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BACKROADS OF CUBA & TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE
9 DAYS HOTELS WESTERN CUBA REVEALED Western Cuba is an ideal destination for a shorter tour to this beautiful island. We combine the colonial atmosphere of Havana and Pinar del Rio with an opportunity to view a total lunar eclipse from the rural and picturesque `mogotes' around Viñales. Accompanied by our expert astronomer, Francisco Diego, the wonders of the night sky will be explained and revealed during this fascinating exploration of a timeless land. Colonial Havana & the Cordillera range After a day exploring many people's favourite city in the Americas we travel a short distance west for a totally different experience to the community of Las Terrazas, located in the Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Here we have the chance to gently explore the hills on foot, visit the ecological research centre or simply relax. Tropical countryside & Thermal Pools We head into the rural western province, home to the world's finest tobacco, through a landscape which has barely changed over the years. Sugar cane gives way to paddy fields; pine forests alternate with citrus. We overnight in the village of San Diego de los Baños, famous for its thermal baths and spa treatments. Continuing to Viñales we discover a town graced with fine neo-classical buildings, its streets alive with cyclists, horses and carts. Total Lunar Eclipse & beaches The limestone outcrops (mogotes) of Viñales are, without doubt, the most scenic part of Cuba. Rising from the valley floor they dominate the fields beneath. We explore on foot the
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Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Havana. 2 In Havana; city tour; free afternoon. 3 Drive to Las Terrazas; afternoon exploratory walk. 4 Morning enjoying Las Terrazas, afternoon drive via Sarao to San Diego de los Baños; optional spa baths. 5 Drive Pinar del Rio and discover colonial town; PM drive to Vinales. Total lunar eclipse tonight. 6 Free day for exploring magotes and caves around Viñales. 7 Drive to Atlantic coast; ferry to Cayo Levisa; relax on island; drive to Havana. 8 Fly London. 9 Arrive London. Accommodation & Meals: 7nts hotel; 7 breakfasts and 2 lunches included. See p23. Mode of Travel: Bus/Ferry/On Foot. Comment: An excellent opportunity to discover the varied highlights of Cuba; beautiful tropical countryside; colonial cities; small villages and the Atlantic Coast. Dr Francisco Diego, accompanies us, giving talks and tips on observing and photographing the night sky. Walks are optional and graded as easy. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, Astronomer plus driver(s) and some local guides Group Size: Approx. 15 to 20.
tobacco fields and drying sheds, a perfect place from which to observe the total lunar eclipse. During the eclipse, the darker night sky should also allow observations of the region of Orion and the planet Saturn. Leaving this beautiful area behind we take a ferry over to Cayo Levisa, blessed with beautiful sand, azure water and offshore coral reefs before heading back to Havana.
DATES AND PRICES 9 DAYS FROM LONDON 16 Feb-24 Feb 1499 Single Room Option: £85* See p.23 for details. Insurance: £79 These are guide prices, see p.25 for details. Land Only Prices also available
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2008 start Sat end Sun Price in £
CUBA
Gulf
of
Mexico
Backroads of Cuba & Total Lunar Eclipse Ref SCU1
HAVANA
Beaches & optional snorkling Cayo Levisa
e e la g o d A r c h ipo lo ra d o s sC lo
Ferry
Lunar eclipse & star-gazing Walks in Mogotes landscape Pinar Del Rio Old colonial town
VINALES
Optional thermal baths
SAN DIEGO DE LOS BANOS
Co
iguan de Guan rdillera
Soroa Orchids & waterfalls
ico
LAS TERRAZAS
Research station Guided walks
City tour Plaza de la Revolucion Capitolio, Vedado, Malecon & El Morro
CUBA
km
Caribbean
Sea
0
40
Lunar Eclipse
21
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inbro