Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

I loved the variety and the fact you stayed a number of nights in each place. Mountains, beaches, amazing old colonial towns and music and dancing everywhere. Driving around in the old 1950's cars with affable taxi drivers adding to the fun by turning up the music and joining us as we sing along. We did one of our walking tours in a bike rickshaw and all the drivers ended up racing each other around the town (which was beautiful) and great fun for the group. There was space to stay with the group or be on your own or go off in smaller groups so a great mix!

What did you think of your tour leader?

JJ our leader was excellent. Really nice knowledgable guy...Fun to be with but not in the least overpowering or intrusive, in fact we enjoyed his company greatly. He was great at making sure everyone was included and nothing was too much trouble for him. We got to do lots of things based on his suggestions/recommendations that we would never have discovered on our own or from a guide books.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

I would highly recommend it.. It was great to be part of a small group. Read the pre departure info carefully and get cash out early in the trip as it was harder to do so(or exchange) in the smaller places. Factor tipping into your budget - thats how most people survive and try and build up a stock of of small change as you pay for the use of toilets everywhere - even in restaurants (and take tissues or loo paper around with you). In many of the smaller towns people asked us for soap, creams or pens rather than money...if you are the sort of person who likes to give things away taking a small stock of these simple items will go down a treat with local people!

Sum your holiday up in one sentence

Absolutely loved it!

Reviewed by Ann Foley who travelled in March 2012

Review 2

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it! Really enjoyed Havana and Trinidad/Playa Ancon. Also the climb up Grand Piedra for that spectacular view

What did you think of your tour leader?

He was excellent. A bottomless pit of knowledge - had the answer to every question and seemed to know everything about the history of Cuba. He was extremely organised and provided us with tons of options.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Spend another few weeks in Cuba after the tour to see all the other parts of the country that you will want to see after getting a taste of what's on offer :-) Speak to the locals that you meet - people working in hotel, restaurants, drivers etc. Ask them about their lives and get recommendations for places to stay, eat, see. Bring home as much rum as you are allowed to - particularly rum you can't get outside of Cuba

Sum your holiday up in one sentence

An incredible, unforgettable experience!

Reviewed by Maria Heffernan who travelled in April 2011

Review 3

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

- Revolution museums, squares, posters/slogans - Sugarcane plantation (for history of slavery/colonisation) - The people, socialist society in practice and as ideology - MUSIC - Old cars, architecture, cocotaxis, the Malecon, the ambience...CUBA!

What did you think of your tour leader?

Arisley was superb, a great fund of knowledge about Cuban society, history, aspirations and needs. Very aware of tourists' needs and sensitive to differing requirements. Problem solver, adaptable, hard working.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

- Imaginative Traveller do not make it clear that late April is very HUMID as well as hot and that the optimum time to visit would be 2 or 3 months earlier. - A direct flight (if from UK) would be best. - Check the age demographics. At 61/62 we were the oldest couple by 15 years and, with the majority being sub-35, were inevitable rather marginalised at times, partly due to the extreme weather.

Sum your holiday up in one sentence

Stunning - but choose time with care; be aware of age mix.

Reviewed by Geoffrey March who travelled in April 2011

Review 4

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Havana

Do you feel your holiday benefited local people?

Local people as in guides and personnel? Yes.

Do you feel that you got under the skin of a country?

No, the visit is too short for that.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring a lot of money in euros. You can change it everywhere.

Reviewed by Robert Te Brake who travelled in August 2010