Testimonials

CENTRAL CUBA TOUR

Over the years, Erma Chapin and her team have obviously done their homework and established important relationships in Cuba. You don’t put a tour like this together without the trust and cooperation of several Cuban institutions and government departments. This sort of access is, I suspect, unique and is likely to remain so. It makes for an exceptional opportunity to learn about life in Cuba at the local level.

- Bill Kilfoyle- Kemptville, ON

If you want a picture postcard experience then take an “all inclusive.” If you want an in-depth documentary take this tour

- Jan Thorsteinson- Brandon, MB

This tour will go down as one of the highlights of my life. Cuba is so interesting seen through the eyes of our Cuban guide. I feel I have been given an intimate view of it in all its complexity. Thank-you McPhail Travel

- Louise Watson- Rockwood, ON

We spoke to more Cubans, got more smiles, more hugs and a ‘swack’ more information than the average tourist could ever hope for.  We felt we learned more about Cuba than we could possibly have done on our own or been stuck in a resort

- Philip and Lesley Gibbs, Victoria, BC

Clearly I found Cuba and the tour more than interesting. I think the diversity of experiences was the real strength of the tour.

- Edith Kampen, Winnipeg, MB

The Cuba Discovery Tour was a wonderful experience that gave me a far greater understanding of the Cuban people and their culture than I could possibly have received on an all inclusive holiday.

- Gord Thomas, Millbay, BC

If you really want to meet and interact with a new culture, be prepared to tolerate some of the situations that your hosts live with every day.”
We have traveled to several countries and had many wonderful experiences. This was certainly one of our best outings. Congratulations on your programming. Thanks to all of the wonderful people who contributed to the experience.

- Ron Van Den Bussche, Treherne, MB

Excellent leadership and great cultural visits gave me a view of Cuba that would have been impossible to have otherwise.”

- John Warren, Lethbridge AB

Of the over fifty countries we have visited, Cuba was one of the most interesting.  I believe the “discovery” theme made it so.  Thanks for a great two weeks!

- Jim Cade, Oliver BC

COSTA RICA IN DEPTH

Very well organized and run. Well paced. Not an ordinary vacation.

- Sharon Ife- Burlington, ON

A very unique tour of Costa Rica that takes you from volcanoes to the mountains to the surf at sea side. There is many different wildlife, bird and vegetation species to see- well worth the money!

- Ann Patmore- Virden, MB

Very experienced tour organizers guided us within a stunningly beautiful tropical country with a proud history, and a truly enviable environmental record.

- Shirley Hogue- Winnipeg, MB

A major aspect of my work is organizing. It was a pleasure to have everything organized and tour leaders who were knowledgeable, competent and friendly. I could relax and let someone else do the leading for two weeks. It was great.

- Ron Hayes- Winnipeg, MB

A well run and interesting tour to a tropical rainforest paradise. A type of holiday to see many things not seen before, with a Costa Rican (Tico) guide who made the visits to all places easy to understand and enjoy.

- Peter and Jean Boulton- Wawanesa, MB

Our experience has been that compared with other tours we have taken, Discovery Tours are great value for our travel dollar with loads of extra highlights that are not mentioned in the brochures.

- Linda and Neil MacNair, Grayswille, MB

Willie made the trip very enjoyable.  We had excellent accommodations, good food and side trips.

- Earl Nickolas, Tavistock, ON

The Costa Rica Discovery Tour is aptly named.  Throughout the tour I gained access to a different world and developed a deeper understanding of Costa Rica and its people.  It was truly an enriching journey.

- Liz Short, Toronto ON

EASTERN CUBA TOUR

Beyond my expectations – the result of good planning at Cuba Discovery Tours, paperwork done ahead of time for Cuba, excellent guides from Canada, and First Class National Guide and local guides in Cuba. Great bus driver.

- Lois Allen, Victoria, BC

Cuba Discovery Tours claimed, ‘This tour is truly a new experience every day. Eastern Cuba steeps of colonial history and revolutionary figures. Tourism hasn’t overwhelmed the region.’ Our experiences exceeded these claims. The tour also appealed to us because it offered opportunities to meet and interact with Cubans in their daily activities. Another important plus for us was that arrangements would be made for us to drop off donations during officially sanctioned visits.

- Colin Allen, Victoria, BC

Did the tour live up to your expectations?  “Yes! In fact, it was not a ‘tour’, it was an adventure!”  “Cuba Discovery Tours – A great way to turn a trip into an adventure!

- Bruce Johnson, Winnipeg, MB

It was an excellent way to get to know Eastern Cuba, its people and its culture. We especially enjoyed the intimacy of the small group.  We never felt “rushed” or “stressed”. You’re doing a great job!

- Dale and Jerry Lynch, Orillia, ON

It was such a great trip and experience that many of us are already contemplating our return visits. A very compatible group and I like to think that I have made twenty more new friends. We plan to keep in touch.

- Betty Hart, Victoria, BC

A heartwarming experience. Good learning tour for any age!

- Florence Timko, Calgary, AB

We have done other trips in the past and, in our opinion, this is probably the best balanced trip we ever had. We never felt pressured. Also, the fact that you limit the number of participants to approximately 20 people is definitely something we have enjoyed.”
What was your favourite aspect of the tour?  “Exchange with Cuban people in their working/living place.

- Lise Prevost & Jacques Morin, Gatineau, Quebec

Cuba is so much more than all-inclusives. Take a Cuba tour with Cuba Discovery Tours and find out what the real Cuba is all about!”  “Thanks for a wonderful tour Erma. I like the small group aspect which was half the fun.

- Douwe Smid, Medicine Hat, AB.

WESTERN CUBA TOUR

A wonderful experience. I am so glad we went. To tour Cuba is completely different experience than to lie on its beaches. The effects of communism and perpetuation of “the Revolution” are mind boggling! The people are friendly and warm and generous. I learned so much on this tour and since coming home, I am constantly thinking about all that I saw there.

- Ginny Schultz- Calgary, AB

An excellent trip for understanding the history and culture of Cuba.”
We were pleasantly surprised to see the varied landscape of Cuba

- Millie Reid and Margaret Yorke- Brandon, MB

I think we visited an excellent cross section of the Cuban culture. There was something for everyone.  I was extremely well pleased with all aspects of the trip.

- Gary Armstrong, Waterford, ON

A very different vacation - you get to experience a Cuba that you will not see at the all inclusive hotels and tourist beaches. The smaller tour group makes it a lot easier for everyone to participate, hear and interact with the tour guides.

- Barrie Cochrane, Alexander, MB

If you would like to experience the culture of the Cuban people and see their beautiful country, this is the tour for you. I’m so glad we decided to take this tour. It was so educational and most enjoyable. You have done a superb job in putting this tour together!

- Helen Cochrane, Alexander, MB