Holiday in Paradise!

Before getting behind the wheel, right at the beginning of your holiday, you will have the opportunity to discover Cuba’s capital city, Havana. An absolute highlight is Havana’s old town, founded in 1519 by the Spaniards and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Visit the many buildings from a time gone by, which have today still maintained their colonial charm. In the 17th century, Havana was an important trading town and one of the largest dockyards of its time, since the majority of Spanish ships would stop off here on their way to the Old World, laden with treasures from the New World. To withstand pirate attacks, large fortresses and ramparts were built and can today be visited and seen dominating the city landscape. No trip to Havana would be complete without a quick drink in the legendary “Bodeguita del Medio” and “El Floridita” bars, where Ernest Hemingway was once known to enjoy a Daiquiri or two! In the heart of Havana’s old town, you will also find the “Havana Club” Rum Museum, which is well worth a visit! 

If you do not want to spend the whole holiday in a hired car, but would rather stretch your legs and complement your Self-Drive Holiday with a short hike, then look no further; Topes de Collantes National Park is the place to be! Keen hikers and nature lovers can climb the “Sendero del Caburni” trail on the eighth day – a real highlight of this region! It will consist of a 4km trail which snakes through coffee plantations and deep green forests. Along the way, you are sure to catch a glimpse of a wide variety of birds, including Cuba’s national bird, the Tocororo. You will then meet one of the Caribbean’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls. At a height of 75m with its inviting bathing pools, the Salto del Caburní Waterfall is a must! Back at your starting point, a fresh glass of fruit juice awaits you at the “El Gallo” bar; take a moment to refuel there before continuing your journey through Cuba!

After all that driving, there will be some time to sit back and relax on the 20km long sand beaches of Varadero on the Hicacos Peninsula. In the 19th century, wealthy Hacienda owners retreated to their summer villas here to take in the views of the azure seas and by the 20th century, wealthy Americans had followed suit and claimed much of the land as private.  It was only after the Revolution in 1959, that the beaches were made accessible to the general public. Today, the headland houses numerous beautiful hotels with gardens providing an alternative relaxation spot to the white sandy beaches. For those seeking a little more adventure, the many surrounding coral reefs, with their clear turquoise waters, are perfect for snorkelling or diving, discovering what lies beneath the Caribbean Sea. Choose our Central Cuba On Wheels Self-Drive Holiday and let yourself get carried away by the infectious Caribbean spirit!