Cuba Encompassed

Hit the streets of Havana and start exploring this effervescent city. Talk a walk down to the enormous Plaza de la Revolution to see the Che Guevara memorial, and stroll along the Malecon, the city’s pretty seaside esplanade. Later, visit the Nostalgicar workshop and learn how the restoration of Cuba’s famous vintage cars takes place. In the evening, learn to dance the sensational salsa at a dance class held in a beautiful colonial house.

Head on to Vinales, deep in the heart of the Cuban countryside and rich in tradition. The valley of Vinales is a World Heritage site and for good reason – the bright green hills, glistening lakes and intriguing rock formations make it a great place to explore, and in much contrast to the hustle and bustle of Havana. Spend your days hiking, biking, caving or simply relaxing, or take tour of the tobacco fields and learn more about tobacco harvesting and Cuba’s cigar industry.

Your next stop is Trinidad, a lovely, and very well preserved Spanish colonial town founded in 1514 and still showing off its cobbled streets and pretty views today. Built on money from the sugar industry, the town is crammed with grand mansions and churches, and drips with opulence and history. Another of Cuba’s World Heritage sites, Trinidad is best explored on foot, calling in to try to local food and perhaps treat yourself to a live music performance.

Continue to Cayo Santa Maria on Cuba’s northern coast. Here you’ll find eight blissfully uninterrupted miles of powder white sand and impossibly blue seas. This is one of the best places in Cuba to go snorkelling, as it is blessed with over 20 miles of verdant corals filled with colourful fish, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a turtle or a dolphin. When not exploring underwater perhaps hit the hotel spa or chill out under a palm tree with a cocktail or two.

If you left your heart in Havana then fear not, as you’ll return to the Cuban capital for one more night before you head home. Use the time to tick off the sights you missed the first time round: perhaps visit the Museum of the Revolution and the Capitol Building or sign up for a guided tour of the Havana Club Rum Factory or a cigar factory. Alternatively, do the classic Havana activity and take a ride around the city in a vintage car.