Reasons To Visit Cuba
It’s surprisingly easy to forget Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and has by far the most beaches. The powder white sand and blue waters of a Cuban beach on a sunny day feels like walking through a postcard.
The Cuban cigar is one of the countries most famous exports. They are renowned for their flavour and quality as well as the precision and skill which goes into rolling that perfect Cohiba. Visiting a cigar factory is a classic Cuban experience and taking in the plantations in the beautiful countryside around Vinales is a real highlight.
If you want to see the real Cuba, head out of the bustling towns and into the surrounding countryside. There are huge sugar cane plantations and cattle ranches, towering royal palms, impressive mountain ranges covered in thick tropical vegetation and rich, fertile fields still ploughed by oxen. You'll also see local Cubans selling their produce or going about the serious business of playing dominoes with the ever-present bottle of rum!
Cuba has a truly fascinating past. Reading about Spanish colonialism, revolution, dictatorships and more revolution unveils the country’s story and how it fits into the modern world today in its own unique way. Taking the time to learn about its past and then talking about it with the locals when you arrive is an extremely rewarding experience.
The soul of Cuba is in its music and dance. Any visitor will find the vibrant rhythms of Cuban music providing a permanent background beat to their travels. ‘Son’ is perhaps the country’s most well known music and is a passionate and sultry mix of Spanish guitar and African drum, made famous by Ry Cooder and the Buena Vista Social Club.
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Havana’s streets are filled with countless vintage cars and there are no advertisements, apart from political exhortations, giving Cuba’s capital a wonderful air of nostalgia.
Havana cigars are considered the world's finest and the processes involved in hand rolling them can be seen at a number of Havana's famous factories such as Romeo y Julieta and Partagas.
Nestled between the harsh lines of the Soviet style apartment blocks is the Vivero Organoponico Alamar, effectively a four hectare urban allotment.
Discover Havana Vieja, the historic colonial heart of the city. This morning walking tour covers the four most important squares, each of which has its own character and history.
Salsa is a part of the national identity in Cuba and is built into the psyche of its people. It is a national pastime with the locals dancing in atmospheric nightclubs, on the beach or in the streets.
Modern Havana contrasts strikingly with the attractive colonial heart of the city. The tour is completely flexible and usually involves hire of transportation in a classic American car for 2 hours.
6 days from £1,295pp
12 days from £1,825pp
12 days from £1,850pp
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Further reading:CubaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout CubaCountry Guides
Other countries in Central America, Mexico & Cuba:BelizeCosta RicaGuatemalaHondurasMexicoNicaraguaPanama