Cultural Island Travel - Travel To Cuba Legally Reviews 147

I had another trip unexpectedly get cancelled. So, I searched online for other last minute options and lucked up with Cultural Island Travel and their trip to Cuba. It was just what I needed. A short trip with plenty to do and lots of art, history, and music. Theresa responded right away and helped immensely. Before you knew it, I was on a plane to Cuba. I was met by Irma, aka Irmita, as soon as I walked outside. She was a friendly, welcoming face after a long day of travel. Her energy was infectious and we immediately got on the road to the place I would be staying. I met Yarelis, aka Yare, at her place and the room was air conditioned (very welcome at bedtime), clean, and oh so comfortable. I slept very well each night and Yare made a delicious breakfast every morning. She was also very helpful when I wanted to stay in one night to rest and ordered dinner from a place that delivered. My days were filled with meeting local people who taught me about the resilience of the Cuban people, their history, art, music, and so much more. Food was always delicious and fresh. Itinerary was awesome and flexible! I’m already thinking when I can go back and add the Trinidad option to a trip to Cuba.

Date of experience: June 27, 2025

We took the City and Countryside 5 day tour of Cuba. It was delightful and eye opening. Even before leaving for the trip Cultural Island Travel took care of our every need and concern. They quickly responded to question, allayed our safety and legal concerns, and even filled out our visas for us. Upon arrival our amazing guid Irma and the oh, so , professional and indefatigable driver Carlos greeted us literally with open arms. We have had many wonderful guides, but Irma outdid them all. She was charming, knowledgeable , professional, and accommodating. The schedule was flexible , after casual discussions, she added things she knew we would like. We can’t praise her enough. The accommodations were very clean, and very authentic. The people who ran them were attentive. Irma made dinner reservations for us every evening. The places were all lovely, and it gave us a little feeling of independence. The program itself really gave us a wide view of Cuba: history, music, art, different ways of life , city and countryside, and just enough adventure. We were able to spend time with people from different walks of life. It was nicely immersive. We have never been someplace before where our perspective has been so much changed. I heartily recommend choosing Island Cultural Travel for your trip to Cuba. I do intend to go with them again.

Date of experience: April 22, 2025

This was my 2nd time in Cuba, I was looking for a travel agent that would arrange everything for me because I was going to Cuba alone. Cultural Travel exceeded my expectations. My first interaction with the travel agent was with Theresa. She was exceptional, she was courteous, patient and very accommodating. I know my personality can be a little demanding at times. She answered every question and was very patient with me. She accommodated all my requests and made me feel comfortable booking my trip with their travel agency.

From the time I landed in Cuba everything was on point from transportation, to sleeping accommodations, to private restaurants, everything was amazing.

Ivan, my guide, was amazing, and the drivers assigned me. Ivan was very knowledgeable about Cuba and able to accommodate me and answer all my questions. Ivan went above and beyond to make sure I had a great experience.

All the restaurants were very beautiful, and the food was excellent, riding around Havana in a 50’ convertible car was fun, and my salsa lesson was one of the highlights of my trip.

The whole trip was the most informative and well-planned tour I ‘ve ever done. Kudos to everyone at Cultural Travel that made my trip a success. I will be using their service again soon.
Claudette Robinson-Thorpe
Date of experience: January 11, 2025

Date of experience: April 11, 2025

It was our first time visiting Cuba so we had a lot of questions leading up to the trip. All of our questions were answered quickly and we were able to easily alter our itinerary to our interests. We had the best time in Cuba. Our guide was terrific. We really hit it off and he really went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. We were even able to add a few things we wanted to do and see along the way. We will definitely go back to Cuba with CIT. Thank you for everything!

Date of experience: March 06, 2025

I just came back from the Cuban Music and Art Tour.
I was with a group of 4 people (my husband and 2 friends).
We chose Cuba because we wanted a warm place that wasn't a long flight (we come from the northeast of the USA) and that would be interesting and different. This tour definitely met my expectations and more!
We extended the standard trip by 2 days wanting to arrive a day early and then augmenting the touring by adding into the itinerary a trip to the Las Teressas Biosphere, the tobacco factory in Havana and also a synagogue.
The accommodations were 5 star in Havana and I do think they met my expectations.
We were assigned Laura to be our guide and Rolando to be our driver. They were both superb! Rolando was timely, friendly, and drove very carefully. Laura was a wonderful primary guide who stayed with us throughout our time there. She was very open to answering any questions we had about living in Cuba and also offered her thoughts about many subjects. I feel as though I gained a friend from this. When we went to a specific area or event in the itinerary there was a separate specialist guide for the program. For example when we went to the Fine Arts Museum in Havana we had an individual who took us through a part of the museum and discussed the art work that on display. I can't imagine a tour program that could have been more thorough!
Overall I think the itinerary was excellent as it was varied and well paced. We were busy but not overwhelmed. The one place we went to that I would not go back to again was the Tropicana. This was an event we added on against the advise of Teresa our coordinator for the trip. So if you think that you have to go to the Tropicana as it is an icon of Havana you should listen to Teresa and skip it!
The restaurants that we went that were included as well as the ones that we asked them to suggest were all top notch. We were always allowed to order anything we wanted that was on the menu (never a restricted one that was special for our group).
I want to emphasize how receptive Teresa, the coordinator and Laura, our guide, were to making any changes to the standard itinerary and any reservations we wanted for dinner. We didn't have to worry at all about logistics including getting to the dinners which weren't included as part of the trip. If the restaurant wasn't within walking distance then we were driven to it.
I highly recommend this organization as everyone we dealt with were highly responsive to our needs and gave a lot of personalized attention to our little group. I can't imagine any organization doing a better job!

Date of experience: February 06, 2025

Our 9 day trip to Cuba was awesome. We visited Havana, Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Las Terrazas.

Laura our guide was amazing and Rolando our driver was great. The private hotels we stayed at were luxurious and the private restaurants we ate at were all gourmet.

Cuba has great lobster dishes on the menu which costs less than meat dishes and costs about the same as shrimp.

All the private restaurants and hotels we stayed at had generators so we were minimally effected by the frequent black outs.

Riding around Havana in a 50's convertible was fun. A night at the Tropicana night club and a tour of a cigar factory was also enjoyable. The music, dancing and food were highlights of the trip.

Date of experience: February 05, 2025

I wish there was a way to give 10 stars. Irma, our guide, was a fantastic ambassador for our trip to Mexico City. She was extremely knowledgeable, patient and very flexible when we wanted to make some last minute changes. Irma offered an 8 day experience where every day felt different - she gave us a variety of things to do and places to see. Best of all, Irma is a warm wonderful person and exactly someone you want on your vacation. It was hard to leave Mexico City and even harder to leave Irma.

Date of experience: February 01, 2025

I'm grateful to Cultural Island Travel for creating a dynamic and exciting itinerary for our 8-day visit to Cuba. Each day was planned so as to help us experience the richness of Cuban culture. The hours were filled with music, dance and art, all of the highest caliber. A special treat for me as a professional organist was attendance at a specially scheduled private organ recital performed by the senior organist of the Havana Cathedral. Magnificent. Also, I was able to have a percussion lesson with the founder of Arte Códova, a professional dance and percussion troupe and school. Kudos to the trip designer, Teresa Sanchez, who put together a remarkably customized experience for us, and special thanks to our amazing tour guide, Dariel, and his caring driver, Pedro. The care we received from both men was remarkable in every way. I can't imagine another guided travel experience that would measure up to this one in terms of meeting and wildly exceeding my hopes for the time in Cuba. Be smart and put yourself in the hands of the dedicated professionals at Cultural Island Travel. And if you can, consider a private customized tour with Cultural Island Travel.

Date of experience: February 05, 2025

Cultural Island Travel is an exceptional travel company . I have traveled the world and have never seen an organization like them .
This is my second trip with them . My first trip to Cuba was with my 20 something nephews and it was geared for them . The second trip was to Mexico City and San Miguel with my husband and 2 sisters and it was a big birthday for me . It was beyond my expectations in all ways . Irma has been my tour guide both times and it’s like traveling with a friend . She’s simply amazing . There are not words to describe her level of competency . But she also is a lot of fun . I look forward to many more trips with CIT . And Irma leading those trips . And by the way I am not easy to please .

Date of experience: February 08, 2025

Irma, our guide was vibrant, fun, knowledgeable, smart, professional, and empathetic. Couldn't ask for more.She kept us moving, while stopping everything to care for us when we experienced some challenges. Our driver Henri, in his quiet manner, was a real pro and also helped us whenever he could. All the ‘location guides’ were very knowledgeable, great communicators and charming. Accommodations ranged from "urban classy" to small-town quaint -- both lovely.

The itinerary was packed, in a good way. Lots of fabulous culture – music, dance, arts – the chorus was my favorite, dance/drum company spectacular, salsa lesson fun and hilarious; lots of fun touring Havana in vintage cars. The various Havana attractions were all worthwhile – culture, history, arts, dance music were phenomenal. Loved the music combos at the restaurants and Buena Vista Club was an excellent show. Trinidad was quaint and fascinating to tour with our knowledgeable guide, and our afternoon at the beach was such a huge treat!

Every restaurant that we were brought to was excellent with a wide variety of delicious dishes.

Trip coordination and communication by Teresa at the agency was superb.

Thanks for a wonderful time.

Date of experience: January 13, 2025

Some members of our original group backed out because of the blackouts. We went and had a GREAT time! (We experienced the regular blackouts in the city of Trinidad, but the hotel had the generator running within 5 minutes. They're used to this, and are ready.) Irma was the best guide anyone could imagine. Teresa (patiently!) took care of all the paperwork. Our driver, Henri, was wonderful too. The whole trip was the most informative and well-planned tour I've ever done. Kudos to all involved!

Date of experience: January 13, 2025

Everyone we worked with was highly professional. Our guide, Irma Gonzalez, is the reason we went to Cuba, having heard from friends that she really makes the trip. We were not let down! Irma knew where to go, the best restaurants, which local guides to book, what musical entertainment we should see at night. And she was a pleasure to spend time with. We were also impressed by the staff at the NYC based Cultural Island Travel. And everyone on the trip itself in addition to Irma, including our driver Rodolfo. The logistics were so much easier than I expected and the whole trip ran smoothly and was relaxing and easy while at the same time being educational and just FUN FUN FUN.

Date of experience: December 28, 2024

This was an incredible trip. Travel agent Teresa was wonderful to communicate with and really gave us detailed information to book and navigate this weekend trip. We saw so much and experienced many different things in Havana. Our tour guide Laura was AMAZING-so knowledgeable and communicated perfectly! The placed we ate at had delicious food! A trip you must go on!

Date of experience: January 17, 2025

Our trip to Cuba was very well organized and flexible to accommodate our suggestions. Our requests were handled with enthusiasm and professionalism by our tour operator, Irma Gonzales Salanueva.

We had an opportunity to experience the culture and beauty of Cuba with knowledgeable and very friendly guides. We learned a great deal during the variety of tours and enjoyed delicious food through the reservations organized by Cultural Island Travel.

Date of experience: December 27, 2024

We loved our experience with Cultural Island Travel! The planning was seamless with helpful information at every phase. The itinerary was outstanding -- a wonderful mix of tours, and activities. But it was the guides themselves that made this such a fantastic week. Their warmth, insights, and amazing attention to detail were amazing! We hope to return!

Date of experience: December 21, 2024

We had a great trip to Cuba with Cultural Island Travel in January 2025. Traveling to Cuba for U.S. Citizens is tricky, but Shabi and her team did a great job of arranging our visas and letting us know what to expect. Getting to Cuba and through immigration turned out to be easy. We signed up for a group tour, but the two of us were the only ones to join so we had a tour to ourselves.

Our guide, Irma, was wonderful. She was with us the entire time and took great care of us. She coordinated our tours and local guides and was flexible when we needed to adjust our itinerary. In Havana we stayed at a very nice B&B in the heart of old Havana, hosted by Yare who cooked us breakfast and arranged for nighttime transportation. During the day we were driven around in an air-conditioned classic car. Attractions included driving and walking tours of Havana, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos, performances by an acapella choir and a dance/percussion troupe, hiking to a waterfall, as well as many other activities. They kept us busy! Lunches were in small, locally run restaurants and were uniformly excellent.

Evening meals and entertainment were not included in the tour price, but CIT made recommendations and reservations and arranged transportation to the venues when needed. The meals we had in Havana were all excellent.

In summary, although Cuba is suffering economic hardships, we found the Cuban people to be warm and welcoming, especially the CIT guides and helpers. We learned a lot and enjoyed our time in Cuba. We recommend visiting Cuba and enthusiastically recommend Cultural Island Travel.

Date of experience: January 05, 2025

Our trip in early December was fantastic! All travel details were speedily handled by Teresa. The B&B was exceptional, with art and antiques throughout the house. Lubechenko provided outstanding service with delicious daily breakfasts. While waiting for our daily guide and driver, we could sit out in the garden area complete with 2 fountains, trees and plants. Our guide Dariel, friendly and energetic, acted as translator when needed, and was very knowledgeable about the historic and educational sites we visited, which included the Christ statue of Havana, and a walking tour of old Havana. Dariel kept up a running commentary as our driver Carlos expertly drove us between wide and narrow streets. We periodically observed local Cubans lining up for bakery items and long lines of cars waiting for gas. We explored a local agricultural market and the San Jose craft market. A stop was made at Fusterlandia, the home, gallery and mosaic art neighborhood of Jose Fuster. We were able to briefly meet the artist and take photos. Later we had a ride around the city in a classic convertible car. Another day we enjoyed a drive to the countryside to Las Terrazas, where we had a tasty lunch at El Campesino. Back in the city, a private guide took us through the Cuban Art Museum, and we experienced a delightful Afro-Cuban concert in a private artist's home. Our itinerary included riding in a Tok-Tok which was fun. We visited the home and grounds of Ernest Hemingway who lived in Havana for over 20 years, while writing books and pursuing his passions of sailing and deep-sea fishing. Back in the city we also visited one of the bar/restaurants that Hemingway spent time at, heard some music, and took photos with his statue. Our special requests included visiting a synagogue, a visit with a former Cuban physician about their health system, a drive by the British Embassy (not allowed to get too close!), and finally a brief visit with guide Dariel's mother at her home for a welcoming cup of tea. What a special way to end an amazing trip! We strongly recommend using Cultural Island Travel to visit Cuba, and thoroughly enjoyed our time with Dariel and Carlos. Definitely a 5-star experience!

Date of experience: December 05, 2024

We recently completed an 8 day family trip to Cuba with Cultural Island Travel ("CIT").

There are some challenges with travel to Cuba. The combination of OFAC regulations and Cuban law make simple monetary transactions complicated. No US credit cards allowed. Some locations do not even accept Cuban pesos- you need a Cuban Credit card. There were rolling blackouts in Trinidad and other locations outside Havana. Poverty and shortages of food and basic goods is prevalent throughout the country. Many buildings are in extreme disrepair leaving you to wonder how they remain standing. All that said the positives of this travel adventure far outweigh the negatives and make this a wonderful travel destination.

1- The Cuban people are warm, inviting, interested and interesting. Interactions with them were uniformly positive.
2- While many buildings are in disrepair many more have been renovated and are in excellent shape. Cuba has a rich heritage and its wonderful to experience.
3- Havana, Trinidad and other locations are easily accessible. Not overrun by tourists. Tourists are welcomed (cf Barcelona, Venice and many other European locations)
4. CIT is a first rate Travel company. Our booking agent Teresa was exceptional. She provided concise and accurate information regarding the trip, options, expenses and made the booking process seamless.
5- Our local guide Ivette was a gem. She was friendly, flexible, knowledgeable and a joy to be around. She was with us the entire 8 days and was willing to make last minute changes to the itinerary and to answer our never ending stream of historical, tourist and personal questions.
6 - Our driver Manuel was also excellent. Friendly and most importantly a very safe driver. We also enjoyed our Trinidad tour with local guide Rafael.

I highly recommend you add Cuba to your bucket list travel adventure locations and consider utilizing CIT. To reiterate we thought CIT was excellent!

Date of experience: January 03, 2025

Our 8-day trip, led by the beautiful and knowledgeable tour guide Irma Glez Salanueva, was steeped in Mexican history and culture, fine food and just plain fun. We had expertly guided tours of the Mayan temples of Teotihuacan and the ancient treasures of the Museum of Anthropology. We took an active part in the Day of the Dead festivities in the streets of San Miguel de Allende and in the private home of a Mexico City family. For fun and excitement, we had an ATV tour of Tepotztian and a serenaded cruise in Lake Xochimilco. From vineyards to local markets to fine dining, we sampled the full flavor of the Mexican experience.
If you want a finely curated and thoughtfully organized vacation adventure, I highly recommend Irma and Cultural Island Travel.

Date of experience: October 27, 2024

Just returned from my trip to Cuba. CIT set up everything for the trip, which made the trip perfect. Cuba is a very safe country to visit. The people are very friendly and welcoming. Would highly recommend booking a trip to Cuba through Cultural Island Travel.

Date of experience: November 08, 2024