Introduction to South Africa

The highly diverse history, sights and culture of South Africa are yours to explore on this tour, as you experience the breathtaking scenery,welcoming peoples and dramatic views of wildlife.

Itinerary

DAY 1 :

Fly from Dublin to Johannesburg (routing to be confirmed) arriving the next morning.

DAY 2 : JOHANNESBURG

Upon arrival in Johannesburg a representative from iKapa Tours & Travel will collect you from the airport for your transfer to your hotel where you will be accommodated overnight including breakfast.

Jozi, Egoli, Place of Gold – and the heartbeat of South Africa. Built on the discovery of gold, today Johannesburg continues to produce its own unique treasures. This city has passion, pride and endless possibilities. Discover the energy of one of the world‟s most cosmopolitan cities. Johannesburg sizzles through all four seasons. Diverse in culture, colour and heritage, Johannesburg will steal your heart and awaken your soul.

Overnight Holiday Inn Express Sandton Woodmead/Similar including breakfast.

Ideally located in the Buccleuch interchange which connects to major business parks and head offices, all whilst overlooking the lush green fairways of the Vodacom World of Golf.

DAY 3 : JOHANNESBURG TO THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

This morning at approximately 07:30 you are collected from your hotel for your early morning departure. We will travel across the Gauteng Highveld and descend into the subtropical Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, towards the world famous Kruger National Park. Consisting of more than two million hectares, the Kruger boasts more than 146 mammal species, 507 bird species and 400 different tree varieties.

You will enter the Park in late afternoon en route, where you spend some time game viewing before arriving at your accommodation, situated just outside the Kruger National Park. (Game viewing done in coach/closed vehicle)

Overnight Casa do Sol/Similar including breakfast and dinner.

This luxury estate hotel situated in the beautiful Mpumalanga Region is a little Eden of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and quiet flower gardens. The cobbled streets, exotic gardens, coupled with enchanting sounds and smells of the bush and the warm and friendly atmosphere make Casa do Sol a destination of choice for a large variety of travellers. Just beyond the boundaries of the hotel lie some of the jewels of creation – the Big Five in the world famous Kruger National Park.

DAY 4 : FULL DAY INSIDE THE KRUGER

To make the most of the day we recommend an early breakfast so as to commence game viewing soon after sunrise. A full day is spent inside the Kruger National Park in search of wild animals (game viewing done in coach/closed vehicles). Optional four wheel drive open vehicles for your full day game drive are available. No guarantees can be given that you will encounter the “Big Five” (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo), but you are certain of seeing at very close quarters, an abundance of antelope, birds, mammals and possibly reptiles. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight Casa do Sol/Similar including breakfast and dinner.

DAY 5 : KRUGER TO SWAZILAND

We depart this massive wildlife sanctuary to the independent Kingdom of Swaziland. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, an African people of Nguni descent migrated southward from Central Africa and eventually, during the mid-eighteenth century, a group of them settled in the area, which is now Swaziland. These people, the Nkosi Dlamini, became known as the Swazis, and today both names live on. Nkosi means „king‟ and Dlamini is the surname of the royal family. The country derives its actual name from a later king, Mswati I but another name, Ngwane, is an alternative word for Swaziland. We visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory before travelling to the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the reserve. Here you have the opportunity to sleep in a traditional Swazi Hut.

Overnight Mlilwane – Beehives/Similar including breakfast and dinner.

The three beehive villages (Roan, Nyala and Blesbok) have the look and feel of traditional Swazi homesteads with grass dome-shaped huts, arranged in semi-circles, and seating areas all semi-enclosed by traditional Swazi kraal ‘fencing’. The huts are simple and sparsely furnished containing beds and a fan. They have their own bathrooms attached.

DAY 6 : SWAZILAND TO ST LUCIA

Today we visit one of the local markets and the Swazi Candle factory. Here you can come watch the creation process and meet the artisans who make the Light from Africa shine through their handmade candles authentic to the Kingdom of Swaziland. We will continue through the small land locked country before re-entering South Africa. You are met with the warm welcome of the locals in another kingdom, the Kingdom of the Zulus in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. We will proceed to your hotel situated on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary, overlooking Lake St Lucia. St Lucia is an entrance point to the southern portion of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, particularly the St Lucia Game Reserve. It is also the core access point to Fist Rocks, Mission Rocks and Cape Vidal. Arrival in the late afternoon.

Overnight at the Elephant Lake Hotel/Similar including breakfast.

The Elephant Lake Hotel St Lucia is located on the shores of the St Lucia Estuary in the town of St Lucia, Kwa Zulu Natal, within the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site. With its lakes, lagoons, freshwater swamps and grasslands, St. Lucia supports more species of animal than the better known parks and deltas in Southern Africa.

DAY 7 : ST LUCIA TO KWAZULU NATAL SOUTH COAST (PORT EDWARD)

This morning join an optional Eco cruise on Lake St Lucia. Isimangiliso (The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) was proclaimed South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999. It is considered an amazing natural phenomenon because of the occurrence of five ecosystems within a relatively small area (260 000 ha). The tour continues to Shakaland, an authentic Zulu Village. Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa as you relive the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus, in this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal overlooking the Phobane Lake. Experience the sight of assegai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-drinking ceremonies. Lunch is included at Shakaland, before heading for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and sub tropical climate. Afternoon arrival in Port Edward. Port Edward has a delightful beach that overlooks a hill known by Europeans as “Tragedy Hill”. The tragedy in 1831 was the bloodthirsty killing of opposing tribes people by a rampaging band of Zulu warriors. Human bones still scattered the hillside up until recently. The coast here is known for its shipwrecks and in 1878, “The Ivy” ran aground on the beach. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the Premier Hotel Edwardian/Similar including breakfast.

This Tuscan styled resort complex is situated on the Hibiscus Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal and offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and of lush coastal hillsides from its private balconies.

DAY 8 : PORT EDWARD TO THE WILD COAST

We depart Port Edward and travel to the rural area along the Eastern Cape coast, known as the Wild Coast. All the wild places of this world have a secret, a barrier, a portal – something that makes them hard to find or difficult to get to. The Wild Coast, on the eastern seaboard of South Africa, has its own secrets. It‟s a land that has been lost in time. The modern world has passed by the Wild Coast – a combination of history, geography and politics has left it largely undeveloped and unexplored. There are many things that have been left undisturbed by the busy outside world. They are waiting to be discovered. On this route pass one of Nelson Mandela’s houses in his area of birth in Qunu. Cintsa is a jewel of the Eastern Cape coast on the Indian Ocean. It has been described as a little piece of paradise and those who live there know it’s true. The road from the top of Dolphin Drive hints at the pleasure that is about to unfold. This paradise haven, in a lush and tranquil setting will leave you captured by the natural beauty of its surroundings.

After a long journey, you will arrive at Cintsa for a relaxing two night stay. Overnight at the Crawfords Beach Lodge/Similar including breakfast and dinner.

Crawford’s is nestled in the middle of the beautiful Cintsa Bay on the Wild Coast, surrounded by rolling hills, lush tropical beach forests and overlooks the warm Indian Ocean. A romantic getaway to explore the many beautiful treasures the wild coast has to offer. Spend your days walking on our endless golden beaches and be absorbed by the untouched natural beauty of the landscape while discovering new exotic bird and fish life indigenous to the area.

DAY 9 : THE WILD COAST

This morning you are escorted by a local guide and given insight into the Xhosa tribe‟s customs and traditions. We will visit the nearby village where you will have the opportunity to meet the local people. Your visit may also include special events happening in and around Cintsa. Light lunch is included.

This afternoon join an optional Elephant Interaction at a Game Reserve nearby (note that this needs to be prebooked before arrival). Get up close and personal with one of the world’s most amazing animals – you’ll never forget it. This hands-on learning experience includes lots of one-on-one interaction with these graceful, gentle giants. We will return to the hotel later this afternoon.

Overnight at the Crawfords Beach Lodge/Similar including breakfast and dinner.

DAY 10 : THE WILD COAST TO PORT ELIZABETH VIA GRAHAMSTOWN

Today we depart the beautiful Wild Coast as we drive to Port Elizabeth via Grahamstown. A hauntingly beautiful region – arguably the crucible of South African history – Frontier Country is a vibrant mix of all the best that Africa has to offer. One of the premier tourist routes in the Eastern Cape, it has a turbulent past, with more forts than the rest of the country combined. Join your guide as he tells his story – a story that must be heard of frontier wars, pioneering spirits and heroic people bound together by indomitable determination.

Depart from Grahamstown and continue to Port Elizabeth, set along the beautiful shores of Algoa Bay and better known as the Friendly City! Arrival at the hotel in the afternoon.

Overnight at the Kelway Hotel/Similar including breakfast.

Good company, fine food and magnificent views across Algoa Bay make The Kelway Hotel the premier choice for accommodation in Port Elizabeth. Elegant in style and generous in size the overall tone of the hotel is warm and inviting with care given to making guests as comfortable as possible.

DAY 11 : PORT ELIZABETH TO KNYSNA

This morning we will depart the Eastern Cape and travel to the Garden Route, one of the country’s most beautiful and scenic locations. Visit the Tsitsikamma Forest. Your journey will take you through dense indigenous forests, woodlands, lakes and lagoons to Knysna, known as the Jewel of the Garden Route. Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast’s best-known holiday destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon – it offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety. The most well known attraction being The Heads, which are two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon, connecting the estuary with the sea. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports an oyster hatchery, and the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world.

Arrival in the afternoon, where the remainder of the day is spent at leisure.

Overnight at the Graywood Hotel/Similar including breakfast.

The Graywood Hotel in Knysna is centrally situated in walking distance from both the centre of town and the Knysna Waterfront. The timberlog building of The Graywood Hotel reflects the town’s proud heritage as a woodcraft centre, a skill that survives to this day thanks to the surrounding indigenous forests.

DAY 12 : FULL DAY IN THE GARDEN ROUTE

After a leisurely breakfast you will be taken to the Knysna harbour to board a ferry for a cruise on the beautiful Knysna Lagoon. The John Benn is Knysna’s only luxury pleasure cruiser. She is beautifully appointed with her upper and lower decks constructed from Yellowwood sourced from the Knysna Forest. This legendary floating restaurant is for eating, drinking and having lots of fun!

The rest of the day is spent at leisure or exploring Knysna. Knysna has wonderful little shops and curios for you to explore.

Overnight at the Graywood Hotel/Similar including breakfast.

DAY 13 : KNYSNA TO OUDTSHOORN

We depart Knysna in the early morning to travel inland along the winding Outeniqua Pass, to the Ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. Here you visit a working ostrich ranch for a tour. Those daring enough may even have the opportunity to ride an Ostrich! Lunch included at Ostrich Ranch. Arrival at your hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight at the Turnberry Lodge/Similar including breakfast.

The four star Turnberry Lodge is situated in the centre of the picturesque Klein Karoo town of Oudtshoorn. A warm welcome from the owner, Tertius Bothma, awaits visitors to this tiny piece of Scotland set in the heart of the Klein Karoo. Turnberry Lodge is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the charming Karoo hospitality.

DAY 14 : OUDTSHOORN TO CAPE TOWN

Visit the Cango Caves this morning before departing to Cape Town. Situated in a limestone ridge parallel to the well known Swartberg Mountains, you will find the finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations. We will continue along the famous Route 62 through the semi-desert, and winelands region to N1 highway, which leads to Cape Town. Your journey will take you through the towns of Robertson and Worcester before arriving in the “Mother City”. After your afternoon arrival, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at the Holiday Inn Express Cape Town/Similar including breakfast.

Ideally located at the top end of the vibrant St. George’s Mall with Greenmarket Square in sight, the Parliamentary Gardens a few steps away and the Table Mountain forming its backdrop.

DAY 15 : CAPE TOWN

Today you have a day of leisure to take in the sights and sounds of Cape Town. Join one of many optional tours such as a half-day city and Table Mountain tour, a full day Cape Peninsula tour, a full day Winelands tour, a full day Township & Robben Island or take the opportunity to explore the city on your own.

DAY 16 : DEPARTURE

You will have the morning is at leisure for some last minute shopping, before you are collected and transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your onward departure flight. (Flight routing to be confirmed)

DAY 17:

Arrive in Dublin after your return overnight flight from Cape Town.

Price inclusions

• Flight from Dublin to Johannesburg (overnight)
• Transfers on luxury coaches throughout
• 14 nights accommodation in South Africa, based on 2 sharing
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
• Tours included along the way
• Transfer to the airport
• Flight from Cape Town to Dublin (overnight)
• Taxes and charges of €374

Please note an optional range of extensions in South Africa are available on request. Please ask for specific details.

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit of 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Single Supplement from €550 (2011) €530 (2012)
• Drinks onboard not included.
• Gratuities onboard are not included
• Prices are correct at time of going to press, flight supplements may apply depending on availability of negotiated airfares
• Vaccines: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A,  & Malaria recommended, contact your GP

Accommodation details

• Johannesburg – Holiday Inn Express Sandton Woodmead – 1 night
• Mpumalanga/Kruger – Casa do Sol – 2 nights
• Swaziland – Mlilwane Game Reserve – 1 night
• KwaZulu Natal/St Lucia – Elephant Lake Hotel – 1 night
• Port Edward – Premier Hotel Edwardian – 1 night
• Eastern Cape/Cintsa – Crawford’s Beach Lodge – 2 nights
• Port Elizabeth – The Kelway – 1 night
• Garden Route/Knysna – The Graywood – 2 nights
• Knysna/Oudtshoorn- The Turnberry Lodge -1 night
• Cape Town – Holiday Inn Express Cape Town – 2 nights

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
14 Apr 2012	€2,639
05 May 2012	€2,639
23 Jun 2012	€2,639
11 Aug 2012	€2,639
01 Sep 2012	€2,639
06 Oct 2012	€2,639
10 Nov 2012	€2,639

Introduction to Hemingway’s Cuba

There is a great deal to recommend a visit to the beautiful island of Cuba at this moment in time, recent political changes inciting the dawn of a new era in a country where the crumbling legacy of the heady pre-Revolution days still remains. Additionally, flying with Virgin Atlantic allows for a full 14 nights exploration of Western Cuba’s most important cities and stunning landscapes. Now flying twice weekly direct from London Gatwick, Virgin provide high quality on-board service, including a 31-inch seat pitch, individual seatback TV and a selection of meals.

Much of Cuba’s infrastructure was built to cater for the American elite in the heavy pre-revolutionary days before Castro, and the island is still redolent with imagery of the 1940s and 50s, whether it be Hemingway’s old haunts, museums to the exploits of the revolutionaries, the Tropicana Night Club, which still somehow echoes to the sound of Nat King Cole, the hotels run by “Long Legs Diamond” and the events of the Bay of Pigs.

However, Cuba is not just about tourist clichés since there is much to see not only in UNESCO World Heritage site Havana, with its baroque cathedral, many forts and Old Town, but also the provincial cities and towns. Port city Cienfuegos, known as the “Pearl of the South” was built around a stunning bay and its pastel coloured buildings are a striking example of Spanish colonial architecture; UNESCO World Heritage site Trinidad is sometimes referred to as a living museum, with its preserved squares, and San Juan de los Remedios, officially recognised as the oldest city in Cuba, is home to beautifully restored colonial mansions surrounding the main square.

An island of contrasts, outside of the main cities Cuba’s countryside is surprisingly varied. Pinar del Rio province’s Vinales Valley, home to a unique flora and fauna and over 17 endemic species, has been declared a National Natural Monument for its remarkable landscapes. Large limestone formations dating from the Jurassic period contrast with the lush greenery of the valley where the world’s finest tobacco is grown. Varadero is Cuba’s fashionable Caribbean resort, a 12-mile long slender strip of white sand on the island’s north coast in Matanzas province, also home to the Zapata Peninsula National Park, the largest wetlands in the Caribbean.

Itinerary

In brief:

London Gatwick – 1 night. Havana – 3 nights. Vinales Valley – 1 night. Soroa – 1 night. Trinidad – 3 nights. Santa Clara – 2 nights. Varadero – 2 nights. Havana – 2 nights. Flight – 1 night.

Day 1 Fly from Dublin to London Gatwick or to London Heathrow for Cork & Shannon Departures and transfer to Gatwick. Overnight in Gatwick airport hotel.

Day 2 Fly from London Gatwick to Havana. Transfer to the 5-star Hotel Parque Central or Melia Cohiba for three nights.

Day 3 A city tour exploring both old and modern Havana.

Day 4 Visit the local botanical gardens before continuing to the small fishing town of Cojimar on the outskirts of Havana and the Hemingway Museum at San Francisco de Paula where Hemingway wrote ‘The Old Man and the Sea’.

Day 5 Travel to Viñales in Pinar del Rio, Cuba’s most westerly province, 178 km from Havana and crossed by two spectacular mountain ranges. En route, visit a tobacco and rum factory and Indian’s Cave, part of the spectacular Santo Tomas cave system. Overnight at the 3-star Los Jazmines.

Day 6 Depart for scenic Soroa, famous for its botanical gardens, home to over 700 different types of orchids and waterfalls. Overnight at 2-star Villa Soroa Hotel or similar.

Day 7 Depart for Cienfuegos, a beautiful town with buildings showing the French influence of those who migrated here from Louisiana. Drive by the Bay of Pigs (with an optional visit to the Bay of Pigs Museum) and continue to Trinidad for three nights at the 3-star Hotel Las Cuevas or Hotel Brisas Trinidad.

Day 8 An orientation tour of Trinidad. Recently nominated a UNESCO World Heritage site, admire its beautiful colonial architecture, many squares and cobbled streets. Later visit the city’s museum, La Canchanchara bar, named after a local rum drink made with water and honey, and the nearby sugar plantations and mansion.

Day 9 Day at leisure or take an optional steam-train ride to a local sugar plantation at Manaca Iznaga.

Day 10 Travel to Santa Clara visiting Sancti Spiritus en route. Two nights at the 2-star Hotel La Granjita or Los Caneyes.

Day 11 Visit the colonial city of San Juan de los Remedios. Visit the Plaza Marti, a beautiful square surrounded by colonial mansions and the town’s main church, Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, built in 1570 and one of Cuba’s oldest churches.

Day 12 Travel to Varadero, a 12-mile strip of sand backed with dense tropical foliage and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, for a two-night stay at the 4-star all-inclusive Melia Varadero (four-night stay in 2010).

Day 13 At leisure with a variety of optional excursions, bookable locally.

Day 14 Return to Havana for two nights at Hotel Parque Central or Melio Cohiba.

Day 15 At leisure.

Day 16 At leisure before transferring to the airport for the overnight flight to London.

Day 17 Arrive Gatwick in the early morning and transfer to your onward flight to Dublin

Optional Extension – Havana (2011)

With two million inhabitants and 500 years history, Havana is a fascinating place to explore independently. Wander around Old Havana, admire the colonial architecture, visit some of the smaller museums dedicated to antique automobiles or Cuban music. Visit Lenin Park with its monumental statue to the Russian revolutionary leader, Christopher Columbus Cemetery where the beauty and magnificence of the headstones are famous throughout Latin America, the Botanical Gardens, China Town, the lively bars and street life and stroll along the Malecon, the sea wall that surrounds the city.Extend your stay for three or four nights in Havana, staying at the 5-star Hotel Parque Central with breakfast daily.

Price: €470 pp (4 nights – Tuesday departures) Single Supplement €165

Price: €400 pp (3 nights – Saturday departures) Single Supplement €120

Itinerary sequence may be re-arranged in order to reduce overcrowding at some sights. The stay in Varadero will be at the end of the tour.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to London (Times vary)
• Overnight accommodation in Gatwick Airport
• Flight London to Havana with Virgin Atlantic
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 15 nights accommodation (see Itinerary)
• Meals : All inclusive Varadero and half board elsewhere
• All tours outlined in the itinerary
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Havana to London Gatwick (Overnight)
• Onward flight to Dublin , Cork and Shannon
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges of €418

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €560 for the duration
• Supplement for extended stay €458 (Single Supplement €159)
• Virgin Upper Class Upgrade €2,180 pp
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due 12 weeks before travel
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Taxes, charges or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price.
• Irish Nationals require a tourist card to enter Cuba. Cost €30, arranged through Citiescapes

Accommodation details

Following a recent inspection visit, we have upgraded accommodation in Havana to the 5-star Hotel Parque Central in Viejo Habana (Old Havana) or the Melia Cohiba in the neighbouring enclave of Vedado, overlooking the ocean. Both hotels offer a choice of restaurants, bar and a swimming pool. At Varadero, we now stay at the 5-star Melia Varadero, pleasingly situated on the Varadero coast, nestled in tropical gardens with a two large swimming pools, numerous bars and restaurants. Our revised hotel choices afford maximum comfort at the beginning and end of the tour.

Throughout the rest of Cuba, choice is more restricted and hotels are of a simple 2 and 3-star standard, with private facilities. Tourism in Cuba is still under state control and on occasion hotels of a similar standard to those listed in the itinerary may be used. Advance notification of this is not always possible.

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
10 Mar 2012	€2,769
13 Mar 2012	€2,689
17 Mar 2012	€2,769
20 Mar 2012	€2,689
24 Mar 2012	€2,769
27 Mar 2012	€2,689
30 Mar 2012	€3,239
03 Apr 2012	€3,239
07 Apr 2012	€2,769
10 Apr 2012	€2,689
14 Apr 2012	€2,769
17 Apr 2012	€2,689
21 Apr 2012	€2,769
24 Apr 2012	€2,689
29 Aug 2012	€2,569
05 Sept 2012	€2,539
12 Sept 2012	€2,539
19 Sept 2012	€2,539
26 Sept 2012	€2,539
03 Oct 2012	€2,549
10 Oct 2012	€2,549
31 Oct 2012	€2,659
07 Nov 2012	€2,699
14 Nov 2012	€2,699
21 Nov 2012	€2,699
28 Nov 2012	€2,699

Introduction to Cuba

There is a great deal to recommend a visit to the beautiful island of Cuba at this moment in time, recent political changes inciting the dawn of a new era in a country where the crumbling legacy of the heady pre-Revolution days still remains. Additionally, flying with Virgin Atlantic allows for a full 9 nights’ exploration of western Cuba’s most important cities and stunning landscapes. Flying direct from London Gatwick, Virgin provide high quality on-board service, including a 31-inch seat pitch, individual seatback TV and a selection of meals.

Much of Cuba’s infrastructure was built to cater for the American elite in the heavy pre-revolutionary days before Castro and the island is still redolent with imagery of the 1940s and 50s, whether it be Hemingway’s old haunts, museums to the exploits of the revolutionaries, the Tropicana Night Club, which still somehow echoes to the sound of Nat King Cole, the hotels run by “Long Legs Diamond” and the events of the Bay of Pigs.

However, Cuba is not just about tourist clichés since there is much to see not only in UNESCO World Heritage site Havana, with its baroque cathedral, many forts and Old Town, but also the provincial cities and towns. Port city Cienfuegos, known as the “Pearl of the South” was built around a stunning bay and its pastel coloured buildings are a striking example of Spanish colonial architecture; UNESCO World Heritage site Trinidad is sometimes referred to as a living museum, with its preserved squares, and San Juan de los Remedios, officially recognised as the oldest city in Cuba, is home to beautifully restored colonial mansions surrounding the main square.

An island of contrasts, outside of the main cities Cuba’s countryside is surprisingly varied. Pinar del Rio province’s Vinales Valley, home to a unique flora and fauna and over 17 endemic species, has been declared a National Natural Monument for its remarkable landscapes. Large limestone formations dating from the Jurassic period contrast with the lush greenery of the valley where the world’s finest tobacco is grown. Varadero is Cuba’s fashionable Caribbean resort, a 12-mile longer slender strip of white sand on the island’s north coast in Matanzas province, also home to the Zapata Peninsula National Park, the largest wetlands in the Caribbean.

Itinerary

In brief:

London Gatwick – 1 night, Havana – 2 nights, Trinidad – 2 nights, Sancti Spiritus – 1 night, Havana – 2 nights. 1 night flight

Day 1 Fly from Dublin to London Gatwick. Overnight in Gatwick airport hotel

Day 2 Fly from London Gatwick to Havana and transfer to the 5-star Hotel Parque Central or Melia Cohiba for a two-night stay.

Day 3 Full-day tour exploring both old and new Havana.

Day 4 Travel to Trinidad visiting Cienfuegos en route. Explore the old town. Time permitting, there is an optional boat ride across the bay and a visit to Jagua Fort. Continue to Trinidad for two nights at the 3-star Hotel Las Cuevas or Hotel Brisas Trinidad.

Day 5 Full-day visit of Trinidad includes La Canchanchara Bar and Trinidad Romantic Museum.

Day 6 Travel to Sancti Spiritus via El Cubano Park near Trinidad Village. Continue to the 2-star Hostal Rijo or similar.

Day 7 Return to Havana, visiting colonial Santa Clara en route. Stay two nights at the Hotel Parque Central or Melia Cohiba.

Day 8 A day at leisure in Havana.

Day 9 Early afternoon transfer to the airport for the overnight flight to London.

Day 10 Arrive in London and connect to your return flight to Dublin.

Optional Extension: Varadero Beach

Three nights in Cuba’s most popular resort, a long slender strip of sand overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The tastefully constructed 4-star All-Inclusive Melia Varadero is surrounded by extensive tropical gardens and has three restaurants, bars, coffee shop, boutiques and a large landscaped swimming pool with bar. There are 490 air-conditioned rooms, all with private facilities, satellite TV and mini-bar.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to London (Times vary)
• Overnight accommodation in Gatwick Airport
• Flight London to Havana with Virgin Atlantic
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 7 nights accommodation (see Itinerary)
• Meals : Half board
• All tours outlined in the itinerary
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Havana to London Gatwick (Overnight)
• Onward flight to Dublin
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges €251

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €215 for the duration
• Virgin Upper Class upgrade €2,180 pp
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due 12 weeks before travel
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Virgin Premium Economy upgrade €710 pp
• Taxes, charges or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price.
• Irish Nationals require a tourist card to enter Cuba. Cost €30, arranged through Citiescapes

Accommodation details

Following a recent inspection visit, we have upgraded accommodation in Havana to the 5-star Hotel Parque Central in Viejo Habana (Old Havana) or the Melia Cohiba in the neighbouring enclave of Vedado, overlooking the ocean. Both hotels offer a choice of restaurants, bar and a swimming pool. At Varadero, we now stay at the 5-star Melia Varadero, pleasingly situated on the Varadero coast, nestled in tropical gardens with a two large swimming pools, numerous bars and restaurants. Our revised hotel choices afford maximum comfort at the beginning and end of the tour.

Throughout the rest of Cuba, choice is more restricted and hotels are of a simple 2 and 3-star standard, with private facilities. Tourism in Cuba is still under state control and on occasion hotels of a similar standard to those listed in the itinerary may be used. Advance notification of this is not always possible.

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
13 May 2012	€2,079
27 May 2012	€2,079
19 Aug 2012	€2,139
16 Sept 2012	€2,139
14 Oct 2012	€2,119
11 Nov 2012	€2,199
25 Nov 2012	€2,199
06 Jan 2013	€2,119
13 Jan 2013	€2,169
20 Jan 2013	€2,169
27 Jan 2013	€2,169
03 Feb 2013	€2,169
10 Feb 2013	€2,169
17 Feb 2013	€2,219
24 Feb 2013	€2,219
03 Mar 2013	€2,219
10 Mar 2013	€2,219
17 Mar 2013	€2,219