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OLLI TRAVEL     

Value and Enrichment

Birding & Nature in Cuba 

Small Group Travel.

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The Birding destination for your “Bucket List”.

Generations are discovering the pleasures of bird watching and observing wildlife in habitats near and far.  Interest in Birding often begins on bird walks with parents or grand-parents and quickly develops into a passion for nature and birding.  As we follow careers in the natural sciences, business, education or any numbers of work options the lure of observing nature, with its vast array of bird species has grown in popularity. 

 

Cuba is a vast unspoiled land of extraordinary beauty and diversity.  Our small group will travel in a thirteen day program from Havana, Viñales Valley, Soroa Orchid farm, Las Terrazas, Zapata Peninsula, Trinidad de Cuba, Topas de Collantes and return to Havana to explore this historic city and our farewell.

 

What to Expect: Our small group encourages camaraderie and personalized attention. We travel with our experienced English speaking Cuban guide all our visits are coordinated by trained local experts living in each  location we visit to give us an authentic hands-on knowledge of our subject and region.   Our advisor is the renowned Cuban ornithologist, author of Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba, Arturo Kirkconnell.

Spoiler Alert: Phone apps like Merlin Bird ID can be useful, as they can tell you which birds you're most likely to see given your location and the time of year. As the weather warms, many birds are migrating back north right now, which means you’re likely to spot a diverse array of species.

 

We are commitment to the health and comfort of our travelers with enhanced sanitation which includes coach disinfection several times daily, requiring the rules for preventing the spread of disease such as wearing a mask throughout the program, respecting social distancing guidelines and remaining contact-less as can be possible.

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Details 

Dates    

Summer/Fall 2021 

Duration  

 13 days / 12 nights.

Rates

To be determined, based on program dates.

Interest and Activity Level

Program is designed for the nature and      birding enthusiasts.  Moderate ability for walking and hiking is required. 

Itinerary at a Glance

  • DAY 1.    Havana, orientation and welcome.

Independent flight to Havana.  Meet at our hotel for a program orientation by a Cuba ornithologist on the week's itinerary followed by our welcome dinner to get to know          your fellow travelers. 

  • DAY 2.    Depart for Viñales Valley. 

Early departure to the western province of Pinar del Río to Viñales Valley.  Check in at hotel.  Orientation by our local expert guide.  Dinner at hotel.

  • DAY 3.    Full day exploring Viñales Valley.

Early start.  Join our local Cuban expert for a predawn ​exploration.  Return to hotel for lunch and rest.  Return to the valley for a late afternoon outing.  Dinner at hotel. 

  • DAY 4.    Full day exploring Viñales Valley.

Early start.  Join our local Cuban expert for a predawn ​exploration.  Return to hotel for lunch and rest.  Return to the valley for a late afternoon outing.  Dinner at hotel. 

  • DAY 5.    Viñales | Sorora | Las Terrazas Reserve.

Depart ​Viñales for the Sierras Del Rosarío mountains arriving for lunch at the Biosphere Reserve's Soroa orchid farm for lunch at a private home.  Check-in. Afternoon birding excursion with a local guide.  Dinner at hotel. 

  • DAY 6.    Las Terrazas | Zapata Peninsular.

Early excursion with local guide.  Late breakfast.  Depart for Zapata Peninsular with afternoon birding with local guide. Dinner at hotel. ​

  • DAY 7.    Full day exploring Zapata Peninsular. 

Early start.  Join our local Cuban expert for a predawn ​exploration.  Return to hotel for lunch and rest.  Return to the reserve for a late afternoon outing.  Dinner at hotel.  

MORE DETAILS

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  • DAY 8.    Full day exploring Zapata Peninsular.  Early start.  Join

our local Cuban expert for a predawn ​exploration.  Return to hotel for lunch and rest.  Return to the reserve for a late afternoon outing.  Dinner at hotel. 

  • DAY 9.    Zapata Peninsular | Trinidad de Cuba.

Early start.  Join our local Cuban expert for a predawn ​exploration.  Return to hotel for lunch and depart for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad de Cuba. Arrive in Trinidad, walking tour of historic district.  Lunch at local restaurant.   Dinner at hotel. ​

  • Day 10.  Full day exploring Topas de Collantes.

Early start.  Depart for the Toas de Collantes reserve in the Sierra del Escambray mountains.  Meet our local guide for a full day exploration. Afternoon return to Trinidad.  Dinner at hotel. ​

  • DAY 11.  Trinidad de Cuba | Havana.

Return to Havana.  Visit the Hemingway Estate, continue  with coach tour of Havana.  Check-in before dinner at a private restaurant.    ​

  • DAY 12.  Full day in Havana.

Walking tour of Havana's historic district with lunch at a local restaurant.  Afternoon free for independent activities.  Farewell dinner at one of Havana's finest restaurants. ​

  • DAY 13.  Return home.

Morning check-out.  Depart for airport and return flights.​

Includes

  • Group transfers to/from hotel in Havana.

  • Overnight accommodations in Havana, including daily breakfast, at the 5-Star Hotel Parque Central.  Centrally located in the center of the Historic Old Quarter.

  • Daily meals include 12 breakfast, 8 lunches and 12 dinners.

  • All activities, entrance fees, services and hotel porterage, plus gratuities for all guides and driver.

  • Throughout your journey you will be in the care of one of our experienced professionals who manages all logistics to allow you to relax and enjoy the experience. 

  • An enriching travel experience with our expert-led educational talks, plus two private performances.

  • Letter authorizing your participation in a U.S. government  approved program. 

  • Ongoing support from our U.S. and Cuban staff before, during and after travel.

Excludes

  • Flights to/from Havana.

  • Airport transfers not included, unless with the Group.

  • Meals not indicated unless listed on the itinerary. 

  • Optional activities and personal expenses.

  • Travel insurance. 

  • Any liability due to necessary changes to itinerary.

  • Securing the necessary Cuban Travel Cards.  The airline is obligated to supply the Tourist Card and  Cuban Medical Insurance.  We are available for guidance. 

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RETURN

© 1998-2021

 WorldGuest, Inc. All rights reserved.

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST40096

Phone: 305.868.9690

Program is operated by WorldGuest Travel Services, , Inc. and is licensed to travel to Cuba for authorized exchange activities.  These regulations require that guest’s participation on each program is mandatory. All travelers will receive confirmation authorizing travel to Cuba. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST40096

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