Destinations

Our Experience, Your Discoveries

We want to show you the world, and to have you truly inspired by it - exploring its breathtaking diversity. Our enthusiasm is stronger than ever to reach out and expand your horizons.

We hope you accept this invitation and join us on one of our journeys so that our experience becomes one of your many discoveries.
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Cuba Explorer with Kathy Adams Clark and Gary Clark ~ December 27, 2013-January 6, 2014

Cuba Explorer with Kathy Adams Clark and Gary Clark ~ December 27, 2013-January 6, 2014

Americans are able to travel under a new 'people-to-people' program, which includes daily activities, immersing you into the heart and soul of Cuba. Designed as a cultural and historical program, it will also provide dramatic photographic opportunities each day. This program has been designed to include the natural sites and sounds of Cuba, including national parks and reserves to seek out and photograph the birdlife of Cuba. Cuba has more than 350 bird species, with 21 endemic species found nowhere else, including hightlights such as the Bee Hummingbird and the Zapata Wren.
Participants should know that Cuba is a special destination, please understand that all elements of the itinerary are subject to change and that activities listed are examples of opportunities that will present themselves. Since the program is authorized by the U.S. Treasury Department, we have to abide by any changes to regulations that may take place. Please remain flexible as there are often circumstances beyond control and changes may be necessary. Be assured that all efforts will be made to provide a comparable alternative should an item on the itinerary need to be changed.

Travel with Kathy & Gary to Cuba. You will be immersed in the rich culture, and strong willed people of Havana; as well as the spectacular natural sights of Cuba’s national parks and reserves. In the west is La Guira National Park, to the south is Zapata Peninsula, in the eastern province of Camaguey is the La Belen Reserve, and Cayo Coco in the north. There will be daily educational programs built in to the itinerary each day to qualify as a People to People Program.

Highlights

  • Program cost includes Miami-Havana round-trip airfare.
  • Cuba hosts over 350 bird species.
  • Explore the architecture of Old Havana, designated an UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • La Guira National Park, a 54,000 acre wilderness of mountains, valleys, and caves.
  • The Zapata Peninsula is one of the island’s best-preserved ecosystems, which provides a sanctuary to over 200 bird species.
  • Photograph the birdlife in the lagoons and along the white sand beaches of Cayo Coco.
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Itinerary

Cuba Explorer with Kathy Adams Clark and Gary Clark ~ December 27, 2013-January 6, 2014

Day 1: Home - Havana - San Diego de los Banos

Depart home on December 26 and overnight on your own in Miami, to be prepared for group charter flight early December 27 (time to be announced). The Cuba Visa fee currently $75 is payable at check-in, please leave at least three hours for Miami check in. We cannot be responsible for missed connections. Upon arrival in Havana, the group will travel to Pinar del Rio Province, where you will begin your exploration of the natural sites of Cuba. Overnight Hotel Mirador.

Day 2: San Diego de los Banos - Old Havana

Join your guides in birding at the La Guira National Park, and hopefully see some of the endemic birds of the area, including the Cuban Trogan wearing the plumage of the National flag of Cuba, the Cuban grassquit or the giant Kingbird. Late this afternoon, transfer back to Havana. Hotel Raquel or similar (B)

Day 3: Old Havana – Playa Giron

There will be a guided walking program of Old Havana (or Haban Vieja) early this morning, followed by a traditional Cuban lunch. In 1982 Old Havana was designated an UNESCO World Heritage site and it is brimming with a variety of historical landmarks and interesting things to do. Just walking the streets in this area is a favorite pastime and will surely result in an unforgettable experience with plenty of chances to meet the locals and to take advantage of a myriad of photo ops. After lunch the group will transfer to Playa Larga, and the Zapata Peninsula, arguably the largest wetland area in the Caribbean. It is situated at the edge of the Bahia de los Cochinos, better known as the ‘Bay of Pigs’, on the Caribbean coast. It is the richest single area for birds in Cuba. Evening bird watching will be arranged to see the Cuban Nightjar or the Stygian Owl. Overnight Hotel Playa Giron (B, D)

Cuba Explorer with Kathy Adams Clark and Gary Clark ~ December 27, 2013-January 6, 2014

Days 4 - 5: Playa Giron

Early this morning travel out to the small village of Bermejas where we hope to encounter Fernandina’s Flicker, and Cuban Emeralds. After a quick lunch we will head out to La Turba looking for the Zapata Wren. You will enjoy a comprehensive birding program in the protected area, where you may encounter the rare Gundlach’s Hawk, with its alarming cries, the endemic Bare-legged Owls, a host of warblers, including the endemic Yellow-headed Warbler, the Bee Hummingbird, as well as colorful butterflies, and enormous land crabs. . We will go through the La Salinas Wildlife Refuge where shorebirds are numerous, along with storks, spoonbills, flamingos and the Cuban Black-hawk.

You will have another full day of bird watching as provided by the specialized guides in the conservation areas. Overnights Hotel Playa Giron, (B, L, D both days)

Days 6 - 7: Camaguey

After our morning birding and breakfast we depart for the eastern province of Camaguey, a bustling city in south-central Cuba. Driving along you will see and photograph amidst the sugar plantations, where you may sight species, which typify agricultural Cuba.

The next day depart for the La Belen Reserve where we hope to see the Cuban Crow, the Palm Crow and the Cuban Parakeet. Return in the afternoon to your hotel after a city tour of Camaguey. Camaguey, a rich city, used to be located on the coast, however was continually falling prey to pirates and was moved inland and the streets were constructed in such a way as to confuse marauders. Overnight Hotel Colon. (B)

Days 8 - 9: Cayo Coco

Today depart for the northern shore to the cays. Cayo Coco is an island off the northern coast of Cuba, where there is a variety of habitats. There are several low-lying islands in the region that are covered in thick jungle and feature mangrove-fringed ponds, mudflats, and idyllic long sandy beaches. We will check into the Sol Cayo Coco Hotel, and have another day of birding in the national reserve. One of the highlights should be the endemic Zapata Sparrow, with its bright yellow breast and chestnut crown. Three other uncommon and localized species include the Cuban Gnatcatcher, Bahama Mockingbird and the Thick –billed Vireo. Overnight Sol Cayo Coco Hotel. (B, D; B, L, D)

Day 10: Havana-Home

Today leave the north coast and return to Cuba’s capital, Havana. Freshen up and then mingle with the Cubans in Callejon de Hamel, an area ripe for photography. Tonight enjoy your farewell dinner at a typical Cuban restaurant. Hotel Raquel or similar (B, D)

Day 11: Havana - Home

There will be a morning transfer to Havana airport to begin your program home (time to be announced.). Be sure to leave three hours between your connection times in Miami (B)

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Pricing

Tour land cost: $4,995 US Dollars based upon minimum of 9 paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $400 if 6-8 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $395; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the supplement.

Note: The land costs on international tours is based upon current exchange rates. Although the rate has been relatively stable, should it change, there may need to be an adjustment in the land cost.

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Details

Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds

A deposit of $750 ($500 on domestic programs) per person is required. Specific tours may require an additional deposit due to accommodation bookings or transportation requirements. If applicable these will be noted on your invoice. Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 120 days before the departure date. Space is subject to cancellation by Strabo if payment is not received when due.
If a passenger wishes to cancel they must send notification in writing to: Strabo International Tour, Co., P.O. Box 580, Dryden, NY 13053; fax 208-545-4119. At the time we receive your notification, the following per person charges apply:
• 91 days or more before departure: $300 cancellation fee ($150 fee on domestic programs), plus Strabo’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your program, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation.
• 61-90 days before departure: $500 ($250 on domestic programs) minimum cancellation fee, plus Strabo’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your program, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. Fees may range from 25% to 100% of program costs.
• 60 days or less before departure or anytime after departure: NO REFUND
REFUNDS FOR SERVICES THAT ARE VOLUNTARILY NOT USED BY YOU CANNOT BE MADE.

Includes

Group transportation for tour events in the tour van.
Accommodations based on two people sharing a room, singles are assigned on a first come, first served basis and are not guaranteed.
Services of driver, cultural guide (bilingual if applicable) during the tour.
Meals as listed in itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
Park entrance fees, day tours and excursions as shown in the itinerary.
Extensive pre-departure information and services.

Excludes

Domestic or International air fare; other airfare if noted in exceptions; air fare tax; airport departure tax; airport transfers; additional transfers or accommodations that may be required by those not traveling with the group; excess baggage charges; meals not included in itinerary; activities listed as optional, or those taken on your own; passport/visa expenses; personal medical or travel insurance; any expenses of a personal nature, such as room service, laundry, beverages not included with meals, medical expenses, film or processing, any activities not specified in tour itinerary or listed as optional, or any items not listed in what is included; upon the completion of your trip, modest gratuities to the local guides and the drivers are customary; tips for meals not included in itinerary.

Air

Please note on your trip application form if you would like us to assist you with your airfare needs, a charge is added for this service. If making your own arrangements, it is important to discuss flight times with Strabo Tours before booking any airline tickets. This will avoid you having to pay airline cancellation penalties.

Please contact Strabo Tours for destination airfare estimates, specific flight time arrivals, and departures.

Health

Fitness and Health
The majority of trips are not strenuous (see exceptions below for particular destinations) and anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to take part in most of the activities. You may experience general fatigue due to the long flights and the change in time zones. You will need to be sufficiently agile to climb in and out of the tour van and should be able to carry and manage your own equipment. We will frequently hike trails ranging from easy to moderate. Some hotels do not have elevators or air conditioners.

If you have any special needs or any physical condition that you feel might prevent you from fully participating, please contact Strabo Tours with your concerns (607-756-8676).

You should also be aware that medical services or facilities might not be readily available during all or part of your trip. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication.

Exceptions:
The following destinations require more physical activity. China, Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, New Zealand, Scotland, Domestic tours. On the African Safari you will spend many hours in a vehicle on game drives, land travel will sometimes be over very bumpy and dusty roads. Galapagos Cruise accommodations are in upper and lower berths (bunk beds) only.
There will be several hours of walking each day, sometimes over rough terrain or at high altitude. It is important for you to be able to get around easily, since you will be hiking rough trails.

Insurance

Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas.
We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip. It is vital for you to realize that if you experience a delay or find it necessary to cancel or cut short your trip for any reason, you will lose part or the entire sum you’ve invested in it (see the section “Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds” in the trip brochure).

Travel insurance helps to minimize the risk of monetary losses you would incur in the event of a delay of your departure due to weather, airline strike, missed connection, etc., your inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury, unforeseen financial complications and other personal circumstances, or if you were required to cut your trip short for medical or any other reasons.

There are restrictions and limitations on any insurance program. For this reason, please read carefully the enclosed pamphlet, which outlines their program of trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance. Trained agents are available to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to call the toll free number in their brochure. It is to your advantage to apply for insurance at the earliest possible time, so don’t delay in making a decision.

Subject to Change

This itinerary has been carefully constructed to assure participants the best this destination has to offer; however, should events arise that are beyond our control, activities and hotel arrangements are subject to change without notice. Above is a summary of typical areas you will explore. Since there is no possible way to visit all of them, your guides will plan each day considering the interests of the group and the weather at hand. Be assured that we will make substitutions that are as similar in quality and interest as possible.

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