Cuba

In a nutshell

More than just an island paradise, this is a place of history and character where the impact of Fidel Castros communist regime has created a culture unlike any other in the caribbean. The capital, Havana, is a place of beautiful colonial buildings and romantically faded grandeur, where pastel-coloured 1950s American automobiles cruise the streets and music spills from every doorway. Havana offers one of the best examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas, probably because nothing has been touched since it was built! From the attractive Parque Central you can wander down the quaint street Calle Obispo to admire the old-fashioned shop windows and tiny caféés. This leads to Plaza de Armas with its fine old buildings - including a temple, palace and ancient fort. Don't forget to visit Castillo de la Punta and Castillo de la Real Fuerza - Cuba's oldest building. After all this culture you'll probably need a break, and where better than the island's top beach destination - Varadero, famous for its un poiled white-sands and crystal-clear waters. It's essential to take a trip to one of the outlying cays where you can snorkel over the beautiful reefs and even swim with the dolphins. You can't possibly have escaped the world-wide salsa craze, and here you can experience both that music and its antecedents - bolero, rumba and son. Come and sample it all - drink the rum, smoke the cigars, dance the salsa and live 'la vida dulce'!

UK passport holders currently require a Tourist Visa (£15). These can be obtained from Virgin Holidays at the time of booking. Non UK passport holders should contact the consulate for entry requirements. Cuban Consulate, 167 High Holborn, London WC1V 6PA. Tel 020 7240 2488.

Please note: Credit cards issued by US banks are not acceptable in Cuba.