Great Cuba Tour, Superior: 13 Days from Istanbul

We depart Istanbul at 02:00 on a direct Turkish Airlines flight to Havana. After roughly 13 hours in the air we land in Havana in the morning. After passport control our private bus takes us into the city centre. Our first stop is a panoramic tour taking in Havana's landmarks: Revolution Square, site of Fidel Castro's historic speeches, the Malecon seafront, the Capitolio and Central Park, and Paseo del Prado. After an introductory tour with photo stops, we check into our hotel at the end of the day. Dinner is at the hotel or a local restaurant. Accommodation: NH Capri (4-star), Havana.

After breakfast we set out on foot to explore the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Habana Vieja, Old Havana. A guided walk takes in Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas and Obispo Street, with short stops at legendary bars once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio. Lunch is at a local restaurant serving Cuban cuisine. In the afternoon we visit the Havana Club Rum Museum, learning the history of Cuba's famous drink with a tasting. The evening is free, with an optional classic car tour of Havana available. Accommodation: NH Capri (4-star), Havana.

After breakfast we check out and head along the Caribbean coast towards Cienfuegos, a journey of about three to three and a half hours. On arrival we take a city tour of Cienfuegos: Jose Marti Square, Palacio del Valle and the boulevard's theatres. In the afternoon we reach Trinidad, a UNESCO-protected city known for its colourful colonial houses. We walk through Plaza Mayor, the craft market and the cobblestone streets. The evening is free. Accommodation: Hotel La Ronda (4-star), Trinidad.

After breakfast we leave the hotel and head inland, via Sancti Spiritus, to the city of Camagüey, with a short photo and rest stop along the way. On arrival in Camagüey we explore Plaza San Juan de Dios, the colourful houses, ceramic workshops and the artisan streets. Dinner is at the hotel. Accommodation: Gran Hotel Camagüey (4-star).

After breakfast we depart for Santiago de Cuba, an enjoyable journey of about five hours through mountains, tropical valleys and villages. On arrival in the afternoon we take a city tour: the Revolution Museum, Moncada Barracks, Antonio Maceo Square and a walk through the historic streets. Dinner is at the hotel. Accommodation: Melia Santiago (4-star).

After breakfast our full-day tour begins. We visit Castillo del Morro, a military fortress overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, resting place of leaders including Fidel Castro and Jose Marti. Lunch is at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we have free time for a walk around Cespedes Square and the city centre. Accommodation: Melia Santiago (4-star).

After an early breakfast we set off on a long but culturally rich journey to Santa Clara via Bayamo, with comfortable stops along the way. In the afternoon we take a city tour of Santa Clara: the Che Guevara Mausoleum, the Armoured Train Monument, and Parque Vidal and its surroundings. Dinner is at the hotel. Accommodation: La Granjita (4-star), Santa Clara.

After breakfast we head to Varadero, the jewel of the Caribbean. After about four hours on the road we arrive at our hotel and check in. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the hotel's all-inclusive concept: sea, sun and sand at your own pace. Accommodation: Iberostar Bella Vista (4-star), Varadero.

After a buffet breakfast the whole day is free. You can take advantage of the hotel's amenities: pool, sea, massage, spa, buffet lunch and dinner, bars and activities. Accommodation: Iberostar Bella Vista (4-star), Varadero.

After breakfast we head to the Vinales Valley. We visit an organic tobacco farm, take a boat tour through the Cueva del Indio cave, and stop for photos among the natural scenery. Lunch is a traditional meal at the farm. In the afternoon we return to Havana. The Tropicana Show is optional in the evening. Accommodation: NH Capri (4-star), Havana.

After breakfast we take a two-hour private tour in colourful classic American cars, driving through areas such as Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución and Miramar. The afternoon is free for shopping in Havana. The Tropicana Show or local music events are optional in the evening. Accommodation: NH Capri (4-star), Havana.

Early in the morning we transfer to Havana Airport. Turkish Airlines departs for Istanbul at 08:40 via Caracas. We spend the night on board.

We land at Istanbul Airport at 09:30. As we leave the magic of the Caribbean behind, our tour comes to an end with unforgettable memories.