Karibik Hopping: Kuba, Panama, Dominikanische Republik

About the destination: Havana is the capital city of Cuba and the focal point of Cuban culture, rich in visual artists, musicians, poets, dancers, actors and writers and it is the base of the world famous Ballet Nacional. Havana is the kind of city where history oozes from every street and building and from every church and plaza. Vintage cars, baroque style buildings, grand mansions and palaces and beautiful courtyards adorn its streets. Walk along the famous Malecon for stunning views of the Bay and the Morro Fortress, which lies behind historical colonial style architecture. Old Havana, declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982, is the oldest part of Havana city and it is a mixture of narrow cobblestone streets, elegant beautifully restored buildings and ancient crumbling ruins. This part is merged with the most modern and eclectic buildings which give a touch of dynamic cosmopolitism. The dome of the National Capitol Building dominates the Havana skyline. Inside there is a statue of La Republica, the biggest indoor bronze effigy in the world. There is also an enormous and historic gallery, a 25-carat diamond that marks the exact centre of the city and the headquarters of the Cuban Natural History housing the country's largest natural history collection. There are two major cigar factories in Havana, the Partagas being the oldest. This working cigar factory is another “don’t miss” Havana experience. Havana is a unique and seductive city that hums with street life, joy and charm.

About the destination: Panama City is the capital of Panama. It is a very cosmopolitan city, with a modern and western vibe but proudly displaying its Hispanic and Indigenous roots. In recent years, Panama City has become an important hub of international commerce and banking. It can satisfy every interest since there are various museums, very nice restaurants and lots of places to dance and have fun in the evening outings. Panama City has a Picturesque and interesting Casco Viejo or Old Town filled with wonderful colonial architecture. El Casco Viejo is a charming neighbourhood, ideal for walking around its historic streets with beautifully restored colonial architecture, its churches and squares, its nice cafes and restaurants that mingle well with the remnants of old times. The Cathedral, the Interoceanic Canal museum, the History Museum are around The Plaza de la Independencia, the city’s main square. A lot more churches, museums and historical buildings are found in this area just a few blocks away from each other. The Palacio de las Garzas, where the President of the country lives, is two blocks to the north. On the east side there is Plaza de Francia and the beautiful walkway called Paseo de las Bovedas, with great views of the city. The amazing Panama Canal, considered one of the greatest engineering marvels in the world, is, undoubtedly, the one big draw of all tourists who come to the city. Growing, inviting, exciting, lively and sleepless, Panama City is the most cosmopolitan and vibrant capital in Central America.

About the destination: Punta Cana is the name of a region in the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Covering about 420,000 m2, the region is home to a coastline of sandy white beaches and to a "town" of the same name. Located in the province of La Altagracia and population estimated at 100,000, the region borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east. To the north, it borders Bávaro and El Cortecito beaches. It also limits with Cabeza de Toro, Cabo Engaño and further west with Juanillo. Despite the area being fairly deserted, the proximity of Punta Cana to other major resort areas such as Bávaro and Uvero Alto make the town one of the top Caribbean destinations.