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This is my 5th cycle trip (4th of which with Exodus). Done about 20 group trips such as this to dateCouple of points- Most people spent about 200 pounds (best to take GBP), generally easy to change along the way, incl in Hotels so don’t change too much up front. Everything is paid in CUC, so no option to pay in EUR/GBP (USD is not a good idea !)- Bikes were all in excellent condition, many in the group took gel saddle covers, the roads are quite bumpy !- There are 2 good (scuba) dive sites where I stopped to dive , Caleta Buena and Guajimico (day 1 and 2 on land only itinary) , although the guide didn’t seem to know much about them. Diving was generally 25 CUC (40 CUC for the cave dive near Calenta Buena), if you book thru a hotel, add 40%, so best book direct. (take your dive card !)- Most companies are moving to local guides to contain costs, they often don’t understand what westerners are interested in, so do some reading up, make it clear what you interested in, early start, see more, etc. - I generally take my own bike on trips such as these, I didn’t however on this trip and would recommend others to use the hire bikes, they’re good quality and reasonable.- The cycling is very easy, if you can cycle round Richmond Park twice in a few hours, you will sail thru this trip.- It is very hot, take plenty suncream, possibly a wide brim hat that fits under your helmet- Some Exodus trips have operators print day route maps (very useful), unfortunately this is not done here so you need to stick with the group- This trip is very short, I would recommend an extra day at the end in Havanna(Exodus do whatever flight booking you need, no issues there), I wouldn’t stay in group accommodation for extra nights tho, the group hotel is way out of town (and no character). Some stayed in Town before the trip started , and seemed to find some far more interesting/central alternatives. The group City tour is too short (and doesn’t go into any sights), and extra day following a LP walking route (or similar) should do the trickNot my best trip to date, but very enjoyable nevertheless. These cycling trips do tend to attract and interesting and fun group (from my experience), which certainly helps !
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Tough 8km hill climb on final cycling day to hotel (at very end of ride).
Trinidad my favourite city, great place.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jose was enthusiastic, informative, and obviously enjoys his job which help tourists enjoy their holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Worth spending a few extra days somewhere before or after cycling segment.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Will certainly be doing more cycling holidays.
Geoffrey Brindle
CUBAN HIGHLIGHTS RIDE
Written
This was a well organised holiday combing wonderful cycling with visits of great contemporary interest- a fine way to experience acountry at first hand.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
A wonderful climb in the mountains.
A visit to Santa Clara and the site dedicated to Che Guevara
Listening to Buena Vista type music on the steps of Plaza Mayor in Trinidad.
What did you think of your group leader?
He was ever helpful and informative and organised the whole trip very well. An excellent leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Give it a go.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Cuba is a different cultural experience from Europe,so it is all very fascinating- a holiday of a lifetime.
Alison Brind
CUBAN HIGHLIGHTS RIDE
Written
Just what it said in trip notes. Really helpful, efficient and enthusiastic guides. Despite warning excellent fresh food - fruit, salad and fish to die for.
A very well organised cycle holiday, full of great experiences and meeting some like minded travellers. The place and people were fantastic and our Guide and Driver helped make the experience memorable.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Just sitting on the pavement in Trinidad listening to some street musicians playing marvellous music - we were their main audience and as a result of our support and applause the crowds gathered!
The way a group of people can gel almost immediately and create friendships that we all know will last long after the trip
The friendliness of the people and stress free approach to enjoying life.
What did you think of your group leader?
Jose was really incredible. So passionate about his country but also very keen to make sure we had an amazing experience. He was flexible when necessary and managed to squeeze the most out of the opportunities for us to experience Cuba.
Occasionally his briefings were a little long but his humour and enthusiasm were infectious.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We were advised via Trip Notes and friends that we had to watch for 3 things.
To quote "The food will be bland, the hotels average and take your own toilet paper "
Wrong!
The food was excellent, varied and healthy (I have never felt fitter), the hotels were of a good standard and toilet facilities just fine .
Advice? Make sure you take insect repellant - we did and were grateful .... and high factor suncream.
More advice? Go there!
One extra piece of information - make sure you are fit for cycling, train before you go - it was sometimes demanding in the heat and the last day's hill climb with 30 degree heat was quite tough!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I have not travelled with Exodus before (being used to the hard slog of Charity rides) so this was a perfect balance of holiday and cycling. The organisation and itinerary were great - there was really good attention to detail. The coach was air conditioned and our bikes were stored safely on board (the bikes and mechanics were first rate too) and our driver was careful and friendly.
The bottom line for me is that I would definitely use Exodus again.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking through Old Trinidad which felt a bit like something out of an old Clint Eastwood movie- very Mexican with so little traffic and fabulous buildings. The local musicians playing with such fire and passion and the people watching opportunities.
The army of enormous black shelled crabs marching across the motorway was a wonderful sight.
What did you think of your group leader?
OK
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't leave anything of value in your hotel room (unless it's locked away) as I had a decent pair of cycling sunglasses stolen.
Although Cuban healthcare is free you may want to bring some everyday medicines with you as they are really expensive for local people to buy at pharmacies. Soap is a very welcome gift as it is also a bit of luxury.
Try to speak to local people (if your Spanish) is good enough to get a greater understanding of the country and its culture.
You may want to try the "Dirty Havana Trilogy" books by Pedro Jaun Gutierrez for a taste of gritty urban realism!
I would definitely try to stay on in Old Havana for a few days at the end of the trip as it's absolutely full of beautiful old buildings such as the Barcadi HQ
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food isn't as bad as the trip notes might lead you to believe! Bland yes but saved by an abundance of fresh fruit and excellent grilled fish.
Do bring energy bars as with the heat you can burn off calories really easily!
A really good trip for someone who has never done a cycling holiday before. The roads are extremely straight without too many 'undulations' The last day does stretch you a bit, but I managed it! The weather was great but suprisingly chilly at night. Accomodation was much much better than the trip notes lead you to believe.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Reaching the end of the bike ride on the last day, I thought that climb would never end. However, the view when you got there was worth the effort.
What did you think of your group leader?
Tony was great fun and received great support from our driver Paulo who doubled up as the bike engineer. Tony is a great ambassador for his country and nothing is too much trouble. The first day he set off at quite a pace, which was a bit worrying, but after a few remonstrations the following rides were all done at your own pace.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you go in December, take a fleece. It was also pretty chilly in bed, despite the additional blankets. Many hotels had just 110 voltage, therefore sometimes you couldn't always use your electrical items. As suggested in a previous review I took a saddle bag and my own saddle, which was definately a good decision as many others were saddle sore.
Finally, don't order crocodile, not a good choice!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is the first cycling trip I have done with Exodus, having done many walking trips, however, I will definately do another. A great holiday.
from 28 reviews.
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