Colonial Cuba

As soon as you land in Cuba’s capital, we’ll whisk you off to the city centre to check into Santa Isabel, one of Havana’s most elegant and exclusive hotels. Occupying a gorgeous colonial building on the edge of Plaza de Armas, Santa Isabel is dripping in marble and chandeliers, evoking an old-world charm which is contrasted with contemporary Cuban art. Watch all the action unfolding below from your private terrace, dine at El Condado restaurant below and try possibly the best mojito in town in the hotel bar. Over the next few days we’ll take you on walking and photography tours so you’ll experience the best of the city, including striking architectural delights like the Capitolio, Havana Cathedral and the streets of Habana Vieja.

Off-the-beaten-track Matanzas is a withered yet fascinating example of Cuban colonial history, with a proud history of literary and musical achievements that have led it to be nicknamed the ‘Athens of Cuba’. A guided walk around this old town will incorporate the pretty theatres: Sala de Conciertos Jose White and Teatro Sauto, as well as lovely squares and churches. Your hotel, Encanto Velasco, is an ideal base from which to explore Matanzas, with its striking colonial features including a marble, colonnaded atriums.

If Matanzas is Cuba’s Athens, then Cienfuegos is undoubtedly its Paris. Cienfuegos’ French heritage sets it apart from other Cuban colonial towns – it was founded by French settlers in 1819 and this influence can be seen in its elegant architecture, such as the majestic Palacio de Valle with its intricate carvings and ornate archways. A guided walk around Cienfuegos will have you soaking up all its charms, including Plaza Jose Marti, Jagua Castle and the pretty harbour. Your hotel is La Union, with rooms that overlook the swimming pool from private balconies, a restaurant, bar and spa.

Just an hour down the road is the laidback but musically vibrant Trinidad, an intriguing colonial town where time seems to have stood still since the 19^th century. Staying at Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad, a lovely colonial building close to the centre, you are perfectly placed to explore the town on foot – we’ll take you on a walking tour down Trinidad’s cobbled lanes and past its pretty pastel-hued houses. During your stay an excursion to the Valle de Ingenios will have you trekking through the lush rainforest to reach awe-inspiring waterfalls, learning about the surrounding wildlife as you go.

Founded in 1514, Sancti Spiritus is one of Cuba’s oldest settlements and as a result cradles some fantastic historical sites. Visit Cuba’s oldest church, the distinctive Parroquial Mayor whose roots are traced back to the early 16^th century; the Museo de Arte Colonial, a grand mansion encasing fascinating articles from colonial Cuba; and the country’s oldest bridge, Puente Yayabo. There’s no better place to rest your head than Hotel del Rijo, a neo-classical colonial mansion complete with tranquil courtyard and Mughal-style fountain.

From Sancti Spiritus you’ll head back west towards Remedios, but not before a stop in Santa Clara for a dose of revolutionary history. This is where the Cuban Revolution came to a head when Che Guevara and his band of guerrilleros derailed an armoured train – you can visit the site where it took place, and visit Che’s mausoleum and museum. You’ll then head onto Remedios, a dusty jewel of a place that intrepid travellers will relish for its ‘real Cuba’ appeal and intriguing colonial character. Stay at Hotel Encanto Mascotte for the best accommodation in town: the restaurant and rooms have balconies overlooking the main square.

You’ll return to Santa Isabel in Havana for two nights before your flight home. This is your last chance to make the most of the capital’s incomparable cocktail scene, be brave and try your hand at salsa, and dip into more museums like the Museo de la Revolución and the adjacent Museo de Bellas Artes.