Search
Bike trip - Cross-Cuba Trip (Santiago de Cuba-Pinar del Río)
This destination is no longer available.
Destination Itinerary and map
Explore at your own pace
Cuba, a popular island destination for Québec vacationers! Every year, thousand of you go there to enjoy its mild climate and friendly inhabitants. And more than ever, you want to go beyond the traditional “all-inclusive” and explore the country at your own pace, soaking up its culture and history. The Cross-Cuba cycling trip is definitely for you.The first leg of the Trip features about fifteen beautiful, historic sites reflecting the diversity of the island. They include Baconao Park, declared a World Heritage Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, the El Cobre Basilica, where Ernest Hemingway offered his Nobel Peace Prize to the Virgin of Charity, or the Cauto River crossing. Also worth a stop are Camagüey (founded in 1528) and its historic center, the Punta Gorda Peninsula, not to mention Santa Clara and its museum and mausoleum dedicated to the famous Che, or the Bacunayagua Observation Tower on the highest bridge in Cuba. An ideal opportunity to discover this country beyond its beaches.
The second leg of the Trip takes you through an intimate, charming rural setting. You pedal peacefully through the natural wonders of western Cuba, such as Las Terrazas, located in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, and ecotourism center, the famous San Diego de los Baños, known for its many health spas and curative sulphur springs, the vast La Guira National Park, not to mention the Viñales Valley with its outstanding karst landscape and limestone outcrops (mogotes) and, of course, Havana and its colonial charm. Add to this the hospitality of the inhabitants and your pleasure is doubled!
The package includes:
- round-trip air transportation for passenger and bicycle with Air Transat;- 22 nights in two- to four-star hotels (double occupancy);
- 22 breakfasts, 20 lunches and 21 evening meals;
- bus trips;
- domestic flight Havana-Holguín (Cubana Airlines).
Cuban airport tax is not included (25 convertible pesos). For all Cuba travel packages, hotel stays may be extended at an extra cost.
From 12 to 22 cyclists, accompanied by our guide and a local guide.
Start/Finish: Montréal-Trudeau/ Holguín > Holguín /Montréal-Trudeau.
From day to day
Day 1 - Arrival in Holguín. Transfer to the hotel in Santiago de Cuba.
Day 2 - Santiago de Cuba, Baconao Park, Biosphere Reserve (50 km). Return by bus to Santiago de Cuba.
Day 3 - Santiago de Cuba, Bayamo (90 or 127 km).
Day 4 - Bayamo, Las Tunas (86 km).
Day 5 - Las Tunas, Camaguey (132 km).
Day 6 - Camaguey, Ciego de Avila (124 km).
Day 7 - Ciego de Avila, Sancti Spiritus (78 km).
Day 8 - Sancti Spiritus, Trinidad (85 km).
Day 9 - Free day or looped route around Trinidad (31 km).
Day 10 - Trinidad, Cienfuegos (100 km).
Day 11 - Cienfuegos, Santa Clara (78 km).
Day 12 - Transfer to Colon. Biking : Colon, Varadero (90 km).
Day 13 - Varadero, Jibacoa (76 km).
Day 14 - Jibacoa, Havana (65 km).
Day 15 - Free day.
Day 16 - Free day.
Day 17 - Transfer to Mariel. Biking : Mariel, Las Terrazas (71 km).
Day 18 - Las Terrazas, San Diego de los Baños (70 km).
Day 19 - San Diego de los Baños, Viñales (78 km).
Day 20 - Viñales, Cayo Jutias (64 km). Transfer to Viñales.
Day 21 - Free day or looped route around Puerto Esperanza (48 km).
Day 22 - Transfer to Havana. Visit a cigar factory in Pinar del Río. Transfer to Havana airport and domestic flight to Holguín. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 23 - Transfer to Holguín airport. Return trip to Montréal.
Itinerary subject to change.
Full Comfort Bike Travels
By selecting the Vélo Québec Voyages full-comfort package, you are opting to alternate between pleasures: the perfect balance between effort during the day and well-deserved rest in a hotel, no matter what your destination. And since we take care of everything—reservations, baggage transportation, mechanical assistance, route planning—all you have to do is make the most of your trip, at your own pace, by combining the pleasures of bicycle tourism with occasional revelations, interesting encounters, boundless enthusiasm and sheer delight.
You can also count at all times on the discreet but highly effective presence of our guides. They have all received first-aid training and have acquired useful bicycle-tourism expertise. More than mere guides, they are genuine travel enthusiasts—curious, passionate teachers with great respect for the host countries. Better yet, our guides put their personal imprint on their routes and know how to make your trip an unforgettable journey. So with us, you will receive all the assistance you need while remaining as free as a bird. Now that’s peace of mind!
- air transportation for passengers and their bicycles (if necessary);
- bus, train, ferry trip and domestic flight (if necessary);
- accommodations in two-, three- or four-star hotels, double occupancy;
- all breakfasts and some evening meals (excluding all beverages, alcoholic or not);
- baggage transportation (one bag per person, 15-kg maximum);
- mechanical assistance and access to a relief vehicle;
- daily route plans;
- the presence of one or two experienced guides.
The prices include taxes and the $3.50 contribution per $1,000 of services purchased to the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents.
Equipment (e.g., bicycle) is not included.
For more informations, consult our schedule or contact-us.
A typical day
- You have breakfast at your hotel (between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.).
- You leave the hotel before 10:00 a.m., dropping off your bag at the luggage truck.
- You start riding, armed with the detailed itinerary and maps of the route, including the towns and villages along the way.
- You have lunch when and where you wish. For destinations where a “boxed lunch” is included, it will be handed out in the morning at departure time, which is why a pannier can come in handy.
- When you arrive at the next stopover, your luggage will await you at the hotel, where your room will be available as of 3 p.m.
- Suppers included in the package are served at the hotel or a restaurant nearby. The evening meal will include an appetizer, a main course as well as dessert. Beverages, whether alcoholic or not, are not included.
On the road
The routes are not marked, but you will be provided with a detailed map each day. Optional routes will allow you to extend certain segments. Our guides will also be on hand to help you find the many hidden treasures in each region.
In the event of a mechanical problem on the road
We suggest you have a complete tune-up done on your bike before departure. A well-tuned bicycle is the key component of a successful cycling trip. For minor mechanical problems (adjustments, flat tires, etc.), the guide or the cycling escort will be able to help you out and get you back on the road. You can contact your guide by phone at any time to request assistance or, in the case of a major breakdown, to be taken to the nearest bike shop.
In case of fatigue or discomfort on the road
If you can’t complete the day’s ride because of fatigue, discomfort or a major mechanical problem, the relief vehicle will pick up you and your bike and take you to the next stopover town.
The routes are not marked, but you will be provided with a detailed map each day. Optional routes will allow you to extend certain segments. Our guides will also be on hand to help you find the many hidden treasures in each region.
In the event of a mechanical problem on the road
We suggest you have a complete tune-up done on your bike before departure. A well-tuned bicycle is the key component of a successful cycling trip. For minor mechanical problems (adjustments, flat tires, etc.), the guide or the cycling escort will be able to help you out and get you back on the road. You can contact your guide by phone at any time to request assistance or, in the case of a major breakdown, to be taken to the nearest bike shop.
In case of fatigue or discomfort on the road
If you can’t complete the day’s ride because of fatigue, discomfort or a major mechanical problem, the relief vehicle will pick up you and your bike and take you to the next stopover town.
Hotels and Meals
You will stay in double rooms at two-, three- or four-star hotels. Day in and day out, your baggage will be transported to your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. All you have to do is carry a bag containing the personal items you need for the day.
Our packages include all breakfasts as well as some evening meals at restaurants or hotels. You are free to eat lunch where you please. Vegetarian menus (which may include fish) will also be offered to those who specify their preference for such meals when they reserve their trip.
You will stay in double rooms at two-, three- or four-star hotels. Day in and day out, your baggage will be transported to your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. All you have to do is carry a bag containing the personal items you need for the day.
Our packages include all breakfasts as well as some evening meals at restaurants or hotels. You are free to eat lunch where you please. Vegetarian menus (which may include fish) will also be offered to those who specify their preference for such meals when they reserve their trip.
Luggage Transportation
At destination, Vélo Québec Voyages will take care of luggage transportation between hotels for the duration of the trip. We accept only one piece of luggage per person, and it must weigh no more than 15 kg (even if the limit specified by the airline is higher than ours). Choose a bag that has sturdy and easy-to-use handles. We reserve the right to refuse to transport any bag exceeding the 15-kilogram weight limit, at departure as well as during the trip.
At destination, Vélo Québec Voyages will take care of luggage transportation between hotels for the duration of the trip. We accept only one piece of luggage per person, and it must weigh no more than 15 kg (even if the limit specified by the airline is higher than ours). Choose a bag that has sturdy and easy-to-use handles. We reserve the right to refuse to transport any bag exceeding the 15-kilogram weight limit, at departure as well as during the trip.
Riding your bike
We understand the special relationship you have with your bike. Perfectly adjusted to your height and preferences, it gives you the comfort you need to fully appreciate the pleasures of travelling. We know that your bike is like an old friend, which is why all of our packages involving air flights and coach service include the transportation of your bicycle… your favourite travel companion!
We understand the special relationship you have with your bike. Perfectly adjusted to your height and preferences, it gives you the comfort you need to fully appreciate the pleasures of travelling. We know that your bike is like an old friend, which is why all of our packages involving air flights and coach service include the transportation of your bicycle… your favourite travel companion!
or
Talk to a travel advisor:
514-521-8356 or
1-800-567-8356 [ext. 506]
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
General Conditions
Vélo Québec Voyages • Quebec Permit Holder • Crédits photos
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
©2004-2011 Vélo Québec
 |
|
. Route rating and level of difficulty
|
||||||||||||||
