Havana Cienfuegos Trinidad Camagüey Santiago de Baracoa Varadero

A Convivial Cuban Caper! 5 Mar. - 20 Mar. 2015

A Convivial Cuban Caper!

Factsheet … Highlights of your trip - One of the oldest Hispanic Cuba is the most populated country in the with a cities in The New World (1514), population just short of 11.5 million and is the largest island rich in decaying architecture, in the Caribbean with a sea coast over 5700 kms and a land 1950’s cars, beautiful women, mass of 110,000 sq. kms. From east to west the distance is macho men and intoxicating music. - Warmth and friendliness of its people over 1200kms. Cuba’s population is 51% mulatto, 37% - The Tropicana show is an absolute white, 11% black and 1% Chinese. Latin extravaganza - The Hemingway Tour Christianity is the most prevalent faith professed with - The Museum of the Revolution Santería widely accepted being a mix of African faiths with Catholicism. Cuba is governed on socialist principles and a Cienfuegos - insights into the state controlled economy. Bay of Pigs Invasion (April 1961) – The Fortress of Castillo de Jagua erected in 1745 All major means of any production are government controlled, as is the labor force. At the present time private Trinidad - The colonial Hispanic charm enterprise is miniscule. The Cuban industries include dating from 1514 - The Municipal Museum petroleum, tobacco, nickel, cement, steel, pharmaceuticals, -The Manaca Iznaga sugarcane plantation agricultural, sugar and machinery.

Camagüey - The agricultural market Cuba has a growing and flourishing tourism industry with Mercado Agropecuario the number of tourists now exceeding 3 million. This - Dancing with the locals at “La Trova” fascinating country has great diversity of scenery, heart wrenching poverty, the omni present reminders of its - The ingrained former glories & Spanish history. Hispanic flavour of the city and the carnival atmosphere, laced with ancient buildings, revolutionary posters Cuban music is infectious and it will follow you wherever and reminders of Soviet influences you go and always impart enduring memories of a proud - Cradle of the Cuban Socialist Revolution people who do express all their emotions of joy and - Moncada Barracks where it all started! laughter, despite their daily hardships in life. - Samba dancing with the locals Please remember that travel here requires flexibility and Baracoa - Lush setting, feisty music patience.

Varadero – Palm fringed beaches, turquoise water & pulsating night life

ITINERARY

Day 1 Thursday 5 March 2015 Havana (B,D)

Arrival Havana airport where you will be met by our local guide from our co-respondant agency - San Cristobal SA - and transferred to your hotel around 40 minutes later from the airport. Remainder of day at leisure with time to explore the nearby old parts of Habana Vieja. In the evening we will have a welcome dinner at the Bodeguita del Medio, hopefully well rested for the start of an eventful 16 days in Cuba.

Day 2 Friday 6 March 2015 Havana (B,L, D)

1000 hrs After breakfast we commence our city tour of Habana Vieja (Old Havana) on foot and by coach. 1800 hrs Departure for dinner and show at the Tropicana. Today we will explore the areas of downtown Havana and the focal points of interest in Habana Vieja Habana Centro and Vedado. In the morning we shall concentrate on Habana Vieja with an introduction to its history, a tour of a cigar factory and rum museum.You will see cobbled streets and numerous decaying buildings displaying different genres of architectural influence ranging from Spanish Moorish, French Neo Classical, and Ornamental and Decorative Colonial -Baroque. We will visit the four main squares of Catedral, Armas, Vieja, and San Francisco. Central Havana (Habana Centro) is a working class locality where many buildings are almost in a state of complete collapse. Here you will find “Partagas” one of Cuba’s oldest cigar factories. We will stroll along the Malecon which is the bayside boulevard which will take us back in time to the 1950’s as you see old asthmatic American cars of Ford and General Motors cruise by. Lift the bonnet and you may find Lada or Toyota spare parts. Particularly in the evening, you will find loving couples walking along the boulevard arm in arm and bayside groups meeting to talk and share drinks. Across the harbour entrance you will see the fortress of San Carlos de Cabana and the castle of Los Tres Santos Reyes del Moro built between 1589 and 1630 which guard the entrance to the harbour, the figure of Christ and the military park. All these we will visit. Never far away you will hear the sound of “Trovadores” belting out Cuban rhythms of Son, Salsa, Rumba, Charanga, Reggaeton etcetera. Entrance fees are included in the tour to the Partagas cigar factory, Rum museum, Fortress San Carlos de la Cabana, the Castle of Los Tres Reyes del Morro and Christ Park. Lunch will be at La Dominica Restaurant in Armas Square. This evening we will dine and see an absolutely pulsating show at the Tropicana where over 200 dancers perform nightly. The Tropicana show includes : Dinner, entrance to the cabaret, the show, one welcome drink , 1/4 of a Havana club Gold or Reserve Age rum bottle, 1 mixer, 1 snack and a preferential seat. Comment from your tour leader, Seymour Major… “In all my travels this is one of the finest Latin musical feasts I have ever seen and the exquisite dress, headgear, coiffure of the ladies will not disappoint and… ah the dancing!” There is a small charge for bringing photographic equipment into the venue.. Following the show we will return around 1am to our hotel.

Day 3 Saturday 7 March 2015 Havana (B,L,D)

0930 hrs After breakfast we shall visit the Museum of the Revolution, formerly the Presidential Palace, followed by a visit to the nearby Bellas Artes Museum which is one of the biggest art museums in the Caribbean. Following this we will have lunch nearby. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Havana. Your guides have many suggestions as to where to go. Perhaps a visit to Hotel Nacional, or the Hotel Ambos Mundos to visit the room where Hemmingway housed his mistress, now a museum, or checkout the view from the rooftop bar of the Hotel NH Parque Central, a “Bajativo’ at the Floredita, savour the music in one of the many bars in Calle Obispo, join the locals and have a Coppelia ice cream. 1930 hrs We meet in the hotel lobby and go for dinner.

Day 4 Sunday 8 March 2015 Havana (B,L,D)

0930 hrs After breakfast we will do the Hemmingway tour followed by a visit to the the artisan market. Then lunch. Afternoon at leisure. 1930 hrs We meet in the hotel lobby to go for dinner.

Day 5 Monday 9 March 2015 Havana / Cienfuegos (B,L,D)

0830 hrs. Today we have an early start following breakfast for our drive of around 380 kms to Cienfuegos for our overnight stay, with a number of diversions en route. We shall head eastwards through the citrus and sugarcane plantations onto the Peninsular de Zapata. You will see pools or ‘cenotes’ as the locals say, which have been created over time by underground rivers whose ceilings have collapsed. At Playa Giron we will visit the museum dedicated to the Bay of Pigs invasion (April 1961). In this area, with luck you will see Cuba’s national bird the “Tocororo” and the world’s smallest bird the “Zunzun”. This will be followed by lunch nearby, at La Cueva de los Peces Restaurant. Should you wish you will be able to swim here. En route to Cienfuegos we will stop at Cienaga de Zapata to see the crocodiles and rats and time permitting do a speed boat trip on Laguna del Tesoro. In Cienfuegos we will visit the neoclassical structures and buildings with French overtones around the Plaza de Armas. We will see the statue of Bene Moré, Cuba’s versatile singer and musician of the 1940’s. Cienfuegos is guarded by the Castillo de Jagua fortress erected in 1745 for protection against Caribbean pirates. The fortress is still undergoing repairs and renovations. Cienfuegos is a centre for sugar trade as well as coffee and tobacco. In 2005 UNESCO placed Cienfuegos on the World Heritage list. Dinner will be at our hotel. Entrance fees today include the Playa Giron museum, the speed boat trip on Laguna del Tesoro and entrance to the local Casa de Trova after dinner.

Day 6 Tusesday 10 March 2015 Cienfuegos / Trinidad (B,L,D)

0900 hrs Following breakfast we depart for Trinidad (founded in 1514) around 100kms away..Before leaving the city we shall visit the Valle Palace an exquisite building, built between 1913 and 1917 as a wedding gift for the new wife of a wealthy local merchant. The building commands a magnificent view of Jagua Bay and local surrounds. Today we will enjoy the charm and beauty of Trinidad founded in 1514 and explore the city on foot. Trinidad nestles between the Escambrey Mountains and the beautiful Caribbean coast. This city is one of the top tourist destinations in Cuba and hopefully you will see why. It is likened to a huge outdoor museum with cobbled streets, donkeys and Guajiros (cowboys) and roving “ guitaristas”. We will visit the Municipal Museum which has expansive views from the tower, the artisan markets and a pottery business with beautiful displays of their craft.. Note the picture of Fidel Castro with the owner and the vintage Ford at the back, circa 1908. Dinner will be at the hotel followed by a visit to Casa de la Musica to see the 10pm show. All entrance fees included.

Day 7 Monday 11 March 2015 Trinidad (B,L,D)

0730 hrs After breakfast we will visit Manaca Iznaga sugarcane plantation. We will either go there or return by train depending on the availability and train schedule. The journey takes around an hour and a bit and the train is fitted out with wooden fittings and the Russian engine dates back to the ‘40’s . The ambience of the locals and tourists mixed with musicians, some intoxicated passengers enjoying one to many “Cuba Libres” add to a fantastic mix.. The train trip takes us through pastoral fields, royal palms and a number of decaying colonial ruins and is very popular and crowded. There are never enough seats to go round and those that get them will find the hard seats a bit uncomfortable. The sugar plantation was purchased by Pedro Iznaga in 1795 who became one of three wealthiest men in Cuba by trafficking in slaves who worked the fields. The 44 metre high tower you will see was used to watch the slaves and the bell in front of the house served to summon the slaves. The venue contains a market with local produce, crochet garments, wooden carvings and Che Guevarra singlets etcetera. Your tour leader particularly likes the reverse dressed dolls. Entrance visits to the sugar plantation and the train trip are included in the tour. 1930hrs We will meet in the hotel lobby and go for dinner at a Paladar. Paladars are privately run family restaurants.

Day 8 Thursday 12 March 2015 Trinidad / Camagüey (B,L,D)

0830 hrs After breakfast we depart on our 280 km trip to Camagüey (founded in 1514) for our overnight stay. Camagüey was founded in 1514 and has a very labyrinthine complex of roads designed as legend has it to confuse maurauding invaders. During our brief stay here we will visit Ignacio Agramonte House, the Casa de Arte Jover and nearby with luck we will see a sculptor blending into his creation reading a newspaper and collecting tips for our photography. Entrance included in tour price. Agramonte was the local hero who led a revolt against Spain in 1868. We will also visit the Mercado Agropecuario Hatibonico which has a wide range of produce where the National Peso is the currency of purchase. This is a state controlled market. Dinner will be at our hotel. The evening will be at leisure though “Nocturnos” will enjoy a late evening with music and dancing at Casa de la Trova Patricio Ballagas. (Entrance included in tour price).

Day 9 Friday 13 March 2015 Camagüey / Santiago de Cuba (B, L, D)

0830 hrs After breakfast we depart for Santiago de Cuba travelling first to Bayamo City (founded in 1513) the capital of Granma province renown for the birthplace of Cuba’s national anthem composer, Perrucho Figueredo. The anthem begins with the words “Al combate cored Bayameses (Run to battle people of Bayamo). There appear to be a surprising number of chess players in Bayamo and reflecting on this, the beautiful Revolution square is possibly the best place to indulge in this. Evening at leisure with “Nocturnos” who would like to visit Casa de la Trova for a great night of music. Entrance fees included in the tour are the night visit to Casa de la Trova. Lunch will be at La Bodega Restaurant (Bayamo City) which overlooks the Bayamo river. Dinner will be at the Hotel Melia Santiago where we will stay for two nights.

Day 10 Saturday 14 March 2015 Santiago de Cuba (B,L,D)

0830 hrs After breakfast we have a very full day visiting all the sights of Santiago de Cuba, peppered with monuments and memorabilia of its revolutionary past. Santiago de Cuba is Cuba’s second largest city and has a population of over one million. Our city tour will include visits to Santa Ifigenia Cemetary where Jose Marti, the national hero of Cuba is interred, El Cobre which is possibly the holiest th shrine for Cuba’s revolutioaries, Antonio Maceo Plaza, 26 July Museun, Cespedes Park, the cathedral, Padre Piro, and Heredia street. We will also visit the Moncada Barracks. Cherished in Cuban history as the very start of the assault by Fidel Castro and his comrades on these barracks which took place on 26 July 1953. This heralded the start of events which were to change the course of Cuban history. We will have lunch at the Castillo de San Pedro which guards the spectacular sea entrance to the city of Santiago de Cuba and visit the Fortress built beween 1633 and 1693. There is a small fee to pay if entering with photographic equipment and ever vigilant staff to see if you have a receipt of payment whenever you wish to take a photo. We will round the evening off with dinner at our hotel, followed by a visit to a traditional musical “Trova”. Entrance fees to the cemetery, Moncada Barracks, the Fortress and the Trova are all included in the tour price.

Day 11 Sunday 15 March 2015 Santiago de Cuba / Baracoa (B/L/D)

O830 hrs After breakfast we depart for Baracoa, founded in 1511. The journey time is around 3hrs 30 mins and we will be here for two st nights. The town lies around 1000 kms to the east of Havana and was the first Cuban landfall by Christopher Columbus on 21 October 1492. At that time he wrote in his logbook...”The most beautiful place in the world.. I heard the birds sing that they will never ever leave this place.” Echoing his words you will not be disappointed with Columbus’s remarks. Baracoa is a tropical village surrounded by lush jungle vegetation and has a quaint fishing village close by called Boca de Miel. We shall do a tour of the surrounding area including El Castillo (the little castle) which has a commanding view of the town ,the imposing flat topped el Yunque mountain, Matachin Fort (now the Municipal Museum) and Punta Fort. In the evening we will enjoy the feisty music in one of several venues and dine at a Paladar. Entrance fees to the Matachin Fort (entry included). This is now the Municipal Museum). In the evening we will enjoy the feisty music in one of several venues and dine at Paladar.

Day 12 Monday 16 March 2015 Baracoa (B,L,D)

Today we will visit Duaba Farm which is surrounded by many tropical plants including cacao from which chocolate is made and our guide will give us a very good and humerous insight into many of the offerings including “Mother-in-laws face”. Here we will have lunch. Following this we will do a tour of the local countryside including Rancha Toa where with luck we will see lithe Baracoans scaling giant “Cocoteros’ (coconut Palms). Dinner tonight will be at our hotel and of course those that wish a visit to one of the Trovas. Entances to Duaba Farm and the Trova included in tour price.

Those keen on trekking could forego the above arrangements and do a day’s trek to the summit of El Yunque.( The trek is an additional cost and needs to be arranged in advance). This is not Table Top Mountain Capetown, but the flora, birdlife, and the views are fantastic. It will be muddy, hot and humid, so bring sufficient bottled water.

Day 13 Tuesday 17 March 2015 Baracoa / Havana / Varadero ( snack, D)

0745 hrs Depart for Baracoa airport. 0945 hrs Aero Caribbean departs for Havana. Weight allowance 15kgs. 1115 hrs arrive Havana airport. Following this we will be transferred by coach to Hotel Melia de las Americas Varadero. Varadero is a resort town some 140 kms east of Havana. It lies on a peninsular where the widest point is only 1.2 km. The town has 20 kms of pristine white sandy beaches, mainly fringed with Palm trees and aqua marine water. There are over 50 hotels ranging from three to five stars. This area is more akin to southerrn California, and Cancun and completely lacks the Cuban antiquity we have been accustomed to. Our hotel and its ambience is truly a five star resort and has an “all inclusive tariff”. It is a great place to unwind before the long journey home. No payment will be required for meals or drinks, except at the two special restaurants.

Day 14 & 15 Wednesday & Thursday 18 & 19 March 2015 Varadero (B,L,D)

You have these two entire days at leisure to relax, swim and enjoy the facilities. There is a shopping complex half a kilometre away from where you can catch the local tourist bus which goes right around the peninsular. Golf, snorkling and scuba diving can also be arranged through hotel reception.

Day 16 Friday 20 March 2015 Varadero / International Airport Havana

Departure time to be advised. After breakfast and hotel check out we shall depart for Havana International airport which is around 2hrs 15 minutes away for our onward flights.

FAREWELLS AND CONCLUSION OF TOUR

Travel Notes Clothes / Shopping: We recommend light weight clothes..The climate is tropical with high humidity. Temperatures range between 28C and 32C. A pullover may come in handy for air-conditioning on flights. Aside from rum and cigars , (check duty free allowance prior to departure and avoid these purchases if travelling through USA) the “ubiquitous “Che Guevara” Tee shirts, model cars made of clay, paintings, and possibly some textiles made in Venezuela or China. I do not believe you will be having a busy or expensive time shopping. There are no big stores/ supermarkets. Do bring strong mosquito repellent, hygienic cleanser, hair shampoo, sun-cream, sunglasses, a good hat, a small torch (frequent power outages),& always have toilet paper handy. . Visa / Health : A visa is required for Cuba for those travelling on an Australian, British or New Zealand passport. 6 months validity on passport is required. There are no listed vaccination requirements, however, we suggest that you check with your doctor .. Medications for common complaints such as headaches and diarrhoea are recommended. Please note that Cuban Immigration authorities will request to see your health insurance cover which must include repatriation costs in case of serious health issues. For aquatic sports such as scuba diving, dive shops and equipment hire businesses will want to see that you have insurance cover.

Tax: Departure tax of CUC25 (AUD25 approx.) payable at Havana airport. No departure tax is currently payable at Baracoa airport.

Tipping: Is expected and appreciated for all services however menial, whether it is a toilet attendant, waiter, driver, chambermaid or driver. Remember the average national wage is a pittance by our standards and equates to no more than the equivalent of US$20 in local pesos, where food is rationed for all citizens and local pesos do not buy soap, toothpaste, sun-cream etcetera. These are only available in tourist shops where convertible pesos only are accepted.

Currency: Best foreign currency to change for Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) is either Euros, Canadian Dollars or Pounds Sterling. US Dollars will attract a penalty conversion price and in a number of places are just not acceptable. As a foreigner you will be obliged to change your foreign cur rency into CUC’s.The local currency is Moneda Nacional and is normally not available to foreigners. Some local banks and some hotels can process Australian cards (Visa / Mastercard) if CUC is required. AUD cash cannot be changed for CUC.

Meals :Lunches & Dinners -a set menu plus one national beverage.

Tour Guide : Very experienced and Spanish speaking, Mr. Seymour Major , will be with you from the time you arrive in Havana until the time you conclude the tour in Havana . He will be joined by a university trained and qualified Cuban guide (English speaking) who will be with us for the duration.

Security: Some hotels may provide safe deposit facilities which we urge you to always use, provided that they pass your individual scrutiny, for surplus cash, passports etcetera. We recommend that you do NOT wear expensive jewellery or watches. Money belts & hidden pouches are an effective deterrent to theft.

News : For Cuban news visit ‘Granma’ website via Google.

1.The USA does not recognise travel to Cuba, To avoid any complication with with your air journey, Well Connected Travel will make several suggestions that will assist in making your air journey as smooth as possible. 2. Both air and land components (including assigned hotels) may be altered without notice within Cuba. 3. A hotel list with addresses, telephone numbers and amenities will be provided prior to your departure from Australia. Previous tours have indicated that last minute changes can occur in Cuba, despite having receiving a valid confirmation. ------“A Convivial Cuban Caper” tour Comprising all Cuban land component and Cuban domestic airfare plus taxes + fees, with experienced senior Australian bilingual tour leader and local bi-lingual tour guide, as per brochured itinerary. Duration 15 nights / 16 days. AUD 7,227.00 p.p. share twin AUD 1,895.00 single supplement Payment: AUD500 p.p. required within 7 days of invoicing. Balance by 30 November 2014. International air component is additional. Surcharges apply to card payments. ------EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $500.00 p.p OFF above ‘Share twin’ price Where total amount is paid on or before 31 October 2014 ------

Please note that this tour is not a guaranteed departure. The tour requires a minimum of 6 participants. If this number of participants is not reached by final payment date of 30 Nov. 2014, the tour will be cancelled and ALL monies (deposits and balances) that have been received will be refunded.

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Please print this booking request form, complete, sign and remove from this brochure then forward to Well Connected Tours, (Well Connected Travel Pty. Ltd. tour division), 67 Ferguson St. Forestville NSW 2087 Australia by mail; by fax (call +61 2 9975-2355 first) or scan and email to [email protected].

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If neither of the last two boxes are marked, it is understood that travel insurance is not required. I understand & accept the quoted prices, schedule of fees, terms of trade and special conditions as set out in this brochure and hereby authorise Well Connected Travel Pty. Ltd. to make travel and tour arrangements, as per the information supplied.

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Well Connected Tours, (Well Connected Travel Pty. Ltd. tour division) 67 Ferguson Street, Forestville NSW 2087 Australia Tel : + 61 2 9975 2355 : 1300 88 38 52 Fax : + 61 2 9451 3011 Website : www.wellconnectedtravel.com.au Email : [email protected] Reg. names: Well Connected Tours, Baltic Connections, Coral Connections, Mantra Wild Adventures Lic No. 2TA 4224, ABN 49 069 387 480, ACN 069 387 480

Terms and Conditions Please read these terms of trade very carefully as they form the basis upon which bookings are accepted by Well Connected Tours, tour division of Well Connected Travel Pty. Ltd. 67 Fergu- son St. Forestville NSW 2087 Australia. ABN49069387480, LIc.2TA4224, Tel: 612 99752355 www.wellconnectedtravel.com.au [email protected]

Our professional services are available for the purchase of travel and ancillary services, however the following terms of trade apply:- 1. Deposits and Final Payments: For the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour, a non-refundable deposit is required within 7 days of invoice issuance. See contents of this brochure. Balance required by 30 November 2014. An Early Bird discount applies where payment in full is received by 31October 2014. Payment for additional components (eg:International air), as per invoice. 2. Late Bookings (within 60 days of the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour departure date): Full payment required with booking. 3. Fees: (i) Itinerary planning fee: Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested with flight times and availability, a non-refundable planning fee will be charged per itinerary. This is payable prior to commencement. If you proceed with booking the quotation, the fee will be credited against the total cost...AUD50.00 per itinerary, per person. (ii) Air booking fee: This is payable over and above the quoted airfare, taxes and surcharges. The fee may be applied, depending upon the commission offered to Well Connected Travel Pty. Ltd. by the airline/s used in the booking. The fee is based upon each sector booked. It is to be paid at the same time as airfare, taxes and surcharges…AUD20.00 per sector, per person. (iii) Air ticketing fee: Varies. Payable over and above the quoted airfare, taxes, surcharges & booking fee. The fee may be applied, depending upon the sectors & the carrier being ticketed. This fee, if applicable, will appear on your invoice. It is to be paid at the same time that airfare, taxes, surcharges & booking fee payment is made…AUD30.00 per ticket, per person. (iv) Air taxes & surcharges; Air/Land/Sea packages; Tours, Cruises : No booking fees are levied. (v) Accommodation bookings in isolation - a booking fee of AUD$50.00 per service, per participant, may be applied depending upon the commission offered to Well Connected Travel Pty. Ltd. by the suppliers used in the booking. (vi) Amendment fee: Changes made to a confirmed itinerary after it has been accepted by the client will attract an AUD$50 amendment fee, per booking, per amendment, plus any communi- cation costs in securing further confirmations. (vii) Visa procurement fee: Visas may be procured when in-conjunction with the purchase of travel arrangements made by Well Connected Travel Pty. Ltd. This fee is exclusive of registration, postage and/or courier charges and is payable in addition to any Consular or Government charge. If the consulate is Sydney based, a fee of AUD40.00 applies. If the consulate is based elsewhere in Australia, a fee of AUD80.00 applies. If the consulate is based outside Australia, reimbursement of costs incurred plus a fee of AUD80.00 applies. (viii) Courier or personal delivery fee: Cost plus AUD20.00 fee.. (ix) Cancellation fees: If you cancel your booking of your own accord, the following cancellation charges apply to the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour (a) Up to 90 days prior to the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour departure date … loss of deposit . (b) From 60 days to 30 days prior the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour departure date … loss of 33.33% of the total the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour price that we have receiced. (c) From 60 days to 30 days prior the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour departure date … loss of 66.66% of the total the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour price that we have received. . (d) Less than 30 days prior to the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour departure date … loss of 100% of the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour price. * COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERING CANCELLATION CHARGES IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. HEALTH INSURANCE COVER IS MANDATORY. x) Card Transactions Fees: Transactions via Visa and Master-Card incur a 2% surcharge and American Express incurs a 3.178% surcharge. 4. Refunds: Please note that this tour is not a guaranteed departure. The tour requires a minimum of 6 participants. If this number of participants is not reached by final payment date of 30 Nov. 2014, the tour will be cancelled and ALL monies (deposits and balances) that have been received will be refunded. Where a refund is applicable to other travel arrangements made in conjunction with the “Convivial Cuban Caper” tour, it may take several months to process due to established procedures and the billing cycles of airline, accommodation and other service providers. Please note that refunds are not applicable to all , nor are they applicable to all types of airfares. 5. Travel Insurance* : We strongly recommend that at the time of your booking you purchase comprehensive travel insurance of your choice. Well Connected Tours can provide you with the necessary coverage utilizing Sure-save Travel Insurance, underwritten by Lloyds of London. Note that health cover is mandatory for this tour. 6. Changes in Prices and Itineraries: Prices are based on tariffs and airfares current as at the date of the invoice. In the event of fluctuations or increases in the price we pay for transportation, accommodation, and services generally, we reserve the right to adjust our prices as may be necessary at any time up to and including the day of departure even though the balance payment may have been made. If we are forced to change your booking due to circumstances beyond our control, we will do all possible to minimise inconvenience and provide alternative/s accept- able to you. We reserve the right to vary your itinerary and will give you notice, including any consequent change in price. In the event that any change, or series of changes, to your itinerary demonstrates that your trip has become materially different from that contemplated prior to the change/s being effected and in respect of which we have already accepted your deposit or balance payment, you have the right to ask for a re-arrangement or to withdraw from the trip and monies already paid will be refunded less any charges levied by suppliers. It is essential to check whether any such changes have occurred before you complete your booking. 7. Not Included in the Cost of the Journey: Passports; visas; airport taxes (where applicable); items of personal nature such as laundry, taxis outside of regular transfers that are provided; telephone calls; excess baggage charges; personal and baggage insurance; porterage; postage; facsimiles; e-mail; telegrams; cables; drinks; room service; meals (unless specified) and tips. 8. Pre-Departure Contact: It is essential you advise a telephone number where you can be reached during the 24 hours prior to your departure from Australia. 9. Immigration & Health: Passengers should familiarise themselves with any visa or health requirements that may be applicable to the area they intend visiting, and shall be responsible for all entry, exit, health or other documents required by laws, regulations, orders, demands or requirements of the countries visited or transmitted. Each person should carry a valid passport at all times. Persons residing in Australia who do not hold an Australian passport will require an Australian Re-Entry Visa. Kindly note that compliance with prescribed regulations pertaining to passports, visa/s, travel documentation, vaccination/s and customs, are your responsibility and we are not liable for any loss or expense due to non-compliance. 10. Baggage: On the Eastern Hemisphere (EH), Trans Siberian (TS) and African (AF) airline routings, checked baggage in economy class is limited to 20kgs and business class is limited to 30kgs. On North and/or South America (AP) airline routings, checked baggage maximum is set at two pieces of 32kgs each, however, it is recommended that the weight of each bag is not more than 23kgs as some countries/airlines impose their own baggage handling restrictions, where bags exceeding 23 kgs each, are either not processed in the usual manner or are rejected. Hand luggage (cabin) is not to exceed 7kgs and certain size regulations apply. Variations apply to the preceding general conditions. Cuban domestic checked baggage limited to 15kgs.p.p. 11. Liability & Responsibility: (a) All invoices, receipts, coupons, vouchers and tickets are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers. .(b) Well Connected Tours are not themselves carriers or hoteliers, nor do we own aircraft, hotels or tour operations. We exercise every care in the selection of reputable airlines, hotels, tour operators and other suppliers of the various travel services which are used in our itineraries. It is important to note that all bookings with Well Connected Tours are subject to the terms and conditions and limitations of liability imposed by airlines, tour operators, hoteliers, rail, car hire, shipping and other service providers, whose services we utilise, some of which limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. (c) No airline will incur responsibility or liability to any person named in the booking aside from that liability which may be incurred as a carrier. (d) We always do our best to make sure that your travel arrangements are satisfactory and we accept liability for, but only to the extent of, any loss or damage sustained by you as a result of our negligence or that of our employees, associates, or agents. However we cannot accept liability of whatever nature for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligence or otherwise, of those airlines, tour operators, shipping companies, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with your trip pursuant to a contract between themselves and yourself (which may be evidenced in writing by the issue of a coupon, voucher, ticket, or the like) and over whom we have no direct or exclusive control. (e) We do not accept any liability in contract or tort for injury, damage, loss, delay, additional expenses or inconvenience based directly or indirectly by force majeure or other events which are beyond our control, or which are not preventable by reason- able diligence on our part, including but not limited to war, civil disturbance, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or of any authorities, accidents or failure of machinery or equipment, or industrial action (whether or not involving our employees & even though such action may be settled by acceding to the demands of a labour group). 12. Law of Contract: The contract is governed in all aspects by the law of the State of New South Wales, Australia and any legal action arising under the contract shall be litigated only in the appropriate court having jurisdiction in that State, except that certain consumer claims may be brought before the Consumer Claims Tribunal having jurisdiction in respect thereof or similar Tribunals in other States or Territories of Australia.