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costa rica cuba
Cuba is the most intensely Latin place of them all: the people are louder and more vivacious; the ever-present music more rhythmical, intoxicating and spontaneous; the rum stronger and sweeter; and the dance more sultry. There are idyllic beaches, lush mountain forests, crystal clear waterfalls, classic old cars and elegant archi-
tectural reminders of the past. But what is even more attractive is the intrigue: how does Cuba work? What do Cubans think? Where does Cuba go from here? The Caribbeans largest island is at a fascinating historical juncture. Come and see Cuba before it changes forever! John Ahrens, Intrepid Local Partner
classic cuba
ORIgInAl
GB£350* EU¬510*
8 days, ex Havana
itiNerary... Day 1 havana Walk through the crumbling splendour of Old Havana, along the Malecon seafront boulevard which winds sinuously and dramatically along the Atlantic shoreline and offers a microcosm of life in Havana, or take a stroll along the tree-lined Prado Boulevard which in the old times was an important social ritual, and now has outdoor art shows on weekends. Days 2-4 Vinales Stop in Soroa to discover its orchid garden, or take a hike up a rugged mountain path to a fantastic lookout point. Then, its on to the village of Vinales, travelling through limestone pin-cushion hills. Enjoy the great outdoors and explore caves, hike or simply take in the views of the sprawling tobacco fields in the valleys below. With its small bar scene, there is plenty of opportunity to drink rum with friendly locals. For a cultural fix, check out the museum near the central plaza. Days 5-6 cayo levisa Stay in a beach cabana in a beautiful and remote tropical setting. The island of Cayo Levisa has mangroves on the south side and white sands with tall coconut palms on the north. Its the perfect place to chill-out and sunbake, swim or go for walks. Snorkelling and diving excursions are available. Days 7-8 havana Take a spectacular northern coastal road, which dramatically twists its way between the blue Atlantic water and rocky mountain slopes, back to Havana for a last night on the town. The Teatro Nacional has an all-night cafe for live salsa music, or hit Old Havana to find a bar or club that takes your fancy.
accoMMoDatioN Simple hotels (2 nts), homestays (5 nts) traNsPort Minibus, local bus GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow CUC$175 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sat GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed traVeller ratiNG 4.60 out of 5 start 2008 19 Jan 02 Feb 16 Feb 01 Mar 15 Mar 29 Mar 12 Apr 26 Apr 03 May 10 May 24 May 31 May 07 Jun 21 Jun 05 Jul Finish 26 Jan 09 Feb 23 Feb 08 Mar 22 Mar 05 Apr 19 Apr 03 May 10 May 17 May 31 May 07 Jun 14 Jun 28 Jun 12 Jul 12 Jul 19 Jul 26 Jul 02 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Sep 04 Oct 18 Oct 01 Nov 15 Nov 29 Nov 19 Jul 26 Jul 02 Aug 09 Aug 16 Aug 23 Aug 30 Aug 06 Sep 13 Sep 20 Sep 27 Sep 04 Oct 11 Oct 25 Oct 08 Nov 22 Nov 06 Dec 13 Dec 27 Dec 2009 03 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31 Jan 07 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28 Feb 07 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Mar 04 Apr 20 Dec 03 Jan 10 Jan 17 Jan 24 Jan 31 Jan 07 Feb 14 Feb 21 Feb 28 Feb 07 Mar 14 Mar 21 Mar 28 Mar 04 Apr 11 Apr 11 Apr 18 Apr 25 Apr 02 May 09 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 Jun 13 Jun 20 Jun 27 Jun 04 Jul 18 Apr 25 Apr 02 May 09 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 06 Jun 13 Jun 20 Jun 27 Jun 04 Jul 11 Jul Above: Valle Vinales, Cuba - Libby Blamey Below: Intrepid Photography Competition 2007, Chicken and a cigar, Cuba - Tameeka Wells
*plus Local Payment CUC$195
Physical culture shock
" experience cubas caribbean vibe " Discover the beautiful orchid garden in soroa " stay in a beach cabana in tropical cayo levisa " explore the elegant streets of havana " Drink rum with locals in Vinales
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