may not be able to be issued. Bookings that cannot be issued as an e-ticket will have to be changed to comply with e-ticket regulations. All other travel documentation, such as hotel, car hire, transfer and tour vouchers will be emailed to you as an e-document. Should the Third-Party Travel Provider issue paper vouchers, these will be posted to you. Accessibility Travellers with a physical or mental disability that may require assistance during their trip must advise us of their needs upon booking and declare all pre-existing medical conditions. This enables us to ensure the suitability of each booking to the individual traveller. Bedding configuration Requests for specific bedding types must be made at the time of booking, however, cannot be guaranteed. Please note that double rooms can be fitted with either double or twin beds and that single rooms are often smaller than other rooms. Triple rooms usually comprise a twinbed room with an additional sofa bed, roll-away bed or a fold-away bed for a third person. Travelling with children Where a child stays for free in a room sharing with two INSIDER JOURNEYS

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Imagine the stories

GAIN A GENUINE INSIDER’S VIEW WITH INSIDER JOURNEYS

Pick up one of our brochures from your travel agent or contact us for further information on accommodation, tours and itineraries. To book, see your preferred Travel Agent or insiderjourneys.com.au for more information

Level 1, 503 – 505 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia ENQUIRIES Customer Enquiries T: 1 300 365 355 E: info@insiderjourneys.com.au

ABN 32 634 425 951 Offices in Sydney, London, Saigon, Danang, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Luang Prabang

Travel Agent Enquiries T: 1 300 362 777 E: agents@insiderjourneys.com.au

Your Travel Agent

CUBA | by Insider Journeys (UK Version)

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25 years of amazing stories

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