Cuba

This morning after breakfast, we will gather by the bikes for a bike fitting session before we set off on our first ride. From Santa Clara, we pedal to Remedios, often referred to as the quieter, less touristy version of Trinidad. Once we arrival, we’ll enjoy a hearty lunch. This afternoon, we'll hire the local bicycle taxis to take us on a tour of their favorite parts of town, then we'll share stories with the drivers over a drink at a local cafe and learn more about their lives and livelihood. This evening, we'll celebrate with a welcome toast, dine at one of our favorite local paladars, and your guides will fill you in on what to expect during the rest of this action-packed trip.

This morning begins with a shuttle to Yaguajay, about 45 minutes away, where we will get back in the saddle. We'll pedal our way south past verdant farmland and stop to visit with some of the locals—and refuel with some tropical fruit and cold guarapo—along the way. We'll break for a picnic lunch just before reaching Cabaiguan, and afterwards, you can choose to keep riding to the hotel or hop on the bus for the rest of the journey to Sancti Spiritus. If you love Caribbean history, you might think you've died and gone to heaven, as the town of Sancti Spiritus is over 500 years old, with beautiful villas, spirited softball games in the streets, and literal boatloads of culture. As we explore town, we will visit with local shop owners and learn about “La Libreta” or the ration card every Cuban family uses for weekly food supplies. On our way to dinner, we'll stop at the Taverna Yayabo for a drink while admiring Peunta Yayabo, a quadruple-arched bridge that was built by the Spanish in 1815 and is a National Monument. Enjoy dinner in a local paladar, then those with energy can head out for some evening music.

Today we begin with a short shuttle before we take to our bikes once again to pedal our way through the Valle de los Ingenios, the lush green valley that was the center of Cuba’s sugar industry. Tour the ruins of an old sugar plantation and climb the 7-story Iznaga Tower for a stunning view of the valley. We'll then make our way to Trindad, a vibrant city-museum which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. We will walk along Trinidad's cobbled streets before meeting local author, Julio Munoz, and learning about his beloved city firsthand. You'll have a chance to ask him about the Cuban economy, private enterprise and the political scene. Enjoy dinner at another local paladar. Trinidad is a power house for music, so those seeking more Cuban beat will find several options here.

Today starts with a 45 minute drive up into the Sierra del Escambray range for a little adventure amidst the tropical flora and fauna. We will hike to Caburni Falls, which drop some 200 feet to the Caburni River below. Revel in sweeping views of traditional farms and coffee plantations against a backdrop of cliffs and, of course, these almost undiscovered waterfalls. You'll have a chance for a refreshing soak in the medicinal waters mid-hike. Then after hiking up and out of the canyon, we'll visit a coffee farm and talk with the farmer about their trade. Afterwards, we'll board the bus for a 90 minute transfer—a good opportunity for a nap—to the seaside city of Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. It's been called the Paris of Cuba, with a strong backbone of art, culture, and a spirit that's vibrant enough to be French, yet passionate enough to be decidedly Cuban. Every neighborhood has a certain panache that's both timeworn and feisty. On arrival, if time permits and they are in town, we will hear a performance by the Cantores de Cienfuegos, a choral group that performs around the world. After a lovely dinner by the sea, if you are up for more, take a stroll along the Malecón.

Today begins with a short shuttle and then we take a downhill cruise to the sea and Playa Giron, which sits at the mouth of the Bay of Pigs. This historic landmark is a significant symbol in the story of the Cold War as the site of a failed military invasion of Cuba by a CIA-sponsored paramilitary group in 1961. We'll have an opportunity for to visit the Bay of Pigs Museum and then enjoy a picnic lunch. The Bay is a prime spot for snorkeling, so we'll take an hour or two to explore the coral and mystical sea caves teeming with tropical fish. We'll learn about the Caribbean ecosystem and why Cuba has the healthiest reefs in all the region. Afterwards, we'll depart for a three hour transfer to Cuba's cultural crown jewel, Havana. It's both the capital and commercial center of the country, but it's also a window into world history. Spanish colonial architecture is part of the city's DNA. The National Capitol Building is an iconic 1920s landmark, and La Habana Vieja, or "Old Havana" is home to the baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal and Plaza Vieja, both of which are a shining example of the architectural passion that the city is known for. We will check into the luxurious Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski in the heard of Old Havana and reconvene for dinner nearby at La Calesa Real. After dinner, stroll Obispo Street where several bars and restaurants have live music.

Today is 100% dedicated to discovering Havana. We'll visit a cigar factory, and learn why Cuban cigars are such a rare and decadent treat for the true collector. We'll visit all four of Old Havana's famous plazas during a walking tour, ending with lunch in Plaza Catedral. Afterwards, it is on to Fusterlandia, the home of Cuban artist Jose Fuster ("the Picasso of the Caribbean"), whose artistic mission is to transform his community through a kingdom of mosaic creations. And finally, we'll be sure to take a ride in those classic cars before we gather for one last round of mojitos and a special farewell dinner at La Chansonier.

What a rare opportunity this has been! Today we say our goodbyes over a final cup of Cuban coffee before you depart for your next port of call.