Discover the true Pearl of the Caribbean, from the iconic experiences to the stories of the local people
Explore Cuba, a land known for revolution and rum, salsa and cigars, classic cars and crumbling colonial towns. The whole truth, however, is far more eye-opening and evocative. Guided by an expert tour leader, we unpack it all. Of course, there’s the essential experiences: dancing salsa, making mojitos and relaxing on the Caribbean sands of Playa Ancón. But it’s through our countless interactions with the local people and nightly stays in Cuban guesthouses that we truly understand a culture forged under unique circumstances: welcoming, sociable and resilient, despite daily adversities.
Experience the real Cuba, its complex story revealed by our expert tour leader
Cruise the streets of Havana in a classic car
See rural Cuba on a walk through tobacco plantations in the UNESCO-listed Viñales Valley
Learn to dance salsa in Trinidad – a local expert showing you the steps
Relax on the picturesque Caribbean beach of Playa Ancón
Stay in casas particulares throughout – a warm and uniquely Cuban homestay!
Itinerary
First Destination:
Havana
Next Destination:
Havana
Meals included:None
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
Meals included:Breakfast
First Destination:
Havana
Next Destination:
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
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 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
This morning, we have a long drive eastward to Playa Larga. We stop at a farmer’s house in the village of Palpite with the aim of seeing the smallest birds in the world, the bee hummingbird, who like to feed on the farmer’s patio. We are then joined by a local nature expert who introduces us to the natural landscape and characteristics of the area. We also visit a small community arts and dance school in Palpite to meet participants and learn about the importance of the arts in Cuba. If time, we can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters of the Bay of Pigs.
Tonight, we enjoy a traditional creole dinner followed by the quintessentially Cuban pastime of dominoes and rum.
Today’s travel time is approximately five hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we continue eastwards to Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South. Cienfuegos is a city full of architectural delights and Cuban spirit with a beautiful main square and restored buildings.
On arrival, we tour the city by e-tricycle, fun tuk tuk-like vehicles that can accommodate four people and run on solar power. Used locally as public transport, they provide an authentic way to see the city.
After, we depart Cienfuegos and drive down the coast to Trinidad, a World Heritage 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 to learn what it’s like to live in Trinidad, which includes a visit to Casa Templo de Santeria de Yemaya where we learn about Santeria, an Afro-Cuban religion.
This evening, we meet a local barman at a private paladar who is an expert at mixing the perfect mojito! We learn how to mix mojitos in the authentic Cuban way then enjoy dinner at the paladar before returning to our casas particulares.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
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.
On our return to Trinidad in the afternoon, there is the option to take part in a salsa class, learning the fundamentals with Cuban dance partners. 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
Leave Trinidad after breakfast and head to Manaca Iznaga, where we visit a project that showcases the skilled process of making textile handicrafts. Manaca Iznaga and the surrounding Valle de los Ingenios was a hugely important sugar-growing area in the 18th and 19th centuries and we learn about that history here. 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.
Today’s travel time is approximately five to six hours.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we have a walking tour of Havana, the capital and largest city in Cuba. We walk the streets of Old Havana, often described as a living museum with magnificent monuments, cathedrals and palaces, as well as seeing the famous Capitolio building and four of the city’s principal squares. During our tour, we also visit a ration store, food market and artisan market.
There is no better way to see Havana than by classic car. This afternoon, we get acquainted with both the old and new areas of the city in pristine classic cars, discovering the distinct areas of the capital and stopping at points of interest for explanations and stories. Stops include the historic Plaza de la Revolución and bustling Vedado district.
Our final dinner is at a private paladar, run by an entrepreneurial chef who pioneers a fusion of Cuban and Asian cuisine.
Accommodation: Casas particulares
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
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 journeys home.
Meals included:Breakfast
Dates & Prices
Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 355
£ 1899 (excl. flights)
Saturday 04 Apr 2026 to Saturday 11 Apr 2026
Saturdayto
Saturday
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 355
£ 1799 (excl. flights)
Saturday 09 May 2026 to Saturday 16 May 2026
Saturdayto
Saturday
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 355
Save £ 360
Usually £ 1799
Now £ 1439
Saturday 03 Oct 2026 to Saturday 10 Oct 2026
Saturdayto
Saturday
Availability
Guaranteed (Available)
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
Optional Single Supplement
+£ 355
£ 1799 (excl. flights)
Book with £ 449 deposit
No departures match your criteria. Please adjust your filters and try again.
Your Group, Your Adventure
Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.
We stay in casas particulares, guesthouse-style accommodation that provides a unique insight into local life – an experience you just wouldn’t get in a traditional hotel!
Understanding casas
Casas are privately owned homes with rooms to rent. Some call them Cuba’s answer to the B&B, but the truth is they offer a far more personal experience. Typically, the owner (and often family) will live at the property, meaning you have meaningful interactions with them as soon as you wake. The hosts are warm, welcoming and gracious – expect generous breakfasts, plenty of smiles and friendly conversations in Spanglish. Who knows, you may make a friend or two!
The properties we use have been handpicked by our local team and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, reflecting the personality and lifestyle of the owners. As family homes, they tend to have a maximum of three or four bedrooms each, so we often use several different properties in close vicinity to accommodate our group. We do our best to ensure those in single-room accommodation are within a house where other group members are staying.
The rooms are often vibrant, simply furnished and with tiled floors, sometimes with wooden shutters in place of windows. All have air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Worth knowing
Power cuts are part of daily life in Cuba, so please prepare for blackouts that may last several hours. Please bring a torch (flashlight) with you in case of evening/night-time occurrences. Also pack mosquito repellent for these periods – you’ll want to open your window, too.
Internet connections can be unreliable.
Hot water supplies are not always guaranteed and water pressure can be temperamental.
Casas do not have lifts (elevators) so you should be able and prepared to carry your luggage up stairs.
Many casa owners can 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.
Introducing Enio
Havana-born Enio has been a tour leader in Cuba since 1993 and joined Exodus in 2009, bringing his extensive expertise and enthusiasm for his home country.
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Understanding Cuba: Cuba’s famously turbulent history and economic stagnation has resulted in daily difficulties: supermarket shelves can be bare, finding a working ATM is often tricky, wifi is unreliable and there are frequent power outages. Our tour leader helps to unravel the nuances and red tape of island life, allowing you to truly absorb this fascinating destination. We strongly recommend reading the Trip Notes carefully, there’s plenty of information in there that will enhance your experience!
Journeys: We travel in a private air-conditioned coach. The longest journey is seven hours on Day 3, and there is another long distance to cover on Day 6 (approximately five hours). Travel times can vary depending on traffic and weather.
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 here, 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 it’s best not to expect a reliable internet connection. Most casas particulares have free wifi which, while much slower than your usual connection, is adequate for keeping in touch with friends and family via WhatsApp or email. If you have time, you could buy a Cuban sim card to access roaming; however, service is slow and it may take a couple of hours to buy and register your sim card.
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.
Cuba
UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan passport holders residing in the UK/Ireland
If you hold a passport from the UK, an EU country, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Japan AND reside in the UK/Ireland, Exodus will arrange your visa for you. We will provide paper visas until June, then e-visas after.
Please note, Exodus cannot supply a visa if you are travelling from or via the USA. In these instances, we recommend using cubavisaservices.com.
Other passport holders residing in the UK/Ireland
If you reside in the UK or Ireland but do not hold one of the above passports, please contact your nearest Cuban consulate to check which visa is required – Exodus is unable to provide a visa for you.
Customers residing outside the UK/Ireland
If you do not reside in the UK or Ireland, you must contact your nearest Cuban consulate to check which visa is required – Exodus is unable to provide a visa for you.
USA passport holders and residents
Any USA passport holder wishing to travel to Cuba should be fully aware of current legislation before committing to a trip to Cuba. As an American-owned company, Exodus programs to Cuba are fully compliant with the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) general license under the Support for the Cuban People category of travel.
Travellers from the USA are required to obtain an e-visa for travel to Cuba. Please first check with your airline if the e-visa is included as some airlines include it in the airfare. If it is not included, you can apply for an e-visa at www.cubavisaservices.com. The cost as of November 2024 is $50 for the e-visa plus a $35 processing fee.
You must keep a copy of your itinerary and any correspondence/transactions relating to the trip for a minimum of five years after the trip takes place to comply with OFAC requirements. For more information about the Support for Cuban People and OFAC requirements, visit: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html.
Cuba now requires all passengers to fill in a locator form prior to travel – this form is mandatory. You can access the form here: www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/inicio Make sure to keep a photo of the QR code generated so you can easily present it on arrival. You can only fill in the D’Viajeros form within seven days prior to entry into Cuba. For advice on how to complete it, consult our Help Sheet.
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. 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. Ensure your documents are easily accessible.
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. You should also check with your airline to see if the e-visa is included, as some include it with the airfare.
All breakfasts, two lunches and four dinners are included.
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). 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!
In general, 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. Dishes tend to be 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 find that choices are limited, but it’s still possible to eat well. 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.
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.
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 but are 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).
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
This is a quick trip that gives an insight into the Cuban way of living across the island. I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Cuba, go with the flow and embrace it. You will experience blackouts, limited water pressure, limited wifi, poverty but that is part of seeing the real...
Most Inspirational Moment
There were lots: Vinales plantation, Hummingbirds, Trinidad, Vintage car tour in Havana & live music in restaurants/bars.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nelson was a great guide, he looked after the group really well and enjoyed sharing his wealth of knowledge with us. He encouraged us to ask questions and was fun to have around.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I took only Euros with me and never needed to change any of them for Cuban Pesos. Euros & US Dollars are accepted everywhere.
Only take notes as coins are not accepted. Notes must be in good condition, they will not be accepted if they are ripped or too worn.
Take small notes as you may find it difficult to use notes of 50 +
Euros & USD were valued the same, 1 Euro or 1 USD = 400 cuban pesos (on average).
Water is readily available to buy. There are no public drinking fountains so no need for a filter water bottle unless you want to fill up from the tap in your room.
Take tissues/toilet paper with you for your comfort stops. When you get small peso notes, keep them for tipping at toilets or have some 1 US dollars.
Take some gifts for the locals with you. You will enjoy meeting people throughout the trip and it is lovely to leave them something that we have in abundance but is limited for them. I took paracetamol, ibuprofen, deodorant, sweets & chocolate.
Ropa Vieja (shredded beef) was the best dish I came across. The mojitos are good but try Canchanchara which was a delight to drink.
Martin Samuels
Rating: 4
A Great Tasting Experience in a Different World
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...
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
Rating: 5
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...
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
Rating: 5
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...
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
Rating: 5
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...
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
Rating: 5
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....
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
Rating: 5
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...
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
Rating: 5
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...
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
Rating: 5
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...
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
Rating: 5
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!
To give you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.
To give you the content requested, we need to store and process your personal data. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.