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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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You’ll need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the price, other sightseeing, airport taxes approx. CUC25 Convertible Peso (approx. £20), souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Havana - Entrance to the Tobacco factory CUC12, Capitolio CUC3, Revolution Museum CUC3, Museum of Modern Art CUC4.
Soroa - Entrance fee to Orchids garden CUC3;
Viñales - Excursion to Cayo Levisa approx. CUC35.
Trinidad - Catamaran trip to nearby islands: CUC50, Entrance to Town Museum CUC3.
Havana - Optional cycle CUC10.
Please note - most museums in Cuba charge for use of Camera's and Camcorders, this can be up to 7 CUC per usage.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly, you should allow 50 Convertible Peso (CUC) for group tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Please note tipping is also customary for musicians and for public conveniences so small notes and coins are always handy
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). 1CUC = 1$USD However the exchange rate for dollars in Cuba is poor so it is not recommended to bring dollars to exchange
Where to Exchange: All major cities
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US dollars are no longer accepted in shops and other businesses, tourists and Cubans exchanging dollars will have to pay a 20% commission. We recommend you take clean Euro, Canadian dollars or Sterling cash as these are easier to exchange. Please note that Scottish Pounds are not accepted in Cuba.
ATM Availability: There are ATM’s in all major cities however do not totally rely on the use of your card as these sometimes do not work.
Credit Card Acceptance: Please note credit cards drawn on American Banks are not accepted. Although accepted, please do not rely on using your credit card.
Travellers Cheques: We do not recommend Travellers cheques. Places to exchange Travellers cheques are very limited. Amex Travellers cheques are not accepted.
Additional Information: Your Tour Leader will advise you on currency matters on arrival.
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| UK | Cuba | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £1.50 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £8.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £12.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £15.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Entry visas are required by all nationalities for Cuba. They can easily be obtained through Cuban embassies (by post), consulates, directly from Explore when booking direct with Explore’s head office; or by overseas clients through their Explore agent.
Due to US Treasury Department Regulations we are unable to accept bookings from US passport holders.
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Our bikes are serviced frequently: spokes, tyres, gear and brake mechanisms are checked over and tested thoroughly by experienced mechanics before each tour begins.
We strongly recommend that you wear a helmet whilst cycling. We do not provide helmets locally; by bringing your own you can ensure a good fit and that it hasn’t been damaged.
Your tour leader will give a full safety briefing at the start of the tour, along with instructions on how to deal with any minor mechanical problems you may have along the way. Puncture repair kits will be provided locally, when and where necessary during the trip.
Back to topBike hire is included on all Explore cycling trips: you don’t need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet. If you prefer to use your own saddle or pedals please bring them too, as they can be fitted to your bike for the duration of the tour.
Back to top| Bike Details | Equipment Provided |
| Bike type: | Hybrid |
| Bike model: | Conor (different models) |
| Number of gears: | Shimano Alivio, 24 gears |
| Brakes: | Shimano, V-brake |
| Suspension: | Front |
| Frame range: | 17"-22" |
| Panniers/bike bag type provided: | Yes |
| Water bottle holder provided: | Yes |
| Water bottle provided: | No |
| Adjustable handlebars: | Yes |
| Female saddles provided: | No |
| Gel saddles provided: | No |
| Option to fit own saddle: | Yes, standard fitting |
| Option to fit own pedals: | Yes, standard fitting |
The dry season is from November to April. Average temperatures are 22-28 degrees C. Though the sky is often cloudless during the dry season, cold wet snaps do come in from North America especially in Dec and Jan, when the temperatures can drop to as low as 5 degrees C at night. From May to October there are normally fine mornings and clear evenings, afternoon rains tend to be short and heavy. Temperatures are hot and humid.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of luggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
Back to topPack for warm and hot conditions. Bring cycling gear such as padded shorts, cycle gloves and quick drying cycle shirts. Remember weather is changeable in the mountains and it can be cool and wet in the high altitude of the Sierra Escambray or even on some evenings in Havana, so bring some warmer clothing too. A raincoat is essential at all times in case of rain. Don’t forget your swimming costume.
Back to topLightweight walking shoes/trainers for cycling and comfortable shoes/sandals for evenings and visiting the sites.
Back to topWe strongly recommend you take a cycle helmet, cycle water bottle, torch, sunhat and suncream. For added comfort you may like to bring a gel seat cover. Panniers are provided. Please consider carrying all or some of your cycling equipment, e.g. helmet, as part of your hand luggage.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topNew Entry Requirements – Cuban legislation now require evidence of Insurance cover on entry – a policy must be shown with your name and cover dates on it.
Back to topHurricanes
The hurricane season in the Caribbean officially runs from June to November, often peaking in September. However, as the frequency and intensity of the hurricanes is impossible to predict from year to year, we still plan and operate our tours during this period. In the event of a hurricane occurring during your trip, your safety is our top priority. In accordance with local regulations and with the assistance of our local groundhandling agents, we may have to evacuate to another part of the island or have to remain in the same place for a number of days while the storm passes. This could result in a certain amount of disruption to the itinerary of your tour on the ground, or to your flights and, on very rare occasions when a hurricane is predicted to hit in advance of travel, we may even have to cancel your tour.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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