Welcome!

Cuba has been described as ‘one of the last truly unspoiled countries in the world.’ .  With its fascinating “independence” history, vibrant culture, magnificent and diversified landscapes, safe travel and friendly people, Cuba is indeed a unique country to explore.

 At Cuba Discovery Tours we have specialized in unique cultural tours to Cuba since 1996.  Unlike other ‘cultural tour companies’ we specialize only in Cuba and we are pleased to offer the opportunity to introduce people to ‘The Real Cuba’ travelling to many areas not on the typical tourist route, meeting and spending time with the local Cuban people. 

Who We Are 

Cuba Discovery Tours is a Canadian corporation (3426760 Manitoba Ltd.) and is located in Brandon, MB Canada.  We are also a full service, licensed travel agency operating as McPhail Travel and belong to IATA (International Air Transport Association) and ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agencies).  McPhail Travel Brandon has been in business since 1980, and we have been operating cultural tours to Cuba since 1996.

We are also licensed to sell travel protection including cancellation, medical and trip interruption insurance. 

Our travel coordinators are professionals, all with several years experience in the industry. 

Cuba Discovery Tours has grown largely due to referrals from past passengers.  Please see testimonials section.   

Cuba Discovery Tours is a division of 3426760 Manitoba Ltd. and is a member of ACTA (Association of Canadian Travel Agents) and IATA (International Air Transport Association)

What makes our Tours Unique?

We have been travelling to Cuba since 1981 and have developed friendships and connections with Cubans in many different walks of life. These relationships have enabled us to develop one-of-a-kind itineraries with no two tours are ever being identical because of the unique visits. The human elements of our tours are what make the entire experience unforgettable.

We custom design our tours with special attention to ensure there is a balance between exposure to Cuban culture, history, city and rural areas, non-commercialized beaches, and national parks.

With the assistance of our Cuban travel company located in Havana, we are able to let our clients experience Cuba in ways not available to individual travellers or large tour groups.  Of course we visit the ‘must see’ attractions and places of interest, include time to relax on a quiet beach, and provide opportunities to dance to the Cuban rhythms.  But we also visit children in schools and learn about the education system, tour a medical facility and hear of the advanced health care system, and visit farms, seeing farmers at work and discussing their lives - always over a cup of wonderful Cuban coffee!  These are the experiences that leave lasting impressions with tour participants.

Our small group size, combined with being guided by both a Canadian tour director as well as a knowledgeable Cuban guide, ensure that the experience will be memorable. Our expert Cuban guides generously share their knowledge of Cuba and its history, answering and questions you may have throughout the two week tour.

There is also flexibility including independent time to relax or explore on your own. 

Many, but not all meals are included specifically with flexibility in mind - to allow for an opportunity to order off of a Cuban menu, and experience different restaurants not catering to groups. For those not wanting to venture out on their own, our expert guides are always available to assist you.

And lastly we do all of this at a relaxed pace – not hurrying from one hotel to another.

“Cuba Discovery is a great way to see first hand the spirit and challenges of the people, to learn about their history, their struggle to shed foreign domination, and to witness how the average Cuban lives today.  It was a fascinating experience!”

                                                        Dale Riddell, East St. Paul MB

Pace of Travel
At Cuba Discovery Tours we want you to experience Cuba – not view it from of a bus window. Many other tour companies start at one end of Cuba and end at the other – a total of more than 800 miles!

Our tours concentrate on one region, staying 2 to 4 nights in each location so you are not living out of a suitcase and continually packing and unpacking. This relaxed pace allows you to meet the people and experience the Real Cuba. Our daily schedule does not start at the crack of dawn. On the contrary you have a chance to enjoy your breakfast before the day’s itinerary begins. In addition, we arrive back at our hotel early enough to relax around the pool or venture out on your own. Some optional activities and ideas are also offered. In short, we want you to return home relaxed and with many great memories.

Small Group Size
Our group size ranges from 10 to a maximum of 21 passengers letting us venture where larger groups cannot, as well as allowing everyone to get to know each other. The friendships formed while on out tours is just one of the reasons our tours are so special.

"You don’t feel like a number on this tour. Because we traveled as a small group we were able to explore the less visited parts of Cuba. We did visit the ‘must see places’ but we also spent time on farms, visited schools, and were invited into the homes of ordinary Cuban people. It truly was the experience of a lifetime."

Philosophy
In this age of mass tourism, Cuba Discovery Tours is a breath of fresh air. Our goal is to promote a deeper understanding of the history, culture, society, politics and natural beauty of Cuba, while respecting its people and the environment. Participants are encouraged to purchase locally produced and non-endangered food, crafts and traditional arts.

Safety
Some have the misconception that Cuba has military and police on every corner and you are not free to travel where you please. In fact Cuba is extremely friendly, and you rarely see any of the aforementioned. You are free to photograph almost everything except military facilities. In addition it is a very safe country –one of the safest in Latin America. Hitchhiking is the primary method of getting around for the Cubans and they do so at any hour of the day or night. While one must use common sense, even the larger cities are relatively friendly and safe.

Humanitarian Aid
Cuba has faced a US government trade embargo for over almost 50 years. Their education and health care are free and considered among the best in the developing world, but there is a shortage of basic supplies. We encourage those on the tour to bring along donations for the schools, hospitals and other facilities we visit. We supply a list of possible items that you may want to pack for distribution. The quantity need not be large, but it is truly appreciated and is most gratifying.

"I did not fully appreciate how much joy our donations would bring to recipients!"
Al Petkau, Brandon, MB

"I don’t believe in charity: I believe in solidarity. Charity is vertical, so it is humiliating. It goes from top to bottom. Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other and learns from the other"
-Eduardo Galeano – Uruguayan writer.

Fitness Levels
Cuba Discovery Tours are relatively active vacations and while there will be plenty of time to relax, there will also be much to see and do. A number of the included excursions generally require a good deal of walking and navigation of numerous steps. Access to sites visited for guests with physical limitations are sometimes restrictive, and in some cases impossible. To enjoy any of our holidays to the fullest possible extent, you must be in reasonably good physical condition. If you have questions regarding this please feel free to talk to us about your specific questions before booking a tour.

Accommodation
Accommodation is chosen for its location, atmosphere, and uniqueness. We avoid the larger, busy hotels where possible – preferring restored historic hotels in the cities, and those with charm in the country and national park settings. Our hotels and resorts are moderate (3 to 3 1/2 star) facilities offering comfortable, clean rooms. Many have extraordinary views of either the ocean or mountains, or are located in the midst of an agricultural area. All have private bathrooms and air conditioning.

You may find yourself in a private thatched roof cabana at the ocean’s edge, or a restored historical hotel from the turn of the century.

Transportation
From the time you arrive in Cuba until your departure you will be transported in a modern, air conditioned motor coach. The drivers are experienced professionals who pride themselves in the appearance of themselves, and their coaches. There is no smoking on the buses. Not all are washroom equipped, but frequent stops are made if it isn’t available on the bus.

Our Cuban Partner Company
One of the major strengths of our program is our Cuban partner company located in Havana. Their expert and qualified team not only coordinates our tours, but also supplies us with professional bilingual Cuban guides who have an in depth understanding of Cuba’s history, culture, socioeconomic and political reality. They also demonstrate the hospitality and kindness that is so characteristic of the Cuban people.

"Alberto was very professional. He never seemed to tire of answering our many questions, and was open to change. I loved his sense of humour and the way he would ‘hang out’ with us when his day was done."

"Our guide’s knowledge of Cuba was very impressive and he was, along with the beauty of the country itself, the main reason the trip was so successful."

"Everything was in line before we left for the trip. Nothing was a surprise!"
A. Dickey, Killarney, MB