Rob Sequin | Havana Journal
The University of Washington Botanic Gardens is hosting a Cuba Garden Tour led by Executive Director Sarah Reichard from February 22 through March 4, 2012.
I have confirmed from the licensed travel service provider, Holbrook Travel, the University of Washington Botanic Gardens has obtained a people to people license from the US Treasury that allows them to offer this Cuba trip to the general public.
According to Jennifer Youngman, Communications Specialist at UWBG, “This is a spectacular opportunity to learn about Cuba’s ecosystems, endemic and endangered species, organic farms and reforestation projects, as well as Cuban history and current events.”
The tour serves as a fundraiser for the UW Botanic Gardens.
The Cuba Garden Tour itinerary features numerous visits with nature related organizations and multiple tours throughout the countryside of Cuba.
February 23
Arrive in Havana and check into Hotel Santa Ana in Havana followed by a special welcome dinner at a private restaurant known as Dona Eutimia.
February 24
Visit National Institute for Research on Tropical Agriculture
Visit to local elementary school
Lunch at Meson de la Flota
Visit the National Museum of Natural History
Dinner at Café del Oriente
February 25
Visit Alamar Organoponic Gardens
Lunch at El Alijibe restaurant
Visit with Faculty of Architecture of Havana
Walking tour of Habana Vieja
Dinner at La Guarida
February 26
National Botanical Garden
Lunch at El Bambu ecological restaurant
Visit to Las Terrazas
Arrive in Soroa
February 27
Guided tour of Soroa orchid garden
Lunch at El Salto restaurant
Trekking adventure at Maravillas de Soroa
February 28
Guided hike of Mil Cumbres
Interact with local farmers in San Juan de Sagua
February 29
Arrive in Vinales Valley
Visit to Botanic and Herb Garden
Lunch at Prehistorical Mural restaurant
Tour of Cuban tobacco plantation
March 1
Arrive at Zapata Peninsula
Lunch at La Giraldilla
Workshop about Zapata Park’s ecosystem
Performance by students of KORIMACAO Project
March 2
Guided hikes within Zapata Peninsula
Lunch at Cueva de los Peces
Dinner at La Campana in Miramar
Cost is $3,758.00 per person in double occupancy, single Supplement: $425.00 and based on a group of 15 people for this Cuba trip.
Tour Cost Includes: All accommodations (including Miami hotel), International Airfare Miami/Havana/Miami, private transportation, Cuban travel insurance, visa fees, expert guides, activities, meals as indicated, and $500.00 donation to UWBG.
Tour Cost Does Not Include: Items of personal nature, airfare Seattle/Miami/Seattle, airport departure taxes, personal travel insurance, gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel personnel, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, or bottled water.
Contact Holbrook Travel at 800.451.7111, by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit the online reservation form for the Cuba Garden Tour.
