A TASTE OF CUBA

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  Lynn Seymour

  A TASTE OF CUBA

  

  Written December 2009

  I didn't really have an idea of what Cuba was going to be like (of course, I had heard very positive things from people). I was pleasantly surprised and I really, really enjoyed my holiday. My highlights of the holiday were Havana, the Catamaran trip and swimming in the Caribbean, swimming at the Bay of Pigs, and the hotel at Cienfuegos (but Cienfuegos was down to the group of people we had). I would recommend this trip as it was a good taste of Cuba and I will remember it as a very good holiday. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Going to Revolutionary square was interesting (it looks like an overflow car park!), especially when a small group of us went back on our spare day in Havana and sat on the seats where Castro would have sat.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lazaro was friendly, polite and seemed to want to ensure everyone had a good experience of Cuba. There was a moment of awkwardness though when one of our group wanted to break away from the schedule. Lazaro did not deal with this spanner in the works very well, but he and the group member sorted out their disagreement.

  On the whole though, he was a good guide and was able to tell us some interesting facts, especially around Havana as that is where he lives.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Before going to Cuba I had queried how much money to take but was only told how much things/tours may cost. Cuba wasn't as expensive as I had feared it would be, and I only changed £300 which was more than enough.

  Vinales is 4 hours by coach from Havana, so if doing a longer trip than 8 days, it would be good if this trip was included. I personally elected not to go as it was so far and I wanted to spend time in Havana exploring, but other members of the group said it was really beautiful. 

  A few of us got dodgy stomachs, so remember to brush your teeth with bottled water, avoid the salad leaves which are most probably washed in their water and if you can, avoid ice (although very hard to do this when you're drinking excellent Daiquiris in El Floridita in Havana!).

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I made some really good friends on the trip and will be keeping in touch with them. I will remember this trip as it was a great taste of Cuba and really enjoyed myself.

  Thanks Exodus for another memorable holiday.

   
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  Sarah Canton

  A TASTE OF CUBA

  

  Written February 2009

  A trip is for those of you with limited holiday time who want to see as much of the country as you can without spending all day on a bus. Cuba is a fantastic country and you will definately leave wishing you had time for more! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I loved Havana and all the classis cars....not a city person but there was a great vibe going on. Can't really pinpoint an inspirational moment but there were lots of ' wow' moments.  

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Freddie was great....flexible to the groups needs and sensitive enough to canvass opinion if we wondered slightly off the itinery to make sure everyone was happy with the decision.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Check out the exchange rate before you go as the exodus itinery stated an exchange rate of 1.9 CUC and it was actually 1.2. I had checked online a week before I left and it was 1.4 so you need to check last minute and adjust your funds accordingly. When you get there change some of your CUC (which you will probably get at the airport) to local pesos (25 times less in value). You will probably have to do this the next day when you are in Havana at a Cadega. You can use this to buy street icecream (3p) and pizza (40p). Our tour guide did warn me off doing this due to health reasons. However, it is mentioned in the Lonely Planet and travellers to Cuba often eat this way to cheapen the holiday so I think the real reason was because, as a tourist, the government wants you to spend CUC and not use the local currency.

  Get some spanish and salsa dancing lessons under your belt! Stay for longer and experience some of Cuba away from the tour group. If you fly with Virgin from Gatwick you can get an extra three nights in Havana...you could miss the group day trip to Vinales (spend the day in Havana instead), and arrange to go to the area for two days with a nights stay. This would be better as it is quite a drive and a lovely area to spend a bit more time.  Then come back for your last night in Havana.

  Finally, for your return trip to the airport book an 'old car' taxi and travel in style. They are often outside the big hotels such as Park Central and Hotel Ingleterre (additional note: latter hotel has a great outside seating area on the street and good live music) so you can talk to a taxi driver and arrange for him to meet you somewhere. Grancar is the name and travelling back on my own to the airport cost me the same as my trip from the airport at the start of the holiday which was in an ordinary car shared with three other people.  A great way to finish the trip.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Enjoyable trip. I will definately return to have a look at the eastern side but next time I will go for longer, aim for better Spanish, and travel independantly as I feel the opportunity for travel experiences will be greater...although you may not have a salsa dancing partner!  

  Exodus Response

   

  Hi Sarah

   

  I am pleased you had a great trip to Cuba. I hope that travelling with the group meant you could share the amazing experiences you had with others and as you have commented, provided you with a dancing partner! The groups are accompanied by a local leader which we feel gives our clients an extra insight into the country that you would not have travelling alone. It also means that you can see a lot more in the time you have in Cuba. I hope Freddie showed you some of the spots that only the locals know about and gave you great recommendations for restaurants and shops. Elaine (Exodus)

  
  

  - Exodus Staff

   
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  Diana Mason

  A TASTE OF CUBA

  

  Written December 2008

  It was great and not be compared with anywhere else!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The Museum of the Revolution, in Havana

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Great - couldn't have been better.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go with an open mind. Enjoy the music.

   
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  Simon Appleton

  A TASTE OF CUBA

  

  Written July 2008

  Smoothly run, excellent variety.  Knowldedgable and friendly guide. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Old Havana and trip to Hotel Nacional superb.  Trnidad and its music was fab.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Friendly and highly knowledgable.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't expect haute cuisine or 5 star luxury, although the hotels are comfortable enough.  The food is tasty and well-cooked, but the choice is not extensive.  Remember this is a socialist, developing country. You'll be eating better than the locals.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The mojitos are fab.

   

  Guacimico hotel was peaceful and fun.  It would be good to have had some more free time there and to have missed much of the souless Cienfuego.

   
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  Imelda Flattery

  A TASTE OF CUBA

  

  Written July 2008

  I had wanted to go to Cuba for the last few years and this trip far outweighed my expectations.  The tour guide was excellent giving us a great insight into the country, i.e. the history, the people, the culture.  I would say to anyone considering visiting Cuba that this trip gives a great insight.  I added on a few days extra for a beach trip and a few extra days in Havana.  I brought pens but would also recommend people bring soaps, cosmetics and notebooks.  Children particularly liked anything branded. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Although most people have a very basic lifestyle they have music and dancing everywhere and are a very warm people. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Roberto was excellent, very knowledgeable and gave a great insight into the Cuban culture.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Yes, if you want to bring something to locals bring pens and pencils and particularly branded items.  Soaps and cosmetics (mosturisers, body lotions, lipsticks) are also welcome, as are old mobile phones, notebooks

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you are thinking of going to Cuba, this trip is ideal, and go soon!

   
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  Elizabeth Helen Ritchie

  A TASTE OF CUBA

  

  Written April 2008

  This was a great introduction to Cuba and thanks to the excellent local leader I learnt so much and saw a great deal in a short space of time. Would recommend the trip to anyone! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The trip was very varied from the city of Havana, to the Sierra Meastro mountains, to the Cayo (Key) das Iguanos, the fantastic Cuban music and then the historic places such as Trinidad and Santa Clara. All brilliant and hard to pick an inspirational bit but for me Trinidad was the highlight and I wished I could have stayed there much longer. I guess I will just have to go back again!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The local guide was excellent - he was very knowledgeable and just couldn't do enough for the group - nothing was too much trouble!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The food can be repetitive and not at all brilliant for the vegetarian.

  Tourisn is still developing so don't expect plush hotels. Hot water isn't always guaranteed and if this is so important to you then maybe think again but then you will miss the fantastic scenery and cultural of this truly interesting place.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  What can I say - except to repeat myself - this is a great introductory trip to Cuba.

   
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  Lisa Solomons

  A TASTE OF CUBA

  

  Written April 2008

  I have just come back from the Taste of Cuba trip and I wanted to say how fantastic the experience was for me.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  From the moment we arrived to the moment we were dropped at the airport, the holiday exceeded any expectations.

  We toured around Havana, Trindad, Santa Clara, the catamaran, the scencery.

  It was all fabulous

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The guide Orlando was outstanding, and the driver Hugo was brilliant.

  A trip is very much made on the guide that you have and seeing as I haven't been on an Exodus experience before, I was blown away. I didn;'t know what to expect but it was amazing.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take pens or soap for the less fortunate. They pester you a bit but once you say no it's fine, i'm only sorry i didn't have any soap or pens to give them

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I would be grateful if you could pass on my thanks and appreciation to your colleagues in Cuba and big up Orlando and Hugo because they truly made the trip for me

  I will certainly be recommending this trip to everyone, well done, outstanding

  Thank you

   

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