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CCC
Cycle Cuba!
16 days Hotels Exploring the Backroads of Cuba
CYCLE GRADE B
Cuba is one of the most rewarding countries to visit in Latin America and there is no better way of appreciating the countryside than by bike. All the major highlights of the centre and west are incorporated into our route colonial towns, stunning limestone scenery, lush forests and of course time cycling alongside the Caribbean. Travelling by bike allows us to explore the countryside and small villages often overlooked on many itineraries, and gives us an insight into the daily lives of Cubas friendly and proud people.
Old Havana & Vinales Havana boasts some of the most impressive colonial architecture in the New World . We discover its secrets on foot and on bike, absorbing the atmosphere of the old quarter and touring the Plaza de la Revolucion by bike. We travel west into the countryside to the community of Soroa and Las Terrazas, located on the edge of the Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Taking to the backroads for 2 days and we then spend time amidst the mighty Mogotes in Vinales, a dramatic backdrop of huge limestone outcrops, hemming in the ochre tobacco fields below. Caribbean Shores & Colonial Trinidad No visit would be complete without time on the Caribbean. We drive to the infamous Bay of Pigs, site of the ill-fated US-backed invasion and then spend 2 days cycling along this stunningly beautiful coast. Here we have the chance to stop and swim to dive into caverns and be surrounded by tropical fish. Theres time to enjoy the sleepy town of Trinidad where faded, painted houses and quiet streets reflect the laid back atmosphere. Wild Mountains & Untouched Valleys Driving up into the densely forested Sierra Escambray to Topes de Collantes NP and weather allowing, we can start with a walk into the jungle and a morning swim in the natural pool at the Caburni waterfall. Then its back onto our bikes for the most spectacular descent down to the plains, continuing on to Santa Clara, home to Ches mausoleum. Our last stop is the unknown Yumuri Valley near Matanzas a beautiful landscape ready to be explored. In the afternoon we should have time for a last swim in the sea at Jibacoa beach before heading back to Havana.
Local transport in Vinales/Jason Beevis
Historic capital
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Havana. 2 In Havana, sightseeing, drive to Soroa. 3 In Soroa, cycle to Las Terrazas eco-project. Optional visit to Orchid Gardens. 4 Drive and cycle to San Diego de Banõs. 5 Drive and cycle to Vinales. 6 & 7 In Vinales, cycling amongst the Mogotes. 8 Drive to the Bay of Pigs, cycle along the Caribbean to Cueva de Pesces, drive to Cienfuegos. 9 Cycle to Trinidad. 10 & 11 In Trinidad, orientation tour. 12 Drive to Topes de Collantes NP, cycle down to Manicaragua, drive to Santa Clara. 13 Drive to Valle Yumuri; cycle through the valley; drive to Havana. 14 Exploring Havana on bike. 15 Fly London. 16 Arrive London. Accommodation & Meals: 14nts hotel; 14 breakfasts & 3 dinners included. See p45. Bicycles: 21-gear hybrid bikes with front suspension, bag-rack & pannier bag for day things. Daily distances day 01 day 02 day 03 day 04 day 05 day 06 day 07 day 08 day 09 day 10 day 11 day 12 day 13 day 14 day 15 day 16 Rest days or optional rides Grade & Terrain: Grade B 393km/10 days (average 39km/cycling day). 2 days are left free with optional rides available. Cycling is mostly on the flat apart from some uphill sections during the first days in the Soroa area. Road conditions are ideal as there is very little traffic with the exception of Havana where car traffic is more abundant (here our route mainly follows small back streets). Cycling is 100% on tarmac. Please note US law prohibits US nationals from travelling to Cuba Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader cycles with group on each day; support staff and driver. Our bus acts as vehicle back-up whilst cycling. Group Size: Approx. 12 to 16.
22km 55km 45km 30km 30km 28km 33km 20km 35km 21km 15km
HAVANA
Cayo Jutias Optional visit Las Terrazas
Cycle Cuba! Ref CCC
Valle Yumuri
ATLANTIC OCEAN
SOROA
VINALES Ü
San Tomas Cave Optional visit
C U B A
SAN DIEGO DE LOS BANOS Ü SANTA CLARA
R I B B E A N C A
km 0 100
S E A Cueva de Pesces
CIENFUEGOS
Playa Girón Ancón
Manicaragua Tropes De Collantes
DATES & PRICES in £s per adult 16 days from London (Sun-Mon) 2008 deps 27 Jan-11 Feb 10 Feb-25 Feb 24 Feb-10 Mar 09 Mar-24 Mar 23 Mar-07 Apr 06 Apr-21 Apr 05 Oct-20 Oct 19 Oct-03 Nov 02 Nov-17 Nov 16 Nov-01 Dec 21 Dec-05 Jan 2009 deps 25 Jan-09 Feb 08 Feb-23 Feb 22 Feb-09 Mar 08 Mar-23 Mar 22 Mar-06 Apr 05 Apr-20 Apr Flight Incl 1599 1599 1599 1599 1649 1569 1569 1569 1625 1625 1825 Flight Incl 1649 1649 1649 1649 1649 1725 Land Only 929 929 929 929 929 899 899 899 955 955 973 Land Only 979 979 979 979 979 979
Bay of Pigs
TRINIDAD
Land Only tour: 15 days - start Havana day 1 (Sun), end Havana day 15 (Sun) Plus Local Payment: ¬250 (approx £170) payable Havana Single Room Option: £160* These are guide prices, see p46 for full details
Lunch on the trail/Mike Tyler
Mogotes and tobacco fields
Essential information about our tours see pages 45-51
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