Destination information
Cuba Holidays 2012 / 2013
A holiday in Cuba is like no other you will have experienced. Being the biggest island in the Caribbean, Cuba offers everything you’d associate with this gorgeous little corner of the world: sea, sun, sand and a laid back vibe. However, there’s something very different about Cuba, something that sets it apart. Maybe it’s the island’s extraordinary history, its political system, its decades of self-sufficiency in the face of global controversy, its unique Afro-Latin culture - whatever it is, it certainly makes Cuba one of the most intriguing holiday destinations in the world.
Cuba holidays are certain to make you see things from a different perspective. You’ll find yourself asking questions like: how do those ancient 1950s American cars still run? How is it that the corner shop that was empty of stock yesterday is full today? Daily life in Cuba has an unsettling randomness about it that is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The key to a great holiday is to embrace the Cubans’ nonchalant attitude, fire up a genuine Havana cigar, order another rum cocktail and let the relaxed atmosphere wash over you.
One of the most impressive features of a Cuban holiday is the fantastic historic architecture you’ll find tucked away in neighbourhoods and villages all over the island. From beautiful colonial buildings to the haunting, faded splendour of Havana, holidays in Cuba offer the opportunity to see some of the best Spanish colonial architecture anywhere - much of it has remained untouched since it was built! Take a stroll down Havana’s Calle Obispo and marvel at the old-fashioned shop windows and quaint cafes. Keep going until you reach Plaza de Armas, which features many fine old buildings. Be sure to visit Castillo de la Punta and Cuba’s oldest building, Castillo de la Real Fuerza.
Cuba is the birthplace of salsa – you are sure to have heard of it even if you haven’t tried it. Salsa music is a huge part of Cuban culture, and the island is alive with its vibrant spirit. Sample it all, whether you’re listening to an ancient valve radio in a sidewalk cafe or enjoying the music firsthand at a live performance, immerse yourself and live ‘la vida dulce’!
After so much cultural stimulation, you will definitely need a break. There’s no better place to rest your tired feet than at Varadero, Cuba’s most famous seaside destination. Here you’ll find pristine white sands and perfectly clear water. A quick trip to the untouched island of Cayo Santa Maria offers a more peaceful beach experience. If diving and snorkelling are on your holiday agenda, head out to the coral reefs just off Guardalavaca.
All-inclusive holiday packages are very popular in Cuba, and you’ll find some really great resorts on the island. An increasing number of resorts are now offering all-inclusive packages...with a twist. Because Cuba is mostly self-sufficient, you’ll enjoy authentic local food and drink in place of the rather unimaginative international brands we’re used to elsewhere.
Read on for more information about our 2012 / 2013 Cuba holiday packages and Havana city breaks.
Star attractions
- Historic Havana
- Imposing Fortresses
- Rum and Cigar Factories
- 1950s Vintage Cars
- Stunning Beaches
- Excellent Water Sports
- Unspoiled Diving
- Swim with Dolphins
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Our Top 5 hotels
This famous hotel built in original Art Deco style in 1930 has welcomed its fair share of celebrities over the years – Frank Sinatra, Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway have all been guests and who can blame them?...
Havana is a fascinating and absorbing city, filled with beautiful architecture, vibrant music and amazing culture - and at this hotel you are slap bang in the middle of it all! The renowned Garcia Lorca Theatre and Central Park are near by, while Prado Avenue is right on the doorstep. You're also only a short walk from the Old Town where Ernest Hemingway based himself for a time.
This sophisticated property is located in the centre of Havana's central Vedado district on the seafront. One of this hotel's most popular features is the freeform swimming pool. It's a perfect place to lounge around on days off from exploring this amazing, historic city. The hotel offers 5 restaurants serving International, Mediterranean and Italian fare.
They kept the neoclassical facade of this classic 1930s hotel, with its beautiful wrought-iron balconies, and teamed it with an elegant and eclectic style. It was once the haunt of artists and jet-setters, and it maintains a chic look that harks back to the past, while including all the 21st-century luxuries, situated in the heart of Old Havana.
Formerly the house of Don Jose Ricardo O'Farrill, a member of one of the wealthiest noble families in colonial times, originally from Ireland. This is now a magnificent hotel combining architectural elements from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Additional info
White Sands and Sea Life
Varadero is Cuba's premier beach destination whilst Jibacoa lies between Varadero and Havana and is a quieter, more secluded beach resort. Dive amongst exquisite coral reefs, swim with the dolphins or take a glass-bottom boat ride!
Cuban Culture
The cigar and rum factories in Havana and Pinar Del Rio are well worth a visit with Cuba's Viazul Bus - a terrific way to travel round. Hemingway's Villa 'Finca Vigia', a few miles southeast of Havana, is also recommended.
Havana Life
Ideal for a city break or day trip away from the beach, in Havana you can pay homage to Hemingway, visit museums, shop at La Rampa and relax with a mojito in one of the author?s favourite bars, El Bodegita del Media.
Salsa
Music and dance are very important to the Cubans, so make like the natives and learn to salsa! After a few lessons join the locals in one of the many lively venues in Havana and Varadero.
FREE Island Experience
Varadero guests can enjoy a FREE experience to Cardenas City, where the Cuban national flag was flown for the first time in 1850 atop the La Dominica Hotel. Sights include museums, a rum factory and picturesque cathedral.
Total Flexibility
Tailor-make your ideal Caribbean holiday by combining hotels we feature in different destinations. Why not try a twin- or triple-centre holiday across different islands. How about Panama in Central America.
Weather and climate
Different destinations have different magic touches so make sure to check out the "Rockstar Service" to see what makes your holiday with us so special.
Getting there
Flight details - You can fly twice weekly non-stop from London Gatwick to Havana on Virgin Atlantic's award-winning service. Local departure tax is currently Convertible Pesos 25 per person, and needs to be paid in cash at the airport on departure.
Flight time - 9 hours 40 min.
Transfers
Havana Airport to Havana Hotel - For packages: 1-2 persons £20, 3-6 persons £40, 7-12 persons £80. Tailormade Itineraries: 1-2 persons £40, 3-6 persons £60, 7-12 persons £120.
Havana to Jibacoa - For packages: 1-2 persons £65, 3-6 persons £100, 7-12 persons £110.
Havana to Varadero - For packages: 1-2 persons £90, 3-6 persons £ 160, 7-12 persons £ 160.
Handy stuff
Important information:
Please Note: Credit cards issued by US banks and US Dollar currency is not accepted in Cuba.
Visas: UK passport holders currently require a Tourist Visa (£15). These can be obtained from Virgin Holidays at the time of booking or at the airport prior to departure. Non-UK passport holders should contact the consulate for entry requirements: Cuban Consulate, 167 High Holborn, London WC1V 6PA. Tel 020 7240 2488. You need to exchange Sterling for Cuban Pesos locally and these cannot be converted back into Sterling.
Please note: Infants require a Tourist Visa (£15) to travel to Cuba, unfortunately Infant Visas cannot be booked online, please call our Customer Care department at 0844 573 0088 to book.
Please note: Cuban authorities are now asking passengers to present a copy of their medical insurance policy when they arrive at immigration.
All non Cuban nationals need to make sure that their medical insurance policy is fully comprehensive due to the escalated costs of medical treatment in Cuba. If a policy is not comprehensive, passengers will be asked to purchase additional cover on arrival.
Local Living
Small beer - £1.00
Can of coke - £1.00
Loaf of bread - £1.50
Bottle of wine - £7.50
The above are approx local supermarket costs.
Time difference - GMT -5 hours.
Language - Spanish.
Currency - Convertible Peso (CUC).
Check In Chill Out is our fantastic service that allows you to soak up the sun right until the last minute.
This service is available at selected hotels in Barbados, Antigua, Tobago, Grenada and St Lucia. Check with your rep in resort if you aren’t staying at one of the participating hotels as you may be able to use a location nearby. Simply look for the Check In Chill Out icon on participating hotel pages.
Read more about our Check In Chill Out Service...