Santiago - Fathom excursion - which one?

We will be coming to Santiago on the Fathom and have been offered the following ship's excursions.

Input appreciated on these.

1. Experience the Magic of Santiago, the birthplace of "Ron, Son and Revolucion". Explore downtown, with a visit to San Juan Hill and the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square. You'll also venture into the countryside city of El Cobre, a historic copper mining town with African influence and home to the famous Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre where you’ll learn about the role religion plays in the daily lives of local communities. Discover the history of this shrine and the impact made from the Pope's most recent visit. You'll also get to attend a mass (when available) and listen to the sounds of the city's famed steel drum band, El Cobre.

OR

Explore the Magic of Santiago Featuring El Morro

Your visit to Santiago will feature lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to the site of the Battle of San Juan Hill. As you drive through the city keep an eye out for sites like the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, and Plaza de Marti. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, a coastal fortress locally known as “El Morro”. Experience and learn about the music and religions of Eastern Cuba at Parque Cespedes or the Catedral de la Ciudad. Spend a portion of the day visiting a community arts center dedicated to preserving the identity of Santiago’s people. You will either learn about the importance of dance in Santiago at the Cutumba and Macumba, you will be inspired by the voices of the Coro Madrigalista. Other travelers will visit one of the famous music clubs of Santiago where they will be welcomed in to learn more about the sounds unique to the eastern side of the island.

We're sailing in March and also had the itinerary change to Santiago de Cuba.

We've currently opted for the PTP tour (your #2). However I'm still exploring the option of DIY. Hopefully someone who has made the stop will add to the thread here with some insight.

Charlie

We're sailing in March and also had the itinerary change to Santiago de Cuba.

We've currently opted for the PTP tour (your #2). However I'm still exploring the option of DIY. Hopefully someone who has made the stop will add to the thread here with some insight.

Charlie

When on foot, the hilly streets of Santiago De Cuba can be challenging. There is an abundant number of Pedicabs operating in Santiago that hold two passengers. Should you be interested in having the driver of one show you around, note the following. Few if any of the operators speak much English. You will be quoted a price but later that price can be revealed to be per passenger and that price may or may not include a trip up to Revolution Square without an additional cost. Because they are licensed and as some do gamble on operating without one, ask to see his "permiso", for if caught without one by any of the abundant police bike patrols, you will be asked to vacate the vehicle wherever intercepted.

The Pedicab may be the only source of income for these operators and their families and they can successfully take you about showing you places of interest like the old Bacardi distillery for example but they, like most tourist ventures have learned how to maximize the "adventure". So do hale one if you are so inclined but I recommend that before climbing aboard you have full agreement on the total price, the areas covered (or duration) and that he is licensed to take you around.

ONT-CA - Thanks so much for the reply. The PediCab info is very helpful. I'm confident that my Spanish will be good enough to negotiate the terms.

A couple of other questions if you know:

• What is the location of the tender boat pier? I've looked at several maps and found what looks like the probable location.
  
• Do you have any "must sees" in Santiago de Cuba?
  

TIA,

Charlie

Good morning. Tbmrt, how much are the exvursions? Thank you.

There were no prices listed at that Amber Cove site unfortunately.

I wrote to the contact email, but no response so far. Will let you know if I hear anything.

Sigh. That site is worthless. I thought I had missed something when I didn't see the prices.

Someone who spent a week in Cuba highly recommended the Colbre(sp?) tour, if that helps.