Salsa Escape To Cuba - An Escorted Salsa Dance Vacation!
Featuring "Cubadisco Festival 2010" an annual music festival hosted by the Cuban recording industry!
Brought to you by Salsa Viva Productions and Marlin Travel Agency
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Offering one and
two week packages with three departure dates each year |
Next departure: MAY 14, 2010
Future departure dates will
be posted soon. |
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Prices
- Sign-up
- Payment Options
- Travel Tips
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Overview
An escorted Salsa vacation for dancers of all levels |
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March 15, 2010
Up to date |
1-week package to one city (either Havana or Varadero), or a 2-week package visiting both cities - Havana and Varadero (the 2-week package is highly recommended).
With the 2-week package you get it all - the dance classes with some of top instructors and dancers in Cuba, your very own Cuban dance partner, 5 live concerts by some of the best Salsa orchestras Cuba has to offer, the exciting nightlife of Havana, the awesome nights of dancing with the locals, the culture, the sightseeing, the amazing architecture and the breathtaking white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters of Varadero! What more can you ask for?
We have drawn form our own experience traveling to Cuba over the last 9 years and put together a program that will indeed make your vacation an experience of a lifetime!
The Benefits:
- A choice of 1-week or 2-week packages
- A choice of Vancouver or Toronto departures
- 7 nights accommodations in Havana including breakfast at your choice of the magnificent 5-star Hotel Nacional De Cuba or the fabulous 4-star Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera.
- 7 nights all-inclusive accommodations at the beautiful 4-star Barceló Solymar Beach Resort in Varadero (all meals plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included).
- The choice of booking the flight with us or, if you prefer, you can search for deals and book your own. However, you must book soon as seats are very limited.
- Participation in an 18-hour dance program taught by the top dance instructors from the world famous ISA (Instituto Superior De Arte).
- Your very own Cuban dance partner who will help you achieve the smoothness and fluidity of the Cuban dance and movement.
- A well thought out itinerary with you in mind consisting of Salsa night-outs, sightseeing, excursions and many other fun activities.
- 5 live concerts by some of the top Salsa orchestras Cuba has to offer such Van Van, Yumurí, Haila, NG La Banda, Manolito Simonet, Anacaona, Adalberto Álvarez, Azúcar Negra, Bamboleo, Charanga Habanera, Elito Revé, Pachito Alonso, Paulo FG and Pupy.
- Exhilarating Salsa dancing at some of the hottest Salsa clubs including the famous Casa de la Musica, Cafe Cantante,
Havana Cafe, Casa de la Trova, the Mambo Club, Cafe Mediteraneo,
La Comparcita and others.
- Afternoon Salsa dancing & practice by the poolside - fun fun fun!
- Benefit from the experience of your host! Having
been to Cuba nine times, he's an expert on Salsa dancing in Cuba. His experience will
best serve you by eliminating the trial and errors that usually result from
traveling to a new destination for the first time on your own. His vast knowledge of Cuba will ensure that your trip is most enjoyable, time efficient and headache free.
- Group travel with people who share similar interests and passions for Salsa dancing is more exciting and adventurous.
- All transfers between airport and hotel, between Varadero and Havana and to the concerts are included.
- A panoramic guided tour of Havana by a professional english-speaking
guide
- An adventurous full day catamaran seafari to the beautiful
white sandy beaches of Cayo Blanco featuring an open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and fruit juices, a lunch buffet of lobster, shrimp, fish, salad,
rice and bread, coral reef snorkeling with gear,
an interactive swim with the dolphins, entertainment and of course lots of Salsa music
and dancing on deck.
- An exciting and informative scooter tour of Varadero and surrounding areas. Yes, you read it right! The tour will be done on scooters - tons of fun!
- A choice of optional excursions and activities you can do on your own.
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Why
Cuba?
Learn
to dance with the pros in Cuba -
the home of Salsa |
Cuba is the most enchanted island of the Caribbean and is a favorite sun destination for both tourists and Salsa enthusiasts from all over the world and here are a few reasons why...
- First and foremost, it is the home of Salsa
- A rich culture
- A proud, friendly and welcoming people
- Varied history
- Amazing Architecture
- Breathtaking scenery
- Beautiful white sandy beaches with crystal clear
turquoise water
- More tourists return to Cuba than any other sun
destination
- One of the safest vacation spots in all of Latin
America
- Home to the world's most talented musicians
- And of course lots of Salsa music every where you go
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Tour Itinerary
Well-thought out itineraries to ensure
your maximum enjoyment! |
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March 15, 2010
Not up to date |
Select your desired itinerary
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This itinerary includes both cities - Havana 7 nights and Varadero 7 nights.
We highly recommend this package to get the most of your experience in Cuba. With this package you get it all - 18 hours of Salsa classes, the 5 live concerts, the exciting nightlife of Havana, the awesome nights of Salsa dancing with the locals at some of the best Salsa clubs in Cuba, the culture, the sightseeing, the amazing architecture and the breathtaking white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters of Varadero!.
Click here >> to view this itinerary. |
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This itinerary is for the first week and includes the city of Havana only. Visits to other cities can be done during your one-week stay in Cuba at your own expense.
The participants of this package will be able to participate in all the activities that take place in Havana, including the dance lessons and the 5 concerts.
Click here >> to view this itinerary. |
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| This itinerary is for the second week only at the beach resort town of Varadero. Visits to other cities can be done during your one-week stay in Cuba at your own expense. The participants of this package will be able to participate in all the activities that take place in Varadero, including the Catamaran Seafari and the scooter tour. Click here >> to view this itinerary. |
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Accommodation
Carefully selected hotels that offer quality services for the best prices! |
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March 15, 2010
100% up to date |
In Havana
A choice of 2 amazing hotels
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Hotel Nacional De Cuba 
Click here >> to view this hotel
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Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera
Click here >> to view this hotel |
In Varadero - Barceló Solymar Beach Resort
(AI) - All Inclusive |
 When Cuba was first discovered, explorers would have never returned home had they discovered Hotel Barcelo Solymar first. And you may never go home either!
Be prepared to be pampered as never before! The world's finest beaches featuring pure white sand, turquoise ocean and the smiling faces of the staff of the Barcelo Solymar await you.
Solymar's privileged waterfront situation, on the best strip of the white sandy beach (view map), its beautiful gardens and hundreds of palms beautifying its grounds, make it the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation.
 As a first rate All-inclusive resort for travelers who love exquisiteness, comfort and exclusivity, they put a range of options at your disposal. For those who prefer a fresh water swim in a marine environment, the hotel has two pools surrounded by beautiful Cuban tropical gardens. And if you happen to enjoy outdoor activities, you can choose from golf, windsurfing, sailing, diving, fishing and horseback riding. Enjoy a nice meal or a drink at any of the different restaurants with live music, the four bars or three snack bars that are everyone’s delight. Also, every day, the entertainment crew offers parties and nightly shows to liven up the days you spend at Barcelo Solymar.
Location
 On the best stretch of Varadero beach, Cuba's main tourist center, it is just a 5 minute walk from the town and Shopping center, 25 minutes from Juan Gualberto Gomez International Airport and only 2 hours from Havana. (view map)
Meal Plan
All inclusive. All meals and beverages both alcoholic and non-alcoholic are included.
Accommodation
525 rooms in one 4-storey building and 2-storey bungalows. Air conditioning, full bathroom with hairdryer, telephone, mini bar, in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, satellite TV, radio, balcony or terrace.
Catering
2 buffet restaurants, 3 a la carte restaurants (Italian, Cuban & Seafood), 6 bars including beach bar and 2 snack bars that serve snacks throughout the day. Reservation and dress code are required for the 3 a la carte restaurants. Lobster is offered at the Seafood restaurant.
Sports & Leisure
Fitness center. massage services, 2 outdoor swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens, 1 children's pool, 2 Jacuzzis, sauna, 2 tenis courts, volleyball, basketball, aerobics, dance classes, beach volleyball, water aerobics, water basketball, water polo, giant chess, shuffle board, recreation room with billiards and darts, kids playground, awesome day and night entertainment programs including a nightly show by the Solymar dancers, great selection of motorless aquatic sports - windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, catamaran - bikes and carbine shooting (fee). And, for activities outside the resort, you can enjoy horseback riding, renting a scooter, golf, dolphin show with interactive swim with the dolphins, scuba diving, skydiving, fishing and many others.
Other Services
Hair salon, souvenirs and jewelry shop. mini market, currency exchange, tours & excursions desk, car rental, medical services, internet cafe, wireless internet in lobby and taxi services.
Some of the photos used here are courtesy of DTCuba.com |
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Escorted Salsa Vacation Package
Great value, affordable prices! (see below) |
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March 15, 2010
100% up to date |
Included in the one-week package
- Return airfare Vancouver to Cuba (if you choose to book the flight with us)
- 7 nights accommodations with breakfast in Havana at your choice of either the magnificent 5-star Hotel Nacional De Cuba or the fabulous 4-star Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera.
- Cuban entry visa
- Transfers from/to Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport and Hotel Nacional De Cuba.
- Participation in an 18-hour dance program taught by the top dance instructors from the world famous ISA (Instituto Superior De Arte).
- Your very own Cuban dance partner who will help you achieve the smoothness and fluidity of the Cuban dance and movement.
- 5 live concerts by some of the top Salsa orchestras Cuba has to offer such Van Van, Yumurí, Haila, NG La Banda, Manolito Simonet, Anacaona, Adalberto Álvarez, Azúcar Negra, Bamboleo, Charanga Habanera, Elito Revé, Pachito Alonso, Paulo FG and Pupy.
- Transfers to evening concerts
- Other meals marked as "included"
- A well thought out itinerary with you in mind consisting of Salsa night-outs, sightseeing, excursions and many other fun activities.
- The benefit of an experienced tour host who is an expert on Salsa dancing in Cuba. His experience will
best serve you by eliminating the trial and errors that usually result from
traveling to a new destination for the first time on your own. His vast knowledge of Cuba will ensure that your trip is most enjoyable, time efficient and headache free
- A panoramic guided tour of Havana with lunch by a professional english-speaking
guide
Second week Varadero add-on includes
- 7 nights all-inclusive accommodations at the beautiful 4-star Barceló Solymar Beach Resort in Varadero (all meals & alcoholic beverages included)
- Charter bus transfer from Hotel Nacional De Cuba to Barcelo Solymar Beach Resort
- Charter bus transfer from Barcelo Solymar to Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport
- A well thought out itinerary of Salsa dance outings at the best Salsa venues in Varadero (admission and transfers to these venues not included)
- An exciting and informative guided scooter tour of Varadero and surrounding areas. Yes, you read it right! The tour will be done on scooters (scooter rental included)
- Afternoon Salsa dancing and practice by the poolside
- An adventurous full day catamaran seafari to the beautiful
white sandy beaches of Cayo Blanco featuring an open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and fruit juices, a lunch buffet of lobster, shrimp, fish, salad,
rice and bread, coral reef snorkeling with gear,
an interactive swim with the dolphins, entertainment and of course lots of Salsa music
and dancing on deck.
What is not included
- Passports and items of a personal nature
- Air taxes
- Meals marked as "not included"
- Cuban departure tax (25 CUC - Cuban Convertible Pesos)
- Any activities, tours or excursions marked as "optional" or "not included"
- Entry to evening clubs or shows other than the ones included
- Insurance - You should not travel without at least excess medical coverage. Read below for more info on travel insurance
Package Price
All prices are in Canadian funds
IMPORTANT NOTE:This is a customized itinerary consisting of a world-class dance program, 5 live concerts, activities and excursions. Comparing it to a standard beach vacation would be like comparing apples to oranges. Nevertheless, we did our best to keep our prices as low as possible and, if you compare it to similar Salsa vacations to Cuba offered by other organizers, you will find that ours offers a lot more for the same price or less. See for yourself... We found a similar package offered by another organizer from Toronto and their price for one week in Havana is $2049 without air and $2349 with air out of Toronto. If this package was priced from Vancouver it would be at least $2780 or more (not including taxes) and that's just for one week. We are offering the one-week Havana package to Havana with all the extras for ONLY $1419 without air ($2249 with air) and a second all-inclusive week in Varadero with all the extras for ONLY $850 more.
Click here >> to see the other organizer's program.
CONDITIONS: A deposit of $300.00 per person non refundable at time of booking.
Balance due 45 days prior to departure. A minimum of 10 passengers (5 Rooms) will be required for this tour to take place. EasySalsa Dance and Salsa Viva productions reserve the right to cancel this tour if the minimum participation is not met. In the event of tour cancellation, all deposits will be refunded in full. Prices may vary depending on flight seat availability at time of booking.
| One-Week Land Package - Havana |
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| At Hotel Nacional De Cuba |
$1,419.00 |
| At Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera |
$1,269.00 |
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| One-Week Air & Land Package - Havana |
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| At Hotel Nacional De Cuba |
$2,249.00 |
| At Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera |
$2,099.00 |
| Air Tax |
$154.55 |
| PLEASE NOTE: The flight is optional and you are welcome to book your own flight if you wish. However, keep in mind that seats are extremely limited and we urge you to book your flight a.s.a.p. |
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| 2nd Week Varadero Upgrade |
$850.00 |
| Single supplement is available upon request and it depends on your choice of hotel and/or the 1or 2 -week packages |
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Optional Add-Ons
(2-week participants only) |
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Trinidad overnight excursion:
(includes visits to the cities of Santa Clara, Cienfuegos and Trinidad, lunch and dinner and 1 night accommodation in Topes De Collantes) |
$159 |
| Dolphin show including swimming with the dolphins: |
$115 |
| Dolphin show only: |
$20 |
| Daily Scooter Rental (24 hours) |
$33 |
| Hourly Scooter Rental |
$14 |
Book your Salsa vacation NOW!
Some of the photos used here are courtesy of DTCuba.com
Payment Schedule
Note: All quoted prices are subject to change until under deposit. Registrations are now being accepted and must be accompanied by a deposit.
| Deposit at time of registration |
$300 |
| Balance due by:March 30 |
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Travel Insurance
Marlin Travel offers travel insurance and suggests a plan which includes medical, flight accident, trip cancellation including change-of-mind, loss of baggage and more at a cost much less than purchasing these insurances separately. For those who may have out-of-country medical already, they offer a non-medical package as well. Costs on application (based on age and general health). Contact Marlin Travel at (604) 681-0117 for an insurance quote.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation charges will apply if you cancel. (this is on top of the $300 non-refundable deposit).
| 61 - 95 days prior to departure: |
$150.00 |
| 0 - 60 days prior to departure: |
100% |
Book your Salsa vacation NOW!
Some of the photos used here are courtesy of DTCuba.com |
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Cubadisco 2010 Registration - Step 1 of 2
Book your dream Salsa vacation and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime! |
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March 15, 2010
80% up to date |
Step 1 - Sign-Up Form
Please complete and submit the
form below and ensure that the information you enter is correct |
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Cubadisco 2010 Registration - Step 2 of 2
Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime! |
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March 15, 2010
50% up to date |
Step 2 - Confirmation & Payment Options
Please read the following instructions carefully |
DO NOT CLOSE THIS PAGE YET
Your registration for the "Salsa Escape to Cuba" dance vacation has been submitted and we thank you. The next step is to secure your spot by making a deposit or paying for the entire package. Once your deposit is received, Marlin Travel will contact you to arrange a time for payment of the balance (if any), offer you a quote for travel insurance and inform you of when you can expect to receive your travel documents.
Online Credit Card Payment
 You can make your deposit payment or pay for your entire vacation and add-ons here through our PayPal secured credit card payment. Or, you can call us at (604) 836-4030 to make other payment arrangements.
NOTE: A 2.9% processing fee will be applied to payments made with Canadian issued credit cards. For non Canadian credit cards an additional 1% cross-border fee will be applied. These surcharges will not be added to this online transaction. Instead you will be invoiced for them separately and they would have to be paid by cash, cheque, money order, wire transfer or certified cheque. If you don't wish to pay these surcharges, you may contact us at (604) 836-4030 to make other payment arrangements.
Select your desired package
Highly-Recommended Add-ons
Optional Add-ons
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This section will be completed soon.
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