Discover unique history and culture in the Pearl of the Caribbean
Beginning and ending in the vibrant city of Havana, this trip visits four Unesco World Heritage sites in one week: the Viñales Valley, Old Havana and the colourful colonial towns of Cienfuegos and Trinidad. Along the way, discover fascinating history, learn how to dance Cuban salsa like a local and have a go at making the perfect mojito.
Join this adventure and find out why Wanderlust readers named Cuba the Most Desirable Island in the World 2023.
Highlights
Discover the iconic, dilapidated charm of Havana
Walk through tobacco plantations in the Unesco-listed Viñales Valley
Learn to dance salsa in Trinidad
Visit the picturesque Caribbean beach of Playa Ancón
Cuban Tourist Cards included for all UK residents
Key Information
Seven nights in Cuban guesthouses (casas particulares)
Travel by comfortable air-conditioned private coach
Tour enables legal travel to Cuba for US citizens under the Support for Cuban People programme
Free arrival and departure transfers on trip start and end date
Countries visited: Cuba
What's Included
All breakfasts, three lunches, five dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Free arrival and departure transfers on trip start and end date
Tourist card visa for UK residents
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice hereand find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Every day of this trip is focused on activities that provide direct income for local people. This is in compliance with the United States’ Support for the Cuban People scheme, which allows legal travel to Cuba for US citizens.
Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned casas particulares, paladares (restaurants), and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
We visit local businesses including: Finca Raul in Viñales, where a farmer takes us through the stages of tobacco production; a bici-taxi tour of Cienfuegos operated by local drivers; and a pottery-making class run by the Santander family in Trinidad.
We spend time with a group of local women who are keeping regional traditions alive by teaching embroidery techniques and encouraging younger generations to embrace the skilled process of making textile handicrafts.
Our interactions allow the local people to improve their English skills, which can help widen employment opportunities and give visitors incomparable insight into the daily lives of Cuban people.
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles and encouraging visitors to bring filter water bottles, which can be refilled at public fountains and taps along the way.
We visit family-run farms to provide the owners with an additional stream of income related to the farm, encouraging the continuation of traditional agricultural practices in rural areas of the country.
We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
Casas particulares are small guesthouses that have a lower carbon footprint than larger hotels.
Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Cuba with Exodus Travels
Cuba: an island paradise home to salsa, Colonial architecture, and Caribbean beauty. Experience the grandeur of Old Havana, the lively nightlife of Santiago and the restored splendour of Trinidad, whilst taking time out to relax in Baracoa, a lively coastal town surrounded by rainforest and lush cocoa plantations.
Fly to Havana, Cuba’s lively capital. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. We check into our first casas particulares of the trip; today is all about settling in and unwinding after your flight. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Day
1
Start Havana
Welcome to Havana, the lively capital of Cuba. Founded by the Spanish in the 16th century, it is now a soulful mix of colonial architecture, street troubadours and classic cars. We check into our first casas particulares of the trip; today is all about settling in and unwinding after your flight. Meet your tour leader and fellow passengers today at the start accommodation.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Day
2
To Viñales Valley; walk through tobacco plantations
Today we travel to the Viñales Valley in the west of Cuba. Famous for its rolling tobacco plantations and collection of limestone karsts, it’s easy to see why Viñales was awarded Unesco World Heritage status. Joined by a local resident, we walk through the Valley of Silence to soak up rural Cuban life as farmers tend to their crops using traditional farming methods. We also visit a tobacco farm to learn about the famous Cuban export and meet with a tobacco farmer to understand the growing process. After checking into our casas particulares, we visit a farm in the Viñales hills for a sunset dinner overlooking the valley.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
3
To Cienfuegos via the Bay of Pigs
This morning, we have a long drive eastward to Cienfuegos. We stop for lunch at a small beachfront restaurant at the Bay of Pigs, where the speciality is fish freshly caught just off the coast by local fishermen. Time permitting, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea. This region of the Zapata Peninsula is a national park and swamp providing a habitat for some of the most important bird species in Cuba. We are joined by a local nature expert who introduces us to the natural landscape and characteristics of the area. We also have time to explore the Girón Museum, which exhibits items from the failed invasion by CIA-backed Cuban Americans. Afterwards, we continue to Cienfuegos, a city full of architectural delights and Cuban spirit with a beautiful main square and restored buildings. On arrival, we check into our casas. Tonight, we enjoy a Cuban-themed evening with a creole dinner followed by dominoes, rum and music.
Today’s travel time is approximately seven hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
4
Bici-taxi tour of Cienfuegos; to Trinidad Unesco World Heritage site; walking tour of Trinidad
This morning, we start by having a city tour on bici-taxi. One of the best ways to get around is by bici-taxi, a fun, ecofriendly way to see the city. Each can accommodate two people and is pedalled by a local resident (most of whom like to introduce their guests to reggaeton music!). The bici-taxi tour is a great time to talk to Cienfuegos residents and refine your Spanish.
After, we depart Cienfuegos and drive down the coast to Trinidad, a Unesco site since 1988 and perhaps the best-preserved colonial town on the island. Exploring Trinidad is like stepping back in time; the cobbled streets and horse-drawn transportation whisking you back to the Colonial era. There are many interesting museums in old colonial buildings and music drifts through the streets and plazas, bringing the town to life. We have a walking tour with a local resident who provides an insider perspective of what it’s like to live in Trinidad. The city tour also includes a visit to Casa Templo de Santeria de Yemaya where we learn about Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion.
Our dinner is at a private paladar where a local collective of musicians performs interpretations of classic Cuban trova songs. This is sure to be a lively evening and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the distinct rhythms of Cuban music.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
5
Discover Playa Ancón; cocktail and salsa class in Trinidad
This morning, we transfer to Playa Ancón, making a short stop to visit the picturesque fishing village of La Boca. This is a popular spot with local fishermen, who we meet and speak to about the fishing industry in Cuba. Then we carry on to Playa Ancón and enjoy time at the beach. It is a great place to swim or you can simply dip your toes in the water and relax. After, we have an authentic Cuban lunch prepared for us. Back in Trinidad, we join the Santander family for a pottery-making class. Here we learn skills passed through several generations of this Cuban family before making our own pottery with the guidance of a family member.
Also this afternoon, we meet a Cuban barman who is an expert at making the perfect mojito! After a mojito-making lesson, everyone in the group will have a go at mixing their own in the authentic Cuban way. Afterwards, we take part in a salsa class with Cuban dance partners. There is one dance partner for each member of the group to assist with teaching the correct salsa moves. Trinidad is known for its nightlife, so after we’ve learnt the salsa basics, we visit Casa de la Trova, a legendary live music venue, to listen to local musicians playing authentic Cuban music. This venue is always lively and sociable, with plenty of Cubans keen to let us improve our moves with them!
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
6
To Manaca Iznaga and Che Guevara's Mausoleum in Santa Clara; to Havana
After breakfast, we visit a project in Trinidad that showcases the skilled process of making textile handicrafts. Then, leaving Trinidad, we head to Manaca Iznaga, where we learn about the sugar-growing history surrounding the Valle de los Ingenios, a hugely important industry for Cuba during the 18th and 19th centuries. As we have a long transfer today, we take packed lunches from our accommodation.
We also visit a country farm where you can enjoy a cafecito (Cuban coffee) and learn about the crops grown in the area. As well as being welcomed into their house for a cafecito, we have a short walk around the property with the owners, learning about small-scale agriculture techniques and industry in rural Cuba.
Our next stop is Santa Clara, the site of the last battle of the Cuban Revolution in December 1958, just before Fidel Castro took Havana. Che Guevara and his troops ambushed an armoured train carrying arms to Santiago de Cuba and this was a major turning point in the Revolution. We visit the Mausoleum of Che Guevara and his comrades who died in Bolivia before driving back to Havana. Dinner is at a private paladar, run by an entrepreneurial chef who pioneers a fusion of Cuban and Asian cuisine.
Today’s travel time is approximately five hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
7
Havana city tour on foot and by classic car
This morning, we have a walking tour of Havana, the capital and largest city in Cuba. It includes a tour of Old Havana, which is often described as a living museum with marvellous monuments, cathedrals and palaces. During our tour, we visit a ration store, food market and artisan market.
We then explore the capital a little more… and there is no better way to see Havana than by classic car. Visiting both the old and new areas of the city in pristine classic cars in vibrant colours, we discover the distinct neighbourhoods of the capital, stopping at points of interest for explanations and stories. Feel free to ask questions about why the streets are filled with 1950s American cars and how the owners maintain them!
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included: Breakfast
Free morning; depart for flight home
This morning is free to relax or do some last-minute sightseeing in Havana’s old town before those on group flights transfer to the airport in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
End Havana
This morning is free to relax or do some last-minute sightseeing in Havana Old Town before we bid a fond farewell to each other and begin our return journey home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Arrive London
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
We travel in the comfort of a private air-conditioned coach, staying in the most characterful destinations on the island, including Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Viñales. Along the way, we have a salsa class, learn about Cuba’s fascinating revolutionary history and current communist system and walk in the countryside of the Viñales Valley. The longest journey on this trip is seven hours on Day 3, and there is another long distance to cover on Day 6. Travel times can vary depending on traffic and weather.
Travelling in Cuba
It is possible you will face minor frustrations in Cuba. We encourage all travellers to go with an open mind, and with realistic expectations at what a visit here entails. If your guide announces a change of plans then please be assured everything possible has been done behind the scenes to make satisfactory alternative arrangements.
Phone signal
Phone networks don’t make or receive calls particularly well in Cuba, and coverage may not be available in many locations. There is 4G but not all phone networks work in Cuba, so please check with your service provider before travel. Data roaming from your home network can be incredibly expensive – we recommend switching this off. There are several ways to connect to the internet using a mobile device, but on the whole it’s best not to expect a reliable internet connection. Many casas particulares have free wifi, but download speeds are likely to be slow. You can purchase wifi scratch cards at official shops, but often you encounter long queues. Alternatively, buy a Cuban sim card and roaming package valid for 30 days to use in an unlocked phone.
Please note: As an American-owned company, Exodus programmes to Cuba are fully compliant with the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) general license for Support for the Cuban People travel.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start accommodation: Casas particulares in Havana Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. The welcome briefing often takes place in the morning of Day 2, due to the evening arrival of many flights Airport: Havana (HAV)
Getting to the start accommodation
The start accommodation is approximately 35 minutes from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start accommodation from the airport for all customers arriving on the start date of the trip (customers arriving earlier than the start date may take a taxi or book a private transfer). If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers departing on the last day of the group trip to Havana Airport (HAV) from the end accommodation.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start accommodation and from the end accommodation and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Havana Location end: Havana
Vaccinations and Health
Cuba
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Hepatitis A. We are advised that there is no risk of malaria. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we recommend that you confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Passport
Check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return, and to have at least two clear pages for entry stamps.
Visa
Cuba
Customers from the UK or EU:
Travellers from the UK and EU do not need a visa to enter Cuba but do require a tourist card. A Cuban tourist card (valid for 30 days) is included and will be posted to you by Exodus approximately three to four weeks before travel. We will send instructions on how to fill it in but please be careful doing this as any mistakes may result in you having to purchase a new card at a cost of £25 per person. We will send one tourist card free of charge as long as you live at a UK or Ireland address and are a national of an EU country, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan. If you are not a national of one of these countries or are not resident in the UK or Eire you must contact your nearest Cuban consulate to check what visa is required – Exodus cannot provide a tourist card for you. Please note, tourist cards supplied by Exodus will not be valid if you are travelling via the US. If you are travelling via the US, you will be subject to compliance under the same regulations as an American citizen. You cannot use a tourist card purchased outside the US but will have to buy a ‘pink’ tourist card sold only in the US (at a US airport or from a US travel agent). For UK or EU customers, we do not recommend travelling to Cuba via the USA.
Customers from the USA:
Any US citizen wishing to travel to Cuba should be fully aware of current legislation before committing to any trip to Cuba. The main requirement is that for legal travel to Cuba, all US citizens must comply with the requirements set out by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC). As an American-owned company, Exodus programs to Cuba are fully compliant with the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) general license under the Support for the Cuban People category of travel.
Travellers from the USA are required to buy a ‘pink’ tourist card sold only in the US (at a US airport or from a US travel agent). We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. For travellers from the USA, please check: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html where you can also find more information about the Support for Cuban People and OFAC requirements.
We advise you to keep a copy of your itinerary and any transactions relating to the trip for five years after the trip takes place to comply with OFAC requirements.
Customers from Canada or Australia:
Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate about how to obtain a tourist card prior to travel to Cuba (links below).
IMPORTANT FOR ALL CUSTOMERS: Cuba now requires all passengers to fill in a locator form prior to travel – this form is mandatory. You can access the form here: https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio Make sure to keep a photo of the QR code generated so that you can easily present it on arrival. Please note, you can only fill in the D’Viajeros form 48 hours prior to entry into Cuba.
The Cuban entry immigration is time consuming and most visitors encounter delays: it may take up to two hours to clear immigration and collect your bags, so please be prepared for a long wait on arrival. The Cuban government passed a law stating that all tourists visiting Cuba must have travel insurance to cover medical costs. You may be asked to provide proof of your travel insurance policy when you arrive at Havana Airport, so please ensure your documents are easily accessible. Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return, and to have at least two clear pages for entry stamps.
Visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to organise this element of your trip. We recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through. Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note: If you travel to Cuba (or have done since 2021), you will subsequently not be able to apply for an ESTA to visit the USA. You can still apply to travel to the USA on a tourist visa.
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, three lunches and five dinners included.
Cuba is not renowned for its culinary excellence (although it is improving) and some ingredients are just not possible to acquire. Food tends to be simple and relatively expensive – in no small part due to the long trade embargo implemented by the US. Flavours are relatively simple, with most mealtimes consisting of meat or fish accompanied by rice and salad or vegetables. Seafood is widely available on the coast, including cheap and abundant lobster! Vegetarians will probably find they have the most limited choice. Snacks are not freely available in Cuba so you may wish to bring some with you – particularly energy snacks, as food shops, cafes and restaurants are scarce in many of the rural areas we visit. It can be difficult to find quick lunches on the go as Cubans typically eat two meals a day – we provide packed lunches during the day and there are plenty of water and fruit refreshment stops. While food choice can be basic, on the plus side there is absolutely no shortage of rum! Havana Club, Black Tears, Ron Santiago, Caney… after your visit, you will be an expert.
The paladares are likely to be a highlight of any visit to Cuba – they are one of the few types of private enterprise allowed (although still heavily regulated), where families or entrepreneurs are allowed to set up a restaurant. Think soul food – rice, black beans, slow-roast pork or chicken, fresh fish, lobster and plenty of tropical fruit. The atmosphere in private paladares and the opportunity to integrate with Cubans will absolutely enhance your stay!
Some drinking water is available on the bus, but we ask that you bring a filter water bottle to refill at public fountains and taps along the way. This helps to cut down on plastic and the need to buy water.
Weather
The dry season runs from November to April (with December to March being the peak months for traditional tourism). It is very humid between May and October, with heavy rains at times and the possibility of hurricanes. July and August are some of the most popular months to visit Cuba by sunseekers from Europe and Canada but are extremely hot (average 28C/82F) and wet. Cuba has an average of six hours of sunshine per day with a more or less constant humidity of 62 precent. Water temperature is normally 24C-28C (75F-82F).
Casas particulares
We spend seven nights in casas particulares, traditional Cuban guesthouses that provide a warm welcome and, best of all, an insight into the local lifestyle and culture. Rooms are on a twin-share basis with air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Every property has been inspected and assessed by our local team. Some are large multi-room houses that are home to entire families, others are run by individuals, and in some cases the owners live elsewhere. The casas do not have lifts (elevators) so you should be able and prepared to carry your luggage up multiple flights of stairs. We typically use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our full group. We always do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other Exodus clients are staying.
The casa owners are usually happy to help with laundry for a small fee. Most casas do not have hairdryers. There are often pets (a cat or dog) at the casas – please advise at the time of booking if this is problematic.
Please note, power cuts occur regularly in Cuba and you should expect there to be blackouts for hours at a time. This is a part of daily life in Cuba and torches are readily available for evening/night-time blackouts. Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental. Cuba is not a luxury destination and anyone travelling to the island should be prepared for this.
This was a trip of variety in a very different culture with plenty of different experiences. The Cuban people have a lively spirit, both in their rum and in their music and these are readily available through the trip from city to beach. The trip provides a great feel for the people, their lives, history, economy and their struggles. Although a poor country, the people and the visit were overall uplifting. The trip flew by but will remain a memorable visit.
Most Inspirational Moment
Drinking Cuban cocktails in the bars listening to the Cuban music and watching the Cuban dancing; walks around Havana, Cienfuegos and Trinidad; spending time on the beach in the Bay of Pigs; and of course, driving around Havana in a brightly coloured veteran US car.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The group leader had a great knowledge of the country, the people and their lives, and was invaluable in navigating our way around ensuring we were kept safe, secure and entertained.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Food choices are limited, especially if you are vegetarian; take two-flat pin socket adapters; do not expect much wifi; take USD or EUR cash; buy rum, cigars and handmade crafts; take some small items of daily living for the locals (soap, paracetamol, etc); be prepared to see some poverty; and the airport is freezing!
Ilenia Barausse
Reviewed December 2023
Amazing trip!
Cuba had been on my bucket list for a very long time and it did not disappoint. What an amazing trip this was, perfect in every way! Cuba offers so much: beautiful and diverse countryside, colourful historic towns ,fantastic beaches and the friendliest people I have ever met. I was also very lucky to share this experience with a lovely group of like-minded people who made this experience extra special.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many!! The Che Guevara mausoleum was my personal highlight and I found it quite moving. Trinidad was special too, filled with music and colours. And of course staying in the local Casas was a beautiful experience, every host was super friendly and welcoming treating you as if you were part of the family. And I have to mention the ride around Havana on a beautiful classic car on the last day of the trip. What a cool way to end this amazing experience!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader Rayselis was fantastic! A true Cuban, so passionate about her country and very informative. She told us so much about every aspect of Cuba, from the history to the Cuban way of life. She was always kind, always smiling and making sure everyone was ok. The best leader you could ask for!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go with an open mind. Cuba does not offer the luxuries of some other countries but it is extremely safe, locals are very friendly and welcoming. If you can learn a few words of Spanish that will definitely help as in some Casas English can be very limited. Also a power bank is very useful in case of blackouts.
Suggestions
If you ever wanted to go to Cuba go on this trip! It is quite a busy and packed itinerary but it gives you a real taste of Cuba and it will leave you wanting so much more. I will go back for sure.
Gavin Ireland
Reviewed November 2023
Awesome Experience
Cuba has the most beautiful scenic mountains, forests, beaches, lowlands, and wildlife. The roads are pretty awful in Cuba, but our driver did a great job of navigating the potholes. Cuba’s towns and cities are a beautiful example of people who have the least being happy to share what little they have. The locals were all friendly, generous, and welcoming, not to mention happy to put up with me murdering the Spanish language in an attempt to communicate. Trinidad is party central! Every night of the week, bars and clubs have excellent live bands, and so many amazing dancers. Havana is packed full of culture, and although a lot of the city is run down and falling down, you can see where restoration work on the colonial style building has been completed to a very high standard, and where it is ongoing. The Rum museum (Museo Del Ron Havana Club) is well worth a trip, the basic tour lasts about 1/2 hour and includes a generous sample of the 7 year old Havana Club rum for 350 pesos, which at the time was less than £4! Generally prices in Cuba are very low, and thankfully now you only have to deal with Cuban pesos and Euros, whereas in the past there was also CUC too!
Most Inspirational Moment
We know that generally people in Cuba don't have a lot, and Rayselis showed us a few of the projects being run not only to preserve Cuban heritage, but also to give the people jobs and allow them to earn a little extra. Whilst in the tourist areas, beggars we fairly common, my general view of Cubans is that they want to work for a better life.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rayselis was amazing. Her local knowledge was awesome, and she seems to know everyone! She was constantly working behind the scenes to make sure that our experience was the best that it could be, and she looked after us all so well. I think we would have been lost and broke without her.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you're prone to getting bitten, or you react badly to insect bites, bug spray is essential even during the day. If you want to help poor people, do it via your tour guide. The moment you give to one beggar you'll be swarmed by all of them. In bars and restaurants in Havana, if you want to choose a "special" cocktail from the board - ask the price first. We found that the cocktails on the menu were 700 pesos (around £3.50) and the ones on the board were 2200 pesos (roughly £11). Still good value compared to London prices, but not 3 times better than the ones on the menu. There are some amazing rums to try, but before you buy that £180, £400, £3500 bottle of rum to take home, find a bar and try them first. Maybe it's my unrefined palate, but out of the various expensive bottles I preferred the £50 masters selection to the more expensive ones.
Suggestions
What an amazing country and fantastic experience. As I understand it, it doesn't look like "the Americans" will be arriving anytime soon, but if you get a chance to go, do it before McDonalds, Coke, and flashy new buildings and cars arrive. Whilst I would love for the Cuban people to have more and a better life, right now it is an unspoilt gem in the Caribbean.
Angela Whitbread
Reviewed October 2023
wow what an amazing and diverse country!! one moment you are in the stunning serene countryside learning about tobacco the next you are in a loud, vibrant city full of unexpected things and history at every turn.
From being invited to dance in a restaurant by an after work group who were out drinking one night in Havana to blackouts, from salsa dancing with a live band to the beautiful beaches a treasure trove of a trip that I will never forget.
Most Inspirational Moment
visiting the cassas where the real Cubans live and very generously let us stay with them often with little English to get by but the shared love of animals and an open mind. visiting a local farmer and a local fisherman to see how they live and work was a privilege. Dancing in Trinidad with my tour leader Jorge accompanied by a live band was defiantly a highlight. seeing how hard it is for Cubans just to get to their workplace and dealing with the blackouts and the Wi-Fi connections and just everyday living that we take for granted.
seeing the very different towns of vinales and Cienfuegos with their beautiful buildings then onto Trinidad and the wonderfully historic buildings there is like a time machine!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jorge was amazing his English is perfect and his sense of humour was on point!! The love for his country and history is infectious and I can say I learnt a great deal from him. He is a very inspirational man. Our driver Juan carols was so good, driving such long distances is not an easy things on the Cuban roads which were mostly empty I might add due the fuel issue. both were such lovely warm people we wont forget in a hurry.
Advice for Potential Travellers
go with an open mind and you dancing shoes for a whistlestop tour of this beautiful country!!
Suggestions
The food is amazing and the fish is some of the best along with the lobster which I defiantly cant afford here in the uk.
you wont need anything to keep warm with at night either, take lots of euros in coins and small notes surprisingly they don't want their own currency!!
Deb Griffiths
Reviewed March 2020
Cuba
Have just come back from a Taste of Cuba trip. What an amazing time we had, Rayselis the guide was so passionate about her country and so knowledgeable. We visited local community run projects, got to eat in local restaurants and generally have a good time with the Cuban people. I would recommend this trip if you want to see Cuba rather than just sit on a beech. Cigar rolling, rum drinking, salsa dancing , pottery throwing, amazing.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing Cuba in the raw, old Havana is amazing, seeing local Cubans going about there everyday lives, happily singing and dancing.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rayselis is an amazing, passionate guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go with an open mind, and enjoy.
Suggestions
The food was not bland, there was plenty of variety, vegetarian meals were available, the Cuban Hosts were lovely, the Casa' s and Hotels were lovely and so clean.
Alys Goodchild
Reviewed February 2020
Fantastic experience
Week long tour of western Cuba stopping off at loads of interesting and enjoyable locations: just some were Cienfuegos, Trinidad, pottery studio and ‘have a go’, Vinales Valley and tobacco/coffee plantation with fascinating demonstrations and of course not forgetting the wonderful Havana.
Lovely places to stay and very very good food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Can't narrow it down to 1! but including visiting the traditional house of a couple who lived via their coffee and plant production, overwhelming hospitality of the places we stayed in, Cuban friendliness and seeing how they manage their lives so well despite some hardships.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Fabulous. The most informative, entertaining and helpful person we could have wished for in that role.
The coach driver who took us everywhere was wonderful too, and made sure we never ran out of fuel!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared to live out of a suitcase, it's not nearly as difficult as we thought!
Suggestions
We would wholeheartedly recommend this tour. It gave us a great holiday, wonderful experiences and plenty of great memories!
Serena Chance
Reviewed April 2017
A fantastic whistle-stop tour
A great week – lots of different aspects of Cuba, really enjoyable, very informative and a lot of fun. There is a lot of travel involved however it gave us all a good insight into some of the life in a different and fascinating country. Very hospitable hosts in the Casals Particulares.
Most Inspirational Moment
The final Salsa class with our Cuban dance partners; realising how hard most Cubans have to work in order to make ends meet; appreciating just how widespread the ability to perform music to a high standard is amongst the Cubans;
Thoughts on Group Leader
Lenay was a fabulous guide. Kind, helpful, very informative, assertive when needed, always smiley cheerful and positive, realistic about what we should expect, and she made it a great week for us all. She was very concerned that we were happy with the accommodation wherever we were, and that we let her know if anything wasn't as it might be. I don't think we could have had a better guide. A big thank you to Lenay for a great week, and for all her hard work.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Expect some long journeys; don't expect European luxuries or standards of accommodation everywhere; take time to learn some Spanish as the hosts in the cases particulares are extremely kind, and friendly; take things as you find them and with a sense of humour; understand that we are very wealthy/privileged in comparison to most Cubans; enjoy it all!
Suggestions
I would love to return.
rona barton
Reviewed March 2017
Taste of Cuba
Hugely enjoyed this tour….. truly was an adventure.
We were introduced to an extraordinary peoples and culture….our guide was exemplary.
I luved every moment and and am extremely keen to return.
‘The Taste of Cuba’ filled every moment with fascination and surprise.
Everywhere very comfortable and safe but with a sense of how challenging it is for the locals…
Most Inspirational Moment
Hard to single out one...
'growing insight into the history of past 200years
The positivity of the guide..... a 'child' of the post revolution
The awesome colonial architecture
the enterprise of the peoples...rural and urban
snorkelling in the Caribbean
The delightful hospitality of the hosts in the casa particulares
very little that could be left out!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
A star plus plus plus. She was so informative and prepared.... always positive and enthusiastic. The whole group thought her fabulous. For the whole week she was completely available and responsive to our needs and foibles.. a huge asset to Exodus and excellent Cuban ambassadress.
In addition to the program, she researched material for further research into our family history during her free time... superb young woman!
Advice for Potential Travellers
'bother' the team online via web chat......! it allays all doubts and instant access to advice or help.
Suggestions
kindly forward info on your input/ support for local charities (for my information only)
As a family, we left small gifts in the casa particulares..... hoping this was sensitive and right action...?
Kathryn Moore
Reviewed March 2017
More than just cocktails!
A fantastic introduction to Cuba, its culture, history, music, dancing (and cocktails!)
Most Inspirational Moment
Loved it all!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ray is the best leader I've had on any group holiday. Informative, funny and encouraging during our attempts at dancing. I couldn't rate her highly enough. She made it a memorable trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't expect too much of the Casas and then you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Take the optional Cadillac ride; it was great fun!
Jenny Sinnott
Reviewed February 2017
Amazing country, but Exodus were a shambles
Cuba is amazing, fantastic country and people. But Exodus were poor from start to finish.
Before we left – most staff were great. One asked us for same info 3 times!
On arrival, we had booked an extension in Varadero. We weren’t told that Exodus can’t guarantee your hotel for this part of trip. We found out at airport we couldn’t stay at hotel we booked. Disappointing, but the substitute hotel was lovely too.
Havana – hotel so far out of town hotel we couldn’t do sightseeing as planned. Took an hour to check in! Room was dirty and badly maintained. On a road so noisy the windows shook as big trucks drove past constantly. I asked to move and was given a quieter room, but with no hot water!
Vinales – beautiful place, but more issues with room. It was cramped, grim and noisy. Could have coped with that, but also had swarms of mosquitoes in my room. I killed dozens. Told tour leader, who chided me for not telling her immediately, although I had no way to contact her! My phone wouldn’t allow me to make outgoing calls in Cuba. Owners sprayed my room, but I still killed another couple of dozen mosquitoes later that evening. This room is available for $20/night on airbnb. Massive mark up charged by Exodus.
Cienfuegos- decent, quiet room, although windowless. Air con broken and leaked all over bed. No one to report this to. Told tour leader in morning and she looked at me blankly and said nothing! Breakfast was bread and jam. Pot of coffee to share that allowed only half a small cup each. If we wanted more coffee we had to pay! In this hotel, my iPad was stolen. It was charging and never left my room. In morning, I checked the room was clear. As soon as i sat on bus (at 7.45am), I realised I hadn’t packed ipad. Told tour leader immediately, hoping she would call hotel. She didn’t call them until we reached Trinidad and she told me my iPad wasn’t in the room. Only explanation, it was stolen by hotel staff, either before or after I left. I told Exodus hoping they could use influence to pressure maid into returning stolen item. Exodus did nothing for THREE DAYS! After a lot of hassling, they called me, but still did nothing to try to get the iPad back. I believe they still use this hotel, so beware!
Trinidad – decent room, but didn’t get any breakfast one day. We think they mistook the time we requested food, due to language barrier. Girl was barely listening to us when we booked breakfast. Tour leader arranged breakfast for us elsewhere.
Havana – finally a decent hotel! And trip home was fine.
Most Inspirational Moment
Vinales - beautiful place, fantastic way of life for the locals, in my opinion.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I took a while to warm to her. I had a lot of problems on this trip and she made me feel uncomfortable when I told her about them. I only complained when I really felt it necessary. For example, I didn't tell her I got food poisoning from 2 of the restaurants she took us to.
She talked too much for my liking. She was interesting and very knowledgeable. But on a 7 hour bus journey, she probably talked for 6.5 hours. I couldn't talk to my friend on the bus or I got a glare from her! Couldn't talk to her privately for most of the trip, she was always talking to the group and didn't like being interrupted, unless it was a question relevant to her lecture.
On the plus side, she was fun, very interesting and knowledgeable. Happy and able to give advice on anything I wanted to do or know.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I wouldn't recommend travelling to Cuba with Exodus, sorry! The accommodation was below par. I expected basic, but it was worse than any back packing hostel I've ever stayed in and massively overpriced.
You need to get up horribly early every day in order to beat the other crowds of tourists. You're very much on the tourist trail. I would not have chosen to go to the tobacco and rum factory where crowds of tourists stare at the workers, it was weird and an uncomfortable experience. Could have done without the mojito lesson and I found the one on one salsa too intense and awkward. Two Cuban lads baa'd at us and I agreed with them. I felt like a herded sheep!
Best times were free time. So much to see, but not enough free time to see it all.
Exodus are useful for getting you around the country, but if you can do this another way, I would advise it.
Suggestions
Be careful of your belongings. If anything goes missing I doubt you'll get it back and Exodus won't help.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Optional Single Supplement+384 € Available upon Request
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This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
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