WESTERN CUBA BY BIKE

9 days from GBP1,299 to GBP1,401 including flights

Tripcode: MAC

Itinerary

Day 1: Those on the group flights will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in Havana. Those on land only arrangements should make their way to the start hotel this afternoon.
Day 2: Morning transfer to Artemisa to visit a ruined coffee plantation and then cycle along the back roads to Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve. We pass local communities as well as the San Juan River and waterfall, where we can take a swim to cool off in the beautiful natural pools. After lunch in one of the local communities, we transfer to Soroa. Ride approx.
Day 3: Today we leave Soroa, descend to a plain where we join the old Havana to Pinar del Río Road. The remainder of the day's route is spent cycling along a flat plain, past many picturesque colonial agricultural villages. All roads are good quality tarmac. We arrive in the spa town of San Diego de los Baños for a late lunch and then we have some free time to explore this quiet rural town, or relax by the hotel pool before dinner. Ride approx. 60km.
Day 4: This morning we transfer to Cueva de los Portales, famously Che Guevara's headquarters during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. After some time to explore, we start cycling along the country back roads (at times, the quality of the tarmac is poor) and into the stunning Vinales Valley. A couple of steep climbs at the beginning of the day (approx 1km) bring us into Vinales Valley where the route undulates through beautiful agricultural scenery. Ride approx. 40km.
Day 5: We spend today exploring the tobacco fields of the Vinales Valley, which is a World Heritage Site. We start our day with a visit to Cueva del Indio, the largest cave system in the New World. We then ride the back roads enjoying the views and return to Vinales for the evening with the opportunity to visit the local "Casa de las Trova". Ride approx. 50km.
Day 6: Early morning departure to Cayo Levisa for a day on this gorgeous tropical island. This island is located about 30-40 minutes boat ride from the north coast of Pinar del Rio. There are many options available today; from a massage under the natural shade of the palm trees along the beach, to exploring the clear waters or taking a walk along the powder white sandy beach. For those interested in snorkelling, there is an organised trip that we can take in the morning. Or we can sit back, unwind and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Lunch is included at the beachside restaurant, fresh fish being one of the best options. In the afternoon, we take the boat back to the mainland and transfer to Havana for a night in this amazing city � we recommend trying a Mojito cocktail (made with rum, lemon, mint and sugar) at Hemingway's favourite haunt, La Bodeguita del Medio!
Day 7: We start today with a morning sightseeing tour of Old Havana. We visit the dominating Plaza de la Revolucion, with its images of the Cuban Revolution, whilst Buicks and Pontiacs cruise past. We also visit El Capitolio; the famous National Capitol Building, which is superficially similar to United Sates Capitol in Washington D.C. The afternoon is free for you to explore Havana.
Day 8: The trip ends after breakfast today for those on land only arrangements. Those on the group flights will have a free morning before being transferred to the airport in the afternoon for the flight back to London.
Day 9: Arrive London