Cuban Highlights Ride

In the immortal words of Kate Humble: things don't go wrong, they just go different! There is nothing like a little adversity to cement friendship. In fact it is an essential ingredient of group cohesion. Our guide overcame every obstacle with skill and confidence. He made even the most challenging experiences pleasurable. The bus, the mechanic and the driver were the best support team one could have wished for. Cuba is unpredictable but they made our journey a delightful experience in spite of a few difficulties.

Fantastic holiday, well organised trip around fascinating and beautiful country. Hotter and more humid than expected. Cycling also harder than expected only because of heat, humidity and head winds. Stops came every 10 to 15km and were much appreciated. Plentiful water was provided but note you do need to take your own snacks, fruit or energy bars/drinks. We were bitten more than we expected so do take repellant with you and possibly some antihistamines. Casa stay in Trinidad was very interesting and despite appearances was very comfortable with full facilities. All the Cubans were very friendly. Day trip on catamaran to beautiful deserted tropical island was outstanding but was a long motor out (2hrs). Boat trip around lake and dam was quite different though! - rather worryingly unstable, noisy and full of exhaust (and driver's cigarette) fumes! Somewhat spoilt the beauty of the lake and surrounds.

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.

I had an excellent time on this trip. The cycling through rural areas was great and the knowledge, help and organisation by our guide, Yazel, exceptional.

Absolutely fantastic trip highlighting the true Cuban way of life. Great organisation by the tour guide, personal approach, group became like one big family including our guide, driver and mechanic. Spectacular views made better by taking them in on two wheels. Superb beach opportunities and general sightseeing when on two feet rather the bike. Overall smashing trip!

Excellent trip, (I was in Jane's group, see review below) Freddy was indeed excellent, in addition to being a great cycle guide his knowledge and passion for Cuba knew no bounds, I came away refreshed and more knowledgeable after a most enjoyable holiday

I really enjoyed this trip. I was really taken by the friendliness and beauty of Cuba, and the bravery and resilience of the people there. The itinerary was good, allowing us to see different aspects of Cuba, and the accommodation was comfortable and well-located. The cycling was not particularly easy, as it was seriously hot (between 35 and 40 degrees some days), and there was often a really annoying headwind, but, despite that, it was enjoyable as we passed through some great scenery. The group was great too.

Great trip, fantastic way to see a country. friendly people, amazing sights, fab music and mojitos.

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.

First cycling holiday experience for me.  Good mix of cycling, seeing the country/sites, and free time.