Santiago de Cuba – Cuba’s second largest city has Cuba’s oldest home – the Diego Velázquez house (1500s) and gems like the Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Asuncion. Most Cuban music originated in these centuries old alleys.

Trinidad – A UNESCO heritage site, the old quarters are flush with mansions and churches. Valle de los Ingenios has the history of sugar etched out in manor houses, slave quarters, watchtowers and sugar mills.

Cienfuegos – This French influenced colonial town has the ornate Palcio de Valle and the imposing Castillo de Jagua tower.

Santa Clara – See the train museum detailing the battle of Santa Clara and the Mausoleo Che Guevara, the final resting place of the enigmatic revolutionary.

Pinar del Rio – Mogote country is where the Cuban cigar is born. Visit the Alejandro Robaina tobacco factory. And do a round of the vegas or fields on horseback.

Valle de Viñales – Visit the well known caves of Cueva del Indio, Cueva de San Miguel and El Palenque de los Cimarrones, where escaped slaves or cimarrones hid out.