Cuban Highlights Ride

The group flight arrives in the afternoon and we transfer to our hotel. Those

on Land Only arrangements should join us at the hotel in the evening.

After being fitted with our bikes we have a cycling tour of Havana with

members of the Cuban ‘Masters’ Road Cycling Club. This club is made up of

veteran Cuban cyclists who regularly compete in races in their respective age

groups and will give us an insight into competitive cycling in

Cuba. Arriving into the Old Town, we’ll stop for a visit to a community

cycling project run by an inspiring group of Cuban women. As well as renting

bikes and promoting cycling as the best form of transport, they teach

children of ‘La Habana Vieja’how to ride and help fix people’s bikes

up so that they are roadworthy. 



Later we transfer to Playa Larga and stay overnight at the Bay of Pigs and

have dinner at a small beachfront restaurant with a large Cuban welcome. The

speciality here is fresh fish caught by local fisherman just off the coast.

Our day begins with a coastal cycle ride from Playa Larga to Playa Giron

where we visit a museum to learn about the Bay of Pigs invasion and the

region's historical significance. Afterwards we cycle to the coast and a

place called Caleta Buena for lunch and a swim, before transferring onwards

to Cienfuegos. Today’s riding will be along a flat road that clings to the

shimmering Caribbean coastline.



The city of Cienfuegos is full of architectural delights, with a beautiful

main square and restored buildings. One of the best ways to get around is by

Bici Taxi, a fun tour using Cuba’s eco-friendly and typical city transport.

Each Bici Taxi can accommodate two people and will be pedalled by a local

resident (most of whom like to introduce their guests to reggaeton music!)

The Bici Taxi tour is a great time to talk to local Cienfuegos residents and

have a go at practising your Spanish. Afterwards we check into our casas for

the night. Casas will be located close to the town centre, and to some great

paladares. The malecon coastal road is usually a lively place to soak up the

atmosphere with locals.

On today’s cycle ride we are joined by members of the Cienfuegos Cycling

team, there will be plenty of time to chat before and during the ride at the

various pit-stops. This morning we cycle from Cienfuegos to Rancho La Vega

farm. During our visit we will have time to have some fruit juices or

coffee. 



Trinidad has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988 and is perhaps the

best-preserved colonial town on the island. Exploring Trinidad can feel like

entering a time warp, its colourful, cobbled streets and horse drawn

transportation whisking us back. There are many interesting museums housed in

old colonial buildings and music drifts through the streets and plazas,

bringing the town to life. We will be joined by a local resident to have a

walking tour who will give us an insider perspective of what it’s like to

live in Trinidad. 



We'll stay overnight in charming Casa Particulares, private Bed and Breakfast

accommodation in local Cuban houses. Our dinner this evening will be at

Alberto & Osmary’s new restaurant or casa, where a local collective of

musicians will perform interpretations of classic Cuban trova songs. This is

sure to be a lively evening and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Cuban music

with its distinct rhythms.

We cycle to the fishing village of La Boca which is a popular spot with local

fisherman going about their daily business, before continuing our ride to

Playa Ancon, a classic white sand Caribbean beach where we have some time to

relax and enjoy the sea. Our cycle continues to Casilda where our lunch will

be taken at La Marinera, a private family run paladar. 



We will have a short cycle to get back to Trinidad, where this evening we

take part in a salsa class with Cuban dance partners. There will be one dance

partner for each member of the group, to assist with teaching the correct

salsa moves. Trinidad is known for its nightlife, so after we’ve learnt the

basics of salsa we’ll go to the town’s ‘Casa de la Trova’ live music

venue to listen to local musicians playing authentic Cuban music. This venue

is always lively and sociable, with plenty of local Cuban’s keen to let us

practice our dancing with them!

After breakfast we cycle to Rio Seibabo in the heart of the Sierra del

Escambray mountain range. On route we will stop at the Manaca Iznaga textiles

market where we will meet traditional textile makers and sellers. Our next

stop will be at a farm where we are introduced to a local farmer and his

family who make delicious honey. Hanabanilla is situated on the shores of

Lake Hanabanilla and surrounded by lush tropical hills. This is one of the

most beautiful days in terms of scenery. Afterwards we transfer to

Hanabanilla, where we eat at a private paladar for a taste of authentic Cuban

cuisine.

This morning we have short ride from Hanabanilla to Manicaragua, stopping

along the way to visit a tobacco factory before transferring onwards to Santa

Clara. Santa Clara was the first major city to be liberated by Castro's army

in December 1958. Today several monuments commemorate this important period

of Cuba's history, including the mausoleum of the legendary Che Guevara,

where we'll stop for a short visit. Afterwards we transfer back to Havana.

There is no better way to see Havana than by classic car, travelling in

immaculately looked after classic cars in vibrant colours. Visiting both the

old and new areas of the city, we discover the distinct neighbourhoods of the

capital, stopping at points of interest for explanations and stories. Feel

free to ask questions about why the streets of Cuba are filled with classic

American cars manufactured in the 1950’s and how on earth the owners manage

to maintain them! This evening we have dinner at a private paladar in

Havana.

This morning we'll have a walking tour of old and new Havana, Cuba's capital

and the largest city in the Caribbean. Havana is a busy, bustling, energetic

capital. It is one of the finest colonial cities in the Americas with narrow

streets, spacious plazas and glorious architecture. There is an air of faded

grandeur about the place with paint peeling off buildings. The area of Old

Havana is often described as a living museum, with its marvellous monuments,

cathedrals and palaces. During our tour we visit a ration store, food market

and artisan market for a chance to buy some souvenirs.



Those on group flights will transfer approx. 30 - 40 minutes this afternoon

to Havana airport for the return flight to London. Everyone else is free to

make onward travel arrangements.