Discovering Cuba
With Cuba opening up to the West, were likely to see a huge increase in the amount of people keen to explore the white sands of its tropical shores, the grandeur of its colonial architecture and the musical beating heart of its incredible musical history.
From Havana to Trinidad youll encounter fascinatingly diverse landscapes, that include picturesque limestone hills, mangrove swamps and utterly unique cities. Sites of enormous historical and cultural importance, such as ancient churches, impressive museums and political exhibits, sit alongside humble traditional villages and lush green plantations where its possible to see and sample the tobacco, coffee and sugar being grown there. This is a country where you can drink daiquiris until you feel brave enough to join in the salsa dancing, experience what life would have been like for Che Guevara and
his comrades as they hid out in the Cuban countryside during the Revolution, or simply lie on an unspoilt beach, surrounded by the sounds of the nearby nature reserve, as you wait for your spa appointment and lunch at a nearby resort. With exotic birds calling overhead and a dish of delicately spiced and wonderfully delicious rice and beans never too far away, we thought, today, wed look at what makes Cuba such a thrilling place to visit, by examining three of our most popular escorted tours there.
Cuba with Cox and Kings
Cox and Kings will fly you directly from London into Cubas capital, Havana, where youll spend three nights, using a luxury hotel as your base. From here you can either explore the city at your leisure or make the most of the professional guided tours provided by Cox and Kings to show you around some of the more amazing sights.
Revolution Square is a great starting point. Its one of the largest squares in the world, where millions of Cubans have been addressed by Fidel Castro and, on occasion, the Pope. The city is also filled with many interesting museums. Learn all there is to know about the Cuban Revolution in the Revolution Museum or gain a valuable insight into another of Cubas specialist subjects; rum, in the Rum Museum. Its worth mentioning that the Museum of Belles Artes and the Hemingway Museum are also well worth a look. From Havana youll be taken to Las Terrazas, a 19th century estate, the perfect accommodation to explore Cubas countryside for a couple of days. After Las Terrazas, youll take a trip to the limestone hills of the Vinales Valley, which will include a cavernous boat ride, before heading through the mangroves on your way to Cienfuegos for an exclusive, luxury dinner and a tour of the botanical gardens.
A tour of Cubas colonial heart, the city of Trinidad, will follow before the tours big finale; a visit to Santa Clara. This important historic site marks Che Guevaras influence on the political landscape of the country and makes for very interesting viewing. Cuba is in the process of modernising, but for the moment, it retains acres of charm. It tends to capture the hearts and imaginations of all who venture over there. One trip will not be enough. You have been warned!
Cuba with Kuoni
Kuonis package focuses more heavily on Cubas most famous sons. This tour operator invites you to follow in the footsteps of the famous American author, Ernest Hemingway to find out more about the man and his work. Youll travel to where he took fishing trips with his friends, drank floridita cocktails and even have a look around the hotel where he lived for a while. Your dinner in Havana during these first nights will be accompanied by live jazz, but not so loud that you wont be able to discuss and compare pictures of Havanas many iconic classic cars or the warm reception of the locals that youll inevitably have received.
Following Havana, youll be taken to the coastal city of Baracoa. With its
thriving indigenous culture, this city clings to the cliffs and looks tremendous. Here, youll visit a 19th century fortress, walk around some beautiful, historic architecture and take a canoe ride along the river Toa, in order to get closer to Cuban nature. With the sun on your face and the thrilling promise of spotting some exotic native wildlife, this canoe ride is a real delight. Approaching the end of your tour, youll be treated to a compelling, visual representation of the countrys history. Firstly the farm house where Cuban revolutionaries, including Castro, planned their political coup. Secondly, youll visit the Valle de la Prehistoria, which depicts Stone Age life and dinosaurs through life size models.
Kuonis tour ends on the Guardalavaca beach, part of an adult only resort, which offers a number of exciting activities, such as water sports and trails. There are spa packages available and a great variety of delicious meal options. If youve never tried malanga fritter, youre in for a real treat. Youll feel impressively relaxed before its time to return home.
Cuba with Titan Travel
The escorted tour offered by Titan Travel takes the elements of the two tours weve mentioned earlier and expands on them. Like the others, youll arrive into Havana , from London. Here, as well as visiting Hemingways favourite haunts, youll also visit the famous American authors estate, Finca Vigia. Delve deeper into how Hemingway perfected his craft and enjoyed his leisure time.
Titan Travel will then take you to Las Terrazas with the limestone Vinales Valley before parking you on the incredible white sand beaches of Cayo Ensenachos for three days and nights, where youll enjoy the food, comfort and entertainment of a luxury resort hotel. The tour ends with a view over the Carribean bay at Cienfuegos as well as interesting historical tours of Trinidad and Santa Clara. If youd like to discover the real Cuba, with any of our tour operators, please get in touch with our very professional team here at Aspen Travel. Whether youre planning to travel as a family, as a couple, with a group of friends, or even solo, our expert team members will be able to advise you on our very best Cuba holidays, as well how to get the best possible prices.
