Haiti Tour – April 2008

Seven days, six nights in South & Southwest Haiti: Enjoy a calm and stable vacation experience

$825 includes everything

but airfare!

Haiti sits poised at an important and exciting moment in her history. Hope is sweeping a country prepared to move forward after years of troubles.

Join us as we witness the splendor of the island, and the optimism with which its citizens are planting the seeds of their own rebirth. We will visit the south and southwesr parts of Haiti, far from any of the unrest that has struck other parts of the land, and see some of the finest and least-known natural wonders in the Caribbean – waterfalls, beaches, rainforest and mountains.

We will also find ourselves right in the middle of the best Mardi Gras celebration in Haiti, joining in the festivities in the lovely seaside town of Jacmel, the nation's art capital. From there, we venture west along the southern coast to an eco-resort on Ile a vache, a small island a few miles off Haiti's coast. There, you can just relax in the sun on pristine beaches . . . or explore Haiti's astonishing natural riches in Parc National Macaya . . .  or try out watersports like scuba, snorkeling or sailing. You'll be lulled to sleep each night by the surf outside your hotel room, and eat delightful fresh seafood. And most important -- the thing that sets this tour apart from any other -- you will dialogue with Haitians who are dreaming great dreams for their nation, and find out first-hand what opportunities and obstacles they face.

ITINERARY *

Sunday:  Leave NYC morning, arrive Haiti midday (PAP International Airport). Have a dip in the pool of the enchanting Oloffson Hotel, nestle

Monday: Beach day, or visit Jacmel galleries, afternoon option trip to Bassin Bleu waterfalls.

Tuesday: Jacmel boasts the most authentic celebration in Haiti. Alternately, meet with members of a peasant collective and find out about the realities of everyday life for Haitians.

Wednesday:Morning flight to Les Cayes, a tranquil seaside city. Join the optional daylongexcursion to Pic Macaya, Haiti's highest mountain, or take the  ferry directly to Ile A Vache, where we will have a relaxing time to unwind. Enjoy the beauty and simplicity of our eco-resort, evening welcome party

Thursday: Free day on Ile A Vache.

Friday: Free day on Ile A Vache, or optional educational visit to a school, or optional daylong excursion to Pic Macaya

Saturday: Leave Ile A Vache morning, ferry to Les Cayes, fly from Les Cayes to PAP airport, return to New York in the evening

* details of itinerary are currently tentative and subject to change