Posts Tagged ‘Cuba’
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
It is not possible to mention the beauties of Havana without including The Cathedral Square. With its cobbled streets and beautiful facades it captivates visitors from all over the world.
Originally known as Plaza de la Cinaga (Swamp Square), and then named “Plaza de la Catedral”, it is a place that has much to do with the origins of the capital city, settled definitively on the 16th of November 1519 along the Puerto de Carenas (Havana’s harbour), or Baha de la Habana.
The name is due to a large cathedral built first as oratory of the Hijos de San Ignacio, of the Jesuit order, which first stone was placed in 1748. After three decades the oratory was built, the Cathedral was already functioning, and between 1802 and 1832, important restoration works were made. Beautifully decorated, with important works and copies made by the French Jean Baptiste Vermay, it is a place worth visiting.
Numerous important gatherings take place in this astonishing little spot of Havana. Festival, music concerts and gala dinners for important groups have found the perfect venue in Cathedral Square. The weather is always nice and the atmosphere can not be better. Surrounded by a magnificent architecture and serenaded by some always excellent Cuban music can be the ideal perfect evening.
Only few steps away La Bodeguita del Medio restaurant can be found. This together with el Floridita restaurant are the most famous and emblematic restaurants in Cuba. It serves the best Cuban cuisine and its walls are decorated with pictures and autographs of many famous personalities such as Ernest Hemingway, Mario Benedetti, Pablo Neruda or Errol Flyn and so many others.
The list of personalities that have visit this restaurant extends along decades now. Today tourists can enjoy not only the best Cuban food but also in its bar the best Mojito cocktails. There is always a crowd outside taking pictures or simply dancing to music played by a small band.
Many people spend time chatting in this site which is always amusing due to the presence of guitarists and singers, as it has happened for more than six decades, when its founder Angel Martinez (deceased), used to personally inquire about the likes of his guests.
These places are almost sacred for a demanding tourist who is able to take pictures with his/her camera to take home after a truly amusing holidays. A Cuban feast for the senses. An environment to meditate and live. A perfect place for some leisure and dreaming.
If you need to know more about how to make the most out of your cuba holiday packages please contact us at www.quest2cuba.co.uk
Tags: caribbean, Cuba, havana, holidays, leisure, outdoors, tourism, travel, travel tips, Vacations
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Thursday, February 16th, 2012
Cuban Beaches with white, grey, black and golden sand contrast with blue or aqua-green seas; the calm water near a mountain peak hides the inner beauty of its seabed. Some of its coasts are on the Caribbean; others, on the Atlantic. In both cases, its shores tempt you to give yourself over to the sensual, magical movement of the waves.
The insular shelf is bounded by an extensive coral reef where a great variety of colorful fish bewitch scuba-diving buffs, both beginners and experts. In addition, there are underwater caves to explore. Casting loose your mooring lines in Cuban waters means setting sail into a spectacular sea adventure.
The cays which form the outermost fringe of the archipelago are particularly enticing. They have been left in nearly their natural state, with their original flora and fauna, so they still look much as they did when Christopher Columbus discovered these lands over five centuries ago.
Many places on Cuba’s coasts are already famous: Varadero, Guardalavaca, Esmeralda, Santa Maria del Mar, Santa Lucia and Ancn Beaches, which are loved by tourists from all over the world, and Coco, Guillermo, Largo del Sur, Santa Maria, Las Brujas and Levisa Cays.
There are places-anonymous as yet or little known-virgin beaches which are not the exception but rather the rule. Large or small, they are waiting to be discovered on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula, a preserve of the biosphere; the coasts in the center and eastern parts of the country; and in tranquil Baracoa, at the eastern extreme of the island. You can enjoy them to the full in complete safety. There’s nothing quite like walking along a beach for hours with nothing to disturb you.
This peaceful, silent world-whose water is so clear that you can see for from 65 to 130 feet (from 20 to 40 meters) around you teems with fish of many colors, shapes and sizes, whose world consists of forests of coral, sponges, gorgonians and algae.
Moreover, history has added an extra fillip. There ar over a thousand sunken ships in Cuba’s waters: pirat ships and also galleons filled with treasure which was being taken from the New World to the Old and fell victim to pirates or storms.
Cuba without a doubt is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Combine that fact with a super rich history and you have the perfect formula for an unforgettable holiday.
Jose Maurette is the Director of Quest World Travel Ltd and a specialist in organizing holidays to Cuba. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk for further information on the best Havana hotels.
Tags: caribbean, Caribbean beaches, Cuba, Cuba Holidays, Cuba Travel, leisure, outdoors, tourism, travel, Vacations
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Friday, January 27th, 2012
At this point you are probably quite certain that Cuba is the destination that you want to visit for your next holiday but maybe need some help on how to make a booking . This might seem a little bit trivial but it is definitely not the case when it comes to organizing holidays to Cuba.
The truth is that this Caribbean island is becoming ever more popular every year and this creates a problem for some tour operators . Cuba is not a last minute destination, at least not if you are planning to go in the so called high season.
High season in Cuba , comprises Easter period and the summer months of July and August, particularly popular for people travelling with kids . November, December, January, February and March are awfully trendy months especially among the European tourists looking for the Tropic to escape from the cloudy skies and the cold weather .
Pretty frequently I get people calling asking me to organise a holiday for them in these particular months , and every so often the phone call comes to close to the departure date . It is absolutely frustrating for me and ultimately the client. For one simple thing , I can not shine recommending a package holiday for the fact that the most attractive areas and best hotels are completely sold out , leaving me with the only answer I can give . “I am truthfully sorry but at this point there are no hotels available in the areas that you are attracted to”
Of course if you are looking to do something simple and relaxing like single centre holiday on a beach resort then there is not much to worry about as there are plenty of options available in terms of locations and hotels . The difficulty presents it self when clients are interested in combining locations like Havana, Viales Valley, Las Terrazas, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and or Santiago de Cuba. cities like these with the exception of Havana are very limited when it comes to accommodation facilities .
If what you want is to put together a tailor made Cuba holiday in a peak season my guidance to you is to start with the arrangements at least 4 months prior to departure in order to secure not only the rooms in your preferred hotels but also the best fares for your fight tickets. If you however did not come across this piece of writing before and are planning a last minute tailor made holiday , the likelihood is something will be found for you but certainly the odds of getting the best hotels are not bright
In the case of low season months is very easy to find availabilities and good deals in terms of fares and it really does not matter much when you call. Even so we feel very confident to put together the kind of itinerary that will fulfil your holidays
I truly hope you find some good tips in this article and sincerely wish you a fantastic time in Cuba.
Jose Mauricio Maurette Garces is a reservation consultant and co owner of Quest World Travel Ltd . He has a great deal of experience organizing holidays to Cuba . If you need to arrange a tailor made Cuban Holiday please follow the links above.
Tags: accommodation, cigars, Cuba, Cuba Holidays, family, holidays, hotels, recreation, sports, travel
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Saturday, December 17th, 2011
Are you looking for the best Cuba holidays? Melia Las Dunas Hotel in Cayo Santa Maria becomes the favourite family beach hotel in the central part of Cuba especially among tourist coming from Canada and UK.
The enormous beach hotel accommodates over 900 rooms including standards, junior suites and suites in an all inclusive plan. The gastronomic service is divided into a buffet and four a la carte restaurants and few bars/cafeterias located in various areas of the hotel as well as in the beach dunes.
The journey to this hotel can be long if you are coming from Havana by road. It takes approximately 5 hours. There are 2 flights from Havana every day and it only takes 50 to reach the island. There is an international airport in Santa Clara and some tour operators sell flights direct to Cayo Santa Maria including an hour transfer from Santa Clara airport.
This Hotel is one of 4 hotels in the island of Cayo Santa Maria. There are more projects involving the construction of more hotels and tourist towns but at present Cayo Santa Maria is pretty much the most unspoilt beach resort in Cuba. There is plenty of space available and the beach is never overcrowded.
For the Cuban Cuisine standards this hotel is definitely above the average. Managed by Sol Melia, the Spanish hotel chain the variety is always guarantee. There is plenty to choose from including sea food, Chinese dishes, Creole Cuban recipes and even a Hamburger Snack Bar.
Always bear in mind that this is a family oriented hotel and if you don’t want to be around kids then perhaps you should consider another option such as the adults-only Melia Cayo Santa Maria next to Melia Las Dunas.
It is always recommended reading reviews of other travelers on Trip Advisor or any other trip reviewer website you prefer. You can use the information on these websites to help you make the right decision.
Before booking your Cuba Holidays. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk by Jose Mauricio Maurette for more information on the best Cuba Tours.
Tags: all inclusive holidays, beach holidays, cayo santa maria, Cuba, Cuba Holidays, Cuba Travel, Family Holidays, holidays, tours, travel, Vacations
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Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Wondering what places to visit in your Cuba holidays?The Capitol building is probably the most astonishing peace of architecture in Havana. Located in the Old Town, this is a palace that I will definitely recommend you do explore during your stay in Cuba.
Only few connoisseurs of the Cuban history know that the very first Botanical Garden in Cuba in the 19 Century was located in the land today occupied by the Capitol building.
The start of the project of building the Capitol was delayed in many occasions mainly due to the political instability; but in 1926 the construction of what was going to be the Chamber of Representatives of Cuba Finally began.
The majestic building was inaugurated on Thursday May 20, in the afternoon, with the presence of the president of the Republic and the diplomatic corps accredited in the Island in that time.
The group that took part in the planning of the construction of the Capitol was also joined together by engineers and Cuban architects under the capable hands of Eugenio Raynieri Piedra of a renowned architect famous for his artistic designs. The total cost of the project reached the 17 million dollars.
To any pedestrian, the dome of the Capitol of Havana can easily draw his/her attention, fifth in the world of Renaissance style that, for its proportions and silhouettes, it remembers to San Pedro’s Basilica, in Rome. The dome is the second higher point of the city, preceded by the Monument to Mart in the Revolution Square.
A further detail that captivates everyone is the central piazza, which is escorted by 17 ionic columns of granite and in its facade; the three huge mahogany doors that give access to the main floor all three decorated with engraving recalling events of the history of Cuba.
It has been about eight decades since the Capitol building was finished in Cuba. It stands out for its monolithic construction considered among the three most important in Latin America and no doubt about it the most impressive building in Cuba.
From the Capitol of Havana -that is not national -, the kilometer 0 of all the highways of the country begins. It was designed so that in it the two chambers of the legislative body of the Republic worked all the sessions until 1959.
The statue of the Republic of Cuba, inspired in the Havanan model Lily Vlty, has the third place in the world of the highest sculptures indoors. It was installed in 1929, in the room of the Lost Steps (Saln de los Pasos Perdidos). It was made by Angelo Zanelli who also used this model to sculpt the statues of the central piazza.
Visiting the Capitol of Havana it can only be an astounding experience. It doors, rooms and columns hide a lot of history. You must not missed the chance to see this stunning piece of architecture and archive of so many stories while on your holidays.
Please visit Cuba holiday packages web site by J. M. Maurette for further information on Havana Hotels
Tags: attractions, caribbean, Cuba, havana, history, holidays, leisure, outdoors, travel, Vacations
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Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. It is a captivating blend of cultural heritage, music, astonishing architecture, mountains, forest, rivers and of course its magnificent white sand beaches. Travellers to Cuba will be charmed by this fascinating island. Cuba Holidays offers can be found everywhere on the net.
If you are a water sports lover Cuba is the perfect destination, with astonishing white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, coral reefs and limestone formations just few meters away from the shores.
For SCUBA diving packages or sailing holidays to Cuba the best is to speak to a specialist. Only few tour operators deal with this kind of package holidays. They are more tailor made and it requires more knowledge and research from the agent.
For history buffs, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Trinidad on the south coast, and the old town of Havana are must see places. At Guama there is an Amerindian village, which has been carefully reconstructed, with wooden bridges linking several islets. Visitors eating outside their hotels should be aware that outside Havana, restaurant menus may be more limited than on many other Caribbean islands, and will be dominated by locally available produce. In contrast, you’ll find no shortage of exotic rum cocktails.
If you are looking for shopping holidays then Cuba is perhaps not the best destination although there will be a number of hand craft markets available on each an every location in Cuba. Tobacco, rum and coffee are the most popular souvenirs tourists buy in Cuba. Black coral jewellery is also very demanded.
Package holidays to Cuba are offered by many tour operators but if you are looking for something more exclusive, lets say bird watching, horse back riding, escorted tours, history or architecture packages then you have to speak to a specialist. You could also stay with Cuban families if you want to get to know Cuban people. This by far is the cheapest form of travel. Most family homes will cost half the price of hotels.
If when surfing the net you can not find what you are looking for then get in touch with us. We are all Cubans in our team and we certainly love to share our knowledge and expertise with you. Remember it is your holiday and you deserve the best you can get. We will endeavour to make your holidays in Cuba an unforgettable experience.
Jose Garces is a reservation consultant who works for San cristobal UK( a cuban tour operator based in UK specialized in Cuba Tours. If you need further information about Cuba you can follow the link all about Cuba
Tags: caribbean, Cuba, Cuba Holidays, cuba tours, Cuba Travel, havana, holidays, leisure, tourism, travel, travel tips, vacation rentals, Vacations
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Friday, June 24th, 2011
If you are going on holidays to Cuba you need to visit its Capital Havana and what better way to know this vibrant city other than walking along its most interesting and popular streets and alleys and hanging out in the most popular squares. In this article I am going to introduce you to the best of Havana?s promenades.
El Malecon: This has to be the number one in our list of best public walks. Protecting the city from the Atlantic Ocean this see front avenue stretches for 7 kilometers from The Old Town top the most modern part of Havana known as Vedado. The breezes coming from the see allows you to enjoy a display of architecture and nature even in the hottest time of the year.
Calle 23: Calle 23 is the main artery of the second most famous quarter of Havana know as “Vedado”. It is probably one of the longest avenues along which the social, political and administrative core institutions of Cuba are located. It is also full of bars and night clubs particularly interesting is “La Zorra y El Cuervo” popular for its Latin Jazz sessions.
Avenida de Los Presidentes: Also known as “Calle G” since the nomenclature given to the streets in Vedado district. Along this avenue one can admire the most opulent residence of Havana. Most of these properties are now government institutions since they were left vacant by their owner in the first few years after the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959.
Calle 5ta:The 5th Avenue in Havana became in the 1950?s the best place to life in Havana. Today you can admire the most sumptuous properties in the whole of Cuba. Perhaps you should take a taxi and get to see this area which unfortunately is not walking distance from the best hotels in Havana.
Calle Galiano: If you are looking for a bit of shopping the Galeano street is waiting for you. It begins in the China Town and ends in El Malecon. The famous Casa de La Musica night club is located in the intersection of Galeano and San Rafael Streets.
Havana is a must see city and if you did not think about including at least few nights in Cuiba?s Capital then I suggest you reconsider your schedule; for Havana is the most vibrant and enigmatic province in Cuba.
Before booking your Cuba Holidays. Visit www.quest2cuba.co.uk by Jose Mauricio Maurette for more information on the best Cuba Tours.
Tags: caribbean, Caribbean beaches, Cuba, Cuba Holidays, Cuba Travel, leisure, outdoors, tourism, travel, Vacations
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
If your work is very demanding or you just need to escape from every day life then Tailor Made Cuba Holidays are the perfect treat. Cuba is a very exciting place that offers a lot for all types of people. Many holiday makers travel to Cuba for their holidays.
If you like adventure and life in the fast lane there are a wide range of activities available for you. You could try scuba diving and seeing tropical fish underneath the sea. If you want to see Cuba by horseback then you could try horse riding.
There are many sandy beaches surrounding Cuba including Varadero. If you are interested in architecture then take a look around Cuba at the wonderful, astonishing buildings that all have their place in history.
Cuba makes the perfect location for weddings and honeymooners. There are a wide range of accommodation choice from self catering to full board. There is literally something for everyone.
Honeymooners love Cuba for its romantic scenery with waterfalls and tropical rain forests. Cuba is steeped in culture and tradition. Learn about the history of Cuba before you travel and you will have some knowledge to take with you.
If you have a basic vocabulary of Spanish then you will find it easier to converse with locals. Even if you just know how to ask for directions it can help. Occasionally we all have to get away from the stress and pressure of every day life that is why a holiday can help to rejuvenate us.
If you require further information about the hottest holiday destinations in the world visist www.questworldtravel.com by Jose Mauricio Maurette and make the most of your Cuba Holidays
Tags: caribbean, Caribbean beaches, Cuba, Cuba Holidays, Cuba Travel, leisure, outdoors, tourism, travel, Vacations
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Tuesday, May 17th, 2011
Havana is said to be a wonderful city any time of the year. With plenty to keep you occupied one of the biggest challenges may occur before you even arrive. Havana hotels tend to cost less than your average hotels in other places and many may even offer the same features you would find at home.
You can find a hotel on the beach where you can soak up plenty of sun. Most hotels provide air conditioning but if you are going during the summer you may want to ask to be sure. If site seeing is more your thing then you can get a hotel close to all of the popular locations.
Most reviews indicate that food can be a bit of a challenge. Of course this is a matter of personal taste. Some reports have spoken of bland food with too little spice. Pizza shops are plentiful though if you find the food not to your liking. Of course some have given very good reviews of the hotel food on their stays.
If you are on a tight budget then you may be in luck. Some of the accommodations are actually very cheap. Of course you should be prepared to get what you pay for. Some reviews have spoken of hotels that are very run down. Of course others may describe them as classical with great historical appeal.
With all of the accommodations to choose from it may be hard to know which will be your best deal. Look for rooms you can live with and a price you can afford. Keep in mind that this is a foreign country and monetary systems are different.
Havana has a lot to offer year round. This could be the perfect holiday for you and your family. You should be aware that there are some cultural differences though. Havana hotels can be booked through a travel agent or online.
For further information on Havana Hotels please visit Cuba holiday packages web site by J. M. Maurette
Tags: caribbean, Cuba, Cuba Holidays, cuba hotels, Cuba Travel, havana hotels, hotels, outdoors, tourism, travel, travel tips, Vacations
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Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
Are you thinking about a Cuba holiday? Excellent, this is one island in the Caribbean where you will want to do more than just a beach holiday. The people are bright, self-assertive and handsome. The heritage of Cuba is so rich as are the monuments and palaces throughout the country. A holiday to Cuba is something you should really consider in your agenda.
These are just some of the facts to consider and places and things you should not miss in your holidays to Cuba.
Fishing: The Gulf Stream creates conditions for deep-sea fishing at its best on the northwest coast Havana, Varadero, Cayo Guillermo and Guardalavaca’s Bahia de Naranjo for barracuda, sailfish, shark, swordfish, tuna and mackerel. For freshwater lake fishing for bass, perch and trout, try Pinar del Rio’s Laguna Grande and Moron’s Laguna La Redonda (easy access by causeway from Cayo Coco).
Carnival: The Cuban’s taste for festivities, public and private, reaches its climax with the two great carnivals celebrated in Santiago de Cuba, usually the last week in July, and in Havana for three weeks in August. For the capital’s procession through the streets of La Habana Vieja, the neighbour- hoods stage comparsa: spectacles of masked and costumed dancers, singers and musicians playing the conga.
Music: In 1997, Buena Vista Social Club exploded on the international scene with records and the documentary film of Wim Wonders. In their 70s and 80s, singers Cam pay Segundo and Ibrahim Ferrer and pianist Ruben Gonzalez suddenly became world stars. They reintroduced Europeans and Americans to the magic of Afro-Cuban music.
Bisbol: Yes, baseball is Cuba’s national sport. A version of the United States’ national game, which Arcwak Indians called batos, existed here even before the Spanish arrived. It developed in its modern form with the growth of American influence in the late 19th century. Today every town has a baseball diamond. Encouraged by Fidel Castro who impressed Americans in 1 950s with his talent as a pitcher, Cuba’s national team is the best in Latin America and be came Olympic champions at Atlanta, Georgia, in 1996.
The list of places to visit and things to do goes on and on. The options are immeasurable for your holidays to Cuba. Stay tune to this article directory as there will be more useful information about Cuba coming soon.
Jose Mauricio Maurette Garces is the owner of Quest World Travel Ltd . He has a great deal of experience organizing Cuba holidays and tailor made India Holidays
Tags: Caribbean travel, city guides, Cuba, Cuba Holidays, cuba tours, holidays, holidays to cuba, tourism, tours, travel, Travel and Tourism, travel tips
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