A trip I'd really been looking forward to, and it still managed to surpass my expectations. A fascinating place, lots of contrasts, great music, and the trip covered everything on my wish list. Go now, before it changes too much.
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.
There can be no better way of seeing and getting under the skin of Cuba today than mounting an almost new hybrid bike, led by a knowledgeable local, supported by a comfortable coach (in case of a rest). The trip covers most of Cuba to the east of Havana. Check the trip notes and make sure you understand there are a lot of transfers at times to enable you to get from A to B. Given that in some ways Cuba is a 3rd world country (ie not as developed or comfortable as the West) the quality of the hotels generally exceeded my expectations - as long as you like quirky! You won't go hungry, buffets are the norm, but I longed for meusli for breakfast and something other than rice , black beans and meat for supper.