Day 1: Havana. Upon arrival in Havana (late evening) we transfer to our hotel in the city centre. Day 2: Havana - Playa del Este (35 km). After breakfast we will cycle around and visit the delights of the city: La Habana Vieja (old town), Vedado (downtown), the Capitol building, Revolution Museum at the Granma Pavilion, Automobile Museum (Che Guevara's Chevrolet), and the city market. In the afternoon we will cycle to the suburban city of Cojimar and take the ferry across to White Christ's statue. From here there is a fantastic view of Havana's centre. We will make a stop at the Hemingway statue before continuing on a panoramic ride along the famous Playas del Este, where you can go swimming if you like. Day 3: Havana - Las Terazas - Soroa (35 km). We will leave Havana via the nicest parts of the city and travel west along the north coast. There will be a lunch stop in the pleasant eco-village of Las Terazas, after which we’ll visit a splendid botanic garden full of orchids. We’ll spend the night in a lovely hotel at a romantic spot nestled between lush, fertile hills. Day 4: Soroa - San Diego de los Banos (60km - valley, flat with a 20km stretch of slight undulating terrain). Today will be an easy cycle along a level highway, which you will share with cows, goats and the occasional car, and pass by fields of sugar cane until eventually reaching San Diego. With a 200-year tradition in tourism, the town is well-used to visitors. In the evening we will walk around the city, visiting a variety of sights before rounding off the evening with a rum or two in the village inn. Day 5: San Diego de los Banos - Vinales (35 kms, the first 12 kms over undulating terrain, the biggest ascent being 200m, and rest of the day flat). Today will see one of the most interesting parts of the cycling tour. This road is a bit more challenging, though there will be almost no traffic. The route will take us through the charming La Guira National Park – an untouched tropical forest. The park is famous for its well-preserved flora and fauna. Towards the end of today's itinerary we will cycle through tobacco fields and maybe try a hand-rolled Cuban cigar from a gracious farmer. On the way we will visit a local pharmacy and learn about the Cuban health system. Day 6: Vinales (35 km). In the morning we’ll take a circular trip around the romantic town of Vinales, which is set in the heart of a fabulous limestone landscape, and surrounded by unique hills called Mogotes (marshmallows). You will see the giant mural prehistoric fresque and Karst caves with Indian paintings inside. In the afternoon we’ll take a walk through the city, do a little shopping or visit the unusual botanic garden. In the evening you can check out the Salsa bands and dance with the locals in the bars. Here you also have the option of cycling to the north coast and Puerto Esperanza city (an additional 35 km) Day 7: Vinales - Pinar del Rio - Maria la Gorda (458 km). From here we head south. In the suburbs of Vinales we will visit a farmer who grows tobacco. Pinar del Rio is the tobacco capital of the island. If open, we will visit a tobacco factory and see how the famous Cuban cigars are made. We will finish the cycling part of the holiday here. In the evening we will drive up to island's cape and stay at Maria la Gorda. Day 8: Maria la Gorda. This small tropical paradise is located in a forest of palm trees beside a long sandy beach, far away from civilisation. This is a day to rest or swim in the crystal clear water of the Caribbean. Day 9: Maria la Gorda. A rest day. Or you can go swimming, walking or even diving. It’s your choice. Day 10: Maria la Gorda - Havana - Europe. Today we take a bus back to Havana and have the afternoon free for a last bit of sightseeing or shopping, and in the evening board a flight to your destination. Notes: Price Includes: 
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Also see tour packages in: Central America and Caribbean Cuba Outdoor: Land Rambler Bicycle Touring Sightseeing |
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