Our most popular Cycling Holiday…

On the second day of our Cuba Cross OverHoliday you will have the chance to explore Havana’s old town, founded by the Spaniards in 1519 and declared a UNESO World Heritage Site. It has certainly maintained its historical core with many buildings dating back to this time, so a stroll through the town is sure to be a real highlight onyour trip! In the 17^th century, the majority of ships sailing to Spain would stop off here in Havana, making it one of the world’s main dockyards of its time. However, the old town’s wealthtogether with the valuables carried on the ships attracted many pirates. To withstand pirate attacks, fortresses and ramparts were therefore gradually built and can be seen today dominating the city landscape.

Another highlight of this tour is the town of Trinidad, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The town was founded by Diego Velázquez in 1514 and is now home to 75,000 inhabitants. Until the 19^th century, Trinidad was an important and wealthy city because of its sugar, tobacco and livestock farming industries. Despite several pirate attacks, the town was never destroyed, meaning visitors can still marvel at the historical, pastel-coloured buildings and unique colonial charm. It was however the Cuban Wars of Liberation, intense European competition in the sugar industry and the slave revolts that put an end to this era of prosperity. Stepping onto the Plaza Mayor in the heart of the old town, you will feel like you have stepped back into colonial times; almost all the houses have remained unchanged since the wealthy sugar barons lived there.

You will not have to spend your whole time pedalling on our Cuba Cycling Holidays, there will also be some time to simply sit back and relax. What better place to do so than on the fine sandy beaches of Varadero on the Hicacos Peninsula? In the 19^th century wealthy Hacienda owners retreated to their summer villas here to take in the views of the azure seas. Many wealthy Americans, including Al Capone, followed suit by building private villas on the peninsula in the 1920s. It was only after the Revolution in 1959, when the 20km beach was nationalised, that they were made accessible to the general public. Today, the notorious headland houses numerous beautiful hotels with lush gardens providing an alternative relaxation spot to the white sandy beaches. The many surrounding coral reefs are perfect for snorkelling and the clear turquoise waters beckon you to go swimming or even sailing. Take a trip to Varadero and let yourself get carried away by the infectious Caribbean spirit!