How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Fantastic. She gaves us a real insight I to the culture and the history and the politics.

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

Be prepared for some long days of travelling as you are exploring the whole island.  The all-inclusive hotel was fab.

Do you have anything else to add?

Go before the island changes with a huge amount of investment.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Marlon was our tour leader.  He was well informed , helpful and thoughtful to the needs and interests of the group.

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

This tour is classed as 4 active dots which I see as reasonably strenuous but while the tour is busy it is not physically challenging.  All the hotels are good, even those not classed as In Style.  In fact the two hotels that were classed as lower standard were more classic Cuban in style than the others.  The whole tour was informative and gave one a real insight  into the politics and life of the Cuban people as well as touring the length of this beautiful island.  The Cuban people are friendly and the country is very safe,

Do you have anything else to add?

This is my first In Style tour and the comfort of hotels with the usual Explore itinerary was very enjoyable.  I look forward to more In Style trips  as long as the hotels have the character of the country visited where possible.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Excellent. Very professional and went beyong what he needed to do.

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

Book your own flight direct to Cuba. AirEuropa was a terrible airline

Do you have anything else to add?

I would have thought it would be possible for Explore to book a direct flight from the UK to Cuba. I know such flights exisit. Going via Madrid lengthened the journey massively and seemd unnecccesary.

This was an absolutely superb holiday which surpassed my expectations.  Cuba is a fascinating country and I fell in love with the island on the very first day.  Our tour leader, Erik, worked incredibly hard and went the extra mile every day to share his knowledge of his country, its history, people, music, culture, cuisine and wildlife with us throughout the tour.  I had heard from several people that the food in Cuba is disappointing but I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of many of the meals which we had, especially in the local paladares which Erik managed to find for us.  The quality of the accommodation was generally good too.  The highlights for me were Havana (a place I could never get bored of), the stunning colonial town of Trinidad, sea kayaking off the coast of Cayo Ensenachos and watching the sunset at the cannon blast ceremony at the El Morro Fort in Santiago de Cuba before having a tour of the local working lighthouse.  I will also never forget the exhilirating - yet utterly nerve-shredding - experience of "flying" on a zip wire across the rooftops of Las Terrazas and the surrounding valley on Cuba's first zip wire canopy tour.  All in all, it was an unforgettable trip; I cannot recommend it enough and I will definitely travel with Explore again. (DCL - 27th February 2011)

This tour delivered the unexpected and surpassed all expectations. It was an intimate view of Cuba, delivered by Cubans, and one I feel privileged to have been a part of. The itinerary takes in walking tours of colonial squares, exciting city stops, numerous museums (exploring pre and post revolutionary Cuba) and contact with the local population … with a relaxing, indulgent beach stay thrown in for good measure.  There’s opportunity to sample the local nightlife … with plenty of salsa time.  The implications of the Socialist regime - both good and bad - are difficult to fully comprehend.  Just when you think you have a handle on it, and can validate your personal conclusions, some new information throws your verdict into question. At times Cuba was shocking, at times funny and at others deeply moving. Diesel, tobacco and Latin rhythms fill the air, rum flows all hours of the day, and rice and black beans accompany every meal. Outside of all the unique occurrences that occupied our two week journey of the Cuban island, these are the things I will remember the most … these are the things you will find when you visit this impressive Republic.  Visit now … before McDonalds, Starbucks and Coca Cola occupy every street corner … and the bill boards promote more than the revolution. For it will not stay this way for long … of that I am, conflictingly, certain. (DCL - 14th November 2010)

No doubt that the highlight was visiting La Camandancia de la Plata in the Sierra Mesta mountains where Fidel Castro and Che Guevara established their revolutionaries headquarters. Secondly the Cuban people were tremendously helpful, curteous and seemed to possess a quiet dignity. (DCL - 7th November 2010)

All history lovers willl be delighted by this trip because there's so much information to absorb. The first thing that strikes you is the total absence of any kind of advertisements. You really feel you're somewhere totally different. All the cities visited were really interesting.Trinidad for me was the prettiest. It's really colourful and well preserved. You can see the wealth that was brought in by the sugar plantations. Santiago de Cuba, which is known locally as "Sin City"  is very vibrant and full of historical sights, as this was the birthplace of the Revolution and also where Castro pronounced victory over Batista. Interesting for me too to see the old Bacardi factory as it's always been my favourite tipple!  The Comandancia del Plata is a must for history buffs with the preserved accomodation of the rebels, including Fidels bed and the hut where Che practiced his dentistry skills. After all the driving through the countryside and I must say journeys do feel long as a lot of the roads have dreadful potholes, it was nice to have a break in the Royal Hideaway on Santa Maria island. This is a paradise isle with a fabulous beach and luxurious accomodation. It felt far removed from the rest of Cuba...  Back to history again as we visited Santa Clara and the memorial to Che Guevara which is very tasteful and immense. The Revolution is still alive in Cuba.  What can I say about Havana? It's a fascinating city with sights to behold on every street corner.  Enjoying a Daquiri in la Floridida, visiting Hemmingways bedroom in Hotel Ambus Mundus, enjoying the views from the rooftop of Hotel Isabel, taking a ride in an old American car, photographing the crumbling mansions, the Mojitos & Cuba Libres, these are all the things you plan. It's the other things that take you by surprise that make this city fascinating : The colourful dance troop on stilts that came down Obispo: the never ending salsa music; the old men playing dominoes who after giving permission to take their photo were fascinated to see their image on the camera screen; the locals in the Casas de Trovas (music taverns) that were only too happy to teach a few salsa steps to visitors. Some advice for would be travellers: I was amazed by the humidity when I first arrived in Havana so it's important to bring cool comfortable clothes. I noticed a lot of locals had facecloths, which are a really good idea for wiping the sweat off your face. Locals also will look for soap or pens from you. They will be grateful even for the hotel ones..   If you've a sweet tooth bring a few munchies with you. They don't have supermarkets like we know them at all.  Cuba at present is like Ireland back in the 1940's but I expect this will change fast. The economy is in a bad way so I expect that icy relations with America will begin to thaw soon. It will spoil the atmosphere to see the big arch of Mc Donalds and ads for Coca Cola but I imagine it's inevitable. I feel privileged to have seen it like it is and I heartily recommend a visit for everyone. (DCL - 8th August 2010)

Amazing colonial architecture, beautiful beaches and friendly people might sum up Cuba but don't forget to mention the art deco, musicians, rum cocktails, old cars and positive outlook on a sometimes difficult life- did I mention the history, jungle hideouts and the time the earth moved?(but it was only a little earthquake!) and don't forget the natural beauty, cigars - just thinking about my trip has put me off work- I WANT TO GO BACK NOW! (DCL- 1st March 2010)