Cuba Cross Over

Day 1: Arrival Havana

Sunday - On arrival in Havana you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Old Havana. After check-in the remainder of the day is yours to explore this inviting city on your own or simply relax. Overnight at Hotel Plaza or similar.

Day 2: Havana

Monday - In the morning the day begins by exploring the hotel's surroundings with a guided walk which includes a visit the Malecon (seaside promenade) and many other interesting sights in the quarter of Old Havana. In the afternoon visit a cultural project inside the "Casa del Tango" and participate in a welcome reception. Lunch included at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel Plaza or similar. (B.L)

Day 3: Havana | Viñales

Tuesday - Today we will take route to Viñales Valley. The journey through this site will allow us to discover the tobacco plantations, fields of crops, and exclusive flora and fauna of unequalled beauty. There we will prepare bikes for our first bike tour and we will continue our trip driving on narrow roads where we can admire the uniqueness of the surrounding landscape. After lunch and approximately 20 km drive, we will arrive to our hotel, which is located in a picturesque mogote valley. Accommodation at the hotel Rancho San Vicente. (B.L)

Day 4: Puerto Esperanza

Wednesday - Today's tour heads for Puerto Esperanza setting off on the same route to Viñales. During the whole tour, enjoy a scenic cycle towards the coast. From time to time we pass through small villages, i.e. San Cayetano, which is especially remarkable. Continuing the journey, at around noon we arrive at Puerto Esperanza, situated directly by the sea. The city bridge had a very important function in the 1800s: during these times all the gold that was mined in this region was taken across it. Gold digging and trading boomed and it is because of this that Cuba's second train line leads to Puerto Esperanza. Nowadays the production of tobacco and fishing are the main industries of the village. Here enjoy lunch together at a cozy restaurant. The afternoon is free. Either you can relax after the first stage of your trip, or you can discover the town on foot. Head back and overnight stay at the Hotel Rancho San Vicente or similar. (B.L)

Day 5: Tabak route

Thursday - In the morning it's back on your bike to follow a path which leads through beautiful landscapes and to "Comunidades" (communes) which developed after the revolution (approx. 10-15 km). It is a must to stop at "fincas" (farms) where some of the best tobacco in the world is produced. Get to know the locals who plough the tobacco as well as the women who select tobacco leaves according to their quality. En route we refuel & refresh at a selected restaurant. Spend the night at the hotel Rancho San Vicente or similar. (B.L)

Day 6: Viñales | Cienfuegos

Friday - Today’s ride takes us to Cienfuegos, also known as the Perla del Sur. On the way we will visit Parque Guama, a natural place of singular attraction that is located in the Cienaga de Zapatas. We will take a boat through the Laguna del Tesoro that lies in a picturesque landscape with many water canals, mangrove forests and palms. You may visit a crocodile farm nearby. You will have the opportunity to have lunch in any local restaurant. Then we will go on to Cienfuegos and explore this charming town located at the central South cost of the island by bike. Cienfuegos a clean and peaceful place that has unique and interesting architecture influenced by the Louisianans. Accommodation at hotel Jagua or similar. (B.L)

Day 7: Cienfuegos | Trinidad

Saturday - On the way to Trinidad cycle at the foot of the mountains of the Sierra del Escambray. There are several inclinations that can be managed well by every cyclist who are rewarded by views over fantastic vegetation. After the day's ride, admire the beauty of the buildings surrounding the Plaza Major in Trinidad. Later, we arrive at the hotel and spend the evening at your own leisure in this spectacular World Heritage Site. Dinner & overnight accommodation at the Hotel Las Cuevas or similar. (B.D)

Day 8: Trinidad

Sunday - During a walk through Trinidad today, hear many interesting stories about the "Golden Age" of the sugar boom and its benefits for the city. Afterwards, spend the rest of the day at your leisure. It is worthwhile to take a coco or bici taxi to Playa Ancón, where you can relax, swim or go snorkeling. Tonight's dinner & accommodation will once again be at the Hotel Las Cuevas or similar. (B.D)

Day 9: Trinidad

Monday - Today is free of activities and yours to plan as you wish. We recommend an excursion to Valle de los Ingenios. The fertile plateau with its surrounding hills of the Sierra del Escambray owes its name to the sugar mills (ingenios) built at the beginning of the 19th century. There is a little railway leading to Manaca Iznaga, originally used to watch the slaves while working in the sugarcane fields. Also, you will be able to notice the social structures built during the boom of the sugar industry. Dinner & overnight at Hotel Las Cuevas or similar. (B.D)

Day 10: Trinidad | Santa Clara

Tuesday - Today's destination is Santa Clara. But first, enjoy a ride through a charming mountain landscape with pine forests, eucalyptus and broad leafed trees. The cycling paths are a bit stony and steep at times but are manageable by all. There will be a break in the town of Topes de Collantes (800m above sea level) which is renowned for its extra clean air and its sanatorium. In the afternoon the tour continues to Santa Clara through a fascinating landscape. Accommodation at Hotel Los Caneyes or similar, with dinner included. (B.D)

Day 11: Santa Clara l Varadero

Wednesday - Our cycling trip continues to Varadero, the renowned vacation destination situated on the peninsula of Hicacos. There you will find Cuba's longest and white sandy beach with crystal clear waters. It is no surprise that it is called "Playa Azul". Accommodation at the all-inclusive hotel Villa Tortuga. (B.L.D)

Day 12: Varadero

Thursday - Today enjoy a well-deserved day at leisure. Choose a quiet beach area to relax, or go for a walk to explore Varadero and its varied restaurants, bars, clubs and shopping malls. Accommodation at the all-inclusive Villa Tortuga. (B.L.D)

Day 13: Varadero | Matanzas | Havana

Friday - Departing Varadero, the first stop this morning will be in the Matanzas province, capital of the province of the same name. Matanzas is considered one of the most important industrial cities in Cuba and an important centre of Cuban industry zone, and has the fourth largest port for sugar export in the world. After a short break we ride along the Yumurí Valley and continue our journey through amazing countryside towards Havana. Accommodation at Hotel Plaza, Havana. (B.L)

Day 14: Depart Havana

Saturday - Today marks the end of your tour. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and morning at leisure to spend as you please, perhaps strolling through Havana Vieja for some last minute souvenirs shopping. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Guaranteed departures:

2013: Jan 6 & 27, Feb 17, Mar 10 & 24, Apr 7 & 21, May 19, Jun 9 & 30, Jul 28, Aug 18, Sept 8 & 22, Oct 6 & 20.