17 independent reviews for Classic Cuba holiday, 12 days
Reviews for Classic Cuba holiday, 12 days
Michael Moynihan review 9 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Tour guide was exceptional2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You can book it a lot cheaper if you want to go individually and it's easy to do. However the convenience of having it booked in advance was worth the additional money spent3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
5 starsCarol Hensel review 17 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The beautiful scenery in Vinales but also the suffering that the local people have to do put up with (food and petrol shortages, electricity and water cutouts)2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Talk to the people - you will get lots of different responses and you will get to understand the country better. Help the locals out as much as you can with tips. Some food can only be bought with hard currencies. Do not expect five star meals - they do the best with what they have and sometimes there is just not enough.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The homestays definitely helped the local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great holiday overall. We saw a good mixture of home stays and hotels. We found the Cuban people to be very friendly but also aware that their country was in a big messClare Parker review 26 Jan 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Visiting Trinidad2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Casas are wonderful places to stay and Cubans very friendly. Restaurants will give you an exchange rate for pounds and Stirling 3 times the bank rate.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefited locals as they are desperate for foreign currency. Casas wanted payment for meals in euros. Left behind pain killers and toiletries for them.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very goodJohn Hayes review 19 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of our holiday was meeting the people of Cuba. Almost everyone we met was friendly and we felt very safe whether we were in the city or rural areas. People in the casa’s really tried to help, and it is such an intriguing country with a unique history. Our visit to the Cuban Methodist Church was a very rich and exciting experience. Also we enjoyed the wildlife and varied scenery – particularly in Las Terrazzas, Vignales and Trinidad.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
You don’t need too long (maybe two nights) in Havana to get the feel or the experience of this vibrant city. We explored Trinidad and felt that it gave a much broader and clearer picture of Cuban life – and there was a lot to do – more than in Havana. Always get a guided “something” in your first hours in any location – we found these invaluable and helped to shape the rest of our visit. The Havana Bus tour (10CUC) was a great way to get the size and nature of the city – although don’t expect to be able to hear, or understand, the English guided commentary! Take an insulated bottle to keep water cool – helps to save some plastic waste in Cuba – and keeps the bottled water colder for longer. Most of our transfers were before 10:00am in the morning – this meant if the transfer was only a couple of hours then this gave a long day on arriving – so make sure that you plan to do something and pack appropriately as the room may not be available. The bonus is that a one night stay can still give you a whole day there. The quality of the food we experienced was good to excellent almost all of the time – provided you do not expect as much variety as in the UK. WiFi is getting more accessible but don’t depend on it yet! Cuban time is different – but all of our transfers were on time. Varadero is a fairly isolated, mostly beach (i.e. not much else to do) tourist resort with many large hotels. We started our holiday there with a couple of days to unwind and we are glad we did. It was by far the most expensive part of our Cuban tour in terms of general costs for drinks and meals etc. (although still good value compared to UK prices). So if you finish your tour there be prepared for higher prices…and don’t expect to meet many Cubans! Definitely include a trip to Las Terrazzas and a guided tour to explain the background and ethos – it is a unique view of Cuba. Consider taking an umbrella! It will serve as both protection from the sun and help with the rain showers – its what the locals do. Old Town Havana is very touristy - expect to be asked regularly if you want a taxi, as is Vignales. Independant travel is almost impossible - local busses are packed and indepenant trips were not encouraged or supported. If you go to a bar/restaurant where locals go and pay in CUP expect to have differential pricing for CUC.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely benefited local people – Casas are a great way to support the local economy – as is general tourist spending. Being good tippers can help as well. It was more difficult to see how money spent through this holiday impacted the environment, or supported conservation, although we are aware that some of the money spent on transport and accommodation and meals etc. went to support the general infrastructure of Cuba which included re-forestation in Las Terrazzas4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An excellent trip which gave a flavour of the complex and exciting country of Cuba – we loved it and had an amazing experience. We would go again, and go to the East of the country.Lulu Burridge review 4 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Memorable...trip in taxi with musician playing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for some poverty3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefitted locals, yes. Reduced environmental impact NO Supported conservation , partly yes, mostly no.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very interestingAbebi Odele review 23 Aug 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Havana was fun. The horse ride to the farm in Vinales was awesome.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just enjoy the culture and people. Be open minded in terms of the country is a developing country so they operate at a chilled off pace.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying in casas benefitted local people. Also shopping, doing tours and eating in restaurants benefitted the locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a fantastic holiday.Arjan Shankla review 19 Dec 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing beautiful people living proudly and generally content with minimum resources was refreshing , music was fantastic except in Varadero,2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
if you like to experience the riches of life ( human generosity, music, simple food) than Cuba is for.( see my comments below)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Staying at the family casa's was very good. I hope Cuba goes that way because it distribute the tourism wealth (similar to Seychelles) the big hotels generates environmental and social problems.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The operator lost two stars for the following reason, I am not a fussy traveler and can adapt however certain information was not clear 1. As suggested we tried to cash money at the airport for the best rate this is incorrect the rate is the same everywhere in Cuba (however the ATM have a very bad rate), we wasted one and half hours at the airport, than got frustrated and cashed money at the ATM, I suggest either cash a small amount at the ATM or get your local agent to give visitors some local currency for example we needed money for supper 2. we were at different casa than our friends so that caused a problem eventually solved 3. After travelling for fourteen hour, I don't thing any one is interested to be transferred from the airport at night in a new country by three classic cars, family got separated luggage got separated. a minivan would have sufficed 4. As indicated on the program no briefing was given on Sunday morning , having three guides causes confusion so the walk was disjointed 5. On Tuesday we were left to fend for ourselves not a problem but someone should have told us that 6. The detailed program should clearly indicated who is providing transport with suggestion ie can walk or need a taxi etc etc,( I would adopt the costa rica model) when we arrived in vinales no one to receive had to find our own way , owner at casa was not informed of our arrivalRead the operator's response here:
Thank you for letting us know that you felt frustrated with the process of obtaining currency in Cuba, as we are always looking to improve our advice in a country where this can be tricky. You are quite right that the rate at the airport is the same at the bank and we advise the airport as being the best place to obtain money, as banks are closed when most of the UK flights arrive so it's just not possible to get currency in town at that time. We do try and prepare our customers by advising this on our travel information which was sent to you with your itinerary. We're sorry you found the ATMs expensive as you have mentioned and in many cases not working. I completely understand your frustrations especially after a long journey and if we were able to offer money to our customers on arrival we would love to, but with many travellers arriving each day this just not possible for the local partners to supply that level of cash to their drivers.
A real highlight in Cuba for our customers is travelling by the iconic classic cars which I had arranged this for you on arrival and also the classic car tour as a treat. I completely understand from your feedback that I had misjudged this and should have explored more clearly your requirements on arrival and moving forward I shall make sure this is the case for all bookings.
We will work with our local partners to make sure all of our documents are clear and explain exactly where to head to for meeting points and the briefing meeting and I will make sure to talk through the maps we provided with each casa so you know the walking route from where the bus stops. We really do appreciate your honest feedback as this helps us to improve our services both here in the UK and over in Cuba too.
I am pleased that overall you enjoyed the vibrancy of the Cuban culture and the wonderful music.
Best wishes
Ross
Mike Reynolds review 18 Dec 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
difficult to say - For me, Cuba doesnt have an outstanding feature, but the whole experience should not be missed. The people are so friendly - no sign of crime - Havana of course is wonderful - packed with so much beautiful architecture - even the "crumbling" ones. I loved Vinales and the horse ride through the valley (even the last part in pouring rain). Having a mojito at the iconic Bodequita del Medio - Hemmingway's hangout was special - what an atmosphere (I even wrote my name on the wall together with the other thousands - just like a typical tourist!!) I could go on and on .....2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
A must is toilet paper - carry it with you all the time. Do not be put off with the locality when approaching your Casa Particular - it may look like a slum but inside they are great - and very clean. One tip - we were told the Cadeca's were good to change money at, but one (in Havana) offered us a rate and when we queried it, changed to a better one???? When changing money allow a lot of time - they are generally busy and only allow a few people in at a time. In Trinidad I waited nearly two hours - if you have something planned, work around it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Difficult to say - we ate a few times in our casas instead of going out - we had our washing done by them - Tipping of course (but coming from SA and our Rand being what it is, this was difficult) - bought a few souvenirs.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great - I have wanted to go top Cuba for many years and before there was a McDonalds at the end of the road and it was just about how I thought it would be. The one thing that got to me a bit (and they haven't even REALLY felt the brunt of mass tourism) was the signs that they are on the "rip the tourist off" trail beginning. For instance we were on the Malecon and these three guys came along playing their guitars and singing. Being a keen videographer, I videod them for a few minutes. They then asked for money although no previous arrangement was made. But fair enough, so I gave them some - that was not enough for them so they got quite heated until I gave them what they wanted (and it was way over the top of what I thought they should get). So that was a bit sad. Otherwise we had many great moments and video clips which I will now get down to editing.CHRIS GEARY review 21 Nov 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Las Terrazas and the beaches.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have plenty of small change for tips. Make sure you have loads of presents for people you stay with/schools, etc.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes to an extent.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very highly. Cuba is a fascinating country in so many ways, culturally, historically and scenically.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Chris, Thank you for your lovely feedback. It's great to hear that you had a great time on your trip to Cuba and share our fascination for this incredible country! I have to agree with
you, Las Terrazas and the Eco-Hotel are one of my personal highlight too, so I am glad you found it the most memorable experience. We will make sure to include your trips in our travel documents for future travellers. Thank you Chris, I hope we can welcome you to another adventure very soon. Warm regards, Jules
Rowena Gillow review 6 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Horse riding in Vinales2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Learn a bit more Spanish conversation3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes. benefited local people particularly as we stayed in Casas most of the time4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
BrilliantRead the operator's response here:
Hi Rowena,
Thanks for leaving such an amazing review of your trip with us to Cuba.
I'm really pleased that both you and Ian enjoyed the horse riding in Vinales and staying in the Casa Particulares, we too think it's a great way to travel as you can give something back to local people and see a different side to Cuba!
We look forward to speaking to you again soon about another adventure!
Kind regards,
Paula
Gwyneth Short review 12 Feb 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's difficult to single out one thing as it was all memorable and exciting. However, the tour in Trinidad was about life in Cuba and was most fascinating and enlightening. Meals were very good, both at the casas and in local restaurants.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Remember you are in a safe country and be prepared for the friendliness and eagerness to talk to you, which may slow service sometimes. Be generous with tips. They are not asked for but we felt they were well deserved and appreciated.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All our dealings were with local people so we could see that they were directly benefitting from our tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We'd love to go again and stay longer.Phillip Sammut review 16 Mar 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Very difficult to isolate one part. The most memorable was the beauty of the country and the people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure to specify an open top car for the Havana Tour and to be careful regarding the location of the casa particulars especially in Havana.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To a small degree.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A truly memorable experience in a unique country!Isabel Baker review 14 Nov 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cuba has a very different way of life -fascinating2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is a safe country, we never felt threatened at all. Cubans are generally very helpful and friendly with a sense of humour. It is changing quickly and we met several tourists driving themselves which we were advised not to do - but it is perfectly safe. The efficiency of all we met was much better than expected too. Taxi drivers and buses were always early without exception. Don't expect to be able to use the internet -you have to buy an access card and can only use it in designated spots where everyone else is also using it. You can be unable to log on for days at a time. Take cash -we didn't find a single place which accepted any credit card. Cuban food is not exciting and gets very monotonous. Their speciality dish is ropa veija -which translates as "old clothes" which is about right! Tips are a hassle as you only need to leave a little - but small denomination notes and coins seem to be in short supply.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The money we spent must have benefitted local people -especially the tips and eating at privately owned restaurants and casas.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
GreatRakesh Rajaram review 25 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Horseback riding in Vinales2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Skip Trinidad or spend only a couple of days there. The best part of Trinidad is the beach around 12km away. I was also told some caves/ waterfalls nearby are good. Havana is a unique place but quite touristy, be prepared. Try to get at least 3 days in Vinales, explore the scenary on bikes, scooty or hire a car. Food quality is variable, the best place to eat is not Havana but Vinales. Be very aware of tourist traps in Havana. Also government restaurants are not always a bad thing, do explore them3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was well managed by the operator and I can't fault their planning or service levels. It was a unique experience travelling in a country so staunchly communist. We saw the winds of change, quite a few locals openly unhappy with the current state of affairs. Many in Havana and Trinidad trying to make a quick buck and most of them tourist traps. Nevertheless, the people are always polite, friendly and respectful, they are also good to each other which is refreshing to see. The scenery in Vinales blew us away and we spent most of our best moments there.Rae Salter review 5 Apr 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It is difficult to choose the most memorable part of my holiday as we had so many wonderful experiences! So... my top three experiences were: spending the afternoon on the beach in Trinidad, the horse-back-riding tour of the tobacco fields in Vinales, and swimming in the natural pools at El Nicho.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go to Cuba sooner rather than later - there are already many tourists, especially in Vinales, so don't wait! Book all of your excursions before you go or through the tour office - we got burned booking a walking "tour" with a local "guide" organised through our casa owner. Be aware that the tipping culture in Cuba in strong: I would advise to decide how much you want to tip each person (guides, drivers, musicians in the restaurants) upfront and include that in your holiday budget. We felt that 11 days was the perfect amount of time.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes: it was evident that staying at the casa particulars directly helps the local owners. In general, tourism creates wealth for the Cuban people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful!Marcia Davis review 2 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Havana and the opportunity to visit the wonderful museums and enjoy the daily life. Our casa was perfectly located right next to Plaza Vieja and it was very easy to get around. Our guides were absolutely terrific.. in Havana and elsewhere. All the connections were perfect...how did you do that?? We really enjoyed the museums (especially the Museum of the Revolution and the Museum of Beaux Arts/Cuban Art...terrific!), the art work, the music, the architecture. And.... the beautiful countryside, the gorgeous palm trees and vegetation around Vinales and around Soroa and La Terrazas. Walking out for hours across the tobacco fields with our lovely young guide whose environmental knowledge of flora and fauna was terrific..and who called birds for us using her AP! Cowboys casually riding down the streets....roosters and dogs everywhere. Pictures of Che and political slogans everywhere.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do not take too much luggage, dress simply. No problems with insects in the winter... weather can be very warm...or drop down at night or if there is a heavy rainstorm...which there can be. Spend time planning your holiday....do you want to travel about frequently or stay at least a few days in each place. Be pragmatic and go with the flow, and appreciate the small interactions with locals..and fellow tourists..as these add so much to the journey.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly hope that it did all these things. We are aware that people in the tourist industry in Cuba have more access to income than others and are concerned there may be a growing discrepancy?4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We are not going to say we are reborn..that is impossible...and we are very lucky to have been on some other wonderful holidays too. So we are giving 4 stars but it deserves 5. We suggest you alter your wording for five stars!. The service from Ross and all the staff and partners in Cuba has been outstanding.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Marcia
Thank you for your amazing review of your trip to Cuba and for taking the time to email and speak with me about your fantastic trip.
It is great that you loved our style of travel and you jumped straight in to the Cuban culture to really give yourself that authentic trip that is so important.
We look forward to planning your next adventure and our services once again which we pride ourselves on.
Kind Regards,
Ross
Eddy Mertens review 7 Jul 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A private renter driver to visit Vinales and surroundings (Cueva del Indio, El Palenque, Mural de la Prehistoria, hotel Los Jazmines for the Mirador of the Valle de Vinales ....)2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Avoid public transportation buses, they really do "eat" up your time. Skip "Las Terrasses" if possible (I guess that the government makes it nevertheless mandatory to visit it) because it is too artificial.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people certainly did benefit a lot through tips, staying overnight is some casas, .... However, this vacation was not beneficial for the environment: we did take too many "old" taxi-cars polluting enormously.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A nice experience going back 60 to 70 years back into time. A right moment to see these ancient buildings (almost ruins) and cars from the 50tiesbefore "McDonalds" will arrive in Cuba.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Eddy,
Many thanks, I am pleased that you and Christa both enjoyed a great time in Cuba experiencing the 50s cars and seeing Cuba before it becomes modern. There is a shortage of new cars and we encourage travellers to use group transfers instead of private taxis is to minimise the environmental impact though appreciate they do take slightly longer. A shame you did not really your time at Las Terrazas as our customers often describe this experience with a local guide to be most informative and a highlight. We are pleased to know that you felt the locals benefitted directly from your visit by staying in the carefully selected casa particulares.
Kind regards,
Ceri
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