Book direct, call 020 7868 5590, fax 020 7868 5503 or email cts@ctsuk.com 43Book direct, call 020 7868 5590, fax 020 7868 5503 or email cts@ctsuk.com 42

C L A S S I C J O U R N E Y S O F D I S T I N C T I O N – C U B A C L A S S I C J O U R N E Y S O F D I S T I N C T I O N – C U B A

Cigars & CadillacsThe treasures of Cuba

Cigars “rolled on the dusky thighs of Cuban maidens” and old-fashioned Cadillacs are

part of Cuba’s legendary appeal, together with its evocative colonial atmosphere, as seen in this collection of architectural gems – Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Santa Clara. Combined with Cuba’s unique revolutionary heritage at the Bay of Pigs and Che Guevara’s mausoleum, the ever-present reminders of Ernest Hemingway, the island’s tobacco plantations and rum distilleries, this well-planned yet compact and well-priced tour offers visitors an understanding of one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive and romantic islands.

9 days

Havana (3 nights)

Viñales

Bay of Pigs

Cienfuegos (1 night)

Trinidad (2 nights)

Santa Clara

Havana (1 night)

Vinales Valley

Day 1 London (Monday) Fly from London Gatwick at around 1215 aboard Virgin Atlantic’s non-stop flight to Havana. Stay 3 nights at the Melia Cohiba Hotel or similar in Havana.

Day 2 Havana Morning visit to Revolution Square in vintage American cars. Walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site and very much a living museum with its narrow, shady streets lined with crumbling colonial mansions and churches of varying architectural styles. Visit Havana’s Rum Museum to discover how one of Cuba’s most famous products is made, continue to the Plaza de Armas with its second hand book stalls, and the Ambos Mundos Hotel where Ernest Hemingway wrote “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” Continue to Plaza Vieja, then on to lunch in Plaza de la Catedral, overlooking the splendidly ornate cathedral and mansions on Cathedral Square. Later there is an opportunity to sample a mojito, the national cocktail – sugar, lime, mint and rum. Finish the tour by browsing the arts and craft market and perhaps visit one of the local artists’ studios. Evening cocktail in the famous El Floridita bar, then continue to Cafe Oriente for dinner. (BLD)

Day 3 Viñales Drive to the spectacular Viñales Valley, visiting a tobacco factory en route - to discover how another of Cuba’s most famous products is made. Explore the Viñales Valley, a landscape of palm trees, sweet-smelling Mariposa, hummingbirds, tobacco fields and ox-ploughs set against the back-drop of dramatic limestone mountains, locally called haystacks. Tobacco grows well in the microclimate here of moist nights and cool mornings, sometimes farmers stretch cheesecloth over the plants to protect them further from the hot sun. After lunch visit a cave where Indian remains were found – explore the catacomb along a path then by motor boat along a milky-green subterranean river, followed

by an optional afternoon walk. Return to Havana, with an optional visit to the famous Tropicana Nightclub. (BL)

Day 4 Cienfuegos Depart for Cienfuegos. Stop for lunch in Guama before continuing to Playa Giron, better known as the Bay of Pigs, and pay a visit to the small museum there that commemorates the heroes of the 72-hour crisis of 1961 – La Victoria as the Cubans

call it. Despite that bloody episode it is an idyllic spot.

Continue to Cienfuegos for a walking tour of

the colonial old town, also known as ‘the pearl of the south’, made prosperous by the export of locally grown sugar and coffee. Stay a night

at the beautifully-restored colonial-style

Union Hotel, or the comfortable Jagua Hotel.

Perhaps take a stroll around the Parque Marti district this

evening or admire the silhouette of the 18th century fortress built to protect the town from the pirates of the Caribbean. (BL)

Day 5 Trinidad Drive to Trinidad, one of the best-preserved and enchanting colonial towns in Latin America. The entire city is a national monument, and it is delightful to explore the narrow cobbled streets, and pass ochre and pastel houses with wrought-iron grills and great wooden doors. Walking tour of Trinidad, visiting the Plaza Mayor with its pleasant park and restored mansions, the interesting Historical Museum, and the arts and crafts market. Overnight at Brisas Trinidad or similar. (BLD)

Day 6 Trinidad Free day. Optional leisurely drive out into the surrounding valley, the Valle de los Ingenios, and visit Manacas Iznaga to see the remains of a sugar plantation. (BD)

Day 7 Santa Clara Depart for Santa Clara, on arrival take a tour of the city and visit Che Guevara’s Mausoleum. Continue to Havana and overnight at the Melia Cohiba Hotel. (BL)

Day 8 Havana Transfer to the airport for the flight to London Gatwick, arriving at around 0950 on Day 9 (Tuesday). (B)

Varadero Beach extensionFor further details see page 46.

Important note: Cuba’s tourism infrastructure is relatively undeveloped, and this tour will suit those of an adventurous nature, who accept that standards of accommodation and transport will be basic, and that standards of meals and service will be lower. The journey through Cuba however is a truly rewarding and unique experience.

Tour code CIGCADDepartures 2015 Twin share Single suppFeb 16 £1595 £165Apr 6 1895 165Sep 14 1545 165Nov 9 1695 165

Private journey price from £1790 per person twin shared (Minimum 2 passengers)

Premium Economy upgrade from £395 one way, £645 return; Upper Class upgrade from £1495 one way, £2795 returnPrice includes•Economy class flights •Twin-shared accommodation

with breakfast, meals, transfers, transportation and sightseeing as listed (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

•Services of English-speaking local Tour Manager

•Most air taxes

Not included•Travel insurance•Gratuities•Cuba departure tax CUC 25•Cuban visa £20 (provided by

CTS Horizons)•Any government taxes or

compulsory charges introduced after brochure publication