CUBA: THROUGH THE LENS PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR, HOSTED BY DARLENE HILDEBRANDT

Includes:• four-night hotel accommodations

• six-night Homestay accommodations

• 10 breakfasts, two lunches, 2 dinners

• welcome greetings at airport in Havana for the group

• express private transfer from and to the airport on arrival and departure days.

• activities as listed in the itinerary (with the exception of any optional activities)

• English speaking local Tour Guide

Not Included:• international flights

• visa and passport fees

• meals and drinks except where specified

• optional activities/day-tours/excursions

• departure tax (25cuc per person)

• excess baggage fees

• insurance (travel insurance is required to travel as a tourist to Cuba)

Merit Travel Edmonton | 8103 104th Street | 780.439.3096 | | MeritTravel.com

Transportation:Land transport included for this tour will be in a private air-conditioned minibus or minivan with private driver and tour leader; max. group of 14 passengers. Transportation for optional activities is not included.

Call your Merit Travel Consultant for full details and bookings.

$2,350* p.p.11 days Departs Jan. 16, 2016

USD

Rousing rhythms, luscious landscapes and loquacious locals make charismatic Cuba a top destination for lovers of music, food, culture and life! Offering so much more than antiquated cars and coveted cigars, Cuba has a bounty of beaches, villages, farms and forests for travellers to explore. Viva Cuba!

*USD$ per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement: $584. Deposit per person of $250 at time of booking. Final payment due by Nov. 28, 2015. Land only. ON-4499356/4499372 | BC-34799 | 111 Peter Street, Suite 200, Toronto NM5V2H1

ITINERARY

Day 1 | Saturday, Jan. 16GROUP ARRIVAL HAVANA

On arrival into Havana the group is met by our local representative and transferred by coach to the hotel. After an introduction from our tour leader, your evening is free to relax and settle in. The best way to see Havana’s colonial buildings, elegant plazas, vintage cars and cigar-smoking musicians is by foot. Visit the Plaza de la Revolucion and pass giant monuments of the legendary Che Guevara and Jose Marti. The striking baroque facade of the Catedral de San Cristobal de la Habana is a must-see. Accommodation: Hotel Inglaterra.

Day 2 | Sunday, Jan. 17HAVANA (B,L)

After breakfast at your hotel your guide will meet you and take you on a city tour of Havana, including some great spots for taking pictures! In the afternoon you will have a photography lesson with your leader. The evening is free to spend at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Inglaterra.

Day 3 | Monday, Jan. 18HAVANA (B)

This morning is free. In the afternoon enjoy a three hour panoramic tour ride in a vintage car. Free evening for night photography. Accommodation: Hotel Inglaterra.

Day 4 | Tuesday, Jan. 19ROAD TRIP HAVANA - VINALES VIA SOROA (B)

After breakfast you depart Havana and make a stop in Soroa. Enjoy a walk to the Orchid Garden and to the waterfall. One of Cuba’s most attractive areas, the fertile valleys and distinctive limestone hills surrounding Vinales are well worth exploring. Continue on to Vinales and check in to your hotel. The evening is free to relax. Accommodation: Local Homestay.

Day 5 | Wednesday, Jan. 20VINALES (B,D)

This morning is free for taking pictures and independent adventures. After lunch take a scenic walking tour in the Valley. See how Cuban cigars are hand rolled then sample the goods with a cigar and coffee

tasting! Afterwards, drive to an organic farm where you enjoy a BBQ dinner this evening. Evening free. Accommodation: Local Homestay.

Day 6 | Thursday, Jan. 21 VINALES - CIENFUEGOS VIA THE BAY OF PIGS (B)

After an early breakfast you take off on a road trip to Cienfuegos via the Bay of Pigs. Here you will visit the Pigs Revolution Museum. On arrival into Cienfuegos you check in to your accommodation. Free evening to explore the city. Sunset shoot on the dock by Cienfuegos Port. Accommodation: Local Homestay.

Day 7 | Friday, Jan. 22CIENFUEGOS - TRINIDAD (B)

We start at 11 AM today with a visit to the Palacio de Valle and enjoy a waling tour of the city. Late afternoon arrival into Trinidad. Evening free to spend at leisure. Accommodation: Local Homestay.

Day 8 | Saturday, Jan. 23 TRINIDAD (B,L)

Free morning for photography. Lunch at local Palador (TBA) late afternoon walking tour of colonial Trinidad. Evening free to spend at leisure. Accommodation: Local Homestay.

Day 9 | Sunday, Jan. 24 TRINIDAD (B)

Full free day at leisure today. Accommodation: Local Homestay.

Day 10 | Monday Jan. 25TRINIDAD - HAVANA VIA SANTA CLARA (B,D)

After breakfast we travel to Havana, stopping enroute at Santa Clara.Here you visit Ernesto Che Guevara’s museum and mausoleum.Continue on to Havana and check into the Hotel Nacional. Enjoy a final group meal at a local restaurant, and later the Buena Vista Social Club Show, including drinks. Accommodation: Hotel Nacional.

Day 11 | Tuesday, Jan. 26 HAVANA DEPARTURE (B)

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.