Overview
Itinerary
Arrive to Terminal 2 at Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.
After customs our guide will meet you. Havana Panoramic Drive into 5th Avenue and Old City along the Malecon to your first experience in Cuba. Checkin to hotel Iberostar Packard for overnight.
Breakfast
Breakfast
Old Havana Tour. The Havana, a sprawling metropolis of 2 million inhabitants. Founded in 1519 Old Havana by the 18th century was the most important port of the region. Old Havana defined by the extend of the city walls retains an interesting mix of Baroque and Neoclassical monuments, and an ensemble of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought iron gates with internal courtyards. Panoramic visit of El Templete, where the City of Havana was founded in 1514, the Office of the City Historian and many historical Spanish plazas including the Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja and Plaza San Francisco. We will visit a private cultural project TALLER EXPERIMENTAL DE GRAFICA. Continue to Havana’s Museo de Bellas Artes and walk the famous Central Park where local Cubans discuss their favorite pastime “Baseball”, the Bacardi Building, famous for its Art Deco architecture, Cathedral Square and “La Bodeguita del Medio Bar-Restaurant” for lunch. At night, visit to La Cabaña fortress for the Ceremony of Cannon. B,L
Breakfast.
Morning departure to “Finca La Vigia” former home of Ernest Hemingway where he wrote many of his novels. A visit to Regla Community where traditions and religion mix and are a true sample of Cuban culture and nation, a magnificant opportunity to share and minlge with authentic Cuban people. Continue to Cojimar where Hemingway keep his boat “Pilar”, and embarked on daily fishing trips to the Caribbean and found inspiration for his novel, “The Old Man and the Sea”. Lunch at Divina Pastora. Continue to the monument honoring Hemingway built by local fisherman with their boat anchors. On our return to Havana, visit “El Castillo del Morro”, (Morro Castle) and “Fort La Cabana”. The tour continues with a walk up Obispo Street. The walk continues through Havana’s former banking district and on to “La Divina Pastora”, for lunch. Return to hotel or enjoy an optional excursion to Parisien Cabaret Show with dinner and a cocktail ($80pp). B,L
Transfer to Havana airport for your departure flight to the U.S. B
Includes:
- 3 nights hotel in Havana with buffet breakfast daily
- 6 meals: 3 Breakfasts and 2 Lunches
- Comprehensive city tour of Old Havana including the Museo de Bellas Artes and lunch at La Bodeguita del Medio
- Havana City Tour including Finca Vigia, Morro and lunch Divina Pastora
- Lectures and briefings
- All escorted guided tours and visits including admission fees throughout
- All transportation within Cuba
- Government Hotel Taxes
- Services of SLT local representatives throughout
Notes
* Air fare & Visa not included
Travel Insurance is recommended
HOTELS USED OR SIMILAR:
It is no coincidence that the Iberostar Grand Packard has the same name as the famous luxury car. This hotel in Old Havana aspires to become one of the capital’s icons, just like the famous Almendrones.
Its historic building has been refurbished andnow offers high-quality services in an elegant and sophisticated environment. Come and relax in our SPA Sensations, savour the best Cuban gastronomy, and don’t miss the panoramic views from the pool on the sixth floor. You can also enjoy the Cosmos Level, which gives you access to the most exclusive spaces, rooms and services at the hotel.
Conditions / Requirements
- Qualifications:Travel Agent employees and affiliated Independent Contractors are welcome. a) Proof of qualification: IATAN ID Card, IATAN List, CLIA ID Card, TRUE ID b) Agents w/out ID cards may qualify with a letter signed by the Agency owner/manager.
- Space is VERY limited, and confirmations are on first come first serve basis, subject to availability
- Companion supplement is $200 – one Travel Agent per room
- Single supplement 50%
- A Processing and Registration charge of $35 per person applies.
- Non-Refundable full payment is required to book.
- A valid US Passport with 7 months validity from the date of entry is required to travel.
- Cancellation: Payments are non-refundable. Unused tour features are neither refundable nor exchangeable once the tour is in progress.
REQUIREMENTS:
This program requires walking on cobblestone streets and uneven pathways, climbing stairs, and most importantly participating in a full-time schedule of people-to-people activities.
Due to the special requirements to visit Cuba, participants will be required to complete visa application and travel reservation forms and sign an affidavit confirming that they are traveling under a people-to-people license and are aware of the travel rules. Participants are also required to send a copy of their passport photo page.
This educational people to people Cuba tour is operated under Sunny Land Tours Cuba Travel License Case #20CT-2015-317165-1
Trip Interruption Insurance is required
Note:
* Tour participants must observe Strict compliance to the itinerary schedule.
* Tour Operates with min 2
* Travel Insurance required to enter Cuba
USEFUL TIPS:
*What Do I Bring? Currency & Money
•Currency: Bring bills only, no coins. US dollars subject to a 10% surcharge
•You will need your PASSPORT to exchange money
• Credit Cards & Traveler’s Checks: US-issued credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards do not work in Cuba. Only credit cards issued in other countries may be issued (other than US). You must have cash in order to make any purchases in Cuba or pay for any services. Most places will not take USD, so you must exchange currency upon arriving. Tips however can be given in any currency. Traveler’s Checks may also be difficult to cash while in Cuba.
•Parallel Currencies CUC (Cuban Convertible Pesos) and the CUP (Cuban Peso) 1 CUC = 24 CUP. You are unlikely to come across, or need, the CUP if you are staying at a resort hotel.
*Exchange: You can exchange USD for CUC at any airport, hotel, exchange bureau in town centers and some banks. The current fee for exchanging is 13%, i.e. for 100 USD you will get 87 CUC. The fee is the same no matter where you exchange your currency. In Cuba, they will not accept bills that are torn or written on when exchanging into CUC. When exchanging money into CUC , try to get small denominations to make purchases easier ,as many places(little stores, bars and restaurants do not always have the possibility to break down larger notes for you).
*Clothing: Despite its subtropical climate, Cuba has distinct summers and winters. Winter is between November and April, with nice temperatures between 75º to 80º F. Cool, Periodically it rains due to cold fronts moving through the island. The climate is very similar to South Florida in comparison. May through October is off-season and is the hottest period with temperatures between 85º and 90º F, and the possibility of severe storms and hurricanes, most notably in July – September. Casual, comfortable, and light clothes are your best bet. It is always wise to bring a poncho or light wind-breaker (water resistant) in case it rains. Unless you are in Cuba for business, there is little use for a suit and tie. However, a cocktail dress or pair of kakis may be needed for a night out at the club or restaurant. Always bring comfortable walking shoes, and pack a lot of socks.
*Adapters/Electric Converters: All of Cuba runs on 110 volts and 60hz. The outlets are for flat prongs. However, the Parque Central Hotel has 220 volts. If staying there, make sure you bring an adapter/converter like the ones use in most of Europe (round prongs).
*Hair Dryers: The rooms at are equipped with hair dryers, however, they are attached to the wall and are not the most convenient and comfortable to use. For the ladies that are accustomed to blowing their hair properly, you may want to bring your own compact hair dryer.
*Medical Supplies and Sundries: Although larger hotel stores carry some goods, travelers to Cuba should bring their own medicines, vitamins, bandages, contraceptives, sunscreen, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, soaps, prescription medications (in their original bottles) and other essentials as none of these items are readily available. It is best to assume you will have difficulty finding daily essential items in Cuba. It is recommended that travelers also pack rolls of toilet paper, tissues, pre-moistened towelettes, and anti-bacterial wash to anticipate the chronic shortages one can encounter on the road at locations outside of the hotel.
*Laundry: There are no coin laundries in Cuba, and most hotels offer a laundry service that charges on a per piece basis.
*Water: We recommend that you only use island water for brushing teeth etc. Drinking water should be bottled.
*Tipping Is expected in Cuba. Suggest 10% on Tipping.
CALLS AND INTERNET
*Cell Phones: US cell phones do not work in Cuba, even if you have an international plan.
*Calling Home: It is possible to call home from your hotel by visiting the business center or dialing direct from your room. If you wish to use the phone in your room, you will need to leave a cash-deposit at the front desk, so that they activate your line. It can be expensive to call home, sometimes more than 2.50 CUC per minute, and connection charges may also apply. You can also purchase local calling cards to use at pay phones or land lines.
*Internet: Wi-Fi is not available throughout Cuba except at some hotels. Most hotels also have a business center with computer, with limited hours, where internet service is available. Charges can up to 12 CUC per hour depending on the hotel. Because of the limited technology in Cuba, it is not uncommon to have internet outages.
*Communication with the US: Though internet is the best way to communicate with family back at home, you may want to warn them of the difficulty in communications between Cuba and the US. Not only can it be costly, but sometimes business centers are not open at the hours that are convenient to your schedule, internet may be experiencing difficulties, or you may have problems getting a line to the US from Cuba, since they are often rerouted through third countries.
*Electrical Current
Both 120 and 220 watts are used in Cuba. The older historical hotels have 120 watts in the rooms. The newer or remodeledhotels, run on 220 watts.
Important Contact Information
US EMBASSY:
CALZADA E/ L Y M
VEDADO, HAVANA
53-5-286-1607 AFTER HOURS
WHAT CAN I BRING BACK?
$400 Total of all Cuban goods (except as noted below). This includes a maximum of $100 of both Cuban alcoholic and/or tobacco products. Please note that the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) impose duties if more than one liter of alcohol, 50 cigars or 300 cigarettes are imported into the US—even If the total value was less than $100.
Any value of Art and Other Informational Materials. There is no value limitation on informational materials (including art, books, magazines, CDs, DVDs).
CBP will seize Cuban items that exceed the value limitations above.
SAFETY
-Safety Deposit Boxes: Hotels are equipped with safety deposit boxes and may charge a per day fee. Check with the front desk. It is advisable to leave valuables, including passports in the safe. A copy of the passport should suffice for ID purposes. You will however need your passport for exchanging of currency.
–Pick-pockets: though Cuba is generally a very safe place to travel (more than other parts of the world), it is always best to watch your belongings and beware of pick-pockets and purse snatchers. Leave expensive jewelry in the safe and only carry what you need for that day. You may see some kids or older adults begging on the streets, sometimes asking for soap, pens, etc. Though a nuisance, this is not considered to be dangerous
If you have purchased air transportation with us note:
Baggage policy and DAY OF TRAVEL
Licensed persons are expected to check-in 3 hours before the charter flight is scheduled to depart. The direct air carrier will close each charter flight 70 minutes prior to departure. If any passenger arrives after the flight has been closed, ABC cannot process the passenger. In this case, the passenger will not be permitted to board the charter flight.
BAGGAGE POLICY:
ABC Charters guarantees to transportation of checked baggage per person.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES:
$20.00 will be charged for each checked baggage.
ADDITIONAL EXCESS BAGGAGE FEES:
Each passenger will have all of his or her baggage weighed—including the carry on luggage. Anything over 44 lbs. will be charged at EXCESS FEE. Excess Baggage Fee charges are to $2.00 per pound, boxes are $3.00 per pound.
CARRY ON ALLOWANCE:
Passengers may one small carry-on bag, plus one personal item. The carry-on bag cannot exceed the dimensions of the airline baggage size: 22 long x 14 wide x 9 tall
You might select to extend your stay in Cuba. For $300 per person dbl occupancy you’ll receive an extra night in Havana, breakfast, hotel tax, full day people to people touring and private departure transfer to the airport.
You may select from one of the following.
(You may select both for a 2 night extension at $600 p.p. DBl. Occupancy.)
OPTIONAL TOURS:
TOBACCO FARM: Today we drive from Havana to the Province of Pinar del Rio. The main highway goes along the Sierra and the beautiful landscape. On the way stop at a Paradero for a local experience. The tobacco plantations of Cuba’s Pinar del Rio province are only part of the area’s magic. Today an experience with the tobacco masters to learn how the world’s best tobacco is cultivated and finest cigars are made. Meet and discuss with Hector Luis Prieto the youngest “Hombre Habana de Cuba” the quality of tobacco he grows. Return to Havana for overnight.
VINALES FULL DAY:
Pick-up at the hotel and departure to Pinar del Rio. Visit to the rum factory “Guayabita of the”
Pinar”. Walk through the Valley of Viñales, UNESCO protected Cultural Landscape andNational Natural Monument. Visit the House of the Veguero, where you can taste a cocktailWelcome and also see tobacco plantations that there are cultivated;Visit to the viewpoint of the jasmines, place which offers a beautiful view of the Valley general ofViñales; Visit to the Cueva del Indio with boat ride down the river that flows inside;Lunch in a restaurant in the area. Visit to the prehistoric Mural showing the processevolution of life in the Sierra de los Organos, from to the early molluscindigenous inhabitants of the place; Back to the hotel
