REVOLUTIONARY… CUBA IN DEPTH
Added: (Fri Feb 22 2008)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
***LAST MINUTE***
REVOLUTIONARY…
CUBA IN DEPTH
This week, Cuba's elderly, ex-cigar-wielding revolutionary, Fidel Castro, officially gave up the reins of power for the first time since the 1959 revolution. At 81 years and in poor health, Fidel has taken on the role of Cuban communism's elder statesman ceasing to be El Comandante to be simply Comrade Fidel. However, there’s no need to don military fatigues, glue-on faux facial hair or take up smoking tightly rolled bundles of tobacco to kick back and enjoy Cuba’s cultural and historical wealth. Peregrine Adventures offers an 14-day exploration of Cuba from west to east, mixing Spanish colonial heritage, Caribbean culture and beautiful beaches with battlegrounds that saw the start of Castro’s ‘perpetual revolution’, departing Havana 17th March and 7th April 2008.
So much of Cuba’s charm comes from its people. Years of hardship have not dampened their enthusiasm for life, and their friendliness and hospitality seem boundless. This in-depth tour of Cuba starts in Havana where faded, colonial buildings line the famous Malacon seaside drive and superbly restored Baroque mansions crowd the historical centre. Next, fly east to Santiago de Cuba, the centre of Afro-Cuban culture and rhythm. In addition to the sights, including El Morro Fortress and Bacardi Museum, there’s time to sit back, relax, watch the world whilst sipping a Cuba Libra and tapping your foot to some great Cuban Ôson music. Transfer by road to Camaguey, with its maze of twisting streets and huge earthenware water pots (tinajones) before enjoying a catamaran cruise from the ancient 16th century seaport, and UNESCO World heritage site of Trinidad. In the hills at Topes de Collantes hike in spectacular countryside, then head inland to Santa Clara. Here, Batista’s armoured supply train, Tren Blindado, was captured by Che Guevara’s greatly outnumbered fighters, in one of the last and most decisive battles of the Cuban revolution. Visit Che’s memorial before spending time at Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve and then, continuing to Vinales, famous for its sensational greenery, tobacco farms and giant limestone cliffs - a photographer’s paradise. Finally, at Cayo Levisa, unwind on beautiful beaches before concluding in Havana.
The tour costs £1,271 p/p including English speaking local leader, transfers, comfortable B&B hotel accommodation, domestic flights in Cuba, air-con ground transport and entrance fees. International flights are not included but are available from Peregrine Adventures.