Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

A major highlight was exploring the streets and alleyways of Trinidad and enjoying the music and dancing at one of our cocktail stops. I also loved the tour of Havana in the open-topped old American cars. Quite exhilarating.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was fantastic. Excellent knowledge, friendly and helpful personality and a great sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do it soon.

Suggestions

You need to keep an open mind. Lifts may not work, the water might be tepid, the infrastructure can't quite keep up with the demands made on it, but if is a sensational (and still unspoilt) travel destination.

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking trip around both Trinidad and Havana was excellent and well guided.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Raysalis was absolutely brilliant. She had a lovely disposition, was very knowledgeable about the island and its history. She also went out of her way to make sure everyone was happy and any issues were resolved quickly (i.e. one lady had a problem with her camera and she helped sort it out). Her English was fantastic and she was very clear about the plan for each day ensuring that the whole group knew what was going on and that everyone's timekeeping was as good as possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is a lot of construction going in Havana at the moment (i.e. the Capitoli building currently has scaffolding on it), but don't let it put you off, it's amazing to see the development and changes happening. The food is bland but very good - just don't expect anything spicy! Snacks are hard to come by, so take chocolate / crisps / sweets if you can't survive without them. There are various towers to climb in Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Havana - climb them all, the views are worth it!

Suggestions

We drove through the Bay of Pigs and stopped off to enjoy a dip in the sea which was fantastic and a welcome break to the bus journey, however it would have been nice to have the option to visit the Bay of Pigs museum.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the che guevara museum - an amazing and moving story of his life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge was a friendly leader with good local knowledge however we never had enough time in any area/town to really apprecitate what he was telling us. Ray was a great driver coping well with the long 7-9 hours driving he was doing on most days.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do visit Cuba as its a good place to see, however take toilet roll with you where ever you go, take snacks as there is very little in the way of chocolate, crisps, sweets etc, if you wanted take spices or sauces to pep-up your food, definately book an add-on beach hotel via Exodus at the end of the tour so you can chillout for a few days at the end as you will be exhausted from not doing much! Oh and buy Rum out there as it is really cheap.

Suggestions

I've toured with Exodus before and they are a great company however I do usually travel independently so to be stuck on a coach for a week was not really my idea of fun. The tour does say long days travelling however you will not appreciate it until you get there. Don't not go on the tour -just be aware of this before you go. Enjoy.

Most Inspirational Moment

Salsa dancing

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent . Good English , knowledgeable and keen to give us a good experience

Advice for Potential Travellers

Extend the trip preferably at the end for a few days either in Havana or to go to the beach

Most Inspirational Moment

the whole trip was made up of wonderful moments - not possible to single out just one.

Thoughts on Group Leader

as mentioned above Rayselis was a 'complete gem'

Advice for Potential Travellers

Internet very poor - just be prepared if you think you will need it!

Suggestions

the stays in the 'casa's' were really enjoyable and comfortable

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing/experiencing Havana. The dinner at the organic farm in Vinales. Watching the locals salsa dance at a bar in Vinales Walking around Trinidad The included dinner at Trinidad Santa Clara (for the history) and Sancti Spiritus (for a less touristy feel to the place)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lazaro was knowledgeable and answered all questions honestly

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring a book/mp3 player as some of the journeys are long. The sooner you adapt to 'Cuban Time' the easier it is. Whilst some of the food is a bit bland there are there are some really good meals to be had too

Most Inspirational Moment

Departures at Havana international airport, when the luggage handlers couldn't keep up, the toilets ran out of water, the air con stopped, the 'cafe' had no food and the Exchange desk ran out of stirling, I realised just how much we take for granted in the west.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was excellent, especially as there were 20 (!) in our group. She coped with problems such as casas that were not as described - some had shared bathrooms, poor plumbing etc. She was happy to change the itinerary when the group didn't want another cigar factory or wanted longer at one stop than planned. She helped some of us to find an ATM and a 1-hour internet card although we had to wait for her help as there were so many of us.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arrival at your first hotel/casa will be 4hrs+ after landing due to slooow baggage reclaim and queues for currency. Take 2 rolls of toilet paper, plenty of snack bars, an umbrella or large hat, anti-histamines and paracetemol. Brace yourself for lack of internet! The shops are often almost empty but you can usually find bottled water - check the seal. Cafe/hotel food is very simple and plain but nourishing

Suggestions

There was an optional meal and salsa night at the end of the trip but it was so packed we couldn't dance and had to chase a waiter to bring our group the 3rd (last) drink. Consider skipping this and having a meal somewhere else.

Most Inspirational Moment

The view across Havana from the Ambos Mundos hotel roof-top terrace.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. She was able to fill in all the background information required with plenty of local knowledge and a sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to be flexible if accommodation changes.

Suggestions

I would have preferred to stay somewhere other than the Copacabana in Miramar. Fortunately for us we had stayed initially in the more atmospheric Ambos Mundos in old Havana. The Copacabana would not have been my ideal introduction to Cuba!

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Havana and seeing the Spanish influence in day to day life and all the beautiful buildings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent knowledge of Cuba. One small point that could be improved: The group did not introduce themselves at the start of the tour. I felt slightly embarrassed when asking others their names a few days into the tour. Also I had know idea where they were from.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just to be aware the Casas can be basic.

Suggestions

No

Most Inspirational Moment

Trinidad - despite its touristy nature it was a charming small town. I had a superb massage there so this is probably my personal highlight!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lazaro was an outstanding group leader. His command of English was incredible as he had never visited the UK or the US - just read a lot he said. He was informative and always willing to answer questions. He was always approachable. Above all he was keen to let the group know about his country, its history, culture and people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip was a bit breathless - there was not a lot of free time except in Trinidad and Havana. Some people had extra time at either the start or the end - I wish I had done this. Cuba was more expensive than I had imagined, certainly for food but less so for drinks and trinkets. Be prepared for long lines to change money especially at the airport; the ATM in Havana did work though.

Suggestions

A bit more time in Cienfuegos - we did not realise it was bigger than it seemed. The hotel there was a long way from the city. The guide could have suggested a longer time here - but it had been a long day of travel.