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...
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Trinidad - the atmosphere of the town seemed like.a good overall expression of Cuba itself. A bit run-down, a bit of a struggle for the locals who were nonetheless phlegmatic during the day and then flamboyant during the dancing at night. An interesting society, not at all hierarchical, so poor but inclusive and well-balanced in human terms.
What did you think of your group leader?
Lazaro was good, interesting and gave us a true appreciation of the attitudes of Cubans. I believe he reflected their reality in a straight-forward way, without too much personal gloss.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
No, I think the description was accurate, and it's just a case of going, seeing for yourself, and maybe getting it right or getting it wrong in your own understanding.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
For this length of holiday, I think the balance was good. Some things didn't quite work out, but that is always going to be the case. The group was great, so that made the holiday great as well. A good mix of people who let things be, and aren't too prescriptive in their attitudes, or too judgmental overall.
Linda Dodd
A TASTE OF CUBA
Written
A fantastic way to take in the main highlights of Cuba in just one week.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved the variety in this trip, from the hustle and bustle of Havana, to the fiesta towns of the South, and beautiful Vinales.
The catamaran trip was well worth the extra expense as it gave a rare opportunity to chill out for a few hours.
You may be tired at the end of the week, but the extra trip out to Vinales was also worth the effort for the stunning scenery. Don't miss out!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader was very good, very informative and easy to talk to. Our bus driver was also very helpful, though he left the talking to the group leader. Everything was well organised.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you can, take pens and soaps / hotel toiletries to give away to the locals.
Bring shoes than can cope with cobbles in Havana, and a forest trek near Trinidad.
Watch your handbags in Havana especially at night!
And just to forewarn, bring your own loo-paper and Immodium, though the delicate tums on our trip could have been down to the amount of Mojitos consumed. Be prepared for poorly functioning bathrooms even in the 'good' hotels.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I really enjoyed this trip. I went on one aimed at Solo's where everyone bar two friends has come on their own, and what a fantastic, friendly and fun group of people. Ages ranged from early 20s to young-at-heart 50/60 year olds (who kept the youngsters on their toes) and all easy to get on with. Not only did we have a great time, the trip gave a great overview of Cuba and the changes underway. I'd highly recommend it to those who would like a not-too-strenuous way of seeing as many sights as possible.
Marie Darling
A TASTE OF CUBA
Written
A brilliant itinerary, which covers many highlights of this fascinating country. If you're short on time but want an authentic experience of Cuba, this trip ticks all the boxes.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Our visit to Che Guevara's mausoleum and memorial site was definitely one of my favourite moments of the trip. The Cubans are rightly proud of their history and heritage, even those who aren't 'culture vultures' will find this place really interesting.
I also enjoyed our day trip to Vinales, which is very different to the east of the island (lots of photo opp's of the lush landscape!) and included a surprise boat ride inside one of the caves - wish I'd had an umbrella (only joking) because you get soaked!! Certainly one of my highlights though.
And of course Havana....everything you hope the city will be like and more. Our walking tour of the 'old city' was excellent, you get a real feel for a place far more when you're on foot than from taking snaps from a bus window.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Mirta (which I've probably spelt wrong, sorry) was great at story telling and gave our group a real insight into what life is currently like for working Cubans, including her views on how tourism has impacted on (and will continue to change) the country. I found her (and our very jovial bus driver Thomas) to be friendly, laid-back, and knowledgable; they also dealt with our myriad 'photo stop' requests (and some random weather issues during long journeys!) with patience and good humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
As detailed in the Exodus trip notes, you don't go to Cuba for the cuisine!! Although some places were well-catered and quite forward-thinking in their approach to creative menus, they are few and far between. Also bear in mind that a wide selection of foods are simply unavailable, even to resident Cubans, through no fault of their own. I have to say though that as the only vegetarian in my group (there were around 18 of us), I found the places we stayed over in (and stopped en-route at) to be very accomodating and easy-going towards everyone's food requests. In all honesty, I survived quite happily on fried rice with black beans, cheese sandwiches and cocktails for most of the week!! The fried rice/black bean combo is a staple dish in the Cuban diet, it's cheap and tasty - so you can easily save more of your spending money for shopping/partying :)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was my first solo trip with Exodus, and I would recommend Cuba to anyone with an intrepid spirit and longing to 'get off the beaten track'. Take your dancing shoes, enjoy the unique Cuban hospitality and go before it changes forever!
Sarah Henderson
A TASTE OF CUBA
Written
Really enjoyed the trip with only one or two gripes as follows. I don't understand why you booked a trip to be in Cuba over May Day. This meant we didn't get to see any of the parade because we were in Vinales, couldn't see Che Guevara's mausoleum and, although I don't smoke cigars, some people might have liked to see the inside of a cigar factory and there were some very long days on buses although, in fairness, we had been warned.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Loved Havana; nice extra time on the beach which was a bonus; nice food after lots of comments before leaving that you don't go to Cuba for the culinary experience. I didn't think there was anything wrong with the food; almost too many meals on many occasions. The sun was shining, what more could we want! Lots to see and do.
What did you think of your group leader?
Nice. The driver was exceptional and he didn't speak much English.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't lumber yourself with sick people on a trip! For that alone I deserve the £250 vouchers.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Well worth a visit. Interesting to find out on the last day that a member of the Exodus staff (or mole, as I call him) was in our group.
Cuba is one of the most complex and amazing placing I have travelled to. On this trip we cover a lot of ground in only 8 days but most of the fellow travellers found that the trip offered right mix of activities and free time. Service offered i.e. transportation, accommodation, guide and driver were very good throughout the trip.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Too many to mention...
Early morning strolls by the beach front in Havana. Early morning light lit up the deserted streets and add a glow to the fabulous Spanish colonial beach front buildings.
When it rained like cats and dogs in Trinidad. I was given some mangoes by a local which we all enjoyed at the spot - It was messy!
What did you think of your group leader?
Toni and Andreas worked very hard to make our holiday enjoyable. Andreas (Ex-Cuba navy) was probably the best driver I ever had on any of my trips.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go as soon as you can as Cuba is becoming increasingly commercial and changing fast. Classic cars are on the way out as are being replaced by fresh French and Korean imports.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Take sweets, stationary items or toiletries to pass on to kids if you are approached. Bring some Cuban coffee back – it is very nice and dead cheap over there.
If you do wish to bring any souvenirs back from Cuba then try and buy them from the actual producer rather than buying from some rich shop owner in bigger towns.
Cuban cigars for gifts - they go down well!
Donna Egbeare
A TASTE OF CUBA
Written
Great way of seeing some of Cuba if you are short on time - will make you want to visit again! Also great as a single traveller. From inspiring Havana to beautiful Trinidad, dancing, some great cooking, a bit of Che, beaches, beautiful scenery, thousands of photos and some rum - what's not to like?!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Trinidad was amazing - then we had a very heavy storm - I have not laughed so much in ages, running through the cobbled streets completely wet through to the safety of the bus. We also went to a nightclub in a cave, and were made to feel very welcome if a little inadequate on the dance floor!
I loved Havana, just being able to explore and wonder around. Definitely check out the market and drive a hard bargain on art work before retiring for another cocktail with your purchases.
What did you think of your group leader?
Toni was great, knowledgable without it feeling like he had a set amount of information he was supposed to tell you. Andreas, our driver, was also fantastic - a very skilful driver of a very clean bus. Both Toni and Andreas included all in the group and made sure all needs were catered for, we had a very mixed age group and a disabled traveller, they made all feel included and really made a positive impact on the holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring a big memory stick for photos and a spare battery for the camera. And a torch - if you are walking back at night its a good idea (although if you aren't keen on bugs and spiders perhaps better without one!)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I thoroughly enjoyed my tour and would love to return to Cuba, if only to complete my mojito glass collection. I would recommend Exodus, especially as a single traveller with a limited amount of holiday time. Great holiday, met some great people and had some amazing experiences.
Jason Lever
A TASTE OF CUBA
Written
A fantastic holiday. Great mix of sight-seeing in cities, alongside beach and Caribbean boat snorkelling downtime. And a brilliant group of 18 people, aged from 21 to nearly 70, half and half solo and couple travellers - not Exodus's doing as a bit pot luck, but clearly their trips attract a great munch of people.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cooling off on a nature trail in the mountains diving (alright, jumping) off a small cliff to swim across a cove. Would not have done on my own but a group of us plucked up courage to brave the waves and rocks!
What did you think of your group leader?
Great welcome and organisation when we arrived from Exodus rep and group leader. The right balance of information about Cuban life given over the tour and ditto for amount of planned stuff versus free time... first ever organised holiday for me and I didn't feel too chaperoned or tied to everything (eg opted out of one long coach ride for day's excursion to do my own day in Havana).
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Follow Exodus advice to just bring sterling and enough for all your needs. Had some fraud on my debit card even though I wasn't using it there! And if you do some wandering in Havana on your own, while it certainly feels safe everywhere, do be aware of constant and persistent hustling as soon as you sit down anywhere or look a tad unsure (it's more than just people being friendly as the group leader said...)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I went for the 8 day trip not two week one as per review advice by previous trippers. The perfect length would be 9 or 10 days if Exodus were able to offer this option in future, to leave a bit more time to see Havana as well as do all the excursions (if not, grab a few extra days yourself and delay your flight back via Exodus).
from 53 reviews.
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