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Havana, Cuba Explorer

CUBA 14 DAYS / March-April 2023

2023 Cuba Explorer Cuba 14 Days Sun 26th March – Sat 8th April 2023

Join us on the trip of a lifetime as we take in some of the most fascinating sights, sounds and flavours of captivating Cuba on our ULTIMATE TRIP around this time-locked country. 2 Our 2023 “Cuba Explorer” leaves no stone unturned as we visit many of the most spectacular sights of this fascinating country.

We’ve teamed up with one of the biggest travel companies in the world as our elite partner to bring you this ultimate 4-star trip through fascinating Cuba.

Our two-night start is in the vibrant Cuban capitol of exploring much of what it has to offer before flying south to start exploring the amazing scenery, culture and history making our way along the length of the country. 1 1 Along the way we experience the culture, architecture, food and ways of the locals plusStart explore End many historical sites with local guides.

We include one internal flight within Cuba plus airport transfers. At the start and end of the trip. A local expert Tour Manager throughout1 PLUS a Quo Vadis Holidays host joining you along the way to ensure you’re well taken care of.

Twelve nights in fascinating Cuba visiting all the big-ticket items with local experts. Havana, Santiago and Trinidad, rides in classic vintage cars in Havana, Che Guevarra and Revolution Museums plus a cigar factory visit. Bay of Pigs, tobacco farms, salsa lessons and the famed Buena Vista Social club. The stunning scenery of Viñales and the lovely French colonial architecture of Cienfigues.

Hand-picked, 4-star accommodation in each location that’s based on either being central to all the action or being in locations of particular interest on our journey through this “exiled” country.

We include ALL the activities and tips to crew and guides so you’re not having to constantly put your hand in your pockets to pay for extra activities along the way.

Our 2023 “Cuba Explorer” is designed for those who want to have the ULTIMATE TRIP through this fascinating part of the world without cutting any corners and missing out on any of the major highlights!

See you on board with us in 2023! !"#$$ Tim Kozma !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Director Quo Vadis Holidays

Tour Overview (14 days)

Premium Highlights § Flight from Havana to § Havana City tour and and Vintage Classic car tour § Cigar Factory, Revolution Museum and Revolution Square visits in Havana § Santiago de Cuba city tour and visit to el Morro Castle Santa Ifigenia Cemetery and the Moncada Barracks § Highlight dinner with local family in Santiago de Cuba § Camaguey bicycle-taxi tour and visit to local esteemed ballet theatre § Constantino Perez tobacco factory visit in Camaguey § Drink at Palacio de Valle and Highlight seaside dinner in Cienfuegos § Soroa Orchid Garden and tobacco farm visits § Bay of Pigs excursion Cuba § Guided walking tours of Santiago, Trinidad and Camaguey § Che Guevara Mausoleum visit in Santa Clara § Buena Vista Social Cub Highlight Final dinner in Havana

Other Inclusions § Welcome drink and dinner in Havana § Viñales and Cienfuegos orientation walks and Los Jazmines lookout in Cuba § Informal Spanish lesson with tour leader in Cuba § Ciego de Avila art Gallery visit § Guama, Zapata “half-island” lunch stop § Cuba country-side drives § Group photo (one per couple/single) § Hotel porterage (departure mornings) § All tips to Tour Leaders, Tour Drivers, local guides and hotels and included meals

Other 1st Class services § Escorted by local Professional Tour Director plus Quo Vadis Tour Host § Up to 10 guests we travel in a 18-seater Mercedes Sprinter or similar. Above 10 we travel in an air-conditioned full-sized coach with restroom for the tour § 13 nights in Cuban standard 4–5-star hotels § 13 buffet/continental breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 Hotel dinners, 6 Highlight Dinners (incl. three beer/wine/soft drink plus coffee)

Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, D = Hotel Dinner, HD = Highlight Dinner, L = Lunch

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Havana, Cuba Tour Pace

Using the resources of our uber-experienced travel partners in Cuba, we’ve teamed with one of the biggest travel operators in the world to put together the ultimate fully escorted trip through this fascinating country.

With our local operators we’ve hand-picked each hotel and have included one internal flight within Cuba.

Lots of two-night stays and a total of three nights in Cuba with a great mix of included local site-seeing of many historical sites, local villages and experiences, museums and highlight sights plus free-time to explore at one’s own pace.

Being Cuba, we have a few longer drives however with our full-sized coach and maximum around 20 guests on board you’ll have plenty of room to move around!

This trip is targeted at those fit and active with good walking ability and ready to explore all these fascinating places to make the most of the spectacular sights and cities we visit!

Havana, Cuba

Day 3 / Tues Mar 28 / Havana to Santiago de Cuba This morning we take a 2-hour flight to the opposite end of Day 1 / Sun Mar 26 / Havana, Cuba the island. Santiago de Cuba is the hottest place in Cuba – both in terms of atmosphere and climate. We head straight for Welcome to Cuba! Arrive at Havana's Jose Marti International an included lunch before a short orientation walk before airport, where you’ll be transferred to our exclusive hotel, the checking into our hotel. This ‘cradle’ of the revolution is home iconic Hotel Nacional. Declared a national monument, Hotel to a large Afro-Cuban population and a vibrant music scene Nacional is considered a symbol of history, culture and Cuban so there’s lots to experience after sundown. Tonight a local identity. A welcome meeting this evening to go over our Cuban meal in our charming la Isabelica hotel restaurant. (BB, L, D) adventure before a group dinner to get to know our fellow Hotel: 2 nights - Hotel Melia travelling companions! (HD)

Hotel: 2 nights – Hotel Nacional or Hotel Melia Cohiba

Day 4 / Wed Mar 29 / Santiago de Cuba Today our Tour Leader will take us on city tour where we’ll learn about the town’s vital role in the revolution while visiting Day 2 / Mon Mar 27 / Havana sites such as El Morro Castle, Santa Ifigenia Cemetery and Havana is the crown jewel of Spanish colonial towns in the the Moncada Barracks – the city’s half million residents are Caribbean. However, this city is much more than just a proud of their traditions, so you'll find plenty of museums museum: the pulsating street life can be just as fascinating as around the town. Santiago is also famous for its energetic the many architectural treasures. Today, we’ll get to know the celebrations of Caribbean culture such as Carnival – a 5-day most important sights of a city that has written centuries of festival that occurs every July. Perhaps learn a few moves in Cuban history – and continues to do so until today. The day a salsa dancing class or for a taste of the city’s vibrant th begins with a panoramic tour through the Havana of the 19 Carnival celebration, visit the Carnival Museum to see floats, th and early 20 century: along the esplanade Malecón, past the costumes and the occasional dance show. In the evening, legendary Hotel Nacional, over the Avenida de Los we’ll get the unique chance to dine with a local family in their Presidentes to the Revolutionary Square with its portrait of home, for a real slice of Cuban life and the chance to sample Ché Guevara and monument of José Martí. Continue to the local food. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the imposing Capitol, past the Gran Teatro and Bacardi house locals and perhaps practice some Spanish. Afterwards, there over the Prado to Cathedral Square. Continue foot through the are plenty of atmospheric venues with good Cuban rum and alleys and over the squares of Havana’s historic colonial city even better music for locals and tourists to showcase their centre and take in the most important sights: Plaza de Armas, dance moves. (BB, HD) Templete, Palace of the Generals, Plaza Vieja, Hemingway’s “Bodeguita “and much more. We will have the chance to visit a cigar factory and observe the process and witness the skilled hands of the “Torcedores" (cigar rollers). The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore further. (BB)

Day 5 / Thur Mar 30 / Santiago de Cuba to Camaguey Today, we head west along the Carretera Central to Camaguey. The drive (approximately 6 or 7 hours) is broken up with a stop in Bayamo, where you can stretch your legs on walking tour and enjoy an included lunch. When we arrive in Camaguey we’ll soon notice that the city has maintained much of its colonial heritage. It’s also characterised by winding streets, which are a joy to explore. Get acquainted with the city on a walking tour including a stop at the Iglesia

de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad (Church of Our Lady of Soledad) to see its Baroque frescoes. A highlight local dinner with drinks this evening. (BB, L, HD) Hotel: 2 Nights - tba

Day 6 / Fri Mar 31 / Camaguey Today we’ll tour the sights of Camaguey the way the locals do – from the back of a bicycle taxi. Each taxi carries two passengers and the tour is led by an English-speaking local guide – hop on and visit parks, plazas and local markets before enjoying a free afternoon at leisure. The town is home to an excellent farmers market brimming with colourful vegetables, tropical fruits, herbs and lively local merchants. Later, visit an esteemed ballet theatre for a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain. Meet some of the people who keep the school running like the seamstresses, shoemakers Day 8 / Sun Apr 2/ Santa Clara to Trinidad and costume designers. As it is not possible to purchase things such as ballet shoes in Cuba, everything for the ballet de Cuba school is made on the premises. (BB) Visit the final resting place of Cuba’s most famous son, Che Guevara. Che's remains were brought to rest here after they were found in a remote corner of Bolivia in 1997, where he was assassinated by the CIA-backed Bolivian army. The memorial is home to an impressive bronze statue of Che bearing his rifle and inside the museum, we learn about his amazing life and see photos and exhibits such as letters, firearms, medical devices and other interesting artefacts including his famous black beret. After this incredible insight into Cuban history, the 2hour journey to Trinidad – a well-preserved colonial town that sits on the scenic Caribbean coast. On arrival, we familiarise ourselves with an orientation walk. Later, delve into Trinidad’s sultry Latin rhythms with a salsa class! (BB, D) Hotel: 2 nights – Iberostar Grand Hotel or similar

Day 7 / Sat Apr 1 / Camaguey to Santa Clara Today we travel to Santa Clara (~4 hrs). We’ll stop at Ciego de Avila to visit a well-known local gallery that showcases unique sculptures made with a range of silverware. Talented artisans recycle discarded cutlery and skilfully create works of art to admire or purchase. Arrive in the revolutionary city of Santa Clara and acquaint yourself with the streets on a (BB leader-led orientation walk. Less crowded and slower paced Day 9 / Mon Apr 3 / Trinidad de Cuba than Havana, Santa Clara is renowned for being the resting Trinidad is a standout destination for many visitors to Cuba, place of physician turned guerrillero leader, Che Guevara. We due in no small part to friendly locals, an old-fashioned feel take a tour of one of Cuba’s best tobacco factories, and particularly well-preserved colonial buildings. The Constantino Perez Carrodegua, where they produce a range Santeria religion (a voodoo-like Afro-Cuban tradition) which is of top-quality Montecristo, Partagas and Romeo y Juliet practiced here makes the town even more intriguing. Today is cigars. The rest of your day is free to explore. Our leader will free to explore Trinidad at your own pace – perhaps enjoy point you in the direction of the top sites of Santa Clara. (BB) some swimming at Playa Ancon or hire a bike and cycle along

Trinidad’s colourful streets, past once-grand mansions, pastel Day 11 / Wed Apr 5 / Cienfuegos to Viñales buildings and wrought iron features. For an insight into the Today we head to a peaceful sandy arc on Cuba’s southern colourful post-revolutionary period, visit the Museo Nacional coast, commonly known as the Bay of Pigs. Learn about the de la Lucha Contra Bandidos and the Casa de los Martires de – the battle between the US and the Trinidad. Nearby is the sprawling Valle de los Ingenios, where Cuban revolutionaries which resulted in the first defeat of a sugar plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see. US-backed takeover in – then stop for a dip in Attending a traditional Cuban dance show is also a fine its tranquil waters, either at Playa Larga or Playa Giron. With choice. (BB) a deep underwater wall just off the shore and an outstanding

variety of coral and fish, it just might be Cuba’s best-kept secret. Time for lunch before continuing to Viñales where tobacco and sugarcane fields lie side by side and limestone outcrops dot the landscape. A group lunch at “Finca Paco Hernandez” before reaching our hotel, leaving enough time to undertake a quick orientation walk. Later, perhaps enjoy the slow, old-world pace of rural Cuba as oxen plod gracefully along the streets. (BB, L) Hotel: 2 nights – Hotel La Ermita or similar

Day 12 / Thurs Apr 6 / Viñales We start with a guided walk through the farmlands of Viñales which is home to some of Cuba’s most extraordinary Day 10 / Tues Apr 4/ Trinidad de Cuba to scenery. Learn more about the tobacco industry and see a farmer whip a world class cigar in seconds. Free-time for Cienfuegos lunch, then we embrace the local rhythm and learn a few Continue along the picturesque coast to Cienfuegos, a slice steps in a salsa dancing class. Next, head to the top of the of Paris in the Caribbean. Take an orientation walk through its valley for dinner at an Eco-Farm. Everything is grown charming streets before free time to explore. Later we visit organically on the farm itself so get ready for one of the the opulent Palacio del Valle, hopefully in time for a sunset freshest dinner experiences in Cuba! At the Bella Vista food rooftop drink. The Palacio is Cienfuegos' architectural pride becomes an authentic experience. A local family lovingly and joy. Its grandiose carvings in Venetian alabaster strike an prepare meals for their guests. A lovely personal ambience impressive pose in this beautiful seaside city. We then enjoy as we sit with Alberto for a drink or start playing dominos an included group dinner with seaside views. (BB, HD) with the whole family. The food is delicious and the Hotel: 1 night – Hotel Melia San Carlos or similar ambience, including the service, is distinct and familiar. The restaurant is located a little outside of Viñales and ensures an original view into the Cuban cuisine. (BB, HD)

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Day 13 / Fri Apr 7 / Viñales to Havana Today we drive east to Soroa to tour the beautiful orchid garden. A local expert will take you on a private tour of the gardens to identify the bird and plant species of this diverse area. You will easily see why the valley is known as the rainbow of Cuba. We then continue our journey back to the capital of Havana (~3 hours) where we check back into the iconic Hotel Nacional for our final overnight stay. In the evening, we will visit the famous Buena Vista Social Club- the perfect way to say farewell to this marvellous place. Enjoy a concert with the music of the legendary Buena

Vista Social Club- the perfect way to say farewell to this Day 14 / Sat Apr 8 / End Havana marvellous place. Enjoy a concert with the music of the Sadly, our adventure comes to an end after breakfast. legendary Buena Vista Social Club and other representatives Your private transfer will take you to the airport, please let of Cuban music, who travelled around the world to represent us know if we can arrange additional accommodation if and introduce Cuban music to the world. Sit back, order a you wish to stay for a few extra nights. Adios! (BB) mojito and enjoy! (BB, L, HD) Hotel: 1 night – Hotel Saratoga

TERMS & CONDITIONS

DEPOSIT: A deposit of AU$500pp is required within 7 days of booking to confirm your private tour reservation.

FINAL PAYMENT: 100 days prior to departure.

CANCELLATIONS: >6 months refund deposit. 6 months to 100 days lose deposit. Between 100 and 60 days from departure lose 25% of total payment. Between 59 and 30 days lose 50%, 29 days or less 100% loss.

CHANGES IN PRICES & ITINERARIES: Prices in this brochure are based on 2023 TOUR PRICING costs, charges, tariffs, taxes and levies, and exchange rates at the time of publication. In the event that such fluctuations affect the price to be paid for services, Quo Vadis Holidays reserves the right to adjust prices as necessary at any time. We reserve the right to deviate from this itinerary or change hotels should it be unnecessary due to unforeseen circumstances. 14 Days AU$ tba Please note: if due to unforeseen circumstances, the tour escorts are unable to lead the tour, an alternative escort will be provided. Havana to Havana per person Twin Share TRAVELLING ALONE: We do not wish to disadvantage individuals travelling without a travelling companion. Should you prefer a guaranteed single Single Supplement room, a single supplement shall apply. Alternatively, we shall try to match AU$ tba you with another solo traveler of same gender. Please understand that

compatibility cannot be guaranteed and this offer is conditional upon * pricing to be confirmed March 2022 acceptance of the tour.

BAGGAGE: One medium sized suitcase 22kg/person is permitted. Hand TOUR HOST luggage may be taken on the coach, however it should not exceed Our exciting, inaugural 2023 Cuba trip standard hand luggage measurements. Please note that wheeled carry-on cases are not suitable hand luggage on motor coaches. will be hosted by a Quo Vadis Holidays Tour Host LOCAL CURRENCY, TRAVELLERS CHEQUES: We recommend that you take with you a combination of appropriate foreign currency (convertible Cuban

pesos can be obtained on arrival) and credit/debit cards. Your local travel agent can organize US dollars for you if required. "##$%&'!(#)*+),!-#!#.)!/01#&,!203%1#!+&,!! ! PASSPORTS, VISAS, TAXES: You must have a current passport with six 4.5+!-)%6!%&!7877 months validity from date of return. Quo Vadis Holidays or your booking travel agent will need to check your details at time of booking. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!90/-!)0'+),/:!;%< SMOKING: is not permitted on board our coaches.

COACHES: A modern 18-seat Mercedes Sprinter will be used for up to 10 Reservations & Enquiries guests booked on board. Above ten guests we will use a full-sized, modern coach with onboard toilet will be used for our travel days in Cuba.

MINIMUM NUMBERS: The costs for this tour are based on a minimum of 8 guests travelling. (within Australia) 1 800 722 311 NOT INCLUDED: International flights to Cuba, charges for excess baggage, personal services, optional excursions on leisure days, (please refer to +61 1 800 722 311 (outside Australia) your documentation for a full list available), laundry, drinks, meals not shown in itinerary, personal accident and medical expenses, and incidental expenses including all communication charges incurred on behalf of passengers are the responsibility of the passenger. [email protected] AGENTS RESPONSIBILITY: Quo Vadis Holidays and associated businesses act in the capacity of agent for the suppliers of transportation and accommodation services. Seasonal variations and currency fluctuations beyond our control may require changes to the tour details as described in www.quovadisholidays.com this brochure or on our website. Changes in accommodation generally will be to a standard equivalent or better than outlined in the itinerary. For further conditions please see those listed at our website under “Terms and Conditions”.

Travel Insurance is strongly recommended and a Travel Agents License: TA-0033066 TRAVEL INSURANCE: requirement for travel on our tours.

ACN: 151 545 541

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