Client Feedback

"The questionnaire is on its way. The holiday was superb, organised to the last detail which really did allow us to get the most out of the little time we had out there.

We were met by the guide at the airport who was helpful and informative (if a bit keen to bang on at times). His list of restaurants and sights was very helpful, and his knowledge both of the city and the other areas we went to was encyclopedic.

The two days, three nights we had in Havana were a lot of fun, but quite hectic. We tried to cram in as much as we could. Annoyingly two of the major art galleries were closed on Sundays and Mondays, so that scuppered our chances of being cultural: We went for another Daiqiri instead. It's fascinating to see the city half refurbished and such a stark contrast between the old and new. I found though that some of the more run down areas were much more vibrant, despite their poverty, and the tourist haunts (Top of the list La floridita) were almost depressing. We had a lot of fun wandering through the town and visiting lots of different bars and restaurants.

La Guarida was amazing, and is one of the best meals I've had, half due to location and ambience, half due to the quality of the chef and service. It was an excellent experience, preceded by a half hour lecture from our guide about the film 'Strawberry and Chocolate'.

I'm very glad you persuaded us to go to The Tropicana. I can't imagine it being everyone's cup of tea, but the mix of retro ice skating costumes for the blokes and skimpily clad girls with feathers and bling galore were enough to keep Julie and I amused.

Vinales was, as I had hoped, extremely beautiful. You were right to mention concerns about the hotel, but sporadic electricity, dodgy plumbing and swarms of Cuban kids were not enough to detract from the view right down the valley, especially when a thunderstorm rolled in and we watched it unfold.

I wasn't completely won over by the Indian caves, nor the old biddy's garden, but both served to fill the time. The tobacco factory was interesting, and another opportunity to buy cigars. Horse riding through the valley, however, was amazing. I find it a great way to really get close to the surroundings, especially when the horse seems to be a primary mode of transport for the farmers out there. We stopped with one of the farmers and saw his tobacco drying in a barn, before he rolled a couple of cigars on his lap and offered them round. That and fruit freshly picked form his garden made for a lovely mid morning break. Sadly Julie doesn't often ride, so was quite sore for a day or two.

Cayo Levisa was also breathtakingly beautiful. It wasn't too busy and the weather just turned pleasant when we arrived. They do offer diving and sea fishing, but by that stage we were keen just to sit and soak up the sun (and more rum). 3 days there was perfect. Any longer and we would have been bored by the monotonous cuisine, and the incessant mosquitoes.

The return drive was flawless as well, driving through a tropical storm that arrived as we were leaving the island.

Thanks for your help and advice throughout. It was a wonderful holiday."

Would You Like to Know More?

For further information about holidays to Cuba, please call any of our consultants on 01285 885333or email latinamerica@steppestravel.co.uk.