Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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144 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

For me, cycling was a great way to experience the charm and uniqueness that is Cuba. Cuba is a place characterised by sunshine, colour, music, cheery locals, rocking chairs, rum, cigars. ….idyllic beaches; mountain backdrops; lush valleys; abundant vegetation; abundant plantations; all manner of farm animals basking in the sun; remote quiet roads where traffic is largely made up of delightful 1950s American Classic cars, horse-drawn carts and ox-ploughs. Joyful, peasant livelihoods stuck in a time warp. A total absence of global (American)brands. No advertising. Pro-communism. Patriotism. Che Guevara. Vive la revolucion. Scarcely no internet access. Cycling Cuba is an intense, action-packed holiday. A total feast for the senses which left me feeling fit, tanned and wondering how I would re-adjust back to life at home again!

Most Inspirational Moment

The Cuban people. Waving and cheery greetings of 'iHola!' when cycling past virtually each and every last local. At one point I caught up with some clapped-out trailer thing carrying a number of local passengers, it was being pulled along by some equally knackered, vintage-looking farm vehicle, and when I cycled past it the passengers just all went nuts ...I think they were bemused to see a western woman in Lycra on a bike that's somewhat more modern than the charming peddle-contraptions they have there, -it almost felt like some sort of celebrity treatment!! Oh, and cycling through some stunning Cuban landscapes, esp Sancti Spiritus and the mountain sections -was always torn between wanting to stop and take photos or just enjoying cycling through it.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Enthusiastic. Knowledgeable. Diplomatic. Helpful. Personable. Warm-hearted. Good sense of humour. Proud of Cuba and it's heritage.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Warn your friends and family you'll be off-line for 2 weeks!! Although wifi was available (at high cost) at a couple of of the major hotels, the Internet is not otherwise available. -After a few days you'll enjoy the absence of the Internet as part of the Cuban holiday experience! There is no 3G in Cuba either. To communicate with anyone outside of Cuba you are limited to texting -or phone calls. The weather is hot and sticky. Because you move on every day, usually starting out early every morning it is difficult to wash and dry clothes, so pack as many t-shorts, tops, vests, summer cycle clothes and summer evening clothes as you have space for!! Shops also are few and far between in Cuba, not well stocked and often have limited opening hours. Pack enough of everything that you may possibly need!

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

A fantastic trip with a great group of people, led by a very professional tour leader. The trip is as physically and mentally challenging as you choose….

Most Inspirational Moment

There are many..........Our Tour leader (Juan Carlos) passionate history lesson en route to Santiago de chile which was an amazing insight into the local perspective on recent Cuban history ...... Buena Vista concert night was like taking 50 year step back in history ....... Cycling amongst beautiful people who are satisfied with a very simple but happy life.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan Carlos was the tour highlight for me, what an inspirational man ! He studied languages at University and speaks fluent English (as well as Spanish, Italian and Portuguese), has an unbelievable knowledge on Cuban history and has the rare ability to tell the story in a way that everyone's opinions and beliefs are respected. He is also a very accomplished cyclist and understands/accommodates different age groups and cycling abilities. Exodus have a very special tour leader in Juan Carlos. Juan Carlos also leads his team very well (Eduardo "Tokayo" and Tunas) Eduardo and Tunas are very professional (and funny) bus drivers and both are handy bike mechanics too !

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about the cycling, a reasonable level of fitness will get you through.....there is always the option of sitting out a leg or two in the bus and the segments are very sensibly put together (individual segments between 12-20km). Take some cycling gels and sport snack bars.

Reviewed January 2014

CYCLING CUBA

An amazing trip that is an absolute must! Fun, friendship, culture and fantastic cycling – what could be better.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to mention, but just as an example... Rooftop bars with fantastic music. Some challenging but truly inspirational cycling in the hills. Driving in classic cars through Cuban cities. Eclectic hotels with character and lovely warm staff. Hilarious travelling companions and superb tour guides.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan Carlos was amazing. Full of knowledge about this amazing country and always very professional. He had the patience of a saint and respected everyone's individual needs. Can't give this man enough credit. A good guide is worth their weight in gold. Special mention to our superb coach drivers, Tunas and Edwardo. They kept us fed, watered and most importantly they kept us smiling.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take some energy snacks - you need them for the big cycling days. Also take plenty of sunscreen and expect some hot weather. Best advice is that if you go with an open mind, roll with the punches and accept that you might be without a few luxuries for a few weeks, then you will love it.

Reviewed December 2013

CYCLING CUBA

An excellent trip, with a fine leader.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the tomb of Che Guevara .

Thoughts on Group Leader

A very fine leader with a passionate interest in the history of Cuba.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do as much cycling training as possible.

Reviewed September 2013

CYCLING CUBA

Lovely country, great people, wonderful architecture, fantastic fellow travellers, variable food, superb cocktails slightly tarnished by overall organisation.

Most Inspirational Moment

The best moment was taking part in an impromptu salsa session in the main plaza in Trinidad around midnight and seeing a meteorite shower that went on and on and simply took our breath away.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was a likeable and engaging guy who whilst dealing with challenging issues at times, such as finding hotels had been double booked at the last minute, needed better organisational skills particularly in such a large group. A number of people came down with what in hindsight appeared to be heat exhaustion and there did not appear to be an awareness of the significance of this. Starting cycling in the midday heat after spending a few hours in an air conditioned bus is not a good idea, neither is spending the whole day on the road in 'undulating' conditions and being over 8 hours between breakfast and lunch. Insufficient stops for water at times did not help and overall I did not think that Jose had a real awareness of how potentially hazardous this could have been (despite one of our number having to be hospitalised for a time due to severe dehydration). Overall I just do not think that Jose had a real 'grip', which we acknowledge may have been in part as a result to him not firing on all cylinders due to his medical condition.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take 2 water bottles with you so you alweays have a spare. Take a few packs of hydration tabs you can put in your water bottle and put one in each time you fill up. If you have a headache, sore eyes etc - chances are you are dehydrated so take plenty of water at the end of the day together with tabs or hydration salts if you have. If you are cycling in Summer and tend to use up lots of energy on a bike then consider taking some protein shakes with you (for example 'for goodness shake') as it will quickly 'kick start' your recovery. If you want a break on the bus then take it and don't let the guide persuade otherwise - you know yourself better than they do. Finally if you are dehydrated, unlike me don't go daft on the cocktails and Bucanero!!

Reviewed September 2013

CYCLING CUBA

This is a great way to see the countryside in Cuba which is, on the whole, amazing and quite diverse. It’s also a good way to meet local people as the guide fixed toilet and coffee stops along the way.

Most Inspirational Moment

The countryside was pretty amazing.And that we cycled the whole thing!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very knowledgeable and passionate about his country and adept at communicating this to us. He was extremely good in stressful situations and was able to re-organise the itinerary quickly and effectively to our benefit. He was also able to mix with the group socially and enjoy the 'banter' (mainly from the Aussies at his expense!).

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take small toiletries and possibly old clothes to give away to locals along the route.

Reviewed September 2013

CYCLING CUBA

Once we’d met the group the morning after arrival, as we flew in a week early to spend time in Havana, our feet never touched the ground. Straight roads, winding roads, flats, up hills, down hills, we cycled a whole range of terrains. Farming communities, mountain communities, fishing communities, we saw a wide range of Cuban life. Our leader, Laz, was knowledgeable on geography, culture, history and politics and always ready to answer questions – no matter how many times he must have heard them before. Learnt loads, saw loads, did loads. Loved it!

Most Inspirational Moment

Having seen lines and lines of immaculate washing as we cycled past peoples yards, I felt very humbled to see, in the mountain community we visited, the whites bubbling away in a huge cauldron, on an open fire amongst the pigs and chickens. I am in awe of the Cuban resilience and the creative way they overcome all obstacles. My partner says the most inspirational moment for him was when Laz read aloud, during a bus transfer, 3 letters, written by Che Guevara to the mother of his children, his children, and Castro before leaving Cuba.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader, Laz, along with the 2 drivers, were fantastic. Friendly, patient, caring... and always with a smile.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't worry about the food - you'll get LOADS and its tasty. Don't worry about the traffic - the whole nation are so tolerant - of everything. Don't worry about the accommodation - it's all 'cool' (only once did someone have to change rooms because the air conditioning wasn't working). DO worry about the pot holes (from someone who, not concentrating properly, came off on the second day but no serious damage) but hey... IT'S CUBA!

Reviewed August 2013

CYCLING CUBA

This trip was everything I expected and then some. Offering a unique way of engaging with a beautiful and fascinatingly contrasting landscape. A winning blend of physical exercise, laughter, fun and ‘nourishment’ – don’t expect much cola with your Cuba Libres – this trip is a blast for anyone who is generally fit and healthy, from complete novice’s like me to the more experienced riders. Physically you’ll leave stronger, healthier with a profound sense of personal achievement, and an urgent need to plan the next trip!

Most Inspirational Moment

Sounds a tad affected but I would say that cycling gave me a sense of being more closely attached to the land (and at times a wishful longing to dive into the sea!). Seeing the real Cuba without the barrier of a pane of glass to separate you from it provided many inspiring moments which I don't think would have been quite so powerful travelling on a coach. Amazing journey. Very special experience.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our team leader Laz made the trip what it was. His knowledge of the area, enthusiasm, sense of humour and genuine care for every member of the group was sustained throughout the entire experience. We were in very safe hands... made a very good salsa teacher too!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared to spend the first two days aclimatising to the heat and strong headwinds. There is at times little shelter from the sun and roads can be relentlessly long, albeit flat. There is a support vehicle behind should you want to retire for the rest of the day which a few of us did! Don't be alarmed if you do find yourself suffering a little, keep going, I promise you will get used to it.

Reviewed August 2013

CYCLING CUBA

Really enjoyed this trip – Cuba is a must see destination before McDonalds and Starbucks eventually arrive and ruin it. First ever cycling trip – now seriously considering another!

Most Inspirational Moment

On the more hilly days, the views were great - made the climb worth it (almost)Food - 3 course meal with huge lobster for £8!Music in barsPeople in Cuba are generally very helpful and friendly. We had no concerns about safety/security at any point in the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jose was very good. He had a great sense of humour (we had "joke of the day" on the bus every day) and was informative and knowledgeable. His English was excellent - as you would expect from someone who had studied to be an English teacher. Where problems arose with accommodation or health it was sorted with no fuss. He ensured we had a good holiday.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go to Cuba - I had to be convinced but now I am really pleased that I went. Despite what is says in the trip notes, the food is generally very good and plentiful - I've never eaten so much lobster in my life. However, if you are a vegetarian, I hope you like omelette............Ensure you take enough sun screen as it is very hot and you will struggle to buy it in Cuba. Also do take padded cycling pants and a gel seat cover as no one has yet invented a comfortable bike seat! I would also recommend a bandana to keep the sweat out of your eyes when cycling.At every stop you are provided with water, fruit and snacks so you don't need much in the way of energy bars etc. Do though take rehydrate powders and force yourself to take them - you will sweat big time!Mobile phones appear to work OK but switch off Roaming. Do take cash but if you let the guide know in advance, you can get to an ATM on most days. Consider making your own flight arrangements so that you can have extra time at the start or end. If you do decide to do this then don't use the tour start/finish hotel for any extra nights in Havana - there are far better options in old Havana in Casa Particulars. These are cheaper and central.

Reviewed May 2013

CYCLING CUBA

Brilliant holiday… I wish it had gone on twice as long!

Most Inspirational Moment

cycling over crabs.... swimming in the waterfall at Trinidad... cycling through the mountain villages smelling of woodsmoke...drinking mohitos with about three shots of rum in there just because they don't use measures in cuba. .. ...and Havana .. an inspiration all on its own.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great :) He had a fantastic sense of humour, he was great company; kind, likeable and funny and looked after us all really well - pretty much all the time. Don't know how he did it to be honest. ..

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't forget to bring a padded gel seat. You need all the help you can get! and wear alot of sunscreen.

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