Scott Travel

You can join the Cubs on a vacation in the Dominican Republic from Nov. 27-Dec. 4. So far, Hall of Famer Billy Williams and pitcher Sean Marshall have committed, and there will be three other VIPs -- very important players -- as well.

One of the highlights last year was a day trip to the Cubs' Dominican academy to watch some of the team's prospects and play a little baseball. This is where Castro, the 20-year-old shortstop, fine-tuned his skills.

"You got to see the roots of a lot of our Latin players and see where Alfonso Soriano and Sammy Sosa came from there and trained," Marshall said. "That was the first time I've ever been down there, and I was awestruck. It completely blindsided me to see the country and where they came from and what Carlos Marmol and Aramis [Ramirez] went through to get here is amazing."

Apple Vacations handles all the details. You will fly round trip on a nonstop charter flight from Chicago's O'Hare Airport to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, with round-trip airport/hotel transfers.

You'll spend seven nights at the Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, which is located on one of the island's dazzling beaches. The $1,199.99 per person fare also includes all meals, snacks and unlimited drinks, plus a private welcome party and autograph session with the Cubs' personnel on the trip.

"The people at Apple Vacations did a great job last year," Marshall said. "It was a great trip. Everything was taken care of. The hospitality was nice, it was all inclusive -- you can't beat that. The sun was shining every day. To me, it was perfect."

Besides Marshall, Williams and Hall of Famer Ernie Banks went on the trip last year, and the group met up with Marmol and Ramirez in their homeland. Marshall even put together a video of the event that's become a YouTube favorite (do a search for Chicago Cubs Dreams La Romana).

"I told them at the beginning of the trip last year that I wanted to go next year," Marshall said. "It's a no-brainer for Chicagoans. It's freezing cold here at that time of year. You get to hang out with a couple Hall of Famers. It was awesome."

It's a relaxing week of sun, sand and baseball in the Dominican, Cubs style.