As the post-Fidel Castro era begins, Cuba could become an even more fascinating place to visit. Will the coming months bring a more free and easy lifestyle? Will capitalism rear its head? And if so, what will that mean for Havana, the capital, whose charm relies on its crumbling colonial buildings and outdated way of life?

A more liberal regime could bring a lessening of the US boycott and even an influx of American tourists. In case that happens, now is definitely the time to think of exploring the country. With a luck that seldom favours tour operators, Cosmos Holidays has just reintroduced Cuba into its Distant Dreams programme, after a break of three years, with twin-centre, beach and touring holidays starting in May.

The most atmospheric packages begin with four nights in the Hotel Nacional in Old Havana. Dating back to the 1930s and with a clientèle of famous guests, the Art Deco hotel has stunning sea views and is an excellent base for exploring the city's baroque and neoclassical buildings as well as the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and Malecon sea wall.

Evening entertainment can include sampling Ernest Hemingway's favourite bars, La Bodeguita and La Floridita, or the 1940s-style cabaret at the Club Tropicana. Cosmos twin-centre packages continue with either a ten-night all-inclusive break at the four-star Arenas Doradas resort, or the five-star Sandals Royal Hicacos Resort and Spa, both in Varadero. Prices are from £889 and £1,150 with flights from Gatwick or Manchester and transfers.

Cosmos also combines a week's island tour, including half-board in hotels, with a week's all-inclusive in Varadero from £1,137. The tour includes visits to Havana, Pinar del Rio, the Sierra del Rosario Mountains, the artists and artisans of Las Terrazas and the colonial city of Trinidad.

For those who cannot wait until May to see what's happening, Captivating Cuba has an 11-night tour currently available from £1,225. It starts with a flight from Heathrow and includes four nights' B&B at the Hotel Nacional, Havana, and two at Casa Grande, Santiago, a city of ethnic influences bordered by the Sierra Maestra mountains. The next four nights, before an overnight flight home, are spent on an all-inclusive break at Playa Costa Verde, beside a protected nature reserve with corals and reefs at Guardalavaca. The four-star hotel offers watersports, tennis and a choice of restaurants and bars.

www.cosmos.co.uk ; 0871 4238560

www.captivatingcuba.com; 0844 4129917

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