Salsa Escape To Cuba - An Escorted Salsa Vacation!
Featuring "Cubadisco Festival 2010" a week-long music festival hosted by the Cuban recording industry!
Brought to you by Salsa Viva Productions and Marlin Travel Agency
1 IN 10 CHANCES TO WIN A FREE TRIP TO CUBA
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Departure Date: MAY 14, 2010
Trip Duration: 15 nights(8 nights Havana & 7 nights Varadero) or 8 nights Havana or 7 nights Varadero
Referral Code: CUD2010
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Accommodation
  • Prices
  • Sign-up
  • Payment Options
  • Travel Tips
Overview
An escorted Salsa vacation for dancers of all levels
April 7, 2010
Up to date
8 nights in Havana, or 7 nights in Varadero, or 15 nights visiting both cities - Havana and Varadero (the 15-night package is highly recommended).

With the 15-night package you get it all - 18 hours of Salsa classes with some of top instructors and dancers in Cuba all from the world-renowned ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte), your very own Cuban dance partner, 5 live concerts by some of the best Salsa bands Cuba has to offer, participation in the festivities of the Cubadisco 2010, 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
  • 8 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 in an ocean-view room 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 the Cubadisco 2010 dance program - 18 hours of Salsa classes taught by the top dance instructors from the world-renowned ISA (Instituto Superior de Arte).
  • An inaugural party "Fiesta Marinera" as part of the opening ceremonies of the Cubadisco 2010 dance program
  • 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 bands 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.
  • Participation in the Cubadisco 2010 week-long festival
  • A "Gran Fiesta Campesina" at the K. Marx Theater, part of the Cubadisco 2010 festivities
  • A "Fiesta Cubana" at America Theater, another Cubadisco 2010 festivity
  • A Gala in honor of the late Polo Montañez at Karl Marx Theater
  • Exhilarating Salsa dancing at some of the hottest Salsa clubs including the famous Casa de la Musica, Cafe Cantante, Havana Cafe, the Mambo Club, Cafe Mediteraneo, La Comparcita and others.
  • Transfers between airport and hotel (only for those who book their flight with us)
  • All Transfers between Varadero and Havana and to the concerts
  • A panoramic guided tour of Havana by a professional English-speaking guide
  • A day excursion to Playas Del Este - beautiful white sandy beaches just east of Havana
  • An adventurous full day Catamaran Seafari to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Cayo Blanco featuring an open bar all day with cold beer, sodas, rum and traditional Cuban cocktails, snacks onboard, a lunch buffet with lobster, fish and shrimps at Cayo Blanco, an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful white sandy beach, coral reef snorkeling with gear provided, an interactive swim with dolphins, entertainment and of course lots of Salsa music and dancing onboard.
  • An exciting and informative scooter tour of Varadero and surrounding areas. Yes, you read it right! The tour will be done on scooters - What an adventure!
  • Afternoon Salsa dancing & practice by the poolside - fun fun fun!
  • A dance program participation certificate
  • A well- thought-out itinerary with you in mind consisting of Salsa night-outs, sightseeing, excursions and many other fun activities.
  • 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 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.
  • A choice of optional excursions and activities you can do on your own.

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 everywhere you go
Tour Itinerary
Well-thought out itineraries to ensure your maximum enjoyment!
April 7, 2010
Up to date

Select your desired itinerary

Click to view the 2-week itinerary
This itinerary includes both cities - Havana 8 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 festivities of the Cubadisco 2010 week-long festival, 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.
Click to see the one-week itinerary to Havana
This itinerary is for the city of Havana only. Visits to other cities can be done during your 9-day 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, the 5 concerts and all the festivities of the Cubadisco 2010 festival.
Click here >> to view this itinerary.
Click to see the one-week itinerary for Varadero
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 Varadero scooter tour. Click here >> to view this itinerary.
Accommodation
Carefully selected hotels that offer quality services for the best prices!
April 7, 2010
Up to date
In Havana
A choice of 2 amazing hotels

Salsa Vacation to Cuba :: Hotel Nacional De Cuba   Salsa vacation to Cuba :: Hotel Riviera

Hotel Nacional De Cuba
Click here >> to view this hotel

 

Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera
Click here >> to view this hotel

In Varadero - Barceló Solymar Beach Resort
(AI) - All Inclusive
Salsa Vacation to Cuba :: Barcelo Solymar Beach ResortWhen 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.

Salsa Vacation to Cuba :: Barcelo Solymar Beach ResortAs 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

Salsa Vacation to Cuba :: Barcelo Solymar Beach ResortOn 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 tennis 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.
Salsa Escape To Cuba :: Cubadisco 2010
Some of the photos used here are courtesy of DTCuba.com
Escorted Salsa Vacation Package Prices
Great value, affordable prices!
April 7, 2010
Up to date

Included in the one-week package to Havana

  • Return airfare Vancouver to Cuba (only for those people who book their flight with us. If you book your own flight, then transfers between airport and hotels are not included)
  • 8 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 in Havana (only for those who book their flight with us)
  • Participation in the Cubadisco 2010 dance program - 18 hours of Salsa classes taught by the top dance instructors from the world-renowned 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 and back
  • A "Gran Fiesta Campesina" at the K. Marx Theater, part of the Cubadisco 2010 festivities
  • A "Fiesta Cubana" at America Theater, another Cubadisco 2010 festivity
  • A Gala in honor of the late Polo Montañez at Karl Marx Theater
  • A panoramic guided tour of Havana by a professional English-speaking guide
  • A day excursion to Playas Del Este - beautiful white sandy beaches just east of Havana
  • 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 dance program participation certificate
  • Other meals marked as "included"

Included in the second week to Varadero

  • 7 nights all-inclusive accommodations in an ocean-view room at the beautiful 4-star Barceló Solymar Beach Resort in Varadero (all meals & alcoholic beverages included)
  • Charter bus transfer from hotel in Havana to Barcelo Solymar Beach Resort
  • Charter bus transfer from Barcelo Solymar to Juan Gualberto Gomez Airport (only for those who book their flight with us)
  • An exciting and informative scooter tour of Varadero and surrounding areas. Yes, you read it right! The tour will be done on scooters - What an adventure! (scooter rental included)
  • An adventurous full day Catamaran Seafari to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Cayo Blanco featuring an open bar all day with cold beer, sodas, rum and traditional Cuban cocktails, snacks onboard, a lunch buffet with lobster, fish and shrimps at Cayo Blanco, an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful white sandy beach, coral reef snorkeling with gear provided, an interactive swim with dolphins, entertainment and of course lots of Salsa music and dancing onboard.
  • Afternoon Salsa dancing and practice by the poolside
  • A well thought out itinerary of Salsa dance outings at the best Salsa venues in Varadero (admission and transfers to these venues not included)

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 a much better deal. The one-week package to Havana with all the extras for ONLY $1399 without air ($2249 with air) and a second all-inclusive week to Varadero with a lot of extras for ONLY $810 more.

Click here >> to see the comparison.

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 Only Package - Havana  
At Hotel Nacional De Cuba $1,399.00
At Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera $1,249.00
   
One-Week Air & Land Package - Havana  
At Hotel Nacional De Cuba $2,349.00
At Hotel Gran Caribe Riviera $2,199.00
Air Tax $179.46
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. Furthermore, air prices may vary depending on seat availability.  
   
2nd Week Varadero Upgrade $810
Single supplement is available upon request and it depends on your choice of hotel and/or the 1or 2 -week packages  
   
Single Supplement  
1 week at Hotel Nacional $210
1 week at Hotel Riviera $130
2 weeks at Hotels Nacional & Solymar $360
2 weeks at Hotels Riviera & Solymar $280
   
Optional Add-Ons
(2-week participants only)
 
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!

Salsa Escape To Cuba :: Cubadisco 2010
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  

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!

Salsa Escape To Cuba :: Cubadisco 2010
Some of the photos used here are courtesy of DTCuba.com
Cubadisco 2010
Book your dream Salsa vacation and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!
   
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure?
to book your Salsa vacation NOW!
Salsa Escape To Cuba :: Cubadisco 2010
Cubadisco 2010 Registration
Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime!
April 7, 2010
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Payment Options
Please read the following instructions carefully
DO NOT CLOSE THIS PAGE YET

Your registration for "Cubadisco 2010" escorted Salsa 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. PLEASE NOTE that a deposit only secures your accommodation in the selected hotel and a spot in the dance program, but it does not secure a seat on the aircraft. Your flight will be secured once full payment has been made.

Once your deposit is received, Marlin Travel will contact you to arrange a time to pay the balance owing (if any), offer you a quote for travel insurance and inform you of when you can expect to receive your travel documents.

Please choose one of the following payment options
1
 

Cheque

Please send a cheque payable to Tony Boutros to:
103 - 1193 Main Street
Vancouver, BC
V6A 4B6

Cash

To pay by cash please call (604) 836-4030 to arrange a time for payment.
 
OR    
2
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Salsa Escape To Cuba :: Cubadisco 2010
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Salsa Escape To Cuba :: Cubadisco 2010
 
 
Salsa Escape To Cuba :: Cubadisco 2010