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...
I loved this trip although I was absolutley shattered at the end of it. Havana was amazing and lived up to my expectations but my favourite place was Guajimico. This was a basic hotel where each guest has a 'chalet' set in the forest, the best (or worst) depending on your view was that it was surrounded by massive land crabs. We danced until the early hours making the most of our Salsa class. Wildlife figured greatly on this trip including spiders and scorpions but what do you expect in a tropical destination!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I loved the history of the country, the 1950 cars in Havana and the visit to Che Guevara mausoleum/museum.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our tour leader brightened up as the trip went along, I think she finds it as tiring as we did. On the trip from the airport many of us were concerned that we had picked the worst destination ever, she made a point of telling us all the bad points and did not tell us all the positive things. Once we got to know her she cheered up and things got better.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you are going to Cuba make sure you have a torch, sample the mojito's - as the Cubans say the rum is free! and make yourself open to new experiences. Some of the hotels are not up to our standards and there is wildlife around but make the most of it, you will have a great time.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
On the penultimate day we spent the whole day on the bus which was very tiring and meant some of us did not do the final trip to Vinalles but stayed in Havana. Other than this travel day the itineray was jam packed and I came home exhausted but had an amazing time. Thinking about booking this trip - just do it!
Very enthrusiastic guide - Mariella, who bent over backwards to do her best for us. This resulted in us all eating the finest cuisine Cuba had to offer - 3 lobsters in a week!! Accommodation - though basic was more than adequate for our needs.In addition, I feel that this trip strikes the best balance between travel and seeing the place without the travel aspect of it overwhelming the whole holiday as I have been told can occur on the longer Cuba trips.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were a few really. Overall, it was good to see a country very different to the one we are used to before it too becomes just as commercialized as anywhere else.
What did you think of your group leader?
Exceptional. A real asset to her country and EXODUS. Talks alot though.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do the one week trip. Not the 2. The complaints surrounding the long bus journeys on poor roads on this trip indicated that the amount of travel on it was too much. By contrast, the one week trip strikes the balance just right.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Very good trip with very friendly group of people. Anybody going on this trip needs to be aware however that it is not that relaxing and does involve packing alot into your week. If this is what you are after in a unique land unlike any other then I can wholeheartedly recommend this trip and EXODUS's operation of it.
It was a busy week, cramming in lots of different experiences! However, it was an excellent way to see as much of the island as possible in a short time.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were plenty of great experiences, but my favourite was having dinner in a paladare in Trinidad one evening. There was live music from a quartet, the food was excellent, the setting in a beautiful old house was just fantastic. Truly memorable, it defined my trip to Cuba.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mariella was an excellent group leader. Nothing was too much trouble and she did a great job in balancing everyone's needs and views. She was always happy and really passionate about her country and her job.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go sooner, rather than later! Change is slowly coming......Be prepared for slow service in some bars and restaurants, you just need to get into 'Cuba' time as soon as possible. Relax with a cuba libre, or a mojito!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was a great trip, which I'd recommend for anybody who is short of time, but wants to get the real essence of a country. One of my favourite trips with Exodus.
Yvonne Kemp
A TASTE OF CUBA
Written
Cuba is a wonderful island with diverse countryside, sunshine, beaches, beautiful and historic spanish cities, cars, cigars and very friendly people. I was very lucky as I travelled with a really nice group which also makes the holiday special. This is a cultural and historical experience not to be missed.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Walking around the colourful streets of Havana; the magnificant architecture, music floating on the balmy breeze, the ambience, the history and of course the friendly, smiling Cubans.
Santa Clara; the history and of course, the Revolucion! The battles fought in and around Santa Clara were the turning point of the Revolucion the city belongs to Che Guevara - he is everywhere. Unfortunatley we didn't spend enought time to walk the streets of the city and absorb the ambience.
What did you think of your group leader?
Mariella (not sure of spelling) was an brilliant tour leader/guide. Her historical knowledge was second to none and her passion for all things Cuban was wonderful and her sunny disposition made us feel relaxed when we arrived in Havana after a long day of travelling. Our driver Eduardo was fabulous and very accommodating. The tour ran smoothly; our hotels were very comfortable and well located (except the location of the hotel in Miramar, fabulous hotel but too far out of Havana). All our meals were very good - contrary to what all the guide books say - the food was really tasty and varied.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Cuba, despite all the really positive things is a poor country. Take lots of colouring pens for the children, cheap automatic umbrellas (£1 shop) for the elderly ladies to use as parasols and any spare summer clothes you don't need. Trinidad is a fabulous preserved Spanish colonial city sandwiched between beautiful mountains and the Caribbean Sea. It is also touristy and locals ask for pens and clothes mostly. DO NOT GIVE TO THE LOCAL PEOPLE. Give your donations to your tour leader who will distribute to the people who need it the most.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Visit Cuba whilst it is still under communist rule. The political climate is changing some of it good but no one knows if it will become commercial/capitalist - if it does - Cuba will never be the same again.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Best place I went to has to be Trinidad with its manana attitude, sun, nightlife and beautiful setting...am even thinking of taking a career break and going back there for a while...
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader had amazing knowledge of the country, its culture, history and society and whatever we asked him he had an answer dotted witrh personal stories. He was a lot more open than I was expecting...and was a great slasa dancer...
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
None really, just expect the unexpected and the lower the expectations the more you will be blown away
Cuba - so close to the ubiquitous western world yet so fascinatingly different. If you enjoy seeing how other people live, understanding how history makes a culture then this trip is for you.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Havana Old Town. At first sight you are horrified at how run down and ruined the buildings are, how do people live like that? Then you see the extensive renovations being done and just how beautiful Havana was and will be again.
My group. We were on a solo departures tour and any reservations I had about the group were quickly resolved after a mojito or two!
What did you think of your group leader?
Freddie was excellent, he loves his country and all it's contradictions. He was with us every step of the way, taking us to great places to eat and he always had a plan B in case the weather changed or the road was impassable. Freddie and Emildo the driver made this holiday.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Cuba is catching up with the western world so quickly. Don't hesitate, it will never be the same again.
The Land of Sugar, Che and Chevrolets! What a wonderfully cool destination. Cuba is so interesting steeped in history, politics, culture, architecture, music, song and dance. The Cubans (like most Spanish speakers) really know how to have a great time and enjoy life to the full. There is so much we can all learn from them and I am so glad I chose to come this extremely special, unique and exceptionally gifted and talented country. Hurry up and visit soon before it could all potentially change for the worse?
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Havana is one amazing city which you will never forget. The buildings are so grand I don't think I have ever seen ceilings so high. It matches the persona of many Cubans whom I found to be extremely graceful, elegant, full of substance, charming and highly educated. They may not have much in the way of material possessions but they know what they need and make the most of and appreciate what they do have. Their resourcefulness knows no bounds and I feel proud and privileged to have known them and shared their capital city with them if only for a few precious days.
Also I was mesmerized and fell into a trance whilst watching the women in the Cigar Factory it must take years of practice to be so good at rolling Cigars. I have a lot of repsect and patience for Factory Workers, they are the salt of the earth (or perhaps that should be sugar hee-hee).
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader was Cuban and so very highly educated and knowledgeable about many aspects of life in Cuba. He is very experienced and could answer all of our questions. He was also very well organised and we managed to get everything we wanted to get done in the space and time that we had available. Often he would give very detailed information whilst travelling to and from places on the bus and he could go on for more than an hour. (I might have fallen asleep on one occasion because I couldn't keep up with my concentration but in my defence it was siesta time and the holiday was so calming and relaxing I couldn't help it:)
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Visit this destination over and above others around the World before the political context changes forever!!! Cuba is original, classic, special and unforgettable to say the least. I feel so lucky to have been able to experience it.
However just one small point about the food. If you like spicy Thai and Indian curries etc take some hot chilli sauce with you to the restaurants to add to the food because I wish I had done this.
from 53 reviews.
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