A time capsule in the Caribbean, Cuba remains one of the few destinations untarnished by the monotonous big box stores and chain restaurants of globalisation, and alive with the same authenticity it has held for decades. A country just 93 miles from Florida, and 13 miles from the Bahamas, Cuba has until recently been almost off-limits to modern tourism and boasts a culture so rich and diverse that it can at times feel overwhelming. Having brought the world almost to a standstill at the peak of the Cold War, the bustling streets of Havana and Trinidad still hold the hope and excitement of revolution in the music that flows through them and through the dancers that fill their squares. A cultural melting pot, the country bleeds the traditions of Spain, Africa and its native peoples, making it a delight for cultural purists. If you’re looking for something unique that stands out among all other travel experiences, then a holiday in Cuba should be top of your travel to-do list

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the island’s culture, Cox and Kings’ tour of Cuba is the perfect way to explore Cuba’s two greatest cities, Havana and Trinidad, in style. Stepping off the plane in Havana, you are met with that familiar traveller’s feeling of being engulfed by warm summer rays, letting you know your holiday has begun. By far the best way to explore the city’s faded colonial grandeur, guests set out on a panoramic tour in one of Havana’s many classic American cars, which have been preserved for decades due to the embargo which held back the technological excesses of the 20^th century for over 50 years. The highlight of this cruise by vintage car has to be visiting Revolution Square, where the iconic Jose Marti Memorial, the largest monument in the world for a writer, towers above you.

With so many things to do in Havana, this tour of Cuba shows you the best of what the place has to offer, while allowing freedom and flexibility for you to explore the city in a way tailored to your own tastes. Joining the rhythm of the salsa dancers at the Plaza de Cathedral, one can get their fortunes told and, of course, look inside the wondrous Cathedral of St Christopher, where the body of Christopher Columbus was interred for fourteen years. An architectural masterpiece, this 18^th century cathedral is made from blocks of coral cut from the ocean floor and its appearance has been called ‘music set in stone’ by the Cuban writer Alejo Carpentier. If you look carefully, you’ll be amazed to see intricate marine fossil imprints on its façade, which are a must have in all visitors’ camera rolls. Afterwards, venture into the Camera Obscura to savour the vistas of Havana’s old town in a spectacular 360 image reflected onto the ceiling, before wandering through the town’s bustling cobbled streets and market stalls.

Cuba is famous for its smooth rums, and no tour of Cuba would be complete without tasting a few, so of all the things to do in Havana, a trip to Bodeguita del Medio is essential. Decorated from floor to ceiling in multicoloured, hand-written notes, this trendy bar is the place to be to enjoy a mojito in its full glory, and afterwards you can add your name to the wall of worldwide rum fanatics. Buzzing slightly, Cox and Kings’ guests can spend their evening aweing the architectural masterpieces that are the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Great Theatre of Havana, or simply hopping from bar to bar to taste and critique the rich variety of tapas available in the city’s various lively bars.

Cuba’s bustling city life contrasts with the perfect tranquillity of its countryside, and so one’s holiday in Cuba naturally moves between the two. On the journey to Las Terrazas in the Western province of Pinar del Rio, you soak in the green and burnt orange hues of the stretching landscapes. Once in Las Terrazas, the sustainable environmental and development project provides a fascinating insight into Cuba’s old countryside way of life, something that sticks in one’s mind as a wholly different experience to the clamour of our computerised western working life. For coffee lovers like me, there is the opportunity to visit a partially restored 19^th century coffee estate, making you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time to before the Castro era, when the production of Cuba’s famously strong and sweet coffee flourished more than ever.

 

Moving deeper into the sun kissed countryside, this holiday in Cuba takes you through the vibrant green hills of the Viñales Valley, as well as on a gentle boat ride through the towering Indian cave, where the crashing of the crystal-clear water demands one’s attention and wonder. Having enjoyed the ride, and no doubt a cool splash of the cave’s refreshing water, you drive to Cienfuegos via the palm tree lined Peninsula de Zapata, driving past Playa Giron, site of the 1961 ‘Bay of Pigs’ invasion at the very height of the Cold War. With the peaceful rise and fall of waves, it’s hard to imagine that this spot was the site of an American military failure that would change the world. Arriving in Cienfuegos, hailed as the ‘Pearl of the South’, you are able to stroll around the city’s lush and impressive botanical gardens that boast over 2000 tropical exotic species for all to see.

Having immersed yourself in nature, you are able to appreciate the equally impressive architecture of Trinidad, where you stay in the neo-colonial style Casa Particular in the heart of the city’s old town. Venturing out of the city down winding roads, you discover the Valley of the Sugar Mills in a fantastic tour, where your guide paints a picture of the 50 mills that were once in operation here in his enthusiastic, storytelling manner. Those with a sweet tooth and historians alike enjoy looking over the vast valley, imagining themselves there in 1512, when the Spanish first introduced sugar cane to the island, planting crops in this valley where several flowing rivers fed the booming industry. After this, you can satisfy your now all-time high sugar cravings with a cool, lime garnished Cuba libre overlooking the untouched splendours of Trinidad to end this eye-opening adventure.

With unique and quirky travel destinations becoming more and more sought after by today’s travellers, you can definitely satisfy your cultural cravings in this tour of Cuba. By becoming engrossed in its controversial history, embracing its rich culture and soaking in its beautiful valleys, you will return home with pictures and stories that will have your friends in awe, and often laughter. A holiday in Cuba is not a one that is easily forgotten, and it reinvigorates travellers who go there with a new lust for life, dancing and, of course, smooth rums.