Cuba Today: People and Society: Havana & Cienfuegos

Going to Cuba opened my eyes to this wonderful country and its people. This embargo must be lifted. The history was amazing and they are so close to the USA. Lets dispel our prejudices and preconceived ideas and continue traveling to Cuba.

I found my experience with Road Scholar in Cuba informative, interesting, and fun. I would do it again.

This trip was an outstanding opportunity to learn and observe first-hand about Cuba’s history, the changes happening now, the complexity of our historic and current political and economic relationships, the beauty and friendliness of its people. The lectures were excellent, performances and people to people interactions so worthwhile. Road Scholar gives a truly unique insightful travel experience with purpose and learning that one could rarely arrange independently.

Everyone in the US should see the real Cuba and learn about the longgevity and complexity of our relationship.

This is an excellent introduction to a few key places in Cuba. There is plenty of time to enjoy what Havana has to offer as well as to learn about the Zapata National Park and visit smaller cities such as Cienfuegos and Trinidad. The lectures were top notch, and the People to People activities were very rewarding. I highly recommend this program.

This trip provides a history and perspective of the Cuban people, how it has been shaped during its 500 years. The culture, architecture and history presented allowed for a far greater appreciation for this island nation in search of its independence.

Traveling to Cuba with Road Scholar was a highly informative adventure. I live in Florida and have always wanted to go to Cuba. I learned so much about the country's history and its people. Our leaders and guides and lecturers were all outstanding. Our group was compatible. If you want to visit Cuba, go now. Go with Road Scholar!

If you are interested in touring a country in close proximity to the U.S. and would like to experience some the best music in the world, learn fascinating history and meet dynamic, energetic, well-read people, travel to Cuba with Road Scholar.

great trip you will not come back with the same perspective you might have had about Cuba before the trip

Wonderful program! Cuba is a fascinating place and I learned so much about the country and its people. I especially loved the music and dance performances!

This was our first Roads Scholar trip but it won't be our last. The 8 day "Support for the Cuban People" program gave us both a deep and broad view of Cuban society and history, and the group leader Jim and tour guide Jose, were both outstanding! Highly recommend this trip to all!

I found this trip very interesting and informative, all lecturers/speakers were articulate and intelligent.( loved Dr Marta Nunez) Our tour guides Jim and Elaine( can't remember spelling) were pleasant, informative, approachable and helpful. A very easy to get along with group which added to the experience. Cultural events were wide ranging and definately not sought out or able to see if I was a tourist on my own. Found meals good and hotels roomy and comfortable. I now love mojitos with Havana gold rum- and am teaching family to play cuban dominos. Katie and I are hosting mojito-dominos party for Kentucky Derby-as will have fresh mint from her garden! Please tell Jim we will also have some gum!

This trip was an enjoyable way to help me overcome the deficit that I share with most US citizens about what takes place south of our own borders. Thank you, Road Scholar.

"Cuba Today: People and Society - Havana & Cienfuegos" was a fabulous experience! We would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Cuban history, culture and their current way of life. This was our first Road Scholar trip but it will not be our last...already planning our next one.

Road's Scholar's trip to Cuba was outstanding. We were provided a multi-dimensional opportunity to experience the history, the people, the land and the flavor or Cuba in a once in a lifetime adventure!

My trip to Cuba was a long-time desire.of mine The Road Scholar trip completely met my expectations,; in fact, the program exceeded them. I plan on taking many more Road Scholar trips. They are extremely well organized. Our group of travelers to Cuba was very compatible and the leaders, Julie and Hector, were nothing short of amazing!

This program provides a great overview of the Cuban experience. I felt I gained a better understanding of the history, the economic challenges, and the focus on the arts in Cuban society.

This is a must do program. The small group experiences and personal interactions with Cuban artists and musicians provided an great introduction to the people and culture of Cuba.

We loved the program and our time in Cuba. Highly recommend this program to anyone who has considered going to Cuba and has hesitated for any reason. We felt welcomed by the Cuban people and at the places we visited. Old Havana is spectacular and we hope our going there helps restore it. Beautiful people and beautiful country. This is one of Road Scholar's great programs.

With all the groups and tours Road Scholar offers in Cuba, they provided a great resource to get exposed to this fascinating island. We had an outstanding local guide, who made this trip particularly enjoyable. Several of the activities and events were truly exceptional and surprising.

We have traveled with a number of other groups. Road Scholar is the best. Our group leader Heidi is every bit as good as Rick Steeves and is funnier. Wonderful experience. Go soon, who knows how long we will be allowed to travel to Cuba!

The Road Scholar provided an excellent program to enable us to get a feel of the Cuban people through visits to community centers where we watched dance recitals, musical performances, and care facilities. We enjoyed riding in old restored cars and seeing several cities in Cu8ba: Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, while concentrating on all the sections of Havana.

The Cuba trip to Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad was fascinating! We learned a great deal and will continue learning now that we are home. Cuba is a complex place with a complex history and it is valuable to learn about this near US neighbor. Road Scholar has put together an excellent program that is well-organized, educational, and enjoyable.

Just the best!!!!

The Road Scholar Cuba tour is one of the most outstanding adventures I have taken. Learned so much about Cuba and their wonderful people. I wish more Americans could experience Cuba like Road Scholar enabled us to do.

website is sometimes not updated with information inputed by us, promptly. The group blog was not working and this would have been a welcome opportunity to contact participants before the actual trip.

The Cuba adventure will change your pre-existing attitudes toward Cuba and the US's policies regarding the country.

a wonderful way to really see and understand Cuba!

Could be improved

I highly recommend Road Scholars if you are thinking of visiting Cuba. We had a great time and their program is a terrific intro to Cuba and the Cuban people. It’s a trip I won’t soon forget.

I only wish that there was a part 2 to this Cuba tour with the same guides , bus driver and participants . Our group got along so well, and we learned so much about Cuba . This was due to our guides : Liz , Ilen and the bus driver . The three of them set the tone for the entire trip . This trip was comfortable , informative and carried out in an extremely professional manner . The speakers too were outstanding and interesting.

This was my first trip with Roads Scholar and the experience went beyond expectations. The Leaders were outstanding, the program was organized and exciting and I was exceptionally happy with my experience with Roads Scholar.

This trip to Cuba is one of the best trips where one could learn and see architectural/ cultural state of Cuba in a week.

terrific program- provides insight, discussion and clarity. ONE BAG ON JET BLUE SHOULD BE PART OF THE PROGRAM EXPENSE!

If you can make it to Cuba in 2020 it's probably well worth the effort. During 2017-2018 there was a relaxation of travel restrictions for US citizens and this led to a huge increase in US tourists, clogging up hotels and other services. By 2019 restrictions were put in place again, but in the long run those restrictions don't make any sense, so at some point soon you'll have the same glut of tourists. This will change Cuba. Hopefully the lives of the Cuban people will improve, but if you want to see one of the last civilized places on Earth with no advertising, almost no cell phones, a vibrant culture and a beautiful people then find your way to Cuba soon!

Priceless insights into the history, culture, geography, and economy of Cuba. Priceless also to learn about the blind-natured and cruel trade-and-supplies embargo/blockade that the US maintains against Cuba: all Americans need to know about this and demand that it be ended. I was also delighted to be in a socialist and gun-free country where the views align so well with my own. It was absolutely wonderful to see the benefits of a compassionate, intelligent socialist system of government and see how Fidel and Che are still beloved there. The many conversations with artists, dancers, musicians, fishermen, and others whom we met were so valuable. All the local guides and teachers were superb. I was filled with admiration for all of them, and especially for Hector, who was with us the entire week and who was ideal in his position in all ways. Bravo, Road Scholar, for enabling this trip!

I found the website user friendly

Cuba is an important neighbor to the US. I’m so glad I went to see for myself and learn first-hand, while visiting Cuba is still an option.

This is the first time my wife and I travel through Road Scholar. We had an Excellent Experience. All activities were executed as planned. The Cuban tourist Guide was very knowledgeable and patient to answer all questions. The Road Scholar Guide coordinated all activities very well. And last but not least the Cuban People are amazingly friendly. I will definitely use Road Scholar for my next trip. Thanks Omar Vitobaldi

This Cuba program is just the right length for a first experience. It was very educational!! We are so glad we went!

This Road Scholar experience was so well done that I feel it changed me. This experience provided a view and understanding of the people of Cuba, that has made me a more aware and empathetic person. An investment of time and money, well worth it.

I have been on a lot of tours with many companies and I believe Road Scholar is one of the best companies in the market. Tom G

This program offered a wide variety of activities, sites, and lecturers. I had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in exploring Cuba.

IF you are looking for excitement and the truth about the Cuban people and Cuba this is the trip for you!!! This was one of my bucket list dream and I had a Phenomenal time..... I LOVE CUBA!!!!! rmm

A wonderful experience. I would highly recommend this trip

This exceptional trip allowed me to appreciate the Cuban people as having resiliance in the midst of adversity. It is a somewhat difficult trip and well worth it as I find myself experiencing my world with more patience, compassion and especially appreciation. I have never been hugged and smiled at by so many strangers! This itinerary is filled with many unforgettable experiences...

Very information program at a good value.

Our visit to Cuba was amazing. The lectures, guides, bus driver, and especially our trip leader and Cuban guide were simply amazing! The trip was not only educational, provided a unique opportunity to interact with the Cuban people, but delightful in fulfilling a bucket list dream. I definitely intend to go back.

See Cuba now. Change is in the wind and it probably won't be the same in 5 years

this trip to Cuba was the best trip I have ever taken.

Go to Cuba!!!!! The program is fantastic and highly educational. We visited many sites and learned so much. In addition the music and dance and art presentations were fantastic. This trip exceeded all of our expectations.

This is the best organiced tour I ever had.

I would highly recommend Road Scholar for an informative visit to another country/culture. It is a good program and one you can use as a base to explore that culture more on your own.

Our trip to Cuba was a wonderful learning experience and opportunity to learn about this close-by neighbor. Program was comprehensive, varied, and informative. Guides and lecturers were first class! 3 cultural activities( danc performance, chamber orchestra, and vocal group) were all outstanding. Food is plentiful but less varied than in Us. Service is generally good but spotty at times. Food quality is sometimes good and sometimes less so due to limitations of Cuban economy and system. We had a great time!

Cuba is our neighbor. This is a comprehensive and illuminating picture of the culture and survival skills of its people. It is also an opportunity to present a picture to the Cubans of our culture.

Cuba was a terrific experience thanks to the expertise of our guides and the educational activities presented during the program

My first solo trip! Fantastic experience! Our group leader, James Fitch, did an amazing job and our local guide, Alejandro Anido, was extremely knowledgeable about Cuba and answered our many, many questions with great detail and enthusiasm. This made Cuba come alive for us! Fun and interesting participants and I made new friends! I’m already planning my next Road Scholar trip!

Glad to have visited before the latest embargo. So much to see, learn, and understand about how this beautiful country and its strong proud people manage full and interesting lives in the face of austerity. Music, dance, art—in galleries, in public plazas, everywhere! The local guide at the cemetery was hilarious while sharing history. The tour from the back seats of pristine vintage Chevy convertibles was unexpected, what a blast!

Our 8 day trip to Cuba was exceptional. I have returned with a new understanding of this country which fulfilled a lifelong dream for my husband.

Great trip! Recommend it highly! Very informatively!

Great way to experience the culture and life of Cuba, with well informed guides, great lectures and high quality arts. A friendly and interesting place to visit!

This trip far exceeded my expectations! We were able to see the beauty of Cuba and her people in ways that could only be appreciated by direct contact with the people in their actual work/play spaces.

This trip exceeded expectations. The cost is much less than comparable programs. The people to people interactions and cultural experiences were amazing and very memorable-much better than routine sightseeing. I hadn't really been looking forward to those so was pleasantly surprised. The lectures likewise were really high quality. Cuba is great for a week. This was our first Road Scholar trip but we plan to take more.

Cuba was amazing, unfortunately our trip organizers were well organized, well informed or enthusiastic.