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CubaThe Inside StoryIn 1975 Regent was one of the first companies to offergroup tours to a very underdeveloped Cuba. Back then, thelack of international visitors and a turbulent history meantthat holiday-makers required a real sense of adventure.While much has changed, much has also stayed the sameand a large part of the joy of travelling in Cuba comes fromembracing a nation frozen in time. In 2013 we’re back withan exciting new range of group tours and fly-drives.From Afro-Cuban culture to World Heritage cities andendless verdant landscapes, Cuba buzzes with an air ofrhythm and revolution. American cars from its 1950sheyday line the city streets, while palm trees fringe whitesand Caribbean beaches and Communist ideals mix withLatin spirit.Whether you want to wander the atmospheric streetsof Havana’s Old City, discover the tobacco plantationsand cigar factories of rural Vinales, admire the colourfulcolonial buildings of Trinidad or tap your feet to a salsa beatin Santiago de Cuba, now is the time to visit before tourismlaunches Cuba into the 21st Century.Storyto tell -ChristinaGibbonsWhy I loveCubaI loved watching clappedout1950s Cadillacscruising past crumblingcolonial buildings inHavana. My favouritespot to watch the worldgo by is the Malecón,the broad esplanadestretching 4 miles alongthe coast, wherethe buildings tella 50 year historyfrom end to end,and locals cometo socialise or fishfrom the sea wall.1492Christopher Columbusdiscovers Cuba andclaims it for Spain1878Ten year War ofIndependence endsin a truce1902Cuba gains Independencealthough still under USprotection1933Fulgencio Batista topplesgovernment in ‘Sergeants’Revolt’1959Castro and Guevaraoverthrow governmentwith guerrilla army1762British capture Havana;returned the followingyear in the Treaty of Paris1892US defeat Spain in SecondWar of Independence andtake Cuba1925Socialist Party founded,forming basis ofCommunist Party1953Fidel Castro leadsunsuccessful revoltagainst Batista regime