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...

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  Maureen Lansley

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written September 2012

  I have wanted to visit Cuba for some time and have now finally done it! Cuba is an amazing country full of contradictions, friendly people, beautiful lush country with music and dance in every town.  A truly wonderful experience. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The whole holiday was wonderful and inspirational but some places that stick out in my mind are:-

  The mausoleoum where Che Guevara's remains lay, the atmosphere it breathtaking and moving....  
  Havanna, is a truly wonderful city with amazing architecture and many old battered 50s cars that are also all over the island.  Baracoa by the sea is a wonderful place and comes alive at night with the music and dancing.  Trinidad was a very pretty town with cobbled streets full of colour and hidden galleries for artists to sell their paintings.  We visited some wonderful restaurants and if you like seafood there is an abundance of Lobster and prawns...

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Felix was a fabulous guide.  He was friendly, funny, kind, and above all a master at rearranging the schedule as we were there at the time of Hurricane Isaac which took over a few days of our time but Felix managed to still make sure that we did other enjoyable things as our itinerary changed dramatically. He took us to some amazing restaurants and showed us varying things that grow in Cuba and what the locals make which was wonderful, we ate fresh avocados picked from the trees, biscuit mangos that were growing in a ladies garden in the mountains and Felix made sure we stopped on our travelsand brought us all types of sweets etc that were made by the locals.  It all added up to a true experience of the island that we would otherwise not have seen.

  I mustnt forget Orlando who was our driver and was a very gracious and kind man who makes you feel totally safe during the whole trip.   Thank you both so much!!!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I have read previously that people mentioned that the food was very limiting.  We did not find this at all and we were taken to some really lovely restaurante and had some execellent meals.  All over the island people need washing soaps of any description, washing detergents, shampoos and anything you can give them to use to clean their clothes and themselves.  The children love any sweets and pens and paper. They also ask for clothes so if you have any tshirts that you dont want please take them with you and hand them out, they will be so so grateful.

  There are some wonderful purchases to make along the way.  Cuban people are very creative hence some wonderful paintings etc to buy... 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is a wonderful holiday and a real experience.  While i was there i had difficulty getting my head round the fact that it is a Caribbean island that is Communist.  Amazing and a place that has to been seen to be believed.

  The amazing thing about CUBA is there is no rubbish aywhere, the streets and roads are so so clean.  The Toilets wherever you go are extremely clean and fresh smelling but always make sure you have tissues just in case. 

  Do not hesitate just book it, you wont regret it...  Try the 7 year old rum, we did!!!!!  A beautiful place! 

   
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  Margaret Barnes

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written September 2012

  Too much time was spent travelling in the coach (sometimes 9 hours) to destinations that were not always worth the travelling time. Some of the hotels were of a poor standard. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Unlike other Exodus destinations I have been to there were no real inspirational moments on this trip. It was an ok trip but nothing particularly special.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Felix was very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about his country.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Just be prepared for very long drives on many days and don't expect top hotels. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  No-one on our trip opted for the Vinales optional tour as we all needed a break from sitting on a coach. This was a shame as I understand that this area is quite attractive. Perhaps including one internal flight would free up some time and energy to visit Vinales. 

  There were very limited opportunities for 'free time' to just wander.  

   
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  Catherine Hughes

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written September 2012

  One of the most interesting places I've been to.....don't try to make sense of it, and just enjoy the holiday! Huge variety of activities, things to see, hear, and experience.  Organised activities well balanced with free time to explore.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Where to start:

  • Attempting to Salsa with the locals in the Casa de la Trova in Baracoa, using both my left feet.
  • Reaching Fidel's hideout in the Sierra Maestra after making it up the "steepy" bit.
  • Snorkelling among the coral & tropical fish near Playa Giron
  • Havana (all of it)
  • The "Buena Vista social club" at Cafe Taberna. 
  • Doing Mojito Quality Control everywhere we went!

   

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Enio was hugely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and passionate about Cuba, and keen to share as much information with us as he could. Great sense of humour. 

   "Any questions? No? Follow me!"

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The two  'walks' are a bit tougher than it might seem from the trip notes (or the descriptions we got from Enio), particularly in the heat.

  Plenty of loo-roll an absolute necessity! 

  While some of the journeys are long, for the most part they're broken up pretty well, and plenty to look at out the window. Or just sleep - we think Enio may have been slipping something into the Air Con to keep up quiet on the coach!! 

  Cuba is NOT the place to go to for good food....Rice, Rice & Beans, or Beans with Rice...although I could get used to Lobster tails every day. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Just enjoy!

   
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  Amanda Greenwood

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written September 2012

  Simply stunning. A beautiful, magical, captivating country, and a great way to see it all, from the cities to the coast to the national parks, and so much more. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The whole trip is inspirational, but highlights were the Sierra Maestra and the sense of history as we hiked to the secret mountain hideout of Castro and Che Guevara, and Trinidad, the faded colonial beauty of it's cobbled streets and the warmth of the people. A moment to treasure was seeing The Beuna Vista Social Club perform in Havana. With music on every street corner, every cafe, and every bar, this was the ultimate experience.

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our guide Enio was one of the most well-informed people I have ever met. His knowledge of world politics, not just the history of Cuba, was exceptional.. and constantly entertaining. Always positive, passionate about his country, and able to deal effortlessly with any situation with endless good humour. Thanks also to our driver Tomas, who handled some tricky roads with great confidence.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for always being on the move. it's a bit epic with the hours of travelling, but well worth it to be able to see so much.

  Take wet wipes - you can't rely on water at every loo stop.

  Don't expect any variety in food. You can eat well in some places, but it's basically the same menu. I was in heaven when I suddenly found some cooked onion on my plate about a week in.

  Leave room, and weight allowance, in your suitcase so that you can bring things home! Despite the limited opportunities, the market in Trinidad has some beautiful craft work and the nicest quality musical instruments, but if you don't buy here there is Havana's Craft and Souvenir Market on Desampardos. Not something you'll find by accident as it's away from the main center, but you cannot fail to find something you want amoungst the multiple stalls inside.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I wanted to visit Cuba 'before it changed', and am so glad I did. Although it can't stay for ever in such a state of contradiction, the situation is so unique I feel it almost an honour to have had the experience of being there at this time. The country is etched upon me and I am itching to go back again.

   
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  Colin Billings

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written August 2012

  Cuba was a magical island, the scenery , weather, the food and especially the friendly people we met were fantastic. Everywhere we went music was playing which made for a fabulous atmosphere. I would love to go back to a few of the places we visited. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Eating out at gorgeous restaurants with fabulous food and a great atmosphere.

  Walking through the Sierra Maestre to see  the headquarters of the revolutionaries

  Visiting the Granma memorial in Havana, and seeing the vehicles used to start the revolution

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Freddy was fantastic.  He made the holiday what it was.  He was always very enthusiastic and full of energy to make sure that we made the most of our experience.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Learn to dance before you go.  The type of dancing they do is like Ceroc with more hip movements.  The locals will be very impressed when you can show them a few new moves.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Just relax and enjoy yourself.  It is fantastic !

   
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  Morag McCrorie

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written August 2012

  A brilliant trip to a fantastic country. There was a great mix of activities and a nice balance of free time with organised tours and walks etc. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Too many to pick one! Salsa dancing, swimming in the Carribean, walking to Castro's headquarters in the Sierra Maestra, visiting Havana and Baracoa.......

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Enio did a brilliant job and was both very knowledgeable and passionate about Cuba as well as great fun. Definitely one of the best group leaders I have had. Big thanks also to our driver Eduardo who was also great fun as well as a skilful driver on some challenging roads.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Food was actually slightly less expensive and rather better than advised in the trip notes which was a nice surprise although it is quite a lot of the same. However, we were doubtless eating better than most Cubans. There are some long driving days, especially the trip to Baracoa but it's completely worth it.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I will definitely go back to Cuba and would recommend anyone considering it to go as soon as possible.

   
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  Bernadette McCusker

  CUBA: LA ISLA GRANDE

  

  Written August 2012

  The trip to Cuba was fantastic and really this is the only way to see the entire country from East to West.  We followed the Atlantic side of the Country starting in Havana and travelled up the other side, so there was plenty to do and see. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There were many inspirational moments for me, from standing in Revolution Square in Havana, to snorkeling with the fish in the Caribbean, Old Havana for architecture and to Baracoa where I took in the culture with live music, a few Havana Club's and one or two Mojito's with the best two companions that one could wish for :-)

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Enio was a delight as a group leader who loved his country and was passionate about it's history and background.  He was kind, funny and very patient, especially with the questions that were constantly being fired at him.  His partner in crime - Eduardo was our driver to whom you totally felt safe with and was a delight to be around.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Soak up the atmosphere as I don't believe you will find another country like Cuba.  If you are vegetarian, prepare to eat omelettes for the entire trip, so best to bring something with you and it might be an idea to bring sweets for the kids as they loved the lollipops that one of our travel companions gave to them.  There is a shortage of soap, toothpaste, shower gel and creams, so we handed out various travel sizes to people throughout the trip.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This was my first trip with Exodus and it was much better than I had expected.  It was well organized in Cuba and ran very smoothly.  I have travelled my entire life, but this is definitely a trip that I will remember.  There was so much to do every day, but there was time to relax as well, whether it was snorkeling, at the beach, shopping or just plain relaxing with nothing to do.

  Special thanks to both Enio and Eduardo to whom the trip would not have been as much fun to be on.  They were truly delightful and I met wonderful friends along the way.  I can't wait to go back!

   

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