Beware! We just got back from our first visit to Cuba. We tried to find a top quality tour company and decided to use Cuba Educational Travel CET and Collin Laverty (owner). Bottom line, the company over promised and under delivered. We traveled as a large extended family (30 people, ages 10 to 80) and spent months planning the details, especially regarding food requirements for vegetarian family members and 2 people with gluten allergies. We were assured there would be no issues. Everyday there was an issue with the food. We were told that representatives from Cuba Educational Travel would be in contact with us on a regular basis throughout our travel to make sure things were going well. Collin Laverty met us the afternoon we first arrived in Havana. After that no one from CET checked in with us, including Collin who said he would see us again, including having a meal together. We had to demand from our local tour guide (a separate company hired by CET) to have someone from CET contact us. We did not get things we paid for, including a rides in classic cars and cooking class / meal. Both were anticipated highlights for our group. While Collin agreed that these and other experiences were not acceptable, nothing was done to make up for them or provide a reimbursement. Our local tour guide, Lillian (http://www.havanatur.cu/), turned out to be horrible. She was rude by rolling her eyes and sighing at any request, disrespectful by yelling at us for being unreasonable because we wanted what CET told us we would get but was not possible, and criticized our questions that we raised when trying to learn about Cuba culture. We requested a different tour guide, to which Collin (via phone) said he would check into but never got back to us. The country is beautiful and the people were friendly. We would strongly recommend not using Cuba Educational Travel as they took advantage of us. This was long time planned family cultural immersion trip and expensive, CET did very little after taking our final payment. We are happy to share more details of our itinerary upon request. read more

As a small tour operator, I used CET for a group of 19 last year and they were very good, thus I planned another tour with them this year for a group of 18. Huge difference in service and communication, and definitely not for the better. They quoted a price for my proposed itinerary, based on specified hotels, meals, and sightseeing, but didn't deliver in many cases. When I expressed dissatisfaction with the changes and omissions, Collin Laverty (the owner) -- rather than accepting responsibility, apologizing, and fixing what was wrong -- was rude and dismissive, accusing me of being aggressive and unreasonable. The HavanaTur guide and I spent a lot of time trying to appease my clients who were not happy with the changes and lower-quality accommodations than they had expected and paid for. In addition, half the group was sent to a neighboring hotel when they tried to check in for their first night in Miami because CET had mistakenly booked the original hotel for a day later -- not a good way to start a tour. No acknowledgment or apology for that error either. My clients did not get what they paid for, and Collin Laverty has denied any refund for what CET didn't provide. I definitely would not recommend using Cuba Educational Travel for your Cuba vacation. (Be sure to also read Brian K's "not currently recommended" review below which has been filtered out by Yelp. That CET client has many of the same complaints I do with regard to not receiving the services he paid for, and Collin Laverty's lack of responsiveness to complaints.) read more

As a small tour operator, I used CET for a group of 19 last year and they were very good, thus I planned another tour with them this year for a group of 18. Huge difference in service and communication, and definitely not for the better. They quoted a price for my proposed itinerary, based on specified hotels, meals, and sightseeing, but didn't deliver in many cases. When I expressed dissatisfaction with the changes and omissions, Collin Laverty (the owner) -- rather than accepting responsibility, apologizing, and fixing what was wrong -- was rude and dismissive, accusing me of being aggressive and unreasonable. The HavanaTur guide and I spent a lot of time trying to appease my clients who were not happy with the changes and lower-quality accommodations than they had expected and paid for. In addition, half the group was sent to a neighboring hotel when they tried to check in for their first night in Miami because CET had mistakenly booked the original hotel for a day later -- not a good way to start a tour. No acknowledgment or apology for that error either. My clients did not get what they paid for, and Collin Laverty has denied any refund for what CET didn't provide. I definitely would not recommend using Cuba Educational Travel for your Cuba vacation. (Be sure to also read the "not currently recommended" reviews below which have been filtered out by Yelp. Those CET client have many of the same complaints I do with regard to not receiving the services they paid for, and Collin Laverty's lack of responsiveness to complaints.) read more

As soon as travel from the US to Cuba was allowed I wanted to go! A friend of mine had been there in 2016 with Cuba Educational Travel (CET) so she recommended them. I needed a company who would let me travel when I wanted to, not on a preset tour, something that was important with a 13 yo who's involved in a lot of activities during the summer. It was our first time staying at a bed and breakfast and it exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were modern and clean. The family was very nice and wanted to make sure we were happy. The tours were fun and educational. My daughter was totally bored at the Museum of the Revolution but I loved it and she got over it. LOL All of the restaurants had great ambience and the food was delicious! It was such a great experience for both of us and I learned so much more about Cuba. I've traveled many places before and never had (wanted) a tour guide but Cuba was the exception. I was able to plan our activities, Carey suggested some, to make sure we got a good understanding of the country, its citizens, and culture. Mission accomplished! We really loved our guide, Vivian! She was very knowledgable, fun, and nice! My daughter got locked in the bathroom in a hotel (don't lock the doors!) and Vivian figured it out and had a "rescue" in progress before I knew what was going on! If you travel to Cuba, use CET. They will not disappoint! read more

My girlfriend and I used Cuba Educational Travel (CET) for our recent holiday to Cuba after a friend recommended me to them. They created a very high quality and self-tailored travel program for our first trip to Cuba. From start to finish we had an amazing holiday and will definitely be returning to Cuba in the future with the help of CET again. They created a unique and individual guided tour for us to fully experience how amazing the island truly is. From a beautiful guided driving tour in a pristine 1950's Mercury, to sunset drinks at the Hotel Nacional, to an unbelievable restaurant, followed by a local night club. I would highly recommend utilizing this company for part or the entirety of one's holiday in Cuba. They know so many obscure high quality restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. that we would never have found without their help. One of my favorite parts about the company is how hands on they were right from the start to ensure that they were providing us with the trip we wanted and not one that was thrown together off a general travel company itinerary. We were a bit intimidated to go to Cuba, we would not have been able to plan such a wonderful trip ourselves. We both look forward to our next holiday to Cuba with the help of CET. read more

I have visited Cuba three times with CET. Each visit was better than the last. Adam and Collin know Cuba in an intimate and special way. They understand each of their guests areas of interest and structure the trip to educate and excite each participant. They choose only the very most unique cultural highlights, best restaurants and most informed speakers. They are flexible and creative and therefore the interaction with The Cuban People is exhilarating and informative. They use only the best guides and most desired accommodations. Their insights make each trip special and enjoyable. They are attentive to every detail so that you can visit Cuba with confidence and comfort. Their deep resources and credibility make any special needs or areas of interest convenient and accessible. They plan a trip well and execute it even better than expected. It is clear that CET and everyone associated with them is performing "at the top of their game". You will not be disappointed with any thing they organize on your behalf. I highly recommend them. They are the quintessential hosts for a successful visit to Cuba and for reaching into the lives of it's people. read more

I have went to Cuba twice thus far and used CET as my travel provider for both. Each visit I was blown away on how attentive the staff was to the group and myself. The registration process was very easy and they listened to what I wanted out of the trip and built the programs around my wants. Before going to Cuba the first time, I was told that I must be flexible in the itinerary provided since Cuba doesn't play by the same rules as everyone else. Since I was told those expectations, I was very flexible in any schedule changes that occurred. I have now recommended CET to many of my friends and family. I will be going back again this year and am building another program with CET. I have stayed in Havana at the Parque Central and the Hotel National and they were both great hotels. I look forward to my upcoming trip. read more

Have used Cuba Educational Travel since it was founded and travel to Cuba more than once a year and have recommended it to others who find it fits their varied needs. It is the only travel agency serving Cuba that provides services specifically tailored to the interests of the travelers. In short, if you have a special interest in the arts, sports, sciences, environment, agriculture, architecture, etc., they can provide a tour that will reflect that. In addition, they will provide Cuban experts who are well-informed and able to provide specialized information. They work well with large groups as well as small ones, including families. Accommodations for all pocketbooks.Good choice of restaurants, as well as knowledge of where to find good music and dance. read more

This is THE company to travel with when going to Cuba. CET does it all -- big groups, small groups, business or leisure. they provide great access to Cuba and the wonderful people there. I have now traveled with them on 4 separate occasions and each time their service level exceeded my expectations. I've also probably referred a dozen people or so, and the reviews I get are consistent with my own. Lastly, Cuba is too inefficient and complex to arrange your own travel and navigate. This and the exceptional service provided are why CET is a MUST! read more

CET's is an outstanding tour company! Both my husband and I have traveled extensively internationally for both work and pleasure and we can say definitively that CET has provided unsurpassed service. Not only is their attention to detail unmatched but on the ground service is exceptional. Our guide, Orlando, was knowledgeable, accommodating and fun. In fact, our favorite part of the trip was hearing his insights, opinions and vision for Cuba. Cuba is amazing and thanks to CET, we were able to experience that first hand. CET staff rocks! read more

I do a lot of traveling, and this was one of my favorite trips of all time. CET handled things flawlessly and my tour guide (Zoyla) was the best I've ever had. I've already recommended CET to several friends and my wife and I can't wait to return. read more