IBEROSTARParadisus VaraderoThose heading for the beach have a wealth of choice in Cuba, from the family-friendly international resort at Varadero to quieter places further down the coast and on the coral cayes. Historically significant cities?Trinidad, Santa Clara, Santiago? can be reached by fast road from the capital. You can visit in organised excursions but we suggest you consider hiring a car to explore this area or the island as a whole, an adventurous but rewarding option. Southeast of Havana, wedged between the south coast and the Escambray mountains lies Trinidad, Cuba's most graceful and cultured city, which has a vibrant music scene. The luxurious, well-regarded Iberostar Trinidad Hotel makes for a great base from which to explore the cobbled streets, palaces and museums of this colonial treasure and take excursions to the sandy beach and lakes and woodland of the mountain backdrop. The low-rise all-inclusive resort, Paradisus Varadero sits on the quieter eastern end of the peninsula (below). There is a huge pool, several restaurants and a full programme of activities, water-sports and entertainment, making this an ideal spot for families.East from Havana Hotel lberostar, Trinidad was the nicest hotel on the trip, elegant and very peaceful. We had a very spacious and comfortable room with a patio area. FW, Stockport58 Cuba

SHUTTERSTOCK.COMSHUTTERSTOCK.COM.Havana.Las TerrazasCienfuegos..TrinidadCUBAEscambrayMountainsHalf a century ago, Fidel Castro and his band of revolutionaries took refuge in the less populated, wilder reaches of the eastern end of the island. This less-visited region is full of historic references and fascinating landscapes.There's Holguín, teeming with students andcyclists, and Cayo Saetia?a former game reserve?for a jeep wildlife-spotting safari. Baracoa: stay at Villa Baracoa, an attractive low-key resort set among tropical woodland, where you can take a day trip to a traditional farm, and a boat ride on Río Toa, which runs through a protected reserve. There's attractive mountain scenery, palm-fringed bays and sleepy villages en route to Santiago de Cuba, Cuba's charming if rather ramshackle second city, where there is an Afro-Caribbean feel. We like the central and elegant Casa Granda hotel, which in its heyday lodged American film stars and jazz artists. From here you can visit the Moncada Barracks, famously attacked by Castro's guerrillas in 1953. The Sierra Maestra is a tangled mountain range, deep in the forests where Fidel's hide-out was based.Cuba self-drive 12 days, 10 nightsHavana 2 nights, Lake Moka 3n, Cienfuegos 1n, Trinidad 3n, Havana 1n.Driving gives you freedom?choose your own time and rhythm; stop wherever a glorious view or quirky little village tempts you. Fill up where you can?fuel supplies are erratic. Signage is poor, but roads are lined with local people who are happy to help. With a compass and a decent map (we'll give you one) you'll get to your destination, after maybe a diversion or two to explore an enticing corner in this fascinating land. Day 1 Fly from the UK, arriving Havana the same evening. Private transport to Hotel Sevilla in the centre of the city. Day 2 Collect your hire car. Days 3-5 Drive west through the fertile countryside of Pinar del Rio to Las Terrazas (80km direct from Havana), a Biosphere Reserve and community project, and the rural retreat La Moka Ecolodge (p56). 3 days to explore the area. Day 6 Drive east to coastal Cienfuegos, 'pearl of the south', a nautically orientated city of seafaring legends and eclectic architectural styles?French influence is strong here. Stay at Hotel La Union. Days 7-9 Drive to the colonial masterpiece of Trinidad (below). Hotel Brisas del Mar is on the white sand beach 8kms' drive away. Nature lovers will find time to drive up into the Escambray Mountains, an area of rivers and waterfalls only accessible by car. Day 10 Drive back to Havana (318km direct) and drop off your car. Day 11 Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, arriving day 12. Prices from £851pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Collision damage waiver (CDW) varies and is payable locally in Cuban Convertible Peso. Daily from the UK 020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 59