Cuban Highlights Ride

Cuban Highlights Ride

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8 Days From

$2475

Cuban Highlights Ride

8 Days Starting and ending in Havana

Visiting: Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Playa Ancon, Río Hanabanilla, Manicaragua

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

MAC

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 18

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Trip Styles:

Active

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From:
$2475 (USD)

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Cycle through lush Cuban countryside, colourful colonial towns and alongside quiet coastal roads where the inviting waters of the Caribbean await. Cuba is the ideal destination for a cycling holiday, with a refreshing mojito to reward your efforts at the end of the day! Out of the saddle discover Cuba’s fascinating revolutionary history, visiting the Bay of Pigs and Che Guevara's Mausoleum. The UNESCO towns of Cienfuegos and Trinidad are bursting with music and Cuban spirit, not forgetting enigmatic, charming Havana where this trip ends.

Highlights

  • Time to relax, swim and sample Cuba's famous mojitos

  • Full vehicle support throughout trip

  • Immerse yourself in Cuba's unique history and culture

  • Cycle gently through stunning tropical scenery

  • Direct flights with Virgin Atlantic usually available

  • Cycling leaders trained to UK leadership standards (CTC Bike Tour Leader Award)

  • Cuban Tourist Cards included for all UK residents

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Havana.

Location: Havana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casas particulares

Meals Included: No Meals

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.



Day 2 : Havana Cycle Tour; To Playa Larga And The Bay Of Pigs. 

Location: Havana

Accommodation: Casas Particulares

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.



Day 3 : Coastal Cycle Ride; To Cienfuegos.

Location: Cienfuegos

Accommodation: Casas Particulares

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 4 : Ride From Cienfuegos To Rancho La Vega Farm; To The World Heritage Site Of Trinidad.

Location: Trinidad

Accommodation: Casas Particulares

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.

Day 5 : Cycle To Playa Ancon And Back; Salsa Class.

Location: Playa Ancon

Accommodation: Casa Particulares

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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!

Day 6 : Cycle To Rio Seibabo; Transfer To Hanabanilla.

Location: Río Hanabanilla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casas particulares

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.



Day 7 : Cycle To Manicaragua; Transfer To Che Guevara Mausoleum In Santa Clara; To Havana.

Location: Manicaragua

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casas particulares

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.



Day 8 : Sightseeing In Old Havana; Transfer To The Airport.

Location: Havana

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.



What's Included

  • Meals
    7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners.


* 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
* All accommodation 
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
* Arrival & departure transfers (if booking incl. group flights)
* Local bike hire
* Tourist card visa for UK residents

What's Not Included

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

Food


7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners are included, allowing the option to
try some local restaurants on the other evenings.

We provide packed lunches during the day and there are plenty of water and
fruit refreshment stops. 3 litres of water per person is included on cycling
days. You may wish to bring some of your own energy snacks, as food shops,
cafes and restaurants are scarce in many of the rural areas we visit. Cuba is
not renowned for its culinary excellence (although it is improving). Food can
sometimes be relatively unexciting and expensive - in no small part due to
the long trade embargo implemented by the US. Vegetarians will find the food
choice limited. Meals will be more varied for everyone in Havana and seafood
is available on the coast. We recommend that you allow CUC 20 to CUC 30 pp
per day for the lunches and evening meals on the days where food is not
included. If you need more bottled water than provided, it is available for
approx. CUC 1.50 per bottle.

Accommodation

We spend seven nights in casas particulares, traditional Cuban guesthouses that provide a warm welcome and, best of all, an insight into the local lifestyle and culture. Rooms are on a twin-share basis with air conditioning and private bathrooms.



Every property we use has been inspected and assessed by our local team. Some are large multi-room houses that are home to entire families, others are run by individuals, and in some cases the owners live elsewhere. We typically use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our full group. We always do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other Exodus clients are staying.



The casa owners are usually happy to help with laundry for a small fee. Most casas do not have hairdryers. There are often pets (a cat or dog) at the casas - please advise at the time of booking if this is problematic.



Please note, power cuts occur regularly in Cuba and you should expect there to be blackouts for hours at a time. This is a part of daily life in Cuba and torches are readily available for evening
ight-time blackouts. Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental. Cuba is not a luxury destination and anyone travelling to the island should be prepared for this.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes,Arrival & departure transfers (if booking incl. group flights)

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A. We are advised that there is no risk of malaria.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum

  • What is the maximum group size?

    18

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Staying in standard hotels

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    British and most Western European passport holders do not require a visa but do require a tourist card.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Wonderful country, beautiful and vibrant.

I throughly enjoyed the trip, a true holiday of a

I throughly enjoyed the trip, a true holiday of a lifetime! I LOVED Cuba, it was so colourful, sunny and full of music and dance. A great tour group, everyone was lovely and happy to join in! Cycling was fine, I am active person but not a cyclist except for cycling tours in the Netherlands, but the cycling was steady and I was tired at the end of the day, but manageable. Cycling was on tarmac roads, and mostly fairly straight, but there was little traffic, just a 1950s car passing regularly to add to the atmosphere. There were regular breaks, and water was provided by the guides, and the bus was behind us all of the way. Was glad to have cycling shorts with padding and also a gel saddle cover. Ended up leaving my bag on the bus which was always with us, and just cycling. It was hot and found a bag too annoying to be carting around. Accommodation was clean and comfortable, though lacked soft furnishings, but personally for me clean is the important bit! Staying in the Casa's were my favourite, gave a more authentic feel, and while simple still had air con, and I think more comfortable beds than the hotels in my case (we broke into smaller groups for the nights in the Casa's). Food was simple, a yummy meat (grilled chicken, pork that fell apart), with rice and plantain chips. I thought it was tasty, even if less varied! Fizzy drinks and fruit juice with meals that you bought separately. Group tour leader, Alex was excellent. He organised on the tour excellently, looked after us, and also taught us so much about Cuba's history and way of life. He was full of tips and ideas. Non cycling time was just as fascinating, we learnt to salsa, drank mojitos, had walking tours around and went swimming in the sea. Really liked Trinidad and staying there two nights, and Havana town was charming. Think that doing a tour was a really good way to see Cuba, afterwards stayed on 4 days at the memories hotel in Jibacoa, but after the fun of the group and wandering around and being able to mingle it felt a bit fake at the resort - wish I had done it before the tour rather than after. Other people in the hotel who did organised trips out weren't that enamoured and felt alone it was a bit complicated doing a trip to a neighbouring town or Habana.

CUBAN HIGHLIGHTS RIDE

This was a well organised holiday combing wonderfu

This was a well organised holiday combing wonderful cycling with visits of great contemporary interest- a fine way to experience acountry at first hand.

Cuban Highlights October 2014

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Cyc

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Cycling through Cuba was an excellent way to see the countryside and enjoy the weather.

Cycling Cuba - Fantastic!

What an amazing way to see Cuba! I loved every sec

What an amazing way to see Cuba! I loved every second & Freddy, our guide, was so knowledgeable & clearly passionate about Cuba, that it really added to the experience. The group was great fun too. All in all a brilliant holiday.

CUBAN HIGHLIGHTS RIDE

We hadn't been on this kind of holiday before and

We hadn't been on this kind of holiday before and it far exceeded our expectations.  Although only 8 days from start to finish, and including cycling on most days, we also had time for sightseeing and visiting historic places of interest.  Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about all things Cuban (history, social aspects, birdlife, flora and fauna.....) and entertained us all with his knowledge during the coach transfers from place to place.  Transferring by coach allowed us to see different parts of Cuba in just a few days.

Cuban Highlights cycling

Well constructed itinerary exploring many interest

Well constructed itinerary exploring many interesting facets of Cuba's latter day existence.

Fantastic trip

Cycling in Cuba

Cycling in Cuba

Cuban Highlights Ride

A very well organised trip with a great leader who

A very well organised trip with a great leader who kept us motivated and entertained. Cuba is changing fast so great to see it firsthand. Cycling conditions were pretty good although it got hot afternoon when the combination of the heat and the hills meant the going got tough from time to time.

Cuban Highlights Ride

This was a really enjoyable trip. As well as enjoy

This was a really enjoyable trip. As well as enjoying a good variety of cycling, we learned a lot about the life and politics of the country and had the chance to explore some amazing historic towns.

Highly Recommended Highlights Tour

Great cycling tour in a unique and welcoming count

Great cycling tour in a unique and welcoming country. Cuba seems to have a first world health system (thankfully not tested on this trip!), second world bureaucracy and third world agriculture. Best of all, though, is the warmth and old-fashioned civility of the people. Not to mention the climate!

Read all 68 reviews

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024
$2475 (USD)
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Saturday - Saturday

Nov 23, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024
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Saturday - Saturday

Dec 21, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024
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Saturday - Saturday

Feb 08, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$2700 (USD)
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Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$2700 (USD)
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Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$2700 (USD)
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Saturday - Saturday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$2700 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$2700 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 22, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$2700 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 27, 2025
$2700 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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