Cuba: La Isla Grande

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 112 reviews.

Sally Crossman

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

Written August 2011
Beautiful country, intreguing people and facinating culture.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The nature walk through beautiful palm trees in Baracoa.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader, Rayselis, was lovely and very knowledgable; she made sure the trip was very memorable and enjoyable. She was very organised and always had the best advice.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you go during August, like I did, expect it to be VERY hot...no need for any warm clothes...so don't waste suitcase space!
Take extra money for those more expensive purchases that are unique to cuba such as original art or antiques (and cigars!); they will be a lot cheaper than the uk but more than the touristy trinkets that are common place in Cuba.
Take a good camera with PLENTY of memory...I took a 16GB card which was perfect. You can charge batteries at most of the hotels; buy an adapter before you go.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Make sure you really do take your sense of humour with you, things can go slightly wrong, but moaning will just make matters worse! Embrace the fact that the Cubans really do try their best and that you cannot expect to experience the same standards as you'd find in the UK. Actually, sometimes the standards are better!
Brenda Smithwhite

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

Written June 2011
I was after a two week holiday with a bit of everything and that is what I got, a great holiday around a fascinating island, and having been back a week the holiday feeling is just about with me still as I talk to people about it and show them my photos.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The whole holiday was inspiring to me and has led to some interesting ideas....every place seem to have a highlight, often unexpected, whether it was the clear blue sea, nights out especially Trinidad and Baracoa, meals out, cocktails, views, tarantulas, bici rides, a new Cuban musical supergroup, sleeping in Fidel's cabin, cocktails, snakes......
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent information about what we were seeing or doing and the history of the island, and choice of eating places and cocktails.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make use of the down time by not going on the optional trips, as the notes say it is a busy itinery and it is.
Hand gel.
Snacks.
Buy your sandals in Cienfuegos as they are better and cheaper than anywhere else
buy things when you see them but be aware of CDs with nothing on them, I only bought one from a local band and discovered it was blank when I got back
A couple of the hotels were not in the town centre, and as its low season I thought we could have relocated but guess contracts are signed ages ago, and even though some hotels were empty, we were often located in the rooms furthest from reception
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'd throughly recommend this holiday, it could easily have been a three week trip.
Re comments about the airport, it is nicer than some European airports!
Trish Thomas

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

Written June 2011
I had been wanting to visit Cuba for a long time and it didn't disappoint. The holiday had a bit of everything, sightseeing, history, relaxing, a bit of walking, lovely people, cocktails ...
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
No one moment. I enjoyed the whole trip and found Cuba to be a fascinating country. I got a photobook made up this week and have enjoyed showing the photos and telling people about the places we went and the things we saw.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent. He was really enthusiastic about his country and its history and worked very hard to make our holiday an enjoyable one. He tried very hard to show us the real Cuba and put in long hours each day making sure we got a taste of the culture in the evenings as well as during the day.
The driver Ernesto was also excellent, going above and beyond the call of duty to transport us back to our hotel quite late at night more than once when I am sure he would rather have had an early night.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Remember your insect spray and remember to put it on! I got bitten on the first day.
Try to travel light (unlike me) as you are moving to a new location every day or two and the poor driver has to lug all the cases on and off the bus every time. Living out of a smaller suitcase would be much easier for all concerned.
Try to buy some souvenirs. There are plenty of inexpensive things you can buy and you will be helping the local economy and people.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I intend to read more about Cuba's history as there is much more to it than is in the guidebooks. I am pleased that I have managed to see it for real and able to see the whole island. There is a lot to see and I think it is necessary to go for the fortnight rather than for a shorter time. Some of our group stayed on for a few days at the end and that might be a good idea if you can manage it.
I found it to be a bit too hot (travelling at the end of May/beginning of June) so it might be worth going at a relatively cooler time.
Catherine Bolton

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

Written May 2011
This is a fantastic trip and I would wholeheartedly recommend it. A busy itinerary that lets you do a bit of history and culture, tours around intriguing and architecturally wonderful towns, walks in some really lush and interesting scenery and opportunities to over-indulge in great music, dancing, rum and cigars! Bring a big memory card for all the iconic pictures you are going to take!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I don't know about inspirational..... I did enjoy exploring Havana and it truly is a very iconic place. The hike up into Sierra Maestra where you end up in the clouds was also pretty cool. Getting up and shaking my maracas with every band that invited me was also pretty memorable!
What did you think of your group leader?
Yazel was great. Extremely organised and knowledgeable. Boundless energy to chaperone dancing and music thirsty ladies till all hours. Very willing to discuss sometimes sensitive political issues and share with us what it is like living in Cuba
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Have salsa lessons before you go. Particularly if you are a boy! Plus - if you are a vegan I would suggest thinking of another destination. The vegetarian food (while always very willingly provided) tended to be either cheese or egg based.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go on - you know you want to go!
Helena Wildblood

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

Written May 2011
Another amazing Exodus holiday!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being the only person on a deserted tropical beach.....
Playa Giron museum - telling the story of the Bay of Pigs from the Cuban perspective
What did you think of your group leader?
Juan Carlos was full of energy, and showed us so much of the history and culture of his country, of which he is rightly proud. He took good care of us in the times when a little bit of extra support was needed (e.g. problems walking in the heat, travel sickness) and in the evenings showed us how to salsa!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Try to read up a bit about the history esp with respect to the USA, and if there is time, enrol in a salsa class!
If you have got this far ie reading about the trip, reading the reviews, hesitate no more - go for it!! It won't be the most luxurious holiday you have ever taken, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the hotels and the food were much much better than the trip notes suggested they might be (although it probably depends on the luck of the draw - which hotels you actually use, which room you are allocated). Even the long drives are well broken up with stops (and they allow time to recover from late nights!!)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
thanks to my fellow group members for making this such a memorable trip!
Naomi Holmes

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

Written May 2011
A great trip around Cuba - visiting towns, cities and countryside! This was my first 'group' holiday and having always travelled independently I was a little unsure beforehand, but I enjoyed it very much. I had a nice group to travel with, and travelling this way in Cuba ensures you get to see as much of the country as possible (not having to rely on public transport), and that any problems (like hotel overbookings etc) are dealt with by the group leader.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I enjoyed many parts of this trip. The walks were very enjoyable, as was ambling around towns and cities. The optional trip to the eco reserve near Baracoa was great.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Juan-Carlos was very good. He made sure we got to see many things. A couple of times he could have provided a little more information about activities/options. Our bus driver Jose was excellent too.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Vegetarians - beware the rice and beans (which may also contain pork)....
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy it!
Hilary Walbank

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

Written April 2011
Both my husband and I were thrilled with the Cuba Experience. The courier, Enio and our driver Eduardo, who looked after our, sometimes unusual requests, throughout the trip were marvellous and devoted to giving us as much insight into their country as possible, while meeting our every needs.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
My husband loved the road up to Fidel's montain camp, while I was heartened by the warm hearted, generous, ordinary Cuban people.
What did you think of your group leader?
Enio was enthusiatic and amusing, while his knowledge and pride in his motherland was clear.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do it (unless you want an all enclusive beach holiday), this experience is varied, challenging and fascinating on so many levels, we are SO pleased that we did!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
No, it was first class!

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Our Clients’ Reviews

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE