Cuba - by James

Just arriving into Cuba is exciting, as you fly over the lush green hills surrounding Havana and coasting along the white crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

Havana is the starting point for arrival into Cuba and what a great place to awake the senses. Situated on the bay of Havana, with the imposing 16th century Punta Castle at the entrance to the port, and the Malecon stretching along the coast, Havana is in a commanding position.

Havana offers a cocktail of sights, experiences and places to explore and lose you self in. Wander around the colonial streets of Havana, where vehicles are prevented from entering with old cannons cemented in the ground, explore the old haunts of Hemmingway and find time to visit a cigar or rum factory and relax in a bar with lilting music and a mojito in hand.

The centre point of Havana is Plaza de Armas, from here explore the San Cristobal Cathedral, visit the Revolution Museum and walk the narrow pastel coloured, winding streets down to the Malecon.

Outside Havana travelling west, visit the Vinales Valley with its giant steep-sided limestone mogotes, with fields of sugar cane and tobacco. Or heading east explore Cienfuegos, situated on the south coast and then continue along the coast to the colonial gem of Trinidad. Catch the steam train from Trinidad, travelling along the sugar cane line to the old landowners watch towers, from where they surveyed the workers slaving away in the fields. Continue to the far east and after many hours of driving, passing laden donkey carts on the way, you arrive at Santiago de Cuba. Famous for its music, parades and carnival, Santiago de Cuba is influenced by its Afro-Caribbean roots.

Cuba also has a northern coast of superlative white coral beaches and Cayes. The diving is fantastic, with an endless choice of water sports, deep sea fishing and a superb choice of beach resorts and luxury hotels.

Cuba is all about people, music, relaxing in a bar with a mojito, beautiful colonial villages lost in time, stunning white sandy beaches and a fascinating history.