Reviews

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

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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143 Reviews

4.5 out of 5

Kaylee Lin

Reviewed December 2024

Great way to see more of Cuba!

This trip was a fantastic way to explore more of Cuba and learn about it’s history and culture from locals! The cycling was great overall, there were some hills that were tougher – especially with the humidity and being directly under the sun, but very rewarding. There were lots of long stretches on the trip where we could all cycle at our own pace and so many locals coming out of their homes and shops to wave while we cycled by. I especially loved the views on day 11 cycling along the coast to Cienfuegos! Lunch at the farm on day 13 was definitely the best meal we had while on the trip, but in general, I was surprised with the food options we had for many of our meals. The itinerary was also jam packed with different activities, I absolutely loved our beach day in Trinidad and the classic car tour of Havana was so much fun!

Most Inspirational Moment

Stopping in a local family's home for a coffee break while on one of our rides, swimming in the crystal clear waters in Playa Ancon in Trinidad, and visiting a local organic farm for lunch!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rey was fantastic, a wealth of knowledge and so passionate about sharing his country with us! He was super communicative with our group, always making sure we knew what was coming up next, and really took the time to get to know each of us while on the trip. We also had a fantastic bus driver Chacon, who didn't speak much English, but managed to connect with everyone on the trip and showed up with a big smile every morning. He was always looking out for us, bringing us snacks and refilling our water bottles during our rest breaks while riding!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be adaptable! There are definitely challenges that come with any trip to Cuba but it's so so worth the visit! Make sure to bring a flashlight for blackouts! And pack some electrolytes and protein bars for the rides, and a water bottle with a filter!

Mick Wills

Reviewed April 2022

Children of the revolution!

Great trip, crew worked tirelessly for us, fascinating place.

Most Inspirational Moment

Scenery in SE hills was especially good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant, could not be faulted

Advice for Potential Travellers

Change your money on the street!

Ken Humphris

Reviewed January 2018

Cycle Cuba

Good trip, superb guide, interesting journey.
Of 8 on the trip, 6 came back with (subsequently medically-diagnosed) Giardia.
Not Exodus’ fault, but people should be made aware of this problem so that they seek medical attention earlier. This is more than holiday tummy.
I have been on many guided holidays, not only with Exodus, and our guide on this trip was probably the best we’ve encountered.

Heather Algar

Reviewed June 2017

June Cuba Ride

The most favourite group of the five Exodus trips I have experienced, but the least favourite of the holidays. This trip certainly isn’t moderate in May/June as the weather conditions are challenging. Over 35 degrees every day and high humidity on the bike is no easy feat! Long transfers and head winds add to the interest.

Most Inspirational Moment

Finishing the day cycling the Sierra Maestra. Beautiful scenery and challenging riding, a real achievement for everyone. Closely followed by swimming in the Caribbean surrounded by tropical fish, a real highlight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Disinterested and disengaged. Very wordy, some of the long bus transfers felt like a long day on the school bus being fed propaganda Not really proactive or showing any anticipation of his guests needs, more about how much he knew and making sure he let us know! I understand he has been guiding this trip for some time, perhaps he is just bored.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Train, train, train! Bring gels and electrolyte tablets with you to keep hydrated, and bring an open mind. Cuba is a third world country, things are not up to a Western standard so take is into account.

Robert Pratt

Reviewed April 2017

Cycling through Cuba and it's history

A fantastic holiday for those keen to experience the delights of this vibrant and happy country. The cycling is tough, lots of hills and a strong headwind much of the time, not to mention the potholes and exhaust fumes! But in the saddle you get to see the real Cuba, off the beaten track, the smiling Cuban faces, the simple Cuban homes and the wonderful Cuban music – all in warm weather and clear skies. We did however not expect the fantastic history lesson that we received from our leader, who left no stone unturned in his explanations of the events prior to, during and post the Revolution of the 1950s. By the end of the holiday we had all gained a much better understanding of the Cuban way of life and we found ourselves being intrigued as to what the future might hold for this amazing country.

Most Inspirational Moment

Understanding the Revolution in great detail was inspirational, but seeing inside the simple homes of a doctor and a university professor and seeing how a 'ration shop' worked, made a big impact on me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader Carlos was excellent and could have done no more to make this holiday truly memorable. So close were we that there were 'wet eyes' as we said our goodbyes to fly back to London

Advice for Potential Travellers

This holiday really suits keen road cyclists. Many sections of the route involved long straight roads against the prevailing wind in very hot sun! There was very little 'off-road', which for me personally (as a mountain biker) was a bit disappointing. Many of the roads were busy and Cuba has plenty of very inefficient diesel lorries and buses belching out black fumes.

Jackie Johns

Reviewed April 2017

Cycling Cuba

Excellent trip cycling around the Caribbean island of Cuba. It was like going back in time to the 50s with the old American cars and basic lifestyle. Free from phone and Wi-Fi for 2 weeks was a bonus for me!

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the "real" Cuba away from the tourist hot spots and living like a local. The snorkelling was brilliant on the Catamaran trip

Thoughts on Group Leader

Laz was a brilliant guide, so knowledge and passionate about his home country.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack a scarf or some form of cover for your face as some of the vehicles do chuck out some smoke!! Wear plenty of sunscreen, the heat is deceiving when you are cycle with a head wind. Wear sunscreen on your lips too - a few of our group had blistered lips. Pack some toilet paper. Cycling shorts and a gel saddle are a must. It can get chilly in the evening so pack a cardi/pashmina. Ear plugs are also handy as some hotels are on main roads. Mask and snorkel if you go on the catamaran trip. Ladies a turban towel for your hair as most places only provide one towel each. I wore a pair of closed toe open sandals which were ideal for keeping your feet cool. Also some sort of carrier for your bike to hold camera, money, tissues etc is handy

Ruth Hill

Reviewed March 2017

Not the greatest cycling holiday we have had

Cuba is very 3rd world. The standard of the accommodation was very variable and at times frankly unacceptable. Much of the cycling was on very busy roads with ancient lorries putting out thick black exhaust fumes. The island had its prettier parts but on the whole was flat and uninteresting.

Most Inspirational Moment

We enjoyed the very few off main roads rides

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was very good. The driver also very helpful and safe

Advice for Potential Travellers

You may well enjoy the experience but there are lots of downsides to travel in Cuba

Christopher Peacock

Reviewed March 2017

Cycling in Cuba

A very interesting and enjoyable trip, the combination of the cycling, scenery, culture, history and music made for a memorable experience.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the hotel in Sierra Maestre.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Liesner was very knowledgeable about Cuba and it's history. He was always helpful and considerate, and a very fit cyclist.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be flexible in your expectations of hotels, plumbing and food. Although not to European standards the rooms were always clean and functional. The food while not varied was interesting and some cases well cooked and presented.

Ruth Bass

Reviewed February 2017

Unforgettable

This was our first group cycling holiday and our first trip with Exodus and it did not disappoint. The cycling is really well planned with great backup and the places we visited combined to give us a varied taste of this unique and fascinating country. We found ourselves in great company – the group really gelled and we had a ball.

Most Inspirational Moment

The views in the Sierra Maestre, the most challenging cycling day - reward for our effort; the atmosphere of Trinidad at sundown and the music, the people and sights by the roadside throughout the trip, the walk in the forest on day 10, snatched swims in pools and the sea and the fabulous evening out in Havana that rounded off an unforgettable holiday

Thoughts on Group Leader

Angel was just the best - calm and kind, managing all the unknowns one encounters in Cuba expertly.His insights into life in Cuba were comprehensive, and utterly fascinating - history and facts of course but always delivered with personal anecdotes and in a funny and insightful manner. We all loved him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Talk yourself out of using WiFi any more than is absolutely essential - it's frustrating, expensive and hard to come by. Have a break! Also, as Exodus advise, if you want snacks of any kind or hydration additives do take them as there is very little available, same goes for suncream - basically take all you need with you and don't rely on shopping .

Simon Tomlinson

Reviewed February 2017

Cycling Cuba

Having wanted to visit Cuba for many years I’m convinced this was a great way to do it. It is a fascinating country with a turbulent history. The people and their ability to ‘make do’ when they have so little is inspirational.
Never having been on a guided, group cycling tour before I was unsure what to expect and it took a few days to settle into the format. Apart from the opportunity to see and learn about the country the other great aspect of the trip was the other people on it. They were a lovely group of people each with an interesting life story to tell and cycling presents a great way to chat to people during those hours in the saddle.

Most Inspirational Moment

The people. Cuba is a country with many problems including a broken economy and yet its people manage somehow to get by no doubt helped by the music, the dancing and the rum (one of the few "foods" that's neither rationed nor expensive)!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lismar was great. Very knowledgeable about Cuba and its history, careful in the management of expectations (some of its Russian built hotels are not in great shape), and all presented with good humour. I always felt he tried to go the extra mile, arranging extra tours and visits in addition to what was described and finding interesting Restaurants where possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

They say you shouldn't go to Cuba for the food and its true. Its bland, overcooked and with very limited choice - fried chicken, fried pork, fried fish with rice and beans just about sums it up. More to the point though most of our group had stomach upsets, some more than once. Its hard to know what the cause was but hygiene in the government run hotels and restaurants (which is most of them) is probably not great. The privately run restaurants and Casas are probably safer and definitely better quality. Be prepared to spend a long time in the coach. Cuba is a surprisingly large country with generally poor roads so getting about takes time. If you plan to take up the Cayo Levisa extension be aware that its quite a long way from Havana and none of the activities (the main reason we went) run on a Sunday (the only full day we had there). It is a beautiful island though and the food quality is an improvement on any of the other state run places we stayed.

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