Life is a CUBARET Music, dance...and a Fidel bit of politics
LUCK is with us – it is a clear night with no rain and the heavens are calm as the inky night envelopes Havana. cigar for a photo – and a tip. They are employed by the government to help promote the Cuban brand – cabaret, cars, rum and cigars.
Though all are covered on our 14-night Viva Cuba tour there is so much more to Havana – and Cuba.
Two hours’ west is the Viñales Valley near Pinar de Rio, where much of Cuba’s tobacco is grown.
This valley is covered with limestone and mogotes – vast mounds like grass-covered jelly moulds.
At the Cuerva del India visitors can take a boat ride down an underground river filled with eerie stalactites and stalagmites.
Nearby the spectacular Mural de la Prehistoria is breathtaking for its size alone. To the east is the gorgeous colonial town of Trinidad, full of cobbled streets and lovely buildings. Climb the staircase of its Municipal Museum – it is claustrophobic but worth it for the views.
And you must try the local drink Trinidad especialidad at the Bar La Canchanchera – a typical Casa de la Trova with a band of musicians.
Tales
Head south-east to the Caribbean coast to reach the city of Santiago de Cuba where former president Fidel Castro was laid to rest after his death aged 90 in 2016.
Revolutionary Square is adorned with sculptures of Castro, Che Guevara and other figures from the island’s rebellious history.
You can hear tales of the 1959 revolution at Moncada Officer’s Barracks – now a school. North-east of Santiago de Cuba is the country’s former copper capital El Cobre, where the vast Santa Barbara Basilica pays tribute to the patron saint of miners.
Attending a service here is unique thanks to the influence of the Santería religion, a blend of Christianity and traditions brought to Cuba by slaves from West Africa.
One of its origins was the way practitioners hid their traditional beliefs from the Spanish authorities by using Catholic saints as masks for their true objects of worship.
Our trip to Cuba ends in Havana. I decide I must ride in an open top American classic car – de rigueur in Cuba. It is a hot, sunny day and the experience couldn’t be better. I ride with four others in Ramon’s red and white 1950s Ford Crown Victoria.
Ramon takes us through a rather nice neighbourhood and points to a rooftop abode said to be the home of President Raúl Castro Ruz.
Ramon tells us: “No one knows for sure where Raúl lives… for security reasons, of course.” FACTFILE: A15-night tour starts from £2,449pp departing June 26 2018 including VIP door- to- door travel service, return flights and transfers, tour manager, porterage at all hotels and tourist visa for British Citizens resident in the UK. To book contact Saga Holidays on 0800 0560464 or go to tavel.saga.co.uk.