Fogfog Posted August 4, 2018 #101 Share Posted August 4, 2018 I posted a longer response in a new thread-- yet wanted to add in here.. Our tour via Blexie waswith Elvis. He did an outstanding job weaving history, politics, social issues,architecture, common life, and pop culture into our day. We had severalprovoking discussions about things spanning the Revolution, the Bay of Pigs, housingin Cuba, the Cuban Missile crisis, Socialism and Communism, the authority Cubangov, favorite pop items like music, baseball etc. Our tour included agood deal of walking and we also had a gorgeous classic car (white and maroon)and a very polite driver. Among the places wesaw were -Walkthrough old Havana, - Walkthrough the 4 main squares in the old city to see the Cathedral and mainmonuments and historical sites. - Fort,People's House/capitol, Drive along Embassy row. - Drivedown the malecon towards Fusterlandia which is an entire neighborhood coveredwith mosaic tiles. Walk Fusterlandia - Visitthe Plaza de revolucion to see the square where Castro gathered millions andthe Pope visited. - Lunch - ropavieja at Habitania 100 CUC (soup/ropa viejawith rice/beans, flan, beer, coffee, bottled water and heavy tip) - Popped into to see"Hemingway’s" hotel and also at "his" bar, Floridita. Toocrowded to stay - Stopped to do a Rumpurchase/Cigars purchase/Coffee purchase. Very thankful to have help withthe purchase. We spent about 245 CUC on rum/cigars/coffee -- our son spent closer to 500 CUC on rum/cigars (Cohiba!!) and coffee We had hoped to see insidethe cigar factory however they were on break (vacation- August) Tour was 130 CUC plus tipextra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob4cruise Posted August 12, 2018 #102 Share Posted August 12, 2018 (edited) sorry I see your answer now Sent from my iPad using Forums Edited August 12, 2018 by bob4cruise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Cruisegirl6 Posted August 12, 2018 #103 Share Posted August 12, 2018 I am afraid of eating there, heard stories about the water and such...and I have auto-immune issues, did they show you any part of the beach area there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisin4 Posted August 12, 2018 #104 Share Posted August 12, 2018 Our tour via Blexie Havana Tours was with Blexie. He did an outstanding job weaving history, politics, social issues, architecture, common life into our day. He is easy to find. Your exit the cruise terminal and walk across the street to the plaza and Blexie was there at the appointed time of 10am. The tour lasted 6 hours. He was born in Cuba and has never been off Cuba. His english is perfect. He takes you to the government rehabbed plazas, then also a block over and you can see where the real Cubans live. Among the places we saw were -Walkthrough old Havana, - Walkthrough the 4 main squares in the old city to see the Cathedral and mainmonuments and historical sites. - Fort,People's House/capitol, Drive along Embassy row. - Drivedown the malecon towards Fusterlandia which is an entire neighborhood covered with mosaic tiles. Walk Fusterlandia (*** THIS IS A MUST SEE- Fuster's work was inspired by Gaudi) - Visit the Plaza de Revolucion to see the square where Castro gathered million and he gave a 6+ hour speech there. - Lunch - we skipped lunch and kept touring - Popped into to see"Hemingway’s" hotel and also at "his" bar, Floridita. Too crowded to stay but fun to see - Stopped to do a Rumpurchase/Cigars purchase/Coffee purchase. The only place that had Air-conditioning... We had hoped to see insidethe cigar factory however they were on break (they reopen in Sept.) Tour was 130 CUC plus tipextra The tour is for up to 4 people. So two couples toured, so we spent 65 CUC per couple plus tip. The first third of the tour is a walking tour with Blexie, the second and third part of the tour his friend Lou joined us who had an old fashioned well maintained car (that had A/C- YEAH)... he drove us to see different sections of the city and Blexie was with us the entire time. The tour was informative, we stopped to see one of the medical clinics as I am a nurse. Blexie is very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him and his tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandream Posted January 6, 2019 #105 Share Posted January 6, 2019 On 7/19/2018 at 6:39 PM, mandream said: Just had a couple back and forths with Blexie. He was very responsive. Our tour is confirmed. Has anyone had Lauren as their guide? Mike On 7/19/2018 at 10:05 PM, Texasnee said: Mandream.....I don’t tour with Blexie until November (our guide will be Raul) but I’ve heard many great things about Lauren. She speaks perfect English and everyone that has had her as their guide loved her. From what I’ve read, you’ll be in great hands. Just wanted to follow up now that we are back and say that Lauren was Fantastic!!. As Texasnee said - her English (and accent) were perfect - amazing since she has never left the island. She was great with our two boys ages 6 and 8. Couldn't recommend Blexie's crew highly enough. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nancy&Frank Posted January 7, 2019 #106 Share Posted January 7, 2019 On 5/24/2018 at 5:34 PM, lisabdh1 said: Totally depends on what it is, how much it weighs, how bit it is and if its wrapped or I am able to determine it is nothing illegal, etc. What's your email and I will shoot you a message. I will be with him next month. Can you email me as well at ncg1211 at yahoo dot com Thanks much, Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickster50 Posted January 16, 2019 #107 Share Posted January 16, 2019 Stevanb I noticed you sailed on the Veendam. We are doing a Cuba/Eastern Caribbean cruise in December,2019 on that same ship. What was the overall experience like on the Veendam? Cheers Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevanb Posted January 19, 2019 #108 Share Posted January 19, 2019 The ship was fine but the food was a bit too bland for our tastes . But we went for the Itinerary only. Anything else let me know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezi-amy Posted February 8, 2019 #109 Share Posted February 8, 2019 My husband and I booked a tour with Blexie tours and had Rosio as our guide last week. She was fantastic. Her English was perfect. And she was able to customize our itinerary to the stops that we requested to see. We highly recommend Blexie tours to everyone. You will not be disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texex2 Posted February 12, 2019 #110 Share Posted February 12, 2019 On 2/8/2019 at 1:40 PM, ezi-amy said: My husband and I booked a tour with Blexie tours and had Rosio as our guide last week. She was fantastic. Her English was perfect. And she was able to customize our itinerary to the stops that we requested to see. We highly recommend Blexie tours to everyone. You will not be disappointed. Thanks!! So many great reviews for Blexie....just sent a request to nail down a tour while in Havana in June. Any suggestions on what not to miss, priorities etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezi-amy Posted February 12, 2019 #111 Share Posted February 12, 2019 We requested to go to Fusterlandia and the Havana synagogues. I don't think these are on the standard tour, but our tour guide and driver were very accommodating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevanb Posted February 13, 2019 #112 Share Posted February 13, 2019 They will take you anywhere you want to go . I would have a list ready if there is something you want to see special to make sure it is in driving range We did 10 hours with him and dinner and then Tropicana https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMErsaCccfV9WFJt-mZQnYJJrRAedkfFIPd5LS_gdVihHPoRRZY7E2BXLlWWc5Psw?key=VGZEZTZMQmRKUFlIUWo3RmxOZ1Z1UmhLanJYVnl3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texex2 Posted February 16, 2019 #113 Share Posted February 16, 2019 Nailed down a tour with Blexie in Havana 6/27. Based upon the multitude of great reviews, feel certain we will have a great time. Any suggestions on lunch at a local palador? Thoughts on the Tropicana? I have read some that day it is over the top turisty and some that say it is great fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texex2 Posted February 16, 2019 #114 Share Posted February 16, 2019 On 8/12/2018 at 12:11 PM, Cruisin4 said: Our tour via Blexie Havana Tours was with Blexie. He did an outstanding job weaving history, politics, social issues, architecture, common life into our day. He is easy to find. Your exit the cruise terminal and walk across the street to the plaza and Blexie was there at the appointed time of 10am. The tour lasted 6 hours. He was born in Cuba and has never been off Cuba. His english is perfect. He takes you to the government rehabbed plazas, then also a block over and you can see where the real Cubans live. Among the places we saw were -Walkthrough old Havana, - Walkthrough the 4 main squares in the old city to see the Cathedral and mainmonuments and historical sites. - Fort,People's House/capitol, Drive along Embassy row. - Drivedown the malecon towards Fusterlandia which is an entire neighborhood covered with mosaic tiles. Walk Fusterlandia (*** THIS IS A MUST SEE- Fuster's work was inspired by Gaudi) - Visit the Plaza de Revolucion to see the square where Castro gathered million and he gave a 6+ hour speech there. - Lunch - we skipped lunch and kept touring - Popped into to see"Hemingway’s" hotel and also at "his" bar, Floridita. Too crowded to stay but fun to see - Stopped to do a Rumpurchase/Cigars purchase/Coffee purchase. The only place that had Air-conditioning... We had hoped to see insidethe cigar factory however they were on break (they reopen in Sept.) Tour was 130 CUC plus tipextra The tour is for up to 4 people. So two couples toured, so we spent 65 CUC per couple plus tip. The first third of the tour is a walking tour with Blexie, the second and third part of the tour his friend Lou joined us who had an old fashioned well maintained car (that had A/C- YEAH)... he drove us to see different sections of the city and Blexie was with us the entire time. The tour was informative, we stopped to see one of the medical clinics as I am a nurse. Blexie is very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him and his tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texex2 Posted February 16, 2019 #115 Share Posted February 16, 2019 On 8/4/2018 at 3:43 PM, Fogfog said: I posted a longer response in a new thread-- yet wanted to add in here.. Our tour via Blexie waswith Elvis. He did an outstanding job weaving history, politics, social issues,architecture, common life, and pop culture into our day. We had severalprovoking discussions about things spanning the Revolution, the Bay of Pigs, housingin Cuba, the Cuban Missile crisis, Socialism and Communism, the authority Cubangov, favorite pop items like music, baseball etc. Our tour included agood deal of walking and we also had a gorgeous classic car (white and maroon)and a very polite driver. Among the places wesaw were -Walkthrough old Havana, - Walkthrough the 4 main squares in the old city to see the Cathedral and mainmonuments and historical sites. - Fort,People's House/capitol, Drive along Embassy row. - Drivedown the malecon towards Fusterlandia which is an entire neighborhood coveredwith mosaic tiles. Walk Fusterlandia - Visitthe Plaza de revolucion to see the square where Castro gathered millions andthe Pope visited. - Lunch - ropavieja at Habitania 100 CUC (soup/ropa viejawith rice/beans, flan, beer, coffee, bottled water and heavy tip) - Popped into to see"Hemingway’s" hotel and also at "his" bar, Floridita. Toocrowded to stay - Stopped to do a Rumpurchase/Cigars purchase/Coffee purchase. Very thankful to have help withthe purchase. We spent about 245 CUC on rum/cigars/coffee -- our son spent closer to 500 CUC on rum/cigars (Cohiba!!) and coffee We had hoped to see insidethe cigar factory however they were on break (vacation- August) Tour was 130 CUC plus tipextra Some in our group may not be up to a lot of walking. Can it be adjusted to have more time in car and less walking? You guys do lunch? Lastly, I have heard the guides appreciate some items that are hard to get in Cuba. Did you give anything other than a tip? Are tipping guidelines similar to US? I know it varies in Europe but want to be appropriate as I am sure the service will be great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruisin4 Posted February 16, 2019 #116 Share Posted February 16, 2019 41 minutes ago, Texex2 said: Some in our group may not be up to a lot of walking. Can it be adjusted to have more time in car and less walking? You guys do lunch? Lastly, I have heard the guides appreciate some items that are hard to get in Cuba. Did you give anything other than a tip? Are tipping guidelines similar to US? I know it varies in Europe but want to be appropriate as I am sure the service will be great! Yes, just ask and they will accommodate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fogfog Posted February 16, 2019 #117 Share Posted February 16, 2019 5 hours ago, Texex2 said: Some in our group may not be up to a lot of walking. Can it be adjusted to have more time in car and less walking? You guys do lunch? Lastly, I have heard the guides appreciate some items that are hard to get in Cuba. Did you give anything other than a tip? Are tipping guidelines similar to US? I know it varies in Europe but want to be appropriate as I am sure the service will be great! Really it will depend on what you want to see. The chips offer the bus/drive by tours. If you find my other post--I mention the general things we saw--and much of it is in the older part of Havana and in the pedestrian areas/squares etc...not easily accessed by car. We did drive out to see the neighborhood of mosaics--drivign past the embassies etc. also drove out to the cigar factory and where we purchased rum and cigars. Some plazas, fountains and landmarks and such are pedestrian only. Really you gain so much by walking the streets of Havana. Perhaps spending time on TripAd and looking at what is in Havana to see (cross ref with google earth/maps) and you can decide what you want to see / do How much time you spend on lunch depends on you--- your "Blexie" guide and driver won't eat with you (we offered/they declined) In other countries with private guides we have had the guide and driver dine with us so we can talk/learn more/share. We had hoped to work that out here but as I said--they declined. Tipping in CUC i proper. (what you will change your national currency to--is acceptable and required for payment for everything, Blexie, entrance fees, lunch, rum/cigars, tips etc is CUC) Cubans will have to change it to CUP because that is what they use for currency Blexie himself wrote a long item on his Facebook page and it was posted here on CC that he recommends you do NOT bring gifts/toiletries/toys/clothes etc that some are saying they pack/plan for their trips to Cuba. Despite well intentioned folks doing this--according to Blexie it is problematic in many ways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevanb Posted February 18, 2019 #118 Share Posted February 18, 2019 Some in our group may not be up to a lot of walking. Can it be adjusted to have more time in car and less walking? Yes they will make it anyway you want. We had a big list of what we wanted to do and he took us every wear we wanted to go except the cannon shot as it conflicted with the Tropicana You guys do lunch? Yes Lunch and Dinner and drinks at the at a Hotel where I bought cigars and at few other places Lastly, I have heard the guides appreciate some items that are hard to get in Cuba. Did you give anything other than a tip? Yes we brought a Marlins hat for Blexie some sunglasses and candy . It seems like now they take anything you have in volume when you go thru customs. We had not enough for them to question. Lastly we tipped him and the driver Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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