| Destination | Cuba |
| From | Dublin |
| Date | January – April 2012 |
| Duration | 9 Nights |
| Price | Multiple Prices |
| Flight Details | Depart: 09.45 Arrive: 14.15 |
| Depart: 19.10 Arrive: 09.25 (next day) |
Details are for guidance only and are subject to change
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.
Cost €470 per person (2010) €540 per person (2011)
Single Supplement for extended stay €120
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 €1169 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| 07 Jan 2012 | €1,989 |  |
| 14 Jan 2012 | €1,989 |  |
| 21 Jan 2012 | €1,999 | |
| 28 Jan 2012 | €1,999 | |
| 04 Feb 2012 | €2,019 | |
| 11 Feb 2012 | €2,019 | |
| 18 Feb 2012 | €2,129 |  |
| 25 Feb 2012 | €2,129 | |
| 03 Mar 2012 | €1,999 | |
| 10 Mar 2012 | €1,999 | |
| 17 Mar 2012 | €2,039 | |
| 24 Mar 2012 | €2,039 | |
| 14 Apr 2012 | €2,359 | |
| 28 Apr 2012 | €2,079 | |
28 April is also available without the overnight in London on night 1. Departs 29 April.
