Cuba
A Look at Life in Havana
Program No. 23508RJ
Immerse yourself in the culture of Havana through meaningful interactions with locals, and learn about how the complicated history has impacted this remarkable city.
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Participant Reviews
Based on 100 Reviews
SHOWING
This was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Cuban music and dance.
— Review left April 23, 2025
Fabulous trip with leader Gustavo! Really got a good overall picture of the culture, music, and architecture of Cuba. Every American should take this eye opening tour. Beautiful hotel and surprise old car tour!
— Review left April 21, 2025
Excellent program. Just enough time to get a feel for Havanna and Cuba in previous history and current times. Definately more you could see of the island but it you want a “glimpse “ they pack a lot into a few days. Overall, a wonderful trip.
— Review left April 21, 2025
Our trip to Cuba was guided by a passionate and engaging Group Leader who made the experience meaningful and constantly interesting. The activities were carefully curated but included a wide range of topics so the tour felt like much more than three days. We can't wait to return to learn and experience more!
— Review left April 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this trip and everything about it. Never felt rushed, learned so much, saw so many different things in a short period of time. Our tour guide, Karina Sanchez, was remarkable and provided so much insight and understanding of Cuba's history and what life is like for the Cuban people today and why it is, what it is.
— Review left April 3, 2025
Please do not hesitate to join this program! It was extremely interesting and provided me with a better understanding of the people and culture of Havana. The instructors were all extremely knowledgeable and engaging. You will have no regrets.
— Review left March 20, 2025
I traveled to Cuba on a taste of Havanna!! It was a memorable expierence being able to interact with the Cuban people. I saw such beautiful art and music.
— Review left March 19, 2025
I totally recommend visiting Cuba with Road Scholar! I learned so much about the country and have fallen in love with Cuba and its people. We always felt safe, even when leaving the hotel without our guide. Cuba is a beautiful, sad, inspiring country. The people are lovely.
— Review left March 11, 2025
Go to Cuba, fellow Americans! The Road Scholar five-day program in Havana is a great introduction to Cuba, especially if your knowledge about Cuba is limited to the Bay of Pigs and the Missile Crisis. The trip is a real eye-opener!
— Review left March 10, 2025
Outstanding program -exceeded expectations and would highly recommend!! Loved it all
— Review left March 6, 2025
I enjoyed my trip to Havana, Cuba immensely. The lectures, the visits to an organic farm, dance collaborative, art gallery and women's choral group were highlights of the trip. I thought the food was excellent and the hospitality and warmth of the Cuban people we met surpassed my expectations. It was a wonderful way to visit a country that is struggling economically but very welcoming to tourists.
— Review left March 5, 2025
If you ever wanted to experience Cuba - Road Scholar is the tour to travel with. I had a lovely informed, intelligent tour guide with a group of interesting fellow travelers.
— Review left March 4, 2025
Overall, the Havana, Cuba, trip was fun. One of the outings that I liked was on the last day when everyone in the group took part in a tour around the city in the brightly colored convertibles before the final dinner. It was a first for me and was really fun.
— Review left March 4, 2025
Program was very informative, enlightening, educational and fun.
— Review left February 25, 2025
Do yourself a favor and go to Cuba. The program is so eye-opening and educational. The people of Cuba are in a crisis but remain hopeful, joyful, tenacious, singing, dancing and sharing their unique culture and history. An unforgettable journey.
— Review left February 22, 2025
Just returned from "A Look at life in Havana" trip. Very enjoyable program made better by our outstanding guide, Gustavo Perez.
— Review left February 18, 2025
This was an excellent program. Group leader Karina Sanchez was excellent. The activities really helped my learning about Havana and the Cuban people. The most fun part was the ride around the city in the 50's convertibles. Had a blast!
— Review left February 4, 2025
My Cuban experience was so rewarding! The knowledge gained and interactions with Cuban people were both phenomenal. Our group leader, Karina, was fabulous!
— Review left February 3, 2025
Program and guide excellent. Skip the hassle of getting an Evisa at the airport and just google Cuba visa and do it in 5 minutes at home. 5 members of group got food poisoning from Cuban Paladar Deca***on
— Review left January 29, 2025
This was a rich cultural experience and a fascinating introduction to life in Cuba.
— Review left January 28, 2025
I loved seeing Havana and experiencing the culture and history of this country. The programs and facilities were very nice in a country with such economic hardships. I gained so much respect and compassion for the Cuban people and their resilience.
— Review left January 21, 2025
Program 23508, A Look at Life in Cuba, is a short (five days) but rewarding visit to Havana. I would recommend it highly as an introduction to the country. Participants learned a lot, enjoyed themselves, and, I think, wished for even more!
— Review left January 14, 2025
The trip to Havana greatly exceeded my expectations. Karina Sanchez, tour guide was a top notch professional, organized, smart, engaging
and kind. The hotel, food, programs, sights and experts were so good!
I have traveled the world, this was one of my favorite trips ever. Cuba
is historic, challenging, full of talent and wonderful people. I hope
to return!
— Review left January 14, 2025
To learn about a country in the morning and see it in action that afternoon is a hallmark of Road Scholar Programs. The on-the-spot lectures and educational lessons enriched our travel immensely. This type of upgrade made the trip more worthwhile. This is the way we'd like to travel in the future!
— Review left December 26, 2024
This was a lovely trip. Had fantastic cultural experiences, a good amount of activity and great food!
— Review left December 23, 2024
This was our first trip with Road Scholar and it didn’t disappoint. The guide Gustavo Perez from Havana, was outstanding and really made the experience terrific. I enjoyed the lectures - not too long and the presentations were interesting and thoughtful.
— Review left December 17, 2024
Our trip to Cuba was life-changing. I learned so much about the country and the saw amazing art, dance, urban farming and met wonderful, like minded people. i enthusisatically recommend this trip as long as it it with Gustavo PerezGroup Leader!
— Review left December 15, 2024
One of the best Road Scholar programs I've attended. Expectations were exceeded by far.
— Review left December 11, 2024
Awesome trip. Gustavo, our leader, was so good. He made sure that every thing ran smoothly.
Our learning experiences were all excellent. From the organic farm, the dance school, to the women’s chorus- excellent.
Couldn’t have ended our week any better than our parade in the antique cars. What a hoot. Shout out to Yessel, our bus driver. He was always on time & helped all us “older” participants with a hand down those bus steps.
I have no complaints.
Wonderful trip.
— Review left December 10, 2024
Cuba was on my bucket list, and it proved to be everything I thought it would be: bold and beautiful with a fascinating history. Traveling with a tour added to the experience as I learned about 27 strangers and enjoyed discussing our daily excursions with them.
— Review left December 5, 2024
The trip to Havana, Cuba far exceeded my expectations! Each day was well planned and wonderful! And each day after got better and better! Our group leader was fantastic!! Thank you!!
— Review left November 12, 2024
The people of Cuba are friendly, resilient, and smart. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the Cuban culture from our marvelous guide, Cuban native Karina Sanchez. Her storytelling, knowledge, warmth, and superior organizational skills made me feel like I was in good hands from start to finish.
Highlights of the trip for me? Enjoying a dance/percussion performance, touring an organic farm, riding in antique convertibles around Havana, and hearing the sublime Ensemble Vocal Luna singers. All the food was wonderful and the Cubans always waved back at me and greeted me with smiles. I wish most Americans were this friendly and warm!!
— Review left November 11, 2024
Returning to Cuba again with Road Scholar after my first visit in 2016, the impacts of COVID on the society were dramatic, Havana remains a mysteriously beautiful old city. I was delighted with our visit to a fully self-sufficient farm where we were treated to a wonderful homemade and home-grown lunch, local music, and Cuban hospitality. I am not inclined to return to places as the world is so large, but the Cuban people are warm and inviting and I am glad to have made a second visit.
— Review left June 4, 2024
Definitely money well spent! This get-away did not disappoint. The tour guide, Lian, was extremely personable, amazingly fact-filled, attentive to each and every need, praise-worthy responsible for all happenings and had a great sense of humor.
Our transportation and driver were exemplary. The in-depth lectures with knowledgeable authorities were informative about a host of facts and issues and didn't shy away from any questions. The synagogue visit and talk shared some little known history of Jewish people in Havana.
The Havana walking tours were reasonable and informative. The dance company as well as the all-women's chorus were top-notch and allowed the opportunity for invaluable person-to-person interaction. The restaurants chosen as well as the few individually selected were especially accommodating. And everyone knows about the cars, the cars, the cars! The chance for our group of 23 to break up in threes or fours, line up and ride in them through Havana was a wonderful surprise and brought smiles to all faces.
There was so much to appreciate. I loved the ability to interact with the very proud Cuban people each and every day. Despite my limited ability to converse in Spanish, there was an exchange of humanity. This was my first Road Scholar trip and I came home deeply impressed and this assuredly will not be my last. Thank you!
— Review left May 6, 2024
"A Look at Life in Havana" was my first trip with Road Scholar. I enjoyed it very much. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to visit Cuba. It is a beautiful country full of history and friendly people who welcome visitors with open arms.
— Review left April 17, 2024
Oh my gosh! This wonderful country of amazing people is only 90 miles from the U.S. I wish everyone in my country could go experience our neighbors in Havana, Cuba.
— Review left April 15, 2024
This program exceeded our expectations. We had never considered a road scholar trip until a friend invited us to join her. The experiences were well planned and executed and the guide was outstanding. We are seasoned travelers with many trips in our past, and we will definitely try another RS trip in the future.
— Review left April 15, 2024
Wow, what an amazing trip to Cuba! Our trip leader, Karina, was amazing. Her attention to detail, kindness and caring were really appreciated. She answered tons of questions and worked hard to make sure that we all felt like our visit to support the Cuban people was meaningful for all of us and also the Cuban people we met. My dad and I learned a great deal about Cuba, the people and the culture. From the synagogue visit, to the ride in the classic cars, to the lessons about architecture and music to the dance performance, which we were invited to join, every experience was amazing. My dad and I also truly enjoyed learning with and getting to know the other participants in our program. We learned so much from them as well and shared some of our passions so that we all may have another tremendous travel experience in the future. We 100% recommend Karina and all of our hosts in Cuba. We are looking forward to our next Road Scholar adventure!
— Review left April 12, 2024
Wonderful intro to Cuba. Great itinerary, lectures, activities. Our guide Lian was exceptional. Won’t be my last trip with Road Scholar!
— Review left April 7, 2024
Through the Road Scholar program, I was able to realize a lifelong dream of seeing Cuba again. I was there as a child and I returned as a grandmother, 63 years later. I had the added bonus of traveling with my daughter and two friends that embraced the people and culture of the island.
— Review left April 3, 2024
Wonderful 5 day program . Will be back to Cuba!
— Review left March 26, 2024
The trip to Havana was our second trip with Road Scholar, they always have wonderful instructors and leaders. I highly recommend Road Scholar travel
— Review left March 21, 2024
Anyone who wants to understand Cuba in both its current and historical context would really benefit from this immersive experience. Cuba is a country that has so much potential, but policies there and abroad have impeded its success. You have to see Cuba to even begin to understand the situation there. Our guide, Lian, was so knowledgeable and so open to our questions. And she really made the experience both meaningful and fun.
— Review left March 19, 2024
Great trip! Much better accommodations than I originally expected. Be prepared for a few inconveniences, but Cuba is well worth them. One suggestion: bring a credit card. You cannot use it in Cuba but buying a visa in Miami requires credit card or check.
— Review left March 16, 2024
The governmental (both governments) restrictions were an education and while expected, proved very interesting. Karina was very warm, informative, open, interactive, patient and a lot of fun making the trip very special. She is outstanding
— Review left March 15, 2024
This program was the right pace with enough time to explore the City of Havana
— Review left March 7, 2024
This program is so informative and a must do for anyone wanting to understand Cuba and its people. Our group leader was fantastic and enhanced the entire program experience. Strongly recommend this to all who are curious about Cuba and want to see Cuba now.
— Review left February 27, 2024
This was my first experience with Road Scholar and we found them because we wanted to travel form the US to Cuba and needed an organization to help us to it. what a great organization. Their pre-trip information was so comprehensive and helped us be so very prepared. Our guide was Top Notch! He was friendly and so knowledgeable and made the trip exceed our expectations. I have never taken a group guided/organized trip in the past but would definitely consider it again with Road Scholar.
— Review left February 22, 2024
This program was fun, educational and eye opening. So glad to have taken this trip.
— Review left February 22, 2024
It is a fun filled, cross cultural and varied program. Amazing amount of resources put into having a very busy 3.5 day adventure!
Many thanks Roads Scholar and Lian
— Review left February 15, 2024
Every American should be required to visit Havana, to understand our own government's policies and the evolving life of a country that is less than 100 miles from our own. Tour leader Katrina Sanchez is a gem, and was so much more prepared than I had expected.
— Review left February 13, 2024
Cuba was such a fasinating country and I was able to get a better perspective on Cuba/US relations first hand. This will make me a better citizen when reacting to my country's actions in Cuba. Lovely lovely people.
— Review left January 30, 2024
A culturally-rich experience revealing Havana's past and its present gave me so much to think about and appreciate. Meeting Havana artists, especially the fantastic musicians and dancers, was a real treat!
— Review left January 25, 2024
Havana is one of the most intriguing and unknown places in the Americas, and this 4-day, in-depth exploration covered every aspect. I came away with even more that I'd hoped to learn.
— Review left January 23, 2024
Great trip to a great city
— Review left January 23, 2024
Havana trip was short but sweet. Excellent program leader and I felt like in three days I got a good feel for Havana. Music, food, history, politics, culture. The lectures were very good, and the experiences were top notch.
— Review left December 12, 2023
Great trip! Thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Havana. It was a fascinating look at this culture that we have basically been cut off from. The tour guide was outstanding, the itinerary was varied and interesting, interspersing wonderful cultural opportunities with some fun. Restaurants were great. The hotel was new and very comfortable, and with one exception, the hotel covered our needs.
Highly recommend, and again, we can't say enough good things about the professionalism, attention to detail and overall great job that our lovely Cuban based tour guide provided.
— Review left December 5, 2023
The 4 day trip to Havana, Cuba was excellent. We learned and saw a lot about life in Cuba today. The hotel accommodations were top notch and meals at local, privately owned restaurants were very good. Our group leader, Karina, was charming and did an excellent job in informing us about life in Cuba. The bus driver was always helpful and courteous.
— Review left November 30, 2023
The Life in Havana program did exactly that!!! Gave participants a glimpse and education about Cuba and its people, culture, and important place in history of the Americas.
— Review left November 19, 2023
Site seeing and lectures about Cuba in every aspect gave us a new and vastly improved understanding of the of the Cuban people, their values, their talents, and their confidence in themselves and in their government.
— Review left November 15, 2023
I experienced first-hand life in Havana, being immersed into the culture vs just tourists and grew an appreciation for the history and the needs of the country.
— Review left November 8, 2023
This trip was great! Lian, our guide, was amazing.
— Review left November 7, 2023
Amazing experience, a bucket list check offed. Our guide Lian was phenomenal, the people in our group were kind & genuinely connected, the people we met along the experience were warm & welcoming. It's the "people" you encounter on life's paths that make an impact, Road Scholar and our experience in Cuba has left a lasting impact upon my husband & myself and a heart for the Cuban people & culture.
As Freshman Road Scholars, greatly impressed to the details & care put into our experience. Gracias to all at Road Scholar & especially Lian V. - Thank you!
Darlene & Michael H. - Hopkinton MA
— Review left November 7, 2023
An awesome trip made better by having Karina as tour guide. No one better
— Review left October 27, 2023
This was the most enlightening learning adventure that I have ever experienced. The participants were knowledgeable and sociable. Karina Sanchez and Rolando VialaI (bus driver) were a perfect team. I learned a lot from both. Karina developed an invaluable educational/cultural program. Rolando added another dimension to Karina’s fine program I was able to speak to Rolando while off the bus.
Both Karen and Rolando made this program a genuine educational/cultural success. They should not be separated. Each component of A LooK at Life in Havana was treated expertly. As a result of this tremendous experience, I signed my daughter and me up for Cuba Today: Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad.
Even though I have visited Havana before I learned information and saw sights that I had not previously experienced. I particularly liked the Music lecture; it also addressed sociology, history, and geography.
— Review left October 27, 2023
Amazing adventure. Great leader and homogeneous group. Many new friends. Can’t wait for my next journey.
Suzanne Rockman
— Review left October 12, 2023
I am still trying to digest our experience in Havana. In many ways, it was as I anticipated. I knew how difficult daily life is for most Cubans. However, I found the resilience of so many Cubans to be amazing. The trip was very well organized and I want to give a special commendation to our tour guide, Guillermo Mena Rodriguez, who was very well organized, took good care of our group, and offered many insights throughout the program. The choice of meetings, lectures, and trips allowed us to see many aspects of life in Havana. I can not single out a specific event, because they were all different, and we learned something about Cuban life from each. We are now considering, for perhaps next year, one of the longer Road Scholar Cuban trips. We are glad that we had this opportunity.
— Review left June 1, 2023
It was a view of an island in the Caribbean not like any other I have visited.
Semi-isolated for over 60 years since their revolution and established Socialistic government, that most of their citizens are too young to have experienced or remember, there are changes taking place in Cuba that I think all of us should experience personally. I have much more appreciation for my stable way of life in the USA than I did before that RS trip to Havana.
— Review left May 25, 2023
What a memorable trip! I learned a lot, met some fantastic fellow travelers, and had a wonderful time. Highly recommend this trip!
— Review left May 16, 2023
This was a well done trip and gave us a wide variety of Havana experieces. My fellow participants were a great group of people.
— Review left April 26, 2023
I am second generation Road Scholar. My parents traveled with ELDER HOSTEL. Our visit to Havana was of a quality that can't be enied. Our guide, Karina, was a gift to our experience. Thank you, Road Scholar.
— Review left April 25, 2023
We went to Havana, Cuba. We had a wonderful tour guide and bus driver who made the experience even better than one could have imagined. Our accommodations were luxurious. A very enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
— Review left April 11, 2023
An enlightening and enjoyable trip. Though the trip is short, there are several real "people to people" experiences. Traveling to Cuba has it's unique challenges, but Road Scholar makes it easy, comfortable, and well worth it.
— Review left March 29, 2023
Our 5 day Havana Tour was wonderful & truly amazing! Hard to believe we’re so close yet so far away …
It’s a real eye opening experience seeing the possibilities that could happen there & how eager the people in Cuba are for change to happen. Nan S.
— Review left March 25, 2023
What a fascinating experience. Road Scholar thought of everything to assure a memorable journey.
— Review left March 16, 2023
Our guide in Cuba, Viviana, was knowledgeable, thoughtful, and made my learning experience fun. I came away with a deeper understanding of life in Cuba and how wonderful the people are. The music and dancing was amazing.
— Review left March 7, 2023
An amazing trip with an absolutely outstanding local guide. I learned so much and was immersed in aspects of Cuban life and culture that I never would have been able to to experience on my own.
— Review left March 6, 2023
This trip to Humana was wonderful. I saw and tasted and listened to a fantastic variety of things. I hope to go back and will use Road Scholar for sure
— Review left March 9, 2022
The perfect trip for a taste of Havana.
— Review left March 11, 2020
This is the second trip with Road Scholar and there has been no disappointment. RS trip organization is excellent. Group leaders are professional, caring, personable and approachable. My Cuba trip was truly wonderful.
J. Moore
March 2020
— Review left March 10, 2020
I have always been curious about the island nation just 100 miles from the coast of Florida. With this program, you will learn about Cuba's history and life in Cuba today. You will have several chances to meet Cubans and talk to them. This is a well-organized and informative program.
— Review left March 10, 2020
What a fabulous way to be introduced to the Cuban people and their history! Take this trip - you won't regret it!
— Review left February 15, 2020
Excellent. I wish EVERY American could experience Cuba.
— Review left February 6, 2020
Weekend in Havana is a safe, well organized way to learn about Cuba and the Cuba people in a well-rounded, knowledge-based way. And it was so much fun!
— Review left February 5, 2020
Every thing went perfectly well. The two guides Alex and LeAnn were beyond wonderful and helpful and accommodating.
I don't know what you're paying LeAnn, but regardless, I just know she deserves a huge raise. I have been on different trips, and she is the best ever. Caring, sensitive etc. Shows such individual attention. Amazing.
— Review left January 31, 2020
The "keep the pace" was just right. Most stairs we encountered had handrails. I felt safe walking around the area. Also, we were able to use free Wi-Fi in the hotel and our room had a lockable safe in it. We could exchange our USD in the hotel anytime of day or night. Some on our tour used their USD but we only used the Cuban currency. Our program leader, tour guide, and bus driver were excellent. This program exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend it.
— Review left January 27, 2020
The Havana trip was eye-opening. Thanks to two excellent onsite lectures and a superb Cuban guide (Lian), I came away with a new understanding of how this country has suffered under corrupt leadership (Batista) and ongoing sanctions by "super-powers." Despite this, the people are resilient -- something our group came to appreciate through our people-to-people interactions with artists, dancers and musicians. I can't recommend this trip enough!
— Review left January 26, 2020
The trip to the senior center and program for the developmentally disabled was uncomfortable. Perhaps a lecture on Cuban approach to health, human services and education?
— Review left January 20, 2020
Weekend in Havana was extraordinary!
— Review left January 7, 2020
My first time with Road Scholar, very professional and organized, Carol and Lian were fantastic, and our bus driver was enjoyable and friendly. I plan to travel with this organization again. Rhonda B
— Review left December 15, 2019
Interesting and concise overview of Havana and Cuba
— Review left December 15, 2019
We stepped outside of our comfort zone to visit Cuba, and it paid off. The experience was pleasurable, educational, and just downright fun. Thanks to our wonderful tour guide, we ended up with a greater understanding and appreciation for Cuba, its history and its people! Go Road Scholar!
— Review left December 3, 2019
This adventure exceeded my expectations! How many times in your life can you say that? My heart and mind were expanded. I loved this trip and would gladly return to Cuba or go on any other Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left November 27, 2019
After this program we can truly say "VIVA CUBA" VIVA HABANA"
— Review left November 27, 2019
I was a solo traveler with Road Scholar to Cuba and it was the best experience ever. The experts were warm and knowledgeable and I made lifelong friends. I highly encourage anyone who has dreamed of travelling somewhere but doesn't have partner to try this program. I am already planning on another trip.
— Review left November 4, 2019
Open your eyes and ears to Cuba! The beautiful country, the wonderful people, the omnipresent music -- all are worthy of discovery and appreciation.
— Review left November 1, 2019
The Road Scholar program was very educational and informant. I would recommend the program to everyone.
— Review left May 28, 2019
This trip to Havana, Cuba has been the most educational and exciting trip that I have ever taken. It was my first Roads Scholar trip and I will be traveling again and again with them. Renee C.
— Review left May 22, 2019
The Signature City Havana was a terrific program with an outstanding hotel and meals as well as wonderful lecturers and People-to-People programs. Our local guide Vivian was a good as any guide I have experienced in my traveling history, and our Road Scholar guide could not have been better in his attention to our comfort and safety, My husband and I would give this program a solid "thumbs up".
— Review left April 10, 2019
The perspective you gain about Cuban and American relations is very important. I came to appreciate the pride and resilience of Cubans. The depth of educational presentations and people-to-people activities raise your awareness of the importance of Cuba as a bridge between North and South America.
— Review left April 10, 2019
