Natural Cuba

Our Highlights:

• Tranquil national park setting
• Simple but charming lodge accommodation
• Cuban cocktails, especially our favourite, the mojito
• Vibrant Havana, the nation's capital

Cuba is where Latin America meets the Caribbean. A country with a very different history and perspective. Most visitors to the island come for the beaches and slower pace of life. Our 'Natural Cuba' is a different kind of holiday in Cuba: dare we say it, unique. On this, the largest island in the Caribbean, we have found a haven of tranquillity deep in the country. Stay in small, safari lodge style, El Yarey, deep in the countryside in the foothills of the mountainous Sierra Maestra National Park - included in the price are all meals and a selection of drinks.

This is a magical place where fireflies often light up the evenings and in the mornings you will wake to the sound of birdsong. As well as walking, nature trails and birdwatching, we will show you aspects of life in Cuba: the eastern capital, Santiago de Cuba; the nearby town of Bayamo - we'll visit on a Sunday, so that we can see, and join in with people enjoying their day of rest - you can be sure of plenty of music and dancing; and a small town where we visit a family home for a glimpse of day to day life, including the chance to join a game of dominoes... Don't be misled into thinking this is the simple game of our childhoods, it's a serious business here and there are inter-island competitions with Caribbean neighbours!

There will be plenty of time to simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings and relax before continuing to Guardalavaca, a peaceful beach resort on the North East coast of Cuba. Spend 3 nights relaxing on the idyllic beaches of the Brisas Guadalavaca Resort.

Finally fly from Holguin to the Cuban capital, Havana. The activity, traffic and city life may be somewhat of a rude awakening after the peace of El Yarey! Be sure to spend time walking around the narrow streets of Old Havana (there is free transport twice daily from the hotel) and see the continuing restoration of many of the old colonial buildings, under the care of the City Historian and his staff. There is a good handicrafts market for souvenirs as well as unusual small shops, such as one selling hand-painted lead soldiers, and artist workshops. In the evenings, there is the time-warp cabaret show, the Tropicana or a choice of restaurants, some with music, which may range from Cuban folk, to salsa, flamenco or classical.

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