CUBA & CARIBBEAN: 16 Day Tour & Cruise with Flights for Two (Inside Cabin)

From the tranquil waters off the coast of Jamaica to the smell of cigars and the sound of salsa on Havana’s vibrant streets, exotic paradises await on this 16 day tour of Cuba and the Caribbean. Return International Flights for Two 7 Night Luxury Cruise through the Caribbean Including All Onboard Meals and Entertainment 8 Nights of Classic Cars, White Sands, Salsa and Cigars in Cuba Including Accommodation and Daily Breakfasts INCLUSIONS Return International Flights from Australia, Flying Qantas, United Air or Delta Airlines 7 Night Cruise of the Caribbean, Jamaica, Cayman Islands & Mexico on the MSC Opera Your Choice of an Inside, Outside or Balcony Cabin All Onboard Meals and Entertainment 8 Day Guided Tour of Cuba Including Accommodation and Daily Breakfast Transportation in Cuba via Air-Conditioned Coach All Tours and Excursions as Indicated in the Itinerary ACCOMMODATION 7 nights aboard the MSC Opera in an Inside, Outside or Balcony Cabin 8 nights in Cuba at various Casa Particulares B&Bs MSC Opera With a stunning array of dining options and entertainment, the MSC Opera is like a giant floating luxury hotel. Chill out by the pool on the sundeck, be dazzled by shows in the Teatro dell’Opera Theatre, or steam your worries away in the Turkish Bath House. You’ll have your choice of an Inside, Outside or Balcony Cabin. All cabins feature spacious interiors, luxury linens, modern en suite bathrooms, a TV, telephone, mini bar and safe. Casa Particulares Casa Particular is Spanish for ‘private home’. Owned and run by locals, the operators are fiercely proud of their businesses, and staying in a Casa Particular is a brilliant way of immersing yourself in the life and culture of the local people. Your host or hostess will be able to advise you on all things Cuban – the best restaurants, the best music and Salsa venues and any seasonal attractions known only to the locals! Prior to 1997, all accommodation in Cuba was owned by the government. Now homeowners have been permitted licenses to open their own Casa Particulares, and reap some benefit for themselves from the Cuban tourism industry. Staying at these homesteads drives local economy, and is not only a fabulous experience, but a great way to give back to the community. TRAVEL DATES Available for departure on one of the following dates in 2017: February*: 13, 27 March*: 13, 27 April*: 15, 29 May: 13, 29 June: 10, 24 July: 8, 22 August: 5, 19 September: 2, 16, 30 October: 14, 28 November: 11, 25 Book early to secure your preferred dates! *Departures in February, March and April incur a surcharge of $500 per person HOW TO BOOK Once you have selected your favourite option, click on Add to Cart and follow the payment prompts Once you complete your purchase, you will be emailed a confirmation and unique booking code Please follow the instructions on your email to redeem your voucher For any other assistance or enquiries please contact support@kogantravel.com or call us on 1300 517 210. HIGHLIGHTS Caribbean Cruise Wine, dine and unwind your way around the Caribbean with first-rate facilities and inclusions aboard the MSC Opera cruise liner. Learn more about the ship here. Stop in Montego Bay, Jamaica, for smoky jerk restaurants and stunning stretches of coastline. Live the tropical lifestyle in the Cayman Islands, where picturesque gingerbread-style houses back onto flour-soft sandy beaches. Throw down some Coronas in sunny Cozumel – a large island of Mexico famed worldwide for its marine wildlife. Cuba Havana is one of our all time favourite destinations. With waves crashing against the sea wall, the smell of Cuban cigars and striking historic buildings everywhere, Havana is abundant with buzzing energy and beautiful spirit. Cuban nightlife is famed worldwide. The city streets are alive with music, bars and restaurants love visiting tourists, and the locals are known for their kindness and hospitality. Experience magical Trinidad, a one of a kind city with a slow-paced island vibe. You’ll see horses clopping down cobbled streets, 200 year old colonial buildings, and some of the most pristine beaches that you are ever likely to encounter. Learn the fascinating history of modern Cuba in Santa Clara. This amazing town is the epicentre of the struggle of Che Guevara, so viva la revolucion! ITINERARY Day 1: Arrive Havana (D) Welcome to sunny Cuba! On arrival, you will make your way down to the port to check in for your 7 night cruise aboard the MSC Opera. Make yourself comfortable in your new cabin. Day 2: Docked in Havana (B, L, D) There’s so much life in Havana, and yet this bustling city never feels overwhelming. You’ll be staying aboard the ship but well within easy reach of all of Havana’s great attractions. Explore on your own, or organise an additional day tour or excursion. Day 3: Cruise Departs Havana 17:00 (B, L, D) Watch the view over the deck as you set sail away from Havana towards your Caribbean adventure! Day 4: At Sea (B, L, D) As you sail the tranquil waters of the Caribbean, you’ll have lots to keep you occupied on board the ship. Relax and unwind with a poolside cocktail, or pamper yourself with a treatment at the day spa. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll be treated to delicious meals, stunning facilities and awesome entertainment for every day of your Caribbean cruise. Day 5: Montego Bay, Jamaica (B, L, D) The ship ports at 8am today in stunning Montego Bay, Jamaica. As you sail in, the first thing that will strike you is the pristine white sandy beaches and the sparkling turquoise waters. The shores of the bay are like something straight out of a Caribbean brochure. Don’t let the tranquil tourist hotspots fool you though – Montego Bay city is a bustling hub of life. With a variety of local markets, fragrant jerk restaurants and a vibrant youth culture all in easy reach, you’ll have plenty to do and see before the ship departs at 7pm tonight. Day 6: George Town, Cayman Islands (B, L, D) George Town is the administrative capital of the Cayman Islands, and a tourist favourite. The bay is a patchwork of colorful gingerbread-style houses backing onto the tropical beach, and the area teems with cultural significance. Use your free time to visit the iconic Glass House, the Cayman Islands Visitor Centre, the Cayman Islands National Museum or historic Fort George before returning to the ship for a 3pm departure. Day 7: Cozumel, Mexico (B, L, D) One of the largest islands in Mexico, Cozumel is famed for its marine life and a haven for divers and snorkelers. Why not take a short boat trip out to El Cielo Cozumel, about a mile from the main shoreline, for untouched coral reefs and your own little slice of island paradise. Enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants before heading back to the ship for a 6.30pm departure. Day 8: Havana Arrival (B, L) Today the ship arrives back in Havana at 1.30pm. You will say goodbye to the MSC Opera and have some free time to enjoy the afternoon before staying overnight in Havana. Have a good rest, tomorrow your tour of beautiful Cuba begins! Day 9: Havana (B) The only difficult thing about the city is knowing where to start exploring. The best way to get started is with a pair of comfortable walking shoes. The entire city is fascinating, but fortunately many of the main points of interest are within a fairly compact area. Take a leisurely stroll through Havana’s Old Town, with pauses for coffee (Cuban coffee is amongst the best in the world), or for a magical mojito. The architecture of this part of the city is an attraction in itself. The first day is the perfect way to ease yourself into Cuban life, and your tour operator would be more than happy to provide recommendations and advice as to the best sights, excursions and activities to focus on. They can also arrange additional half and full days tours in Havana and its surrounding regions. Day 10: Havana – Cienfuegos (B) Today you will depart Havana and journey to Playa Giron, also known as the Bay of Pigs. This was the site of the infamous failed invasion of Cuba. Its brutal history is nowhere to be seen, and it’s now an area of profound natural beauty. You’ll want to dive straight into that beautiful ocean, and don’t worry – there will be time. While most of Cuba was settled by the Spanish, it was actually the French who made Cienfuegos into the city it is today. French migrants flocked to the area in the 1800s and their architectural influence on the city is obvious. On some streets you might think you’re walking through Paris (although with infinitely better weather). At the entrance to the harbour you’ll see the Castillo de Jagua, an ancient fort that allowed the city to withstand the pirate attacks that were once common in Cuba. Many buildings in the town have been given UNESCO world heritage status. A harbour city by location, the ‘Pearl of the Caribbean’ has seduced Cuban travellers for years due to its elegance and beauty. Explore the wide streets and promenades or enjoy a walk by the Malecon, the longest promenade on the island. Day 11 & 12: Cienfuegos – Trinidad (B) After leaving Cienfuegos, you will have two days to enjoy stunning Trinidad. Visit Santa Clara en route, where Che Guevara and his rebels successfully derailed a military train carrying weapons and ammunition to be used against Fidel Castro. This act was credited with winning the revolution. Visit Che Guevara’s memorial before continuing on to remarkable Trinidad. Founded in 1514, the central parts of the city have been lovingly maintained, and you might wonder if you’ve been transported back in time. Many buildings are painted in sensational shades of colour, making Trinidad a true treat for the eyes. Trinidad was once the heart of Cuba’s sugar industry (and a lot of sugar cane is still processed here). You simply have to take a visit to the sugar district, where many of the old mills can be found. For a fairly small city, there’s an amazing amount of nightlife as well. Take the opportunity to visit a local waterfall, historic sugar mill or one of Cuba’s best beaches – Playa Ancon. Later, an evening at one of Trinidad’s effervescent music venues is a must! Day 13 & 14: Trinidad – Vinales (B) Vinales has been popular with visitors for generations. In the heart of the Pinar del Rio Valley, most of Cuba’s tobacco production takes place in and around Vinales. This is the place to see where those world famous cigars come from, and to get some for yourself. The geography in the area is stunning, and the town is ringed by stark mogotes – small hills with sheer rock faces. You’ll be offered the chance to take salsa lessons, and Vinales is the best place to do this. The nightlife is lively, but not as crowded as larger cities – perfect for sipping cocktails and tasting some world-famous Cuban cuisine. Day 15 & 16: Havana (B) Welcome back to heavenly Havana for the last days of your tour. Your guides will be able to tell you about some amazing places that you might not have considered. A tour of the city by classic car is included in your tour, so you’ll get to see Havana as a local would. Then it will be time to say goodbye as your flight departs Havana for Australia on day 16. We hope you enjoyed your time in Cuba. B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner FINE PRINT Buying and Booking: Buy now – limited time offer! Top Tip: Book early to secure your preferred dates! 14 day booking guarantee – if you can’t book your preferred dates within 14 days we will refund you in full. See T&Cs here Bookings are non refundable once your travel dates are confirmed Flights: Flights depart from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth Flights are with one of the following airlines, subject to availability: Qantas, United Air or Delta Airlines. Flights are subject to specific promotional economy fare availability Flights may not be direct or operate daily General: Valid for two people, twin share Subject to availability Not valid with any other offer Stopovers and hotel upgrades available upon request Surcharges: A surcharge of $500pp applies to departures during February, March and April Package Excludes: Travel insurance – highly recommended Anything not included in the itinerary Travel Advice: For the latest travel advice for your holiday please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip overseas A visa may be required for your destination or any countries you are transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you obtain a valid visa. Please visit http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ to assist you with any requirements. For information about how we calculate the savings and values of our deals, click here Want to know more? 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