The guides, the location and the people of Peru

This tour to Cuba surpassed all my expectations and alleviated my concerns about travelling to Cuba at this time. There was not one moment I felt unsafe or uncomfortable in any way. Our tour guides were truly amazing. They were attentive to every detail and were so knowledgeable, interesting and fun. There were opportunities to learn about the country, meet wonderful hard-working people, experience art, music, dance and to travel the country enjoying every day together. If there was a special interest anyone had, they provided the opportunity to explore it.
Life in Cuba must be challenging for its people, but I must say I felt surrounded by their warmth and joy and such hope and resilience. This touched me deeply. I have returned home with a newfound determination to live authentically. I am so grateful for our guides and Classic Journeys for offering this unique opportunity to look at my life from a new perspective.

We were hesitant to make the trip to Cuba due to the current political and humanitarian situation. We are so glad we went. The cultural experiences provided by our amazing guides, Audrey and Jesus, were extraordinary. We left the beautiful island enriched and ready for return.

The city of Havana, the music, the art and most of all the people made this trip one of the most unique and enjoyable trips in my life. This is my third Classic Journeys trip and I cannot recommend the company and our amazing guides, Audrey and Jesus, highly enough.

My wife and I travel to Cuba January 25-31, 2026. We had an outstanding experience, even with the oil shortage and the blackouts our tour guides, accommodations and food were excellent. The Private residences we stayed at had either generators or solar. Internet was somewhat spotty, but usually available in our residence. Transportation was provided in classic Chevrolets, gas or pedal tuck tucks. The music in the evenings at the jazz performances were wonderful.  The evening lecture at dinner time about the Cuban economy and government was difficult to follow out at our table, with the other table and their lecturer providing an excellent discussion.
Snorkeling in the bay of pigs was terrific and going to the classic car garage and learning about that enterprise was amazing.
Bringing flashlights was a good idea as walking along the streets without street lights was difficult although our guides all had flashlights.
My wife and I did choose to get chikungunya vaccination, which was available through CVS vaccination clinic, although we all wore mosquito repellent and we’re not overwhelmed

My second trip to Cuba was in February of this year. I had read about the horrible conditions the Cubans were experiencing, but loved the country so much from my first trip that I was determined to go. We took OTC medications, vitamins and blood pressure cuffs as gifts.
I knew from the first trip that a positive way to help Cuba was to support its economy and tourism is an important part of the economy, so support it we did! we bought art, ate, drank, tipped and enjoyed. Our overall guide, Audrey, was one of our guides last trip. Audrey is either a magician or a miracle worker; whichever she is, she is amazing. Likewise, we adored our Trinidad local guide, Christian, and our Havana local guide, Jesus. They were delightful companions and extremely knowledgeable and both, along with Audrey, had great suggestions about the trip I'm planning next year to return.
I would encourage anyone interested to go. Classic and its miracle working magicians have fuel, food and fun covered; you will not lack. And the important thing is that your fun brings desperately needed income to so many families in Cuba. You will be doing a good deed for yourself and for Cuba.
Jan Hurt, Classic Journeys frequent flyer

I want to share some reflections on our recent trip my husband and I took to Cuba at the end of January coinciding with the Jazz festival.

Prior to our departure, we had some initial concerns regarding the potential impact of the oil blockade on daily life and the overall travel experience within the country. However, our visit proved to be an exceptionally positive and enriching experience, far surpassing our expectations.

Our accommodations were comfortable and well appointed, and we consistently encountered a highly accommodating and helpful staff. The culinary experiences were positive at privately owned restaurants. The menus offered a variety of choices. We consistently had electricity in our rooms and in the restaurants as the private establishments had generators and solar power infrastructure.

We were fortunate to have the guidance of two outstanding guides experts, Jesus and Audrey. Their comprehensive knowledge and insights into Cuban history, culture, and current societal conditions provided us with an invaluable understanding of the nation.

We arranged a private tour of Havana's Jewish Quarter, which proved to be profoundly educational. Our guide, Lourdes Sanchez Oramas, was truly excellent. She not only delved into the rich history of the Jewish community in Cuba, but also offered insightful perspectives of contemporary life in the broader historical context of the island.

Throughout our journey, we were deeply impressed by the extraordinary resilience and spirit of the Cuban people, who navigate their presence circumstances with remarkable fortitude.

Overall, the trip was a truly memorable and enlightening experience, and I am glad we chose to visit.

Go to Cuba and Experience Life! I am so very glad I went to Cuba to celebrate my birthday. Cuba is all about the people and its culture. Traveling with Classic Journeys was the way to go! Our tour leaders, Audrey and Jesus were magnificent. We explored places, events and people that traveling without Classic Journeys would not have happened. This was an amazing trip! Friends wondered why I wanted to go to Cuba being concerned about my safety. I never felt unsafe, in fact the Cubans are beautiful and hospitable people. Great Cuban jazz, superb Cuban food, and of course impressive classic American car transportation. Every moment was an amazing day of exploration and discovery. So simply stated, GO TO CUBA!

I had an unforgettable trip to Cuba in February, and I can’t say enough about how incredible our experience was. Our tour guides, Audrey and Jesus, were absolutely outstanding—knowledgeable, warm, and deeply passionate about sharing their country with us. They truly made the trip special.

While it’s clear that life is very difficult for many Cuban people right now, we were welcomed with such kindness and gratitude for visiting during these tough times.

We were able to experience Cuba’a rich culture through its amazing food, its Jazz music, and the Cuban people we met. We had the opportunity to see how people really live day-to-day, which was both eye-opening and humbling.

Despite the challenges, the spirit, resilience, and warmth of the Cuban people shined through in every interaction. We left with full hearts, wonderful memories, and a deep appreciation for this remarkable country and its people.

I almost cancelled my trip to Cuba, given all the terrible news coming out about the food and fuel shortages, lack of electricity. But I am so very glad I did not cancel. I had a wonderful trip!
These are concerning times in Cuba and there are difficulties for the citizens there, but as a tourist I didn't experience any of that. We had ready, ample access to fuel, stayed in lovely places and ate delicious food. The Cuban people were warm and welcoming and so very glad we were there. I learned so much. Cuba seems on the cusp of tremendous change and it is an exciting to be there.
If you are wondering about whether to travel to Cuba I very much encourage you to do so. You will have a very meaningful, interesting and wonderful trip.

We visited Cuba the end of January. Our friends and family thought we were crazy to take this trip given what we were seeing on the news about the troubles in Cuba. We are so glad we went! Our guides, Audrey and Jesus, were outstanding. They have a great understanding of what is happening, and they went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a great experience. We enjoyed great food, music, salsa dancing, hikes in the countryside and touring of Havana. It was a privilege to be there during such a time of flux. We always felt safe and the Cuban people are open and welcoming. The small businesses and local people need tourism to continue. Highly recommend visiting Cuba with Classic Journeys.

I can’t say enough about my trip to Cuba with Classic Journeys.
Travel has been the highlight of my life and I must say , this trip to Cuba was one of my best trips ever !!

The tour was so incredibly curated. You were immersed with Cubans who shared their perspectives of what is transpiring , their hopes , fears and joys. To see and feel the richness of the Cuban culture through the lens of art , music , photography , landscape and much more left this trip being one of the best journeys of my life .

People warned me before I left saying this was a crazy time to go. Well , it was a historic time to go. Cuba is on the cusp of change. It was safe ! The people are filled with warmth and love and Classic Journeys puts together an incredible insight for it’s travelers . You experience a true taste of Cuba through a realistic lens.

I can’t say enough about the guides. So knowledgeable. So accommodating and just wonderful people willing and wanting to make your experience special. If you are interested in something , for me it was art . They set up meetings so I was able to meet artists and go to their studios.

It was amazing.
I will leave you with one word.
Go!

The Cuba trip was fabulous! Audrey and Jesus were great guides; knowledgeable, personable able to speak to whatever questions we had. The accommodations were great. All of the Classic Journey partners we dealt with were warm and welcoming. The variety of experiences offered gave us a broad picture of Cuba today. The group size and makeup was perfect for this trip.

Our Cuba trip was our first ever group travel experience….
in the wake of the US action in Venezuela. Any apprehensions about our trip vanished as soon as we were met at the Havana airport by our drivers who carted us off in their ‘55 Chevys to our beautifully restored Casa in the Vedado. Our tour leaders, Audrey and Jesus, greeted us and off we went on exactly the type of cultural tour we hoped for. We met so many interesting Cubans: musicians, a noted photographer, the owner of a car restoration factory, artists, an economist, professional chefs, professors. Our group of 13 was very copacetic, and I can’t say enough good things about the Audrey/Jesus team: engaging, informative and fun. We feel very lucky to have spent time in their company.

Wonderful trip! Great experiences, Alvi was a delight and took excellent care of us.

Service outstanding from start to finish. Classic Journey’s staff is customer service oriented and very responsive.

My Chile trip exceeded expectations!
The guides were all extremely knowledgeable and professional, and most of all patience. Our accommodations were all very nice and staff was accommodating of our needs. Our group was exceptional and meshed very well! Very nice, well educated, professional people with kind hearts and patience for others. I felt the schedule was fast paced however given the region, in order to get the most out of the experience it really had to be. The downside to that is, I don't think people necessarily liked leaving at 8:00 a.m. and returning at 9:00 p.m. for dinner. I felt having the sheep ranch day following 2 days of very hectic schedules was perfect and a good way to end the trip.
This was my 1st trip with Classic Journeys, and I have already recommended to friends. Looking forward to my Sicily trip in May!

Fantastic experience. The guides were excellent, the hotels beautiful and the experiences are lifetime memories. All topped off by a fun and friendly group of fellow travelers.

The guide got sick and you didn’t have a replacement for three days. Meanwhile we’re riding around with a guy who had symptoms of Covid. He finally tested the second to last day. There were NO personal local experiences as you advertise. We met at a Maori place with two other full sized bus tour groups. Any tour group could buy is tickets and drive us to our destinations.
I did go to Cuba with this company and it was fabulous.

I have told multiple people how much I enjoyed my trip to Cuba. We had some really wonderful experiences. Everyone was so friendly, the accommodations were lovely, and I was so glad to fulfill a long time dream to go to Cuba. We loved our guides David and Alfredo. Everything was wonderful.