Best of Cuba

Cuba is no wallflower. From the exotic streets and energetic plazas of Havana, where it feels like you’ve stepped into a time warp from the 1950s, to UNESCO listed Cienfuegos and the tropical islands of the Jardines del Rey, every inch of Cuba is more beautiful and surprising than the last.

This 15 day ‘Best of’ tour is a chance to uncover the hidden gems and highlights of colourful Cuba. Begin with a night in Cancun, the Mexican resort town known for sunshine and surf, then jet across to Havana to begin your exploration. See the sights of Havana on tour, including the Plaza de la Revolución and Morro Castle, and travel to Cienfuegos on the southern coast of Cuba. Take in the village of Cumanayagua at the foot of Escambray mountain range; explore trendy Trinidad, known for its pastel-hued colonial architecture; see the 18th century Convento de San Francisco; and stroll the gorgeous plazas Camaguey, Cuba’s third-largest city. Stay at a beautiful all-inclusive resort at Cayo Coco, a tropical island off the coast of Cuba; delve into the history of the Cuban Revolution in Santa Clara; enjoy a drive through Havana in a 1950s car and more! Package includes return international flights, 12 nights hotel accommodation, 20 meals, all airport transfers and more.

INCLUSIONS

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FROM $5,199 per person twin share

Selected Departures MAY-OCT 2020

  • Return international flights (economy class) ex AKL/*CHC/*WLG
  • Return International flights (economy class) from Cancun, Mexico to Havana, Cuba
  • 12 nights quality hotel accommodation on tour
  • 20 meals including daily breakfast
  • English-speaking tour leader and guides
  • Airline and cruise taxes and surcharges
  • All parking and check point charges
  • Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
  • All airport transfers

ITINERARY

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DISCOVER THE VIBRANT CITIES & LANDSCAPES OF CUBA
EXPLORE HAVANA, TRINIDAD, CIENFUEGOS & MORE

Day 1 [15 Day Standard Tour] New Zealand - Cancun, Mexico

Day 2 Cancun, Mexico - Havana, Cuba

Day 3 Havana - Cienfuegos (approx. 280km day)

Day 4 Cienfuegos - Escambray - Trinidad (approx. 94km day)

Day 5 Trinidad City Tour

Day 6 Trinidad - Sancti Spiritus - Camaguey (approx. 250km day)

Day 7 Camaguey - Cayo Coco (approx. 200km day)

Day 8 Cayo Coco Free Day

Day 9 Cayo Coco – Santa Clara - Varadero (approx. 500km day)

Day 10 Varadero – Havana (approx. 150km day)

Day 11 Havana City Tour

Day 12 Havana, Cuba - Cancun, Mexico

Day 13 Cancun, Mexico - New Zealand

Day 14 In Transit

Day 15 Arrive in New Zealand

*Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later due to flight scheduling.

BOOKING INFORMATION

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase.  Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.  On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.  Please note: all additional charges are payable direct to your Travel Consultant in NZD (unless otherwise stated).

Departure Dates (2020)
May: 4
June: 15
*July: 7 - high season surcharge of $200 per person.
August: 4
September: 7
October: 19
  
Departure Cities
Auckland, *Christchurch or *Wellington
Departure City Surcharges
Christchurch & Wellington: $150 per person

FLIGHTS

Full Service Airline(s) Used
Virgin Australia, United Airlines, American Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Korean Airlines, Fiji Airways, Air China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, China Airlines, Air Canada plus any codeshare partners (subject to availability).
Please note: One way flights can not be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.
ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation Used
3-5 Star (self-rated)
Cancun, Mexico: Hotel Adhara Hacienda Cancun or similar
Havana, Cuba: Hotel Memories Miramar or similar
Cienfuegos, Cuba: Hotel Jagua or similar
Trinidad, Cuba: Hotel Las Cuevas or similar
Camaguey, Cuba: Hotel Encanto Santa Maria or similar
Cayo Coco: Melia Los Jardines del Rey or similar (all inclusive)
Varadero: Melia Marina Varadero or similar (all inclusive)
   
Maximum Room Capacity
2 People
Child Policy
- No child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents.
- Valid for Children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed.
  
GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

Minimum group size 25, maximum group size 42 per vehicle. 
Please note:
- prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions
- The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone prior to submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability) 

EXCLUSIONS

- Visa fees and requirements (A tourist visa is not required for Mexico but is a strict requirement for Cuba if travelling on a New Zealand Passport)
- Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary (including any specialty restaurants onboard cruise)
- Optional gratuities/tipping 
- Optional activities/tours (including any 'onshore' excursions as part of cruise)
- Cancun city tax: 26 MXN (approx. $2 NZD) per room, per night, payable on arrival
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (Mandatory)
22 Day Package only
- Gratuities/tipping - Cruise: $14 USD per person, per day, payable at the end of the cruise
Please note: A comprehensive travel Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised.
 

Passport Validity:
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase, or no later than 45 days prior to departure date. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
   
Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included in the tour price for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is at the customer's discretion per person per day this covers the guide/leader and the driver, which will be collected whilst on tour. 
 
Tipping for all services provided on tour is always a matter of personal discretion, however please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and they may approach you for payment and there is no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
VISAS

Cuba:
A Tourist Card visa is required for entry into Cuba if travelling on a New Zealand Passport. The visa is valid for 30 days for one entry and one exit only. You must apply for this visa at least 3 weeks prior to departure from New Zealand. Please click below to contact your nearest Cuban Embassy or Consulate for instructions on how to apply in person or via post. The Cuba Consular Services Web Page is: http://misiones.minrex.gob.cu/en/new-zealand/consular-services
MEXICO

For stays in Mexico for 180 days or less on a New Zealand Passport, you won't need a visa. But you'll need to complete a Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) and make sure your passport is stamped by Mexican immigration officials on arrival. If you fail to complete this form or to have your passport stamped upon entry into Mexico, you could be detained and deported. If you enter Mexico by air, you can either complete the FMM in advance online or on arrival. Present your completed FMM for inspection at immigration. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact an Embassy or Consulate of Mexico for up-to-date information.
USA

An ESTA (Visa Waiver) for the USA is a strict requirement when travelling to or flying through the USA. Once a USA ESTA Visa Waiver is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the USA. For information on ESTA eligibility or to apply, please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
 
Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 3 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
  
Please note: Passengers who are not New Zealand citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note, some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

INSURANCE

We are proud to offer a range of travel insurance products - please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

SCHEDULE OF FEES

Post-Purchase Change
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
- $50 NZD per change request post-purchase + any additional charges applied by the travel partners associated with the order.