Get inspired with our clients' travel tales 🌴

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Subject: Get inspired with our clients' travel tales 🌴

Hola Friend,

Como estas?

Before I tell you all about our various trips in Cuba this month, I want to share with you a personal story. Depending on how long you have been following us, you may know that Yoanis and I have spent 2 years apart because of the pandemic. It was tough, being apart but also not being able to run tours. The gates were still mostly shut in Australia, when I set off to head over there, in fact when I left, I wasn't sure if I was going to be let back in. So that was exciting, and something more exciting happened after!

We managed to get Yoanis a visa and transit visa to head over my way. He has never travelled abroad before he got the chance to come to the other side of the world! I tell you, I wish I could have been there for his maiden voyage. What an experience 💥 he was mind blown seeing things.. seeing the World, outside of Cuba for the first time!

I actually was going to document all his first and share them with you, but words just could not describe the emotions for both of us that have come up. From my end it was certainly very humbling and definitely reminded me of somethings that we take for granted in the modern world, we should actually be grateful for. A bit like when you go to Cuba, and how it teaches you to be happy with what you got, be grateful for the little things and appreciate those things that are most important - like family.

Why do I tell you this story?

Because I think that apart from the colourful buildings, the cars, the dancing, the cocktails, cigars and great weather, Cuba has a beautiful grounding energy. It has a magic to it, that gives most travellers a new perspective to life. Something that must be experienced...

Now without any further delays, let me tell you about the tours we have had this month and what our clients throught.

Joanne and Glenn set out in October on our Soul of Cuba tour with Yunior. They caught up with Yoanis on their stay in Soroa after a great start in Havana. They loved soaking up the history in Old Havana and learning new skills, cooking Cuban cuisine. Joanne said, she loved the expedition to the markets to get the goodies and really enjoyed that the chef was the one doing most of the cooking so the food came out delicious at their cooking class. In Soroa they were in for a treat as it is Yoanis' backyard, so visiting the orchid garden with him was fab.

From here they headed out to Vinales that they thoroughly enjoyed. Actually the choice of the casa here is noted as one of their favourite! No Wonder, it has the perfect view of the mogotes. Sunrise is truly spectacular, the hosts are fabulous and the place is immaculate, as Joanne said.

They headed over east after this - experienced the carb invasion at Playa Larga, we are just glad the tyres were safe!

At once they got to Cienfuegos food at the casa was a winner! Although Italian flavours, but it is one of Joanne's favourites! 💖So just perfect! Not to mention having the casa beautifully renovated and in a central location.

Bit of Nature time to be had after in and around Trinidad and a farm lunch at El Nicho, really nothing compares to charcoal grilled roast pork...

From here it was time to head back to Havana before heading home. Having the perfect hosts and lovely view to close the 11 days on the island. Lillevi and Alberto have done it again! Wowed our clients and as Joanne said they were - FANTASTIC as always.

One of the reasons we going back there time and time again!

And just like that, they were off! Yunior had a fun time and managed to get a day off before he set out on an 18 day tour with Mary-Anne and Mario. In his word - they are the best clients ever! 😍 It is awesome when the guide and the client clicks, we think it makes the experience a whole lot better (I mean look at me! 😅)

Whilst Glenn and Joanne joined a pre designed itinerary, with a hope of having more people on a trip, Mary-Anne and Mario were after the private tour experience. We designed their trip with their bucket list items in mind - such as seeing Guantanamo Bay (even if it is only from the distance), Hemingway's hangouts, enjoying food and drinks along the way.

The process was easy, we got the list of must haves and we explained the duration and routes it would take over a phone call, prepared the itinerary and off they went. From first call to getting on the plane was only two months apart! Which in Cuban terms, is pretty fast.

As always, they set out in Havana, but were on their way toward the east quick and fast!

A stop in Trinidad, Camaguey and Santiago de Cuba went by so fast before you knew it they were in Baracoa, with the glimpse of Guantanamo Bay along the way! 😀

And boy, did Baracoa deliver on its name of being the foodie paradise of Cuba!!! Yes it certainly did. I mean check out the size of these lobsters!!!

Can you imagine having those babies whilst you are literally sitting on the beach, overlooking some beautifully blue waters? Well, these guys loved it!

I do have to say, doing the loop to the east certainly delivers for the food lover, it does take time! The trip for these guys was 18 days. From Havana, visiting the southern towns I mentioned before, till you make it to Baracoa. The good thing is, each town delivers something different. From the historical Trinidad to the birthplace of most of Cuba's beats in Santiago to the best food in Baracoa to the revolutionary Santa Clara, there's a lot to see and do along the way. If you ask us tho, it's well worth it. And in Mario's words...

And the fun didn't stop there! Sam also joined us!

Sam has reached out as he was thinking of coming to Cuba and even had his flights and accommodation booked.. but wasn't too sure of what to do or how to do it. Whilst I did say he could reach out closer to time of his travel, I didn't think it'd be the Friday before his Sunday arrival that he'd do that. 🤣

Lucky that he did tho! Because even though we had chats about bringing cash to Cuba, he was nowhere near prepared for his trip. So once he gave us a call, we put together a partially guided itinerary for his week in Cuba. Mostly Havana to reduce the transport costs, but he still managed to head out to Vinales and Varadero for some day trips... And, had so much fun at his boxing class, he booked in a second session! 😀

What did Sam get up to?

Well for him Cigars, culture, boxing were on the list! So he visited Old Havana and had a walking tour with Yulia, then visited the Malecon for a cigar and rum pairing session with live music and fabulous sunset. He enjoyed the place so much he stayed for a few more hours after his experience!

Headed out to Vinales for a day tour at the local farms, it is the best place for Tobacco Farms, after all, it is the region that grows the leaves for the Cohiba and Romeo y Julieta cigars.

Visited the Capitolio, of course had the classic car cruise - it is a must have after all. Enjoyed a beach day at Varadero and had a Boxing Session at Rafael Trejo gym.. and went back for more!

He absolutely loved his experience with the various guides and various experiences. And we loved having him...

So there you have it, three completely different itineraries, three different experiences, one thing in common, all loved it. 💖

Cuba is a wonderful destination if you know how to explore it. Which is where we come in!

Whether it’s endless dancing with the locals in Havana or swimming with whale sharks in Cienfuegos, a glimpse of Guantanamo Bay, savouring the flavours of Baracoa or anything in between, we are here to make sure that your Cuban experience is absolutely unforgettable. Ready to start planning? Join us today and make your dream of visiting this tropical island paradise a reality!

Hasta Luego,

Orsolya

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Subject: Get inspired with our clients' travel tales 🌴