Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Really just watching and learning about such a very different way of life The salsa lesson was fun but quite energetic The drive through Havana in open top limos on the final day was a perfect finale

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rai was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour She organised a few extras not on the itinerary which was great Despite finding out about "Cuban time " early on she did expect punctuality from the group!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had a couple of cold fronts so maybe pack more than one warm top. Over half of our group including myself experienced upset stomach so bring remedies, hand gel etc If you see crafts you like in any of the towns you pass through, I would suggest buying them then. the craft market in Havana is dark, cramped and not such a nice shopping experience

Suggestions

The stays in the Casas Particulares were very clean although you may have to carry cases up narrow stairs so pack light! The hotels were variable in quality and cleanliness Breakfasts were generally good and varied

Most Inspirational Moment

When the political system was fully explained to us, very little like a Communist system we thought it was.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The local guide was faultless, spoke perfect English and her knowledge was far reaching and interesting, I don't think there was one question she couldn't answer all week. She had a great sense of humour and seemed to know every building in every town we visited. Her historic knowledge was also impressive, for both Cuba and surprisingly the UK.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I highly recommend including the direct Virgin flights from Gatwick within your package, the times in both directions were very suitable and the flights pleasant, the same could not be said about flights some others booked independently, none of them were direct so travel times were extended greatly and their time in Cuba reduced. I also recommend taking unused toiletries, pens, notebooks and other useful items to donate because they are hard to get hold of for Cubans. Chocolates we found are also useful for tips in Casas.

Suggestions

It will be Havana's 500th anniversary in 2019 so there is a lot of work going on in and around the old town in preparation for the celebrations; building refurbishments, roadworks etc. so be prepared for this and it will not ruin your trip to Havana.

Most Inspirational Moment

I enjoyed most aspects of the trip. Looking back, the time in Vinales valley was most memorable. Lovely little town with colourful painted houses that was very unexpected and it was interesting to trace the journey of cigar making from field to factory. Also had a lovely evening meal in an organic farm overlooking the entire valley

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader Ray was excellent. She was very organised and offered lots of extra opportunities to sample what Cuba had to offer from finding nice local restaurants to eat in to trips (like the Cadillac ride around Havana on the last morning). She was passionate about her country and that came across in the way spoke about it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Nearly half our group were affected by stomach problems over the week. Not sure if we had a bug going round the group of it was due to the ice in drinks but make sure you go prepared with medications (and toilet roll!) just in case. Due to trade embargoes, Cubans don't have access to what we see as the basics in life (toiletries, clothing, pens etc) if you can, take a few extra items to leave behind it is very much appreciated

Suggestions

A good introduction to Cuba with a bit of everything. Go with an open mind and a sense of humour

Most Inspirational Moment

Impossible to pick just one moment - history, culture, flora & fauna, food and cocktails... A total immersion into every aspect of and the real grass roots of an amazing country. If time is limited, this certainly packs plenty of punch and you don't feel like you've missed out on anything.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rayselis completely made our trip. She was more than a tour leader - she became one of the group, joining in every experience. She is extremely enthusiastic, super-friendly, patient, so knowledgeable, passionate about every aspect of her country and eager to share her thoughts, experiences, knowledge and emotions about it all. She took us to all the best places and ensured we had the most amazing holiday ever. You really couldn't have asked for more.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Euros were a useful addition, as they could be spent in Havana - saves queuing for currency exchange. They were used at the same value as CUCs, and change is given in CUCs, which was useful for getting lunch on our last day and acquiring just a few additional CUCs for the afternoon. Financial tips are very much appreciated, of course, but it's not money Cubans want, it's the things that simply aren't available to buy. A bar of soap, a few toiletries, pens and paper, chocolate etc - they're even more appreciated than cash, as they can't buy them easily - if at all - otherwise.

Suggestions

The only thing I really felt this trip skipped over was the Bay of Pigs - while we drove through the area, we didn't stop even for a photograph, and I don't really feel like we covered this important site, despite passing right through.

Most Inspirational Moment

We had some free time on the last day and hired an old American car to drive us round Havana - it was a fantastic way to see this amazing city and well worth the time and money.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was great - incredibly knowledgable and his English language skills were great. He gave us a very good overview of the country and what is has been/is like to live there. He was keen to show us not just the more obvious places, but also for example a local ration shop.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Staying in the Casa Particulares was interesting but a basic knowledge of Spanish would be helpful - even if just to introduce yourself to your host. Some speak no English whatsoever. The casas are very variable and while all have en-suite bathrooms, the plumbing was in some cases rather interesting (!) and it wasn't always easy to get sufficient water to wash your hair or shower properly. There is alot of bus travel so take a book or music on the bus with you to pass the time.

Suggestions

While the stays in Casa Particulares were interesting, be aware that despite Exodus' policy of putting those travelling on their own in a house together, we often found at least one of the group was staying somewhere on their own. While that in itself is not a problem, when you don't speak the language, it would have been better to put together travelling as couple on their own and singles together.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Santa Clara and the Che Guevera Mausoleum. I know the country was 'on lock down' wrt the speaking of foreign languages until recently, but I was disappointed at the last of translated script in the museum on such an interesting and historic subject.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jorge was fantastic throughout and tackled daily obstacles with professionalism. We were warned on day one about 'Cuban time' and soon realised that life is more relaxed than the hustle and bustle of the UK. Therefore I would advise to go with a relaxed attitude to things and try and not to get stressed!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would advise to try and learn some Spanish as not many Cubans can speak any other language due to it being banned under Fidel. We couldn't and whilst we didn't suffer per se, one person in our group could and he really interacted with the Cubans and gained so much more from the trip. The Casa Particulares are the equivalent of UK, B&B's and whilst every one we stayed in was of adequate quality, the language barrier made the stays a little uncomfortable. Every member of the group suffered tummy problems during the week! We were told to only drink bottled water, but then every day, mojito's, pina colada's and cuba libre's were available full of ice which I imagine was made from tap water! I was ok drinking beer until we reached Havana and then had my 3 included cocktails at the Buena Vista Social Club and 'whoosh' - so be warned!! On previous trips to India I have used probiotic tablets and had no problems at all so if I go to Cuba again I will Def take them next time. Whilst the food is good and wholesome, it does get a bit monotonous in the general restaurants as the only daily choice is what meat you want, the accompaniments will be rice, rice and beans, salad and fruit. Seeing as they have good ties with Mexico, the lack of spice and chilli was surprising and craved for after a few days. Breakfasts in the hotels were excellent and the buffet lunch in Santa Clara was unanimously hailed as excellent. There are two days when you are on the coach for most of the day so I would recommend you take some entertainment with you specifically for those days. I had some films on my tablet that made the journeys zip by, some had music, and some read, although the roads were bumpy at times and made that difficult.

Suggestions

I was brought up in the 60's where Cuba, Castro and Che were portrayed as the enemy by America and consequently I never really looked into the history of the Island. Prior to visiting I made an effort to read up and I was surprised to find out that Castro and Che were the people's champion and overthrew a corrupt government financed by the Americans, who retaliated at losing out on their years of island dominance and taking advantage of by introducing the embargo. I realise there is a real truth in the middle somewhere, but the Cuban people are so open and friendly and ready for the world to talk to them. I only hope the uniqueness of the island is not lost when the Americans march in again! Whilst there is still poverty on the island, it was not as bad as I was expecting from previous visitors reports, so it is good to see that the population is benefiting from Raul Castro's new policies.

Most Inspirational Moment

Touring Habana in an open top 60 year old pontiac

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good. Amazing in fact given he had never left the country and english was not a recommended language until recently. As a chemistry Graduate he was intelligent and well informed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is almost no internet, unless you have the patience to stand in the odd hotspot and log in continuously. The food is basic and repetitive, but the rum is good, therefore mojitos, cuba libre, and pina coladas are plentiful. It is very relaxed and the people welcolming.

Suggestions

The Casa accommodation, is a new thing and a great idea worth supporting, but from our grout the accommodations is very variable, from dam dank spaces on a busy road, to penthouse flats with private terrace. but they do all have ensuites, AC, and are clean. its only one night go with the flow.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting Trinidad with its music and dance everywhere.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very knowledgable and also funny. Very attentive to any problems the group had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As our group leader said ' when in Cuba expect the unexpected' Try adding on some extra days to enjoy the great beaches and the cooling sea breezes as it can be very hot and humid

Suggestions

Not much choice food wise any where , and being a vegetarian I eat a lot of cheese and bread!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many great moments - the visit and dinner at the organic farm in Viñales, the city tour of Old Havana, the cobbled streets of Trinidad. I went on the walking trail in the national park in Trinidad which ended with a dip in a freshwater pool with a waterfall - that was amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Reyselis was amazing - always in a good mood, informative, organised, funny. Nothing was too much trouble for her. A couple of times the weather disrupted plans, but she always came up with an excellent Plan B. She is definitely the best guide I've ever had.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take more money than you think you will need - Cuba is not cheap. Keep lots of change handy - useful of tipping and for toilets. Which brings me to say - keep toilet paper/tissues handy as well as hand sanitisers - there may be toilets (generally fairly clean) but no toilet paper or soap. Don't expect too much of the food - it was very simple.

Suggestions

Go now before the country changes!

Most Inspirational Moment

Cuban Music eating outside at local houses in Trinidad