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Spirit's Call Choir is 

Going to CUBA!

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January 11 to 18, 2020

With the help of an Ontario-based organization called CANADA-CUBA SPORTS & CULTURAL FESTIVALS, we are excited to go on this week-long cultural tour of Cuba where we'll meet local music groups, sing and perform with them, and see some unique sights around Western Cuba.  All on board a modern air-conditioned bus. 


 

Activities Include:

  • A Tour of Old Havana
  • Performances with various local choirs, including Novel Voz, a vocal jazz ensemble
  • Salsa Dancing
  • A tour of the National Gallery
  • A trip to Soroa, a nature preserve in Western Cuba where you can walk in the Jungle, bath in 66ft waterfall and view the gardens
  • A trip to Viñales Valley for a walking exploration of ancient underground rivers and caves
  • A couple afternoons at Santa Maria's white sand beach with the blue water of the Carribean Sea
  • Free time to relax

Accommodation:

Accommodation is at an all-inclusive beach hotel in the capital city of Havana, with air-conditioning, satellite TV and en-suite bathroom based on 2 per room.

Deadlines:

September 9th:  At least the first instalment due.  We must have a financial commitment from a minimum of 15 people (other than the directors) by this date to make this trip possible.  If we don't meet the required minimum, we'll have to cancel the trip.  Any money you've paid will be fully refunded.  

November 9th:  Final payment is due.  

Pricing:

Cost per person is $2,549, payable in 4 monthly instalments of $637.25, August (any day), September 9th, October 9th with final instalment due November 9th.   

Included in the price: Round trip airfare from Vancouver to Cuba, seven night hotel accommodation based on double occupancy in air-conditioned rooms with private bathroom, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (all-inclusive), all ground transportation in a modern air-conditioned bus between airport / hotel / venues and visits as outlined in itinerary, coordination and entrance/ participation fees for visits-performances-workshops-tours, guide/translator services, Cuban tourist visa, and all Canadian and Cuban taxes. 

The choir fee for the fall term is also included in the cost.

Not Included: Optional activities, personal expenses, and tips.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

Passport:  You must have a valid passport that does not expire before July 18, 2020.  If you opt to extend your stay in Cuba, you'll need to ensure your passport remains valid 6 months past your return date.  
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

A valid passport and a Cuban Tourist Card are required for entry into Cuba.  Passports must be valid for 6 months after your expected date of return.  Any passenger without a valid passport will not be allowed to board.  The Cuban tourist card will be handed out to all passengers on board the plane. 

Canadian Citizens – Require a valid passport.

Landed Immigrants – Require a valid passport and must also present a valid Permanent Resident Card. 

International Students – Require a valid passport and must travel with a multiple-entry student visa issued by Canada to get back into Canada. 

American Citizens – Require a valid passport and must contact the U.S. Treasury Department to make sure they qualify to travel under a General License and follow their guidelines: https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/cuba_faqs_new.pdf

Please note that entry to another country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.
Spending Money:  The tour company suggests you bring $200 CAD for tips and personal expenses.
Travel Insurance:  You are required to get your own travel insurance prior to departure.  Costs vary by provider according to your age and medical history, so you may want to look into this prior to booking your trip with us.  The tour company offers insurance at canadacuba.com.  It's a good idea to buy travel insurance as soon as you book so you don't leave it to the last minute.
Cancellation Insurance:  If you cancel on September 9th, there are penalties from $500 up to the full amount of the trip, depending on when you were to cancel.  You may want to look into cancellation insurance if this is a concern.
CANCELLATION POLICY: 

If you cancel on or before September 9th, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel from September 10th to November 12th, you will receive a full refund less $300.
If you cancel from November 13th to December 11th, you will receive a 50% refund..
If you cancel after December 11th, you will be charged the full cost.
PLEASE NOTE:
Hotels, restaurant and recreational facilities are quite expensive by local standards. You may choose to invite Cuban students and teachers to participate in social activities with your group. This is always warmly received, however, you as host, are expected to assume the cost of the invitation as it is beyond the means of most Cubans. We recommend you check with your guide for suggestions before extending any invitations.

Living standards and practices at the destination and standards and conditions there with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodation may differ from those found in Canada.
SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
Venues and Cuban choirs indicated have all expressed interest and a willingness to participate, however availability may change due to performance and touring schedules. Havana is home to 7 professional choirs as well as many award winning youth ensembles and a number of performance venues appropriate for choral music. Adjustments may be required to substitute choirs or performance venues of similar quality. Depending on local conditions the order of activities may not be as indicated, however all activities identified in the itinerary will be delivered. CANADA-CUBA SPORTS & CULTURAL FESTIVALS reserve the right to adjust the itinerary if required for the safe and proper management of the tour.