Cuba Cross Over

Biking tour
This cycling tour is not only something special for active travellers but also for the ones who would like to discover Cuba in a different way- by bicycle. Your guide will lead you through Cuba's Western and Central part, with daily routes varying from 10 to 50 kilometres. Your luggage will be transported in the support van which you can get on at any time as well.

Tour Highlights

• Guided tour of Old Havana and Trinidad
• Visit to Casa de Tango, Havana's 'House of Tango'
• Meals at local Cuban restaurants
• Cycling in spectacular areas, including city tours, Viñales Valley, tobacco plantations, and Sierra del Escambray mountains
• Boat tour of the Laguna del Tesoro, "Treasure Lake"
• Visit to a crocodile farm

NOV 2017 ONWARDS ITINERARY

The new Itinerary for November 2017 onwards will be 12 days long and will not include a visit to Varadero. However, we can arrange additional nights along the Varadero coast, or in any region that takes your fancy. Just give us a call.

Day 1 - Havana 
Welcome to Cuba! We can arrange a transfer to your accommodation for you (optional) or you can organise transportation yourself. Depending on your arrival time you may have some free time to explore after settling into your accommodation. Hotel in Havana, 4* Standard 

Day 2 - Havana 
At 8:30 am after breakfast you will have a welcome meeting with your tour guide and you will start exploring the old town of Havana on foot. You will have lunch in a restaurant and in the afternoon you will visit the Casa del Tango community project. Afterwards you will return to the hotel and can spend the evening as you wish. Hotel in Havana, 4* Standard. Breakfast and Lunch will be included.
  

Day 3 - Havana – Viñales
Today you pick up your bikes and start to travel to the Viñales Valley. On this journey you will see tobacco and crop plantations, as well as rare and endemic flora and fauna in a landscape of unparalleled beauty. En route you will take part in your first bike tour before continuing by bus on the narrow roads where you can admire the uniqueness of the surrounding landscape. After lunch you will continue for approximately 20 km to arrive at your hotel. Cycle distance is approx. 20 km Hotel in Viñales, 3* Standard. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 4 - Cayo Jutías 
Our journey today is to Cayo Jutias. After breakfast you will set off on a 55 km ride, enjoying the breath-taking views of the Sierra de los Órganos, which lies in the North West. The picturesque beach of Cayo Jutías is situated on a little island connected to the mainland by a man-made causeway. Once there, you will have lunch. In the afternoon you have time to explore the island on your own. You will return to Viñales for the night. Cycle distance is approx. 55 km. Hotel in Viñales, 3* Standard. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 5 - Viñales 
In the morning you will get back on your bike and follow a little path which leads you on the path of the tabacco and through beautiful landscapes and Comunidades (communes). You will gain interesting information about the tabacco plant and you will have the opportunity to buy some "puros" directly from the producers. Cycle distance is approx. 50 km. Hotel in Viñales, 3* Standard. Breakfast, Lunch and dinner will be included.

Day 6 - Viñales - Cienfuegos  
Today’s ride takes you to Cienfuegos, also known as the Perla del Sur. On the way you will visit Guama, a natural place of beauy in the Cienaga de Zapata Peninsula. You will take a boat ride on the Laguna del Tesoro that lies in a picturesque landscape with many water canals, mangrove forests and palms. You will also be able to visit a village reconstructed in the Taíno Indian style and have the opportunity to visit a crocodile farm nearby. You will have lunch in a local restaurant (not included).Afterwards you will continue to Cienfuegos by bus. Once there you will explore on bike the charming town of Cienfuegos which has unique and interesting architecture influenced by the Louisianans. Cycle distance is approx. 10 km Casa Particular in Cienfuegos. Breakfast will be included.

Day 7 - Cienfuegos - Trinidad 
On the way to Trinidad you will cycle at the foot of the Sierra del Escambray mountains. There are several small inclines which can be managed easily by any cyclist and offer great views over picturesque flora. At the end of your day’s ride you will arrive in Trinidad where you can admire the beauty of the buildings surrounding the Plaza Major. You will have evening at leisure. For fans of Cuban music, the "Casa del la Trova" is highly recommended. Almost every evening there is live music here - or if you prefer Western music in the  "Las Cuevas" disco you can enjoy techno music until early morning. Cycle distance is approx. 25 km. Casa Particular in Trinidad

Day 8 - Trinidad 
In the morning you will have a guided walk through Trinidad. You will hear many interesting stories about the "Golden Age” of the sugar boom in Cuba and how it benefitted the city. You will see the well-preserved mansions of the sugar barons. A tour of the city is like a journey through time. Large parts of the city are closed to cars, there is no advertising and only a few small souvenir stalls.  Spend the rest of the day as you wish. It is worth taking a coco or bici taxi to Playa Ancón (not included), where you can relax, swim or go snorkelling. Casa Particular in Trinidad

 
Day 9 – Trinidad
Today you will go on a bike tour through the Valle de los Ingenios - a stunning, verdant valley. You will bike through sugarcane plantations and stop to climb the watchtower of Torre Iznaga, which was formerly used to oversee slaves in the fields. If you are interested it is possible to climb the stairs of this 50m high tower. There is a spectacular view of the lush landscape from the top (optional). In the afternoon you will ride back to Trinidad. Cycle distance is approx. 40 km Casa Particular in Trinidad

Day 10 - Trinidad - Santa Clara 
Today’s destination is Santa Clara. Your ride takes you through a charming mountain landscape of woods filled with pine, eucalyptus and broad leafed trees. The cycling paths are a bit stony and steep at times but are manageable by all. You will take a break in the town of Topes de Collantes - 800 m above sea level - which is renowned for its extra clean air and its sanatorium. In the afternoon the cycle tour continues to Santa Clara through a fascinating landscape. Cycle distance is approx. 30 km Hotel in Santa Clara, 3* Standard. Dinner will be included.

Day 11 - Santa Clara - Havanna 
Today you will travel to your final destination - bright and spirited Havana via Matanzas. You will cycle through the Yumuri Valley approximately 45 km and drive the rest of the journey to Havana. Cuba's capital city is the cultural centre of the island and fascinates visitors with its numerous Museums, Palaces and colonial style public squares. Cycle distance is approx. 45 km. Hotel in Havana, 4* Standard. Breakfast will be included.

Day 12 - Havana 
Today is the final day of your tour. Depending on your flight time home, you may be able to use the morning to do some last minute exploring and souvenir shopping. We can drive you to the airport if you would like (optional) or you can arrange your own transportation. Breakfast will be included.

Please note that tour itineraries are not suitable for those with walking difficulties. Please give us a call for more information.

Please call us for tours that depart before NOV 2017 as the itinerary may vary slightly.