Famous for its fat cigars and Marxist Revolutionaries – there are plenty of cliché itineraries that you can explore.  For those of you looking beyond the exhausted jaunts, Cuba is also a land full of beautiful beaches, a lively night-scene and an overall fascinating culture that can be enjoyed by all.
 
Che’s Mausoleum
 
Che Guevara has received a cult hero status with his face often found plastered on t-shirts and posters all around the world.  The leader of the rebel column led the revolution into battle at Santa Clara in 1958, effectively spelling the end of Batista’s rule in Cuba.  Now, the city is a mecca for Che’s worshippers with several monuments doted around the outer neighbourhoods.  The main memorial however looms over the entrance to the city at Avenida de los Desfiles on Plaza de la Revolucion.  A 22 foot tall bronze statue towers overhead while underneath it is the hero’s mausoleum housing his remains alongside 29 fellow guerrillas who died in battle with him.
 
Cigar Museum
 
Predictable?  Maybe.  Worthy of a visit?  Without doubt.  Cuba has a reputation for producing the best tobacco in the world and this museum allows you to learn all of the secrets in how they do it.  Dating back to the 18^th century, it is the only building that shares the country’s unique tobacco culture with exhibitions including tools for the processing of tobacco leaves pipes, lighters and other items of the art of smoking.  Want to pick up a gift for someone back home – the museum also has a shop specialising on Cuban cigars.
 
Beaches
 
With a coastline stretching 5,746 kilometres, the question isn’t ‘shall we go to the beach?’ rather more, which beach shall we go to? Cuba’s northern region has garnered a prestigious reputation worldwide with its characteristic golden powdery sands and turquoise waves of the warm Atlantic Ocean.  Holidaymakers all over the world come to Cuba to visit the famous beaches of Varadero, Guardalavaca, Esmeralda, Santa Maria del Mar to name but a few.  Call us crazy, but we recommend ignoring these ‘hot spots’ and heading south.  These little known, undiscovered virgin beaches are far less populated with tourists yet provide visitors with a divine, pristine tranquillity.
 
Old Havana
 
Take a stroll along the promenade during the evening and take in some of Havana’s culture.  With an architectural heritage spanning more than five centuries this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of authentic character.  Highlights include the El Templete, the oldest neo-classical building in Cuba, along with the splendidly designed Church of Angel Custodio.
 
Round Up
 
While you are relaxing on the beach, smoking a Cuban cigar – don’t forget to shield your head from the sun with a Che Guevara beret.  With a glorious Caribbean climate and a lively Hispanic culture, Cuba offers everything you would come to expect – plus much more.
 
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Nacional de Cuba
A National Monument inscribed in the World Memory Register – the Hotel Nacional de Cuba is considered to be a symbol of history, culture and Cuban identity.  This fantastic building is located in the heart of Havana and has amazing ocean views and a big garden at the back where parrots and peacocks roam freely.
 
WHERE TO EAT: La Guarida
This luxurious eatery has featured in Cuban movies and it still shines today with its film-star looks and nouveau Cuban cuisine.  Enjoy wonderful fusion food in a romantic ambiance of art-drenched walls and hushed laughter in an intimate environment.
 
WHAT TO DO: Tour the City in a Classic 50s Car
For the petrolheads and lovers of all things vintage, this one is for you.  Take a tour of Cuba in a 1950s classic car and cruise along the Malecon, taking in the atmospheric ocean road lined with colourful but fading colonial and art deco buildings.  Gran Car tours can be booked at all hotel tour desks.

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