How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Our Team Leader Rene, was brilliant.  He could not have done another thing for us.  He had a host of history and general knowledge about his country and looked after everyone so well.  We were a mixed age group and no one was left out our feeling negelected.  Well done Rene.  Also a word for out great bus driver Pepe,  he was great,  staying with the bus so we could leave our belongings there when we went exploring, that was a great idea.  

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Please bring extra tooth paste and soap as they really dont have enough in the countryside and it is great to be able to give it to them.  Do use sun screen as even on cloudy days you do burn.  Bring long sleeved loose or light top or blouse for extra hot days then you dont worry about burning.  apart from that enjoy.

Do you have anything else to add?

"The second hotel/camp site we stayed at was on the point of being really good, just need a little bit of maintance and spruceing up.  gaps under doors, loose air conditioners, very small things which would not take long to complete.  

Also everywhere we ate, the gave far too much food,  dont need soup, salad and dinner,  I would rather just have soup in middle of day  and then just the dinner at night.  It was such a waste of food when so many there had nothing. Felt really guilty with all the waste.  Saying that all the restaurance we ate at the standard was really good and I actually put on weight!!!! normally would lose half stone or so in two weeks.  "

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Great. As a first time single "Explore" traveller I was a little nervous but it soon became obvious that I needn't have been. Rene soon got a "group feeling" going on the tour and I felt very comfortable with my fellow travellers. I had been worried about eating out in the evening but Rene took care of this and chose some great places to eat. His knowledge was terrific and I really felt I understood Cuba by the end of the tour.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Absorb all the experiences that come your way. It is a busy tour on some days but you will see loads. Be prepared for a couple of quite long coach journeys - they are worth it for what you will see. Food wise go along with what your guide suggests as you will have lots of different interesting experiences. Read up on the history.

Do you have anything else to add?

I will be travelling again with you. I've got the bug!!!!

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Essential kit: anti bacterial handwash, tissues (loo roll sometimes in short supply), sun cream, anti mossie cream.

Bring spare toiletries as gifts - make-up, toothpaste, shaving kit, nice soap, shampoo etc. basic painkillers.

Read up about the history before you come."

Do you have anything else to add?

We feel inspired and cannot wait for the next one.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

I didn't like him. Obviously subjective, I thought he was doing his job because he had to, not because he enjoyed it. After listening to him throughout the trip, I can understand why

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Don't expect the rosy touristy Cuba. This is a country hurt by colonialism, communism and the embargo from the US and Israel. It is desperate for a change, for independence from the old ways and will dry your wallet either by their stories or otherwise. A sad experience.

Do you have anything else to add?

The quality of the accommodation is poor. Albeit reception areas are stunning, it is not the case as soon as you step inside the room. The basics are mostly clean, but e.g. walls are never cleaned, neither are the doors. In Trinidad, the accommodation was worse, where the toilets, the sink, the shower holder were broken and to get hot water, you would have to let the water run for 15 minutes. Appalling! I was moved to another room the following day, and no doubt they have not fixed the room for the next client.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Excellent -  patient, knowledgeable and considerate.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Be sure to bring swimming costume. No real need for hiking boots - the activities are relatively sedate, but trainers are advisable in addition to sandals and some shoes for the evenings. Don't expect accommodation to be up to North American standards but no major issues (ear plugs a good idea though).

I booked the land-only itinerary and appreciated an extra couple of days to acclimatise and explore Havana. New Year was an excellent time to visit in terms of climate and the public holidays didn't disrupt our schedule (though the festivities weren't quite as lively as expected)."

Do you have anything else to add?

The tour itinerary could be improved by a night in Cienfuegos on the way to Trinidad - it's a nice town and a contrast to Trinidad and Havana, and would also break up the long journey to Trinidad.

Nothing prepares you for the amazing reality of Cuba. From the initial wow factor of 1950's cars on the streets of Havana and the crumbling colonial Spanish architecture, you soon realise there is more to this than meets the eye. This tour is a good first visit and an eye opener to the truth that lies beneath the surface of this beautiful island. This is like no other Caribbean island, it is still stuck in the legacy of Castro's Glorious Revolution and the people suffer. I wish I had taken more clothes and toiletries to give away. Everyone we met was warm and friendly and you soon feel that it's the music that welds everyone together, the music was terrific wherever we went, the Latino culture is so vibrant. Yes go now and you will want to return as I do, and read Cuba and the Night by Pico Iyer which will tell you the truth beneath the surface. (CN - 10th April 2011)

Just the best holiday ever - all the right ingredients - a fascinating location, a great group of travelling companions and an amazing tour leader who understood us, instinctively knew what we wanted and ensured that we got it. The highlight for me was learning more about the recent history of the country - and meeting and chatting to cubans. (CN - 13th November 2010)

Everything you expect Cuba to be and then some. Colonial architecture, old cars, rum, cigars, white sand beaches, lush countryside, passionate people. Great group too - gelled quickly and became good friends by day 2. A tour to get under the skin of a fascinating country. (CN- 12th January 2007)