Your challenge day by day
Day 1, Fri 07 Mar 2014
International departure from London
Meet at the airport for our flight to Havana, Cuba’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Charity Challenge representative will be there to assist with check-in. On arrival in Havana, we will be met at the airport by our Charity Challenge expedition leader who will transfer us to a three-star hotel, where we will spend the night and be briefed about the adventure ahead.
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Day 2, Sat 08 Mar 2014
Havana to Playa Jibacoa
Today we have the chance to explore beautiful Old Havana before heading into the Cuban countryside. A city tour will give us an opportunity to learn about Havana’s expansive and varied history from war to revolution, including an introduction to its many beautiful buildings and monuments. We then transfer to Playa Jibacoa, where we are introduced to our bikes ahead of the adventure that awaits us.
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Day 3, Sun 09 Mar 2014
Playa Jibacoa to Matanzas (approximately 53 kms)
It’s an early start for our long-awaited cycle ride towards Trinidad. Today’s route is hilly with steep climbs up to 200m and poor road conditions, particularly as we head to Arcos de Canasi. As the route meanders through country villages and pretty scenery, the toughest part of the day awaits at the entrance of Matanzas. The reward is a swim and a comfy hotel bed!
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Day 4, Mon 10 Mar 2014
Matanzas to Cienfuegos (approximately 75 kms with an optional 12kms)
Prepare for a long ride as we bid farewell to Matanzas, home to the infamous Bay of Pigs on the south coast. Overall, today’s ride is flat as it passes through villages and orchards. The only steep hill is a 330m climb at Triunvirato, before we stop for lunch. The ride continues through Saca Piedras, La Luisa, Zapote and Torriente, before reaching our hotel in Cienfuegos.
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Day 5, Tue 11 Mar 2014
Cienfuegos (approximately 53 kms)
Cienfuegos was founded on the fortunes of the sugar industry in the 1700s. The roads are generally good and our first climb upwards is just 300m. As we ride the scenic roads that border the city, it’s important to stay together as the traffic becomes heavier. Tonight there will be time to explore this picturesque bay city, which has repeatedly been looted by pirates in the past.
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Day 6, Wed 12 Mar 2014
Cienfuegos to Hanabanilla (approximately 60kms)
Today is the penultimate day of our ride and the route becomes hilly, curvy and visibility is limited. In addition, there’s the welcome distraction of the lush botanical gardens on the approach to the Escambray Mountains. Lunch is followed by the toughest part of the day – an 8km hilly ride. Dig deep on this tough terrain, while the glorious views of the Hanabilla Reservoir push you onwards.
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Day 7, Thu 13 Mar 2014
Hanabanilla to Trinidad (approximately 110 kms)
We will be covering a pedal-pumping 110kms on this grand finale of the ride. We begin with a fun descent before attacking curved roads with potholes, steady hills and limited visibility. After lunch there are tricky hills and a bumpy road. Yet you finish with a thrilling descent down to Trinidad. Spend the evening celebrating at our beach hotel which looks out onto the Caribbean.
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Day 8, Fri 14 Mar 2014
Relaxation and transfer back to Havana
Chill out at the beach or in the hotel pool. Alternatively, you can explore the charming town of Trinidad. With its cobbled streets and colonial housing, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has hardly changed in more than 150 years. In the early afternoon we transfer back to Havana for a celebratory dinner and the chance to sample some of Cuba’s finest exports – rum and cigars! Overnight in centrally located hotel.
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Day 9, Sat 15 Mar 2014
Free day in Havana
Spend more time sight-seeing or perhaps take part in a salsa or rumba lesson. And if you’re feeling hungry you could grab a bite at one of Havanas many paladares (local Cuban houses that cater for paying guests). Supper is provided in a restaurant close to the airport, before your evening flight back to the UK via Madrid. (Please note lunch is not included today).
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Day 10, Sun 16 Mar 2014
International departure to London Heathrow
Arrive back in the UK in a whirlwind of emotions as you return to your nearest and dearest, but part ways with new-found friends and trekking partners.
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Day 9, Sat 15 Mar 2014
Varadero Beach
2 full days of relaxation during which you can simply lie on the beach or by the pool and rest your weary limbs. Alternatively catamaran trips to deserted islands, snorkelling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing can be arranged through the hotel. (B, L, D)
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Day 10, Sun 16 Mar 2014
Varadero Beach
2 full days of relaxation during which you can simply lie on the beach or by the pool and rest your weary limbs. Alternatively catamaran trips to deserted islands, snorkelling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing can be arranged through the hotel. (B, L, D)
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Day 11, Mon 17 Mar 2014
Relax/ Depart
After lunch you will transfer to Havana Airport for your return flight to London via Madrid. (B)
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Day 12, Tue 18 Mar 2014
Arrive Home
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Important information about the Varadero Beach extension
Days 9 & 10: Varadero Beach
2 full days of relaxation during which you can simply lie on the beach or by the pool and rest your weary limbs. Alternatively catamaran trips to deserted islands, snorkelling, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing can be arranged through the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Relax/ Depart
After lunch you will transfer to Havana Airport for your return flight to London via Madrid. (B)
Day 12: Arrive Home
Arrive in the UK.
Included:
- All accommodation on a twin share basis at Iberostar Tainos a 4* hotel, Varadero on an all-inclusive basis
- Private transfers from Havana to Varadero and back to Havana airport (2 hours each way)
- Travel Insurance extension (if purchased through Charity Challenge)
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sat 15 Mar 2014
Havana
Bid farewell to the rest of the group this evening, though you can transfer to your centrally located hotel at any point this afternoon. You will be staying in the heart of Old Havana, close to museums, plazas, art galleries and prominent 18th Century buildings. Tonight you’re the guest in the home of Dulce Maria, where you will enjoy typical Cuban music and can learn to salsa. (B)
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Day 10, Sun 16 Mar 2014
Havana
On a half day tour of Havana, you will stroll along the Paseo de Marti, a pedestrian promenade lined with Moorish-influenced architecture. Visit the Capitolio Nacional, a fabulous monumental building crowned by a 300ft dome. You will also see the former Centro Gallego, which currently houses the Gran Teatro de La Habana. The afternoon will be spent visiting Revolution Square, where most political rallies take place. (B)
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Day 11, Mon 17 Mar 2014
Relax/depart
Most of the day is free to stroll around some of Havana’s many hidden cultural, historical and political treasures. After an early dinner, you will check in at Havana Airport for your return flight to London via Madrid. (B) [Please note that where possible we will book the overnight flight, however it might be necessary to take an earlier flight if there is no availability].
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Day 12, Tue 18 Mar 2014
Arrive home
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Important information about the Havana extension
Day 9: Havana
The group will leave you at approximately 2000hrs and you can transfer to your hotel anytime in the afternoon. Your accommodation for the night is in a centrally located hotel in the heart of Old Havana close to museums, plazas, art galleries and prominent buildings dating back to the 18th century. In the evening, we have arranged some salsa dancing and typical Cuban music, provided by Dulce Maria, who leads a cultural project for the community and today she will open her home to your group. (B)
Day 10: Havana
A half day tour of Havana awaits you, including a stroll along the Paseo de Marti (el Prado), a pedestrian promenade lined with examples of Moorish-influenced architecture. You will get the chance to visit to the Capitolio Nacional, a fabulous monumental building, obsequiously similar to the US Capitol Building, and crowned by a 300ft high dome. You will get to see the former Centro Gallego. It was built in 1915 by Belgium architect Paul Belau, and currently houses the Gran Teatro de La Habana, home of Alicia Alonso's Ballet Nacional del Cuba. In the afternoon, you will visit Revolution Square the place where most of the political rallies take place in Cuba and where Pope John Paul II gave his main mass during his visit to Cuba in 1999. Overnight in a centrally located hotel. (B)
Day 11: Relax/ Depart
Most of the day is free to stroll around and stumble across some of Havana’s many hidden cultural, historical and political treasures. After an early dinner, you will check in at Havana Airport for your return flight to London via Madrid. (B) [Please note that where possible the overnight flight will be booked, however it might be necessary to take an earlier flight if the overnight flight is not available.]
Day 12: Arrive Home
Arrive in the UK.
Included:
- All accommodation on a twin share basis at Amadores de Santander, Havana* on a bed & breakfast basis
- Entrance fee to the Capitol building and Garcia Lorca Theatre
- Salsa lessons on Day 9
- Guided sightseeing on day 10 (bilingual guides) & transport
- Travel Insurance extension (if purchased through Charity Challenge)
- Transfer to the airport
Excluded:
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips
- Lunch & dinners
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
Day 9, Sat 15 Mar 2014
Caya Levisa
It’s an early start as you have a three-hour transfer to the port for the 9.30am ferry. It’s then a 30-minute ferry crossing over the 6km stretch of water to Caya Levisa. Once there, you have 48 glorious hours to relax on the island. Have a go at diving, sailing, windsurfing or snorkelling or simply lie back with a good book. (B,L,D)
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Day 10, Sun 16 Mar 2014
Caya Levisa
The day is free to relax, snorkel or explore the island’s 3kms of sandy beaches. (B,L,D)
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Day 11, Mon 17 Mar 2014
Depart
Depending on flight times you will either need to catch the 9am or 5pm boat back to the mainland, before your transfer back to Havana (approximately 3hrs). You will be taken straight to the airport for your flight back to the UK via Madrid.
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Day 12, Tue 18 Mar 2014
Arrive home
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Important information about the Cayo Levisa Island extension
Day 9:
You will have an early start this morning as you need to be at the ferry port by 0930 and the private transfer takes approximately 3 hours from Havana. You will then catch the local ferry across the 6km stretch of water to Caya Levisa which will take about 30 minutes. You will then spend the next 48 hours relaxing on the island. You have the opportunity to go diving, sailing, windsurfing, snorkelling or just read a good book. (B,L,D)
Day 10:
You are free today, to explore the island and it's 3kms of sandy beaches, snorkel and relax. (B,L,D)
Day 11:
Dependent on flight times you will either need to catch the 9am or 5pm boat back to the mainland, before your transfer back to Havana, (approx. 3hrs) you will be transferred straight to the airport for your flight back to the UK via Madrid.
Day 12:
Land in the UK
Included:
- All accommodation is on a twin share basis at Caya Levisa Hotel, on a half board basis
- Private transfers from Havana to Palma Rubia port and back to Havana airport (3 hours each way)
- Travel Insurance extension (if purchased through Charity Challenge)
Excluded:
- Ferry ticket (payable locally 10 CUC)
- Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
- Tips
Please note that this extension is subject to minimum numbers and flight availability and should be booked no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. In some cases, a surcharge may need to be applied in which case we will inform you prior to confirming your booking. Full payment must be received no later than 8 weeks prior to departure or your place on the extension may be cancelled. All bookings will be confirmed no later than 6 weeks prior to departure.
The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, We will accommodate you in a room with someone of the same sex. This extenion needs a minimum of 2 people to be able to run. Additional nights can be arranged please contact the flights or operations team for further details.
*= Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.
