From CAD 3,135
Guarantee
Small Group
Unknown
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Explore Cuba, a land known for revolution and rum, salsa and cigars, classic cars and crumbling colonial towns. The whole truth, however, is far more eye-opening and evocative. Guided by an expert tour leader, we unpack it all. Of course, there’s the essential experiences: dancing salsa, making mojitos and relaxing on the Caribbean sands of Playa Ancón. But it’s through our countless interactions with the local people and nightly stays in Cuban guesthouses that we truly understand a culture forged under unique circumstances: welcoming, sociable and resilient, despite daily adversities.
Profile
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Cuban guesthouses known as Casa Particulares) — Travel by comfortable air-conditioned private coach — Tour enables legal travel to Cuba for US citizens under the Support for the Cuban People program — Cuban Tourist Cards included for most UK/Ireland residents — Free arrival and departure transfers on trip start and end date
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Cuban guesthouses known as Casa Particulares) — Travel by comfortable air-conditioned private coach — Tour enables legal travel to Cuba for US citizens under the Support for the Cuban People program — Cuban Tourist Cards included for most UK/Ireland residents — Free arrival and departure transfers on trip start and end date
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Understanding Cuba: Cuba’s famously turbulent history and economic stagnation has resulted in daily difficulties: supermarket shelves can be bare, finding a working ATM is often tricky and wifi is unreliable. However, our tour leader helps to unravel the nuances and red tape of island life, allowing you to truly absorb this fascinating destination. We strongly recommend reading the Trip Notes carefully, there’s plenty of information in there that will enhance your experience!
Journeys: We travel in a private air-conditioned coach. The longest journey is seven hours on Day 3, and there is another long distance to cover on Day 6 (approximately five hours). Travel times can vary depending on traffic and weather.
Phone signal: Phone networks don’t make or receive calls particularly well in Cuba, and coverage may not be available in many locations. There is 4G but not all phone networks work here, so please check with your service provider before travel. Data roaming from your home network can be incredibly expensive – we recommend switching this off. There are several ways to connect to the internet using a mobile device, but it’s best not to expect a reliable internet connection. Most casas particulares have free wifi which, while much slower than your usual connection, is adequate for keeping in touch with friends and family via WhatsApp or email. If you have time, you could buy a Cuban sim card to access roaming; however, service is slow and it may take a couple of hours to buy and register your sim card.
Group Description
The trip is led by an English-speaking Cuban guide, accompanied by a driver.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, two lunches and four dinners are included.
The paladares are likely to be a highlight of any visit to Cuba – they are one of the few types of private enterprise allowed (although still heavily regulated). Think soul food – rice, black beans, slow-roast pork or chicken, fresh fish, lobster and plenty of tropical fruit. The atmosphere in private paladares and the opportunity to integrate with Cubans will absolutely enhance your stay!
In general, Cuba is not renowned for its culinary excellence (although it is improving) and some ingredients are just not possible to acquire. Food tends to be simple and relatively expensive – in no small part due to the long trade embargo implemented by the US. Dishes tend to be simple, with most mealtimes consisting of meat or fish accompanied by rice and salad or vegetables. Seafood is widely available on the coast, including cheap and abundant lobster! Vegetarians will find that choices are limited, but it's still possible to eat well. Snacks are not freely available in Cuba so you may wish to bring some with you – particularly energy snacks, as food shops, cafes and restaurants are scarce in many of the rural areas we visit. It can be difficult to find quick lunches on the go as Cubans typically eat two meals a day – we provide packed lunches during the day and there are plenty of water and fruit refreshment stops. While food choice can be basic, on the plus side there is absolutely no shortage of rum! Havana Club, Black Tears, Ron Santiago, Caney… after your visit, you will be an expert.
Some drinking water is available on the bus, but we ask that you bring a filter water bottle to refill at public fountains and taps along the way. This helps to cut down on plastic and the need to buy water.
Transportation
We use a private, air-conditioned coach throughout the tour.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start accommodation: Casas particulares in Havana
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. The welcome briefing often takes place in the morning of Day 2, due to the evening arrival of many flights
Airport: Havana (HAV)
Getting to the start accommodation
The start accommodation is approximately 35 minutes from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start accommodation from the airport for all customers arriving on the start date of the trip (customers arriving earlier than the start date may take a taxi or book a private transfer). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers departing on the last day of the group trip to Havana Airport (HAV) from the end accommodation.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start accommodation and from the end accommodation and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
The dry season runs from November to April (with December to March being the peak months for traditional tourism). It is very humid between May and October, with heavy rains at times and the possibility of hurricanes. July and August are some of the most popular months but are hot (average 28C/82F) and wet. Cuba has an average of six hours of sunshine per day with a more or less constant humidity of 62 precent. Water temperature is normally 24C-28C (75F-82F).
Spending Money
Drinks are generally around €2-€5.
Many travellers find Cuba more expensive than they expect (particularly Havana) and we recommend you bring more spending money rather than less. We recommend €350-400 per person for the week (not including tips for the guide and driver). Small denominations are preferred and can easily be spent in restaurants and bars.
If you wish to take part in the optional salsa class on Day 5, the cost will be between €10-€15, depending on the number of people participating.
Tipping
If you are happy with the services of the guide and driver, we recommend a tip of around €30-€40 per passenger for the week, which you can divide in favour of the guide.
Tipping is at your own discretion but is very much part of the culture in Cuba and is usually expected. Your tour leader will offer to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which is used to tip local guides at individual museums and attractions, musicians and waiting staff for included meals etc throughout the trip. The guide will usually collect around €30 from each group member at the start of the trip to cover this.
Tipping is also expected in restaurants – add about 10 percent to the bill.
Highlights
— Experience the real Cuba, its complex story revealed by our expert tour leader — Cruise the streets of Havana in a classic car — See rural Cuba on a walk through tobacco plantations in the UNESCO-listed Viñales Valley — Learn to dance salsa in Trinidad – a local expert showing you the steps — Relax on the picturesque Caribbean beach of Playa Ancón — Stay in casas particulares throughout – a warm and uniquely Cuban homestay!
Trip Details
Product Code: 4342
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: the tour.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AUW
Starts: Havana, Cuba
Finishes: Havana, Cuba
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, two lunches, four dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers on trip start and end date — Cuban tourist card for most UK/Ireland residentsAccommodation
Casas particulares: a uniquely Cuban experienceWe stay in casas particulares, guesthouse-style accommodation that provides a unique insight into local life – an experience you just wouldn’t get in a traditional hotel! Understanding casas Casas are privately owned homes with rooms to rent. Some call them Cuba’s answer to the B&B, but the truth is they offer a far more personal experience. Typically, the owner (and often family) will live at the property, meaning you have meaningful interactions with them as soon as you wake. The hosts are warm, welcoming and gracious – expect generous breakfasts, plenty of smiles and friendly conversations in Spanglish. Who knows, you may make a friend or two! The properties we use have been handpicked by our local team and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, reflecting the personality and lifestyle of the owners. As family homes, they tend to have a maximum of three or four bedrooms each, so we often use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our group. We do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other group members are staying. The rooms are often vibrant, simply furnished and with tiled floors, sometimes with wooden shutters in place of windows. All have air conditioning and a private bathroom. Worth knowing Power cuts are part of daily life in Cuba, so please prepare for blackouts that may last several hours. Torches (flashlights) are readily available for evening/night-time occurrences. Also pack mosquito repellent for these periods – you’ll want to open your window, too.Internet connections can be unreliable.Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental.Casas do not have lifts (elevators) so you should be able and prepared to carry your luggage up stairs.Many casa owners can help with laundry for a small fee.Most casas do not have hairdryers.There are often pets (a cat or dog) at the casas – please advise at the time of booking if this is problematic.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3135 (CAD 392 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Havana, the lively capital of Cuba. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. We check into our first casas particulares of the trip; today is all about settling in and unwinding after your flight. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation. Accommodation: Casas particulares
Today, we travel to the Viñales Valley in the west of Cuba. Famous for its rolling tobacco plantations and collection of limestone karsts, it’s easy to see why Viñales was awarded World Heritage status. Joined by a local resident, we walk through the Valley of Silence to soak up rural Cuban life as farmers tend to their crops using traditional farming methods. We also visit a tobacco farm to learn about the famous Cuban export and meet with a tobacco farmer to understand the growing process. After checking into our casas particulares, we visit a farm in the Viñales hills for a sunset dinner overlooking the valley. Accommodation: Casas particulares
This morning, we have a long drive eastward to Playa Larga. We stop at a farmer’s house in the village of Palpite with the aim of seeing the smallest birds in the world, the bee hummingbird, who like to feed on the farmer’s patio. We are then joined by a local nature expert who introduces us to the natural landscape and characteristics of the area. We also visit a small community arts and dance school in Palpite to meet participants and learn about the importance of the arts in Cuba. If time, we can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of the Bay of Pigs. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional creole dinner followed by the quintessentially Cuban pastime of dominoes and rum. Today’s travel time is approximately five hours. Accommodation: Casas particulares
This morning, we continue eastwards to Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. Cienfuegos is a city full of architectural delights and Cuban spirit with a beautiful main square and restored buildings. On arrival, we take a tour on bici-taxis, a fun and sustainable way to see the city. Each can accommodate two people and is pedalled by a local resident (most of whom like to introduce their guests to reggaeton music!). The bici-taxi tour is a great time to talk to Cienfuegos residents and refine your Spanish. After, we depart Cienfuegos and drive down the coast to Trinidad, a World Heritage site since 1988 and perhaps the best-preserved colonial town on the island. Exploring Trinidad is like stepping back in time, the cobbled streets and horse-drawn transportation whisking you back to the Colonial era. There are many interesting museums in old colonial buildings and music drifts through the streets and plazas, bringing the town to life. We have a walking tour with a local resident who provides an insider perspective of what it’s like to live in Trinidad. The tour also includes a visit to Casa Templo de Santeria de Yemaya where we learn about Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion. This evening, we meet a local barman at a private paladar who is an expert at mixing the perfect mojito! We learn how to mix mojitos in the authentic Cuban way then enjoy dinner at the paladar before returning to our casas particulares. Accommodation: Casas particulares
This morning, we transfer to Playa Ancón, making a short stop to visit the picturesque fishing village of La Boca. This is a popular spot with local fishermen, who we meet and speak to about the fishing industry in Cuba. Then we carry on to Playa Ancón and enjoy time at the beach. It is a great place to swim or you can simply dip your toes in the water and relax. After, we have an authentic Cuban lunch prepared for us. On our return to Trinidad in the afternoon, there is the option to take part in a salsa class, learning the fundamentals with Cuban dance partners. Trinidad is known for its nightlife, so after we’ve learnt the salsa basics, we visit Casa de la Trova, a legendary live music venue, to listen to local musicians playing authentic Cuban music. This venue is always lively and sociable, with plenty of Cubans keen to let us improve our moves with them! Accommodation: Casas particulares
After breakfast, we visit a project in Trinidad that showcases the skilled process of making textile handicrafts. Then, leaving Trinidad, we head to Manaca Iznaga, where we learn about the sugar-growing history surrounding the Valle de los Ingenios, a hugely important industry for Cuba during the 18th and 19th centuries. As we have a long transfer today, we take packed lunches from our accommodation. We also visit a country farm where you can enjoy a cafecito (Cuban coffee) and learn about the crops grown in the area. As well as being welcomed into their house for a cafecito, we have a short walk around the property with the owners, learning about small-scale agriculture techniques and industry in rural Cuba. Our next stop is Santa Clara, the site of the last battle of the Cuban Revolution in December 1958, just before Fidel Castro took Havana. Che Guevara and his troops ambushed an armoured train carrying arms to Santiago de Cuba and this was a major turning point in the Revolution. We visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara and his comrades who died in Bolivia before driving back to Havana. Today’s travel time is approximately five to six hours. Accommodation: Casas particulares
This morning, we have a walking tour of Havana, the capital and largest city in Cuba. We walk the streets of Old Havana, often described as a living museum with magnificent monuments, cathedrals and palaces, as well as seeing the famous Capitolio building and four of the city’s principal squares. During our tour, we also visit a ration store, food market and artisan market. There is no better way to see Havana than by classic car. This afternoon, we get acquainted with both the old and new areas of the city in pristine classic cars, discovering the distinct areas of the capital and stopping at points of interest for explanations and stories. Stops include the historic Plaza de la Revolución and bustling Vedado district. Our final dinner is at a private paladar, run by an entrepreneurial chef who pioneers a fusion of Cuban and Asian cuisine. Accommodation: Casas particulares
This morning is free to relax or do some last-minute sightseeing in Havana Old Town before we bid a fond farewell to each other and begin our return journeys home.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Martin Samuels - Traveled, December 2023
A Great Tasting Experience in a Different World This was a trip of variety in a very different culture with plenty of different experiences. The Cuban people have a lively spirit, both in their rum and in their music and these are readily available through the trip from city to beach. The trip provides a great feel for the people, their lives, history, economy and their struggles. Although a poor country, the people and the visit were overall uplifting. The trip flew by but will remain a memorable visit. Most Inspirational Moment Drinking Cuban cocktails in the bars listening to the Cuban music and watching the Cuban dancing; walks around Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad; spending time on the beach in the Bay of Pigs; and of course, driving around Havana in a brightly coloured veteran US car. Thoughts on Group Leader The group leader had a great knowledge of the country, the people and their lives, and was invaluable in navigating our way around ensuring we were kept safe, secure and entertained. Advice for Potential Travellers Food choices are limited, especially if you are vegetarian; take two-flat pin socket adapters; do not expect much wifi; take USD or EUR cash; buy rum, cigars and handmade crafts; take some small items of daily living for the locals (soap, paracetamol, etc); be prepared to see some poverty; and the airport is freezing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Ilenia Barausse - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing trip! Cuba had been on my bucket list for a very long time and it did not disappoint. What an amazing trip this was, perfect in every way! Cuba offers so much: beautiful and diverse countryside, colourful historic towns ,fantastic beaches and the friendliest people I have ever met. I was also very lucky to share this experience with a lovely group of like-minded people who made this experience extra special. Most Inspirational Moment There were so many!! The Che Guevara mausoleum was my personal highlight and I found it quite moving. Trinidad was special too, filled with music and colours. And of course staying in the local Casas was a beautiful experience, every host was super friendly and welcoming treating you as if you were part of the family. And I have to mention the ride around Havana on a beautiful classic car on the last day of the trip. What a cool way to end this amazing experience! Thoughts on Group Leader Our leader Rayselis was fantastic! A true Cuban, so passionate about her country and very informative. She told us so much about every aspect of Cuba, from the history to the Cuban way of life. She was always kind, always smiling and making sure everyone was ok. The best leader you could ask for! Advice for Potential Travellers Just go with an open mind. Cuba does not offer the luxuries of some other countries but it is extremely safe, locals are very friendly and welcoming. If you can learn a few words of Spanish that will definitely help as in some Casas English can be very limited. Also a power bank is very useful in case of blackouts. Suggestions If you ever wanted to go to Cuba go on this trip! It is quite a busy and packed itinerary but it gives you a real taste of Cuba and it will leave you wanting so much more. I will go back for sure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2023
Gavin Ireland - Traveled, November 2023
Awesome Experience Cuba has the most beautiful scenic mountains, forests, beaches, lowlands, and wildlife. The roads are pretty awful in Cuba, but our driver did a great job of navigating the potholes. Cuba’s towns and cities are a beautiful example of people who have the least being happy to share what little they have. The locals were all friendly, generous, and welcoming, not to mention happy to put up with me murdering the Spanish language in an attempt to communicate. Trinidad is party central! Every night of the week, bars and clubs have excellent live bands, and so many amazing dancers. Havana is packed full of culture, and although a lot of the city is run down and falling down, you can see where restoration work on the colonial style building has been completed to a very high standard, and where it is ongoing. The Rum museum (Museo Del Ron Havana Club) is well worth a trip, the basic tour lasts about 1/2 hour and includes a generous sample of the 7 year old Havana Club rum for 350 pesos, which at the time was less than £4! Generally prices in Cuba are very low, and thankfully now you only have to deal with Cuban pesos and Euros, whereas in the past there was also CUC too! Most Inspirational Moment We know that generally people in Cuba don't have a lot, and Rayselis showed us a few of the projects being run not only to preserve Cuban heritage, but also to give the people jobs and allow them to earn a little extra. Whilst in the tourist areas, beggars we fairly common, my general view of Cubans is that they want to work for a better life. Thoughts on Group Leader Rayselis was amazing. Her local knowledge was awesome, and she seems to know everyone! She was constantly working behind the scenes to make sure that our experience was the best that it could be, and she looked after us all so well. I think we would have been lost and broke without her. Advice for Potential Travellers If you're prone to getting bitten, or you react badly to insect bites, bug spray is essential even during the day. If you want to help poor people, do it via your tour guide. The moment you give to one beggar you'll be swarmed by all of them. In bars and restaurants in Havana, if you want to choose a "special" cocktail from the board - ask the price first. We found that the cocktails on the menu were 700 pesos (around £3.50) and the ones on the board were 2200 pesos (roughly £11). Still good value compared to London prices, but not 3 times better than the ones on the menu. There are some amazing rums to try, but before you buy that £180, £400, £3500 bottle of rum to take home, find a bar and try them first. Maybe it's my unrefined palate, but out of the various expensive bottles I preferred the £50 masters selection to the more expensive ones. Suggestions What an amazing country and fantastic experience. As I understand it, it doesn't look like "the Americans" will be arriving anytime soon, but if you get a chance to go, do it before McDonalds, Coke, and flashy new buildings and cars arrive. Whilst I would love for the Cuban people to have more and a better life, right now it is an unspoilt gem in the Caribbean.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Angela Whitbread - Traveled, October 2023
wow what an amazing and diverse country!! one moment you are in the stunning serene countryside learning about tobacco the next you are in a loud, vibrant city full of unexpected things and history at every turn. From being invited to dance in a restaurant by an after work group who were out drinking one night in Havana to blackouts, from salsa dancing with a live band to the beautiful beaches a treasure trove of a trip that I will never forget. Most Inspirational Moment visiting the cassas where the real Cubans live and very generously let us stay with them often with little English to get by but the shared love of animals and an open mind. visiting a local farmer and a local fisherman to see how they live and work was a privilege. Dancing in Trinidad with my tour leader Jorge accompanied by a live band was defiantly a highlight. seeing how hard it is for Cubans just to get to their workplace and dealing with the blackouts and the Wi-Fi connections and just everyday living that we take for granted. seeing the very different towns of vinales and Cienfuegos with their beautiful buildings then onto Trinidad and the wonderfully historic buildings there is like a time machine!! Thoughts on Group Leader Jorge was amazing his English is perfect and his sense of humour was on point!! The love for his country and history is infectious and I can say I learnt a great deal from him. He is a very inspirational man. Our driver Juan carols was so good, driving such long distances is not an easy things on the Cuban roads which were mostly empty I might add due the fuel issue. both were such lovely warm people we wont forget in a hurry. Advice for Potential Travellers go with an open mind and you dancing shoes for a whistlestop tour of this beautiful country!! Suggestions The food is amazing and the fish is some of the best along with the lobster which I defiantly cant afford here in the uk. you wont need anything to keep warm with at night either, take lots of euros in coins and small notes surprisingly they don't want their own currency!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Deb Griffiths - Traveled, March 2020
Cuba Have just come back from a Taste of Cuba trip. What an amazing time we had, Rayselis the guide was so passionate about her country and so knowledgeable. We visited local community run projects, got to eat in local restaurants and generally have a good time with the Cuban people. I would recommend this trip if you want to see Cuba rather than just sit on a beech. Cigar rolling, rum drinking, salsa dancing , pottery throwing, amazing. Most Inspirational Moment Seeing Cuba in the raw, old Havana is amazing, seeing local Cubans going about there everyday lives, happily singing and dancing. Thoughts on Group Leader Rayselis is an amazing, passionate guide. Advice for Potential Travellers Go with an open mind, and enjoy. Suggestions The food was not bland, there was plenty of variety, vegetarian meals were available, the Cuban Hosts were lovely, the Casa' s and Hotels were lovely and so clean
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2020
Alys Goodchild - Traveled, February 2020
Fantastic experience Week long tour of western Cuba stopping off at loads of interesting and enjoyable locations: just some were Cienfuegos, Trinidad, pottery studio and ‘have a go’, Vinales Valley and tobacco/coffee plantation with fascinating demonstrations and of course not forgetting the wonderful Havana. Lovely places to stay and very very good food. Most Inspirational Moment Can't narrow it down to 1! but including visiting the traditional house of a couple who lived via their coffee and plant production, overwhelming hospitality of the places we stayed in, Cuban friendliness and seeing how they manage their lives so well despite some hardships. Thoughts on Group Leader Fabulous. The most informative, entertaining and helpful person we could have wished for in that role. The coach driver who took us everywhere was wonderful too, and made sure we never ran out of fuel! Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared to live out of a suitcase, it's not nearly as difficult as we thought! Suggestions We would wholeheartedly recommend this tour. It gave us a great holiday, wonderful experiences and plenty of great memories!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2020
Serena Chance - Traveled, April 2017
A fantastic whistle-stop tour A great week – lots of different aspects of Cuba, really enjoyable, very informative and a lot of fun. There is a lot of travel involved however it gave us all a good insight into some of the life in a different and fascinating country. Very hospitable hosts in the Casals Particulares. Most Inspirational Moment The final Salsa class with our Cuban dance partners; realising how hard most Cubans have to work in order to make ends meet; appreciating just how widespread the ability to perform music to a high standard is amongst the Cubans; Thoughts on Group Leader Lenay was a fabulous guide. Kind, helpful, very informative, assertive when needed, always smiley cheerful and positive, realistic about what we should expect, and she made it a great week for us all. She was very concerned that we were happy with the accommodation wherever we were, and that we let her know if anything wasn't as it might be. I don't think we could have had a better guide. A big thank you to Lenay for a great week, and for all her hard work. Advice for Potential Travellers Expect some long journeys; don't expect European luxuries or standards of accommodation everywhere; take time to learn some Spanish as the hosts in the cases particulares are extremely kind, and friendly; take things as you find them and with a sense of humour; understand that we are very wealthy/privileged in comparison to most Cubans; enjoy it all! Suggestions I would love to return.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2017
rona barton - Traveled, March 2017
Taste of Cuba Hugely enjoyed this tour….. truly was an adventure. We were introduced to an extraordinary peoples and culture….our guide was exemplary. I luved every moment and and am extremely keen to return. ‘The Taste of Cuba’ filled every moment with fascination and surprise. Everywhere very comfortable and safe but with a sense of how challenging it is for the locals… Most Inspirational Moment Hard to single out one... 'growing insight into the history of past 200years The positivity of the guide..... a 'child' of the post revolution The awesome colonial architecture the enterprise of the peoples...rural and urban snorkelling in the Caribbean The delightful hospitality of the hosts in the casa particulares very little that could be left out!! Thoughts on Group Leader A star plus plus plus. She was so informative and prepared.... always positive and enthusiastic. The whole group thought her fabulous. For the whole week she was completely available and responsive to our needs and foibles.. a huge asset to Exodus and excellent Cuban ambassadress. In addition to the program, she researched material for further research into our family history during her free time... superb young woman! Advice for Potential Travellers 'bother' the team online via web chat......! it allays all doubts and instant access to advice or help. Suggestions kindly forward info on your input/ support for local charities (for my information only) As a family, we left small gifts in the casa particulares..... hoping this was sensitive and right action...?
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/14/2017
Kathryn Moore - Traveled, April 2017
More than just cocktails! A fantastic introduction to Cuba, its culture, history, music, dancing (and cocktails!) Most Inspirational Moment Loved it all! Thoughts on Group Leader Ray is the best leader I've had on any group holiday. Informative, funny and encouraging during our attempts at dancing. I couldn't rate her highly enough. She made it a memorable trip. Advice for Potential Travellers Don't expect too much of the Casas and then you'll be pleasantly surprised. Take the optional Cadillac ride; it was great fun!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2017
Jenny Sinnott - Traveled, January 2017
Amazing country, but Exodus were a shambles Cuba is amazing, fantastic country and people. But Exodus were poor from start to finish. Before we left – most staff were great. One asked us for same info 3 times! On arrival, we had booked an extension in Varadero. We weren’t told that Exodus can’t guarantee your hotel for this part of trip. We found out at airport we couldn’t stay at hotel we booked. Disappointing, but the substitute hotel was lovely too. Havana – hotel so far out of town hotel we couldn’t do sightseeing as planned. Took an hour to check in! Room was dirty and badly maintained. On a road so noisy the windows shook as big trucks drove past constantly. I asked to move and was given a quieter room, but with no hot water! Vinales – beautiful place, but more issues with room. It was cramped, grim and noisy. Could have coped with that, but also had swarms of mosquitoes in my room. I killed dozens. Told tour leader, who chided me for not telling her immediately, although I had no way to contact her! My phone wouldn’t allow me to make outgoing calls in Cuba. Owners sprayed my room, but I still killed another couple of dozen mosquitoes later that evening. This room is available for $20/night on airbnb. Massive mark up charged by Exodus. Cienfuegos- decent, quiet room, although windowless. Air con broken and leaked all over bed. No one to report this to. Told tour leader in morning and she looked at me blankly and said nothing! Breakfast was bread and jam. Pot of coffee to share that allowed only half a small cup each. If we wanted more coffee we had to pay! In this hotel, my iPad was stolen. It was charging and never left my room. In morning, I checked the room was clear. As soon as i sat on bus (at 7.45am), I realised I hadn’t packed ipad. Told tour leader immediately, hoping she would call hotel. She didn’t call them until we reached Trinidad and she told me my iPad wasn’t in the room. Only explanation, it was stolen by hotel staff, either before or after I left. I told Exodus hoping they could use influence to pressure maid into returning stolen item. Exodus did nothing for THREE DAYS! After a lot of hassling, they called me, but still did nothing to try to get the iPad back. I believe they still use this hotel, so beware! Trinidad – decent room, but didn’t get any breakfast one day. We think they mistook the time we requested food, due to language barrier. Girl was barely listening to us when we booked breakfast. Tour leader arranged breakfast for us elsewhere. Havana – finally a decent hotel! And trip home was fine. Most Inspirational Moment Vinales - beautiful place, fantastic way of life for the locals, in my opinion. Thoughts on Group Leader I took a while to warm to her. I had a lot of problems on this trip and she made me feel uncomfortable when I told her about them. I only complained when I really felt it necessary. For example, I didn't tell her I got food poisoning from 2 of the restaurants she took us to. She talked too much for my liking. She was interesting and very knowledgeable. But on a 7 hour bus journey, she probably talked for 6.5 hours. I couldn't talk to my friend on the bus or I got a glare from her! Couldn't talk to her privately for most of the trip, she was always talking to the group and didn't like being interrupted, unless it was a question relevant to her lecture. On the plus side, she was fun, very interesting and knowledgeable. Happy and able to give advice on anything I wanted to do or know. Advice for Potential Travellers I wouldn't recommend travelling to Cuba with Exodus, sorry! The accommodation was below par. I expected basic, but it was worse than any back packing hostel I've ever stayed in and massively overpriced. You need to get up horribly early every day in order to beat the other crowds of tourists. You're very much on the tourist trail. I would not have chosen to go to the tobacco and rum factory where crowds of tourists stare at the workers, it was weird and an uncomfortable experience. Could have done without the mojito lesson and I found the one on one salsa too intense and awkward. Two Cuban lads baa'd at us and I agreed with them. I felt like a herded sheep! Best times were free time. So much to see, but not enough free time to see it all. Exodus are useful for getting you around the country, but if you can do this another way, I would advise it. Suggestions Be careful of your belongings. If anything goes missing I doubt you'll get it back and Exodus won't help.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2017
Helen Power - Traveled, January 2017
A Taste of Cuba A fantastic glimpse of Cuba with an excellent mix of sightseeing, music, free-time to further explore, and fun activities. 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2017
Rachel Jones - Traveled, January 2017
Does exactly what it says on the tin! The title of this trip is exactly what it suggests. It offers a real taste of Cuba and the itinerary, although packed, is perfect. Not rushing from place to place and plenty of free time to explore by yourself. 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/24/2017
Rebecca Wakefield - Traveled, December 2016
Coach with a window tour...... After seeing so many great reviews for this trip I decided to book it to travel over Christmas 2016. Basically it is a view of Cuba from a coach! Long, drives – quick stops 2-3 times during the day for a 45mins-1hr max – really no time to appreciate anywhere are you are always on the go! A few pointless places where we stopped were also thrown in. Accomodation was average – first night hotel was below poor quality however the homestays (all be them basic) were clean and adequate, and the families could not do enough to please you. Food is basic – you get the same breakfast, lunch and dinner choices daily. In summary Cuba the island is green and lush with white sandy beaches, fab old cars everywhere and Havana is a great city to mooch around, top that up with the friendly welcoming people then its a great place to visit, however this weeks tour really packs too much in – but saying that I certainly could not do the two week tour either as I am sure it will be much of the same just over a longer time period! 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2017
Briony Burns - Traveled, November 2016
A taste of Cuba A good week. Being on a tour sliced through the hassle of organisation and was a great queuebuster when visiting museums and events. Great variety of things to see and do in a very colourful varied interesting country 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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2016
Sue Ellis - Traveled, August 2016
taste of cuba superb tour with what must be the best ‘guide’ we have ever had Rayselis, her knowledge, sense of commitment and humour made the tour more wonderful than it was. 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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2016
Emma Wooldridge - Traveled, April 2016
A Taste of Cuba An apt name for the trip, it gave a taster of several parts of Cuba 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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/17/2016
Jacqueline Sayers - Traveled, March 2016
Taste of Cuba Not a holiday, more of an education, as expected. Cuba is gradually coming out of sanctions but the scars are still everywhere. The country is not ready for the growing number of western tourists starting to come. 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2016
Judith Todd - Traveled, March 2016
A Taste of Cuba This holiday included a variety of activities and locations which gave a flavour of the country. Given the pressure on the island as tourist numbers increase, without the accompanying infrastructure, the accommodation was better than I had anticipated. The range of trips was good with potential to choose other options. Plenty of advice was given regarding the best places to eat and visit in free time. 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!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2016
Stella Taylor - Traveled, March 2016
Taste of Cuba Very enjoyable holiday. I loved all the history of Cuba and understanding current affairs. 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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2016
Carolyn Baxter - Traveled, February 2016
Cuba libre This tour, A Taste of Cuba, did what it said on the tin. It provided an introduction to the country, mainly the western part and La Havana. 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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2016
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