"Highlights" of our tour or where to go in Cuba ...

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Old Havana (La Habana Vieja)

Amazing colonial buildings, many now being restored to their former glory, together with a vibrant street life make this city a must on any trip to Cuba. Make sure you visit the Cathedral Square (Plaza de la Catedral), Plaza de Armas (Havana's oldest square), the Hemingway haunts of La Bodeguita del Medio (a bar by the Cathedral) and the Hotel Ambos Mundos (where Hemingway wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls). Also worth a look is the impressive Capitolio based on the design for the Capitol building in Wasington DC.

Revolution Square - Havana (Plaza de la Revolucion)

Here you can see Cuba's most photograhed building, the Ministry of the Interior, featuring a giant mural of Che Guevara You can also see the monument to Cuban national hero Jose Marti here. Well worth a visit.

Hotel Nacional - Havana

Havana's most famous hotel set in the Vedado area west of central Havana. Perched on a rocky outcrop it's Art Deco twin towers look out over the Havana sea front (the Malecon) Built in the 1920s, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner and Clark Gable all stayed here and you can see their photos in the famous bar. This hotel is an ideal place to escape the frantic city and enjoy a drink/cigar in it's serene gardens offering superb views over the Malecon and out to sea.

Cienfuegos

Known as the "Pearl of the South" Cienfuegos is a charming Cuban city with a French influence centered around a port. Most of the best buildings can be seen around the Parque Jose Marti in the center however it is well worth a visit to the Punta Gorda peninsula near the Hotel Jagua also. Here you can visit the Palacio de Valle, a large Moorish Palace that is now a bar & restaurant, where you can relax with views over the bay. You can also walk along the peninsula where you will see many French style mansions along the sea front.

Trinidad & The Valle de los Ingenios

Everything you have ever pictured Cuba to be comes to life in Trinidad. It is easy to understand why along with Old Havana Trinidad has become a World Heritage site. This is one of the island's crown jewels. A personal favourite of mine Trinidad's pastel buildings, cobbelstoned streets, colonial history & friendly locals make this place along with Havana an essential stop whilst touring Cuba. For a fine view of the city climb to the top of the tower in the Museo Historico Municipal. The area around Trinidad is known as the Valle de los Ingenios (Valley of the Sugar Mills) as it was Cuba's most important sugar producing region. This lush setting makes the countryside around Trinidad pleasing to the eye and better still the soft white powdery sand and clear blue waters of the resort of Playa Ancon are only 8 miles (12 km) south. What more could you want in a region? After you have enjoyed the charms of Trinidad head for the Manacas-Iznaga watchtower in the Valle de los Ingenios for a magnificient view over the region.

Dolphin Swimming and Touring in a 54 Chevy in Varadero

The flashy all inclusive beach resort of Varadero is about as far removed from the cultural delights of the real Cuba as you can get. If however you are looking for luxury, a magnificient stretch of powder white sand and warm clear blue waters then you are at the right place. Our personal highlight was the rare opportunity to swim with a group of Dolphins in a man made lagoon. This was an experience we will never forget and well worth the money. Other great things to do in Varadero are a Classic American Car Tour featuring a visit to the lavish Xanadu Mansion (now a bar & restaurant overlooking the beach) and a stop off at La Casa de Al, the former beach side mansion of Chicago gangster Al Capone (now a restaurant also). For more relaxation try an excellent sunset cruise by catamaran from the Marina Chapelin (which also serves great value lobster by the way!) or visit the Parque Josone and lake in central Varadero.

PS: There is also a restaurant called "Guamaire" in central Varadero that serves excellent Crocodile meat!