- A Program of intensive music study with approximately 40 hours of rehearsal, both group and sectional.
- Unique itinerary elements including interaction and discussion with top Cuban musicians, visits to performances and rehearsals of a range of Cuban musical styles.
- Full hosting by Sara and our team on the ground who are experts in salsa music and in Cuba.
- Return direct flights with Virgin Atlantic Gatwick / Havana (if booked with flights)
- Meet and Greet upon arrival
- Accommodation in authentic Cuban Casas
- A pre-departure pack containing information on where to eat, where to party, tourist spots and attractions for independent sight-seeing
- Optional extras include individual instrumental tuition with Cuban experts, Dance classes in styles of choice with famed Cuban dancer Jesus 'Toto' Morales Martinez from top Rumba group 'Clave y Guaguanco'.
Well known for its rum and cigars, Cuba is home to a different kind of charm, history and culture which you will experience with Club Dance Holidays.
Havana, is the first grand city built by Europeans in the New World and retains the grandeur and charm of a history that spans nearly 500 years.
For a city that is forever adapting, it still houses many popular and historic buildings such as the famous Cathedral in Old Havana built in 1748, and the Palacio de los Capitaines Generales, the residence of the Spanish Captain General who ruled Cuba from 1791-1898. You can also visit the Castillo Real de la Fuerza, built between 1558-77, one of the oldest surviving colonial fortresses in the Americas and home to Giralda, the symbol of Cuba, also seen on the label of Havana Club rum.
Be sure to check out the Capitolio Nacional, a huge marble building modelled on the Capitol building in Washington and visit the Museo de la Revolucion, formerly the presidential palace. Wander along El Malecon, the famous waterfront of Havana. Pay a literary pilgrimage to the Hotel Ambos Mundos where Ernest Hemingway wrote the novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls".
When you're cultured out stroll along the Malecon and sample an ice cream from the famous Coppelia ice cream parlour, watch the strutting peacocks in the Hotel Nacional's garden, drink a mojito in La bodeguita and a daiquiri in La Floridita and take a cab ride in a 1950s Cadillac.
And, of course, dance salsa. Visit Havana's nightclubs to learn to dance like a Cuban, with uninhibited passion.
As Graham Greene said of Havana "Anything is possible".
Casa particular in Havana* (Room only) (Included)
A wonderful way to experience the "real" Cuba, staying in the home of a Cuban family. We use Cuban homes in convenient locations and of a good standard and we highly recommend this option to really immerse yourself in daily Cuban life. All "Casas" have clean and comfortable double accommodation with private facilities.
The ultimate music holiday - a week of Cuban music and culture in the company of our expert local team led by the hugely experienced Sara McGuinness We have huge experience in Cuba having been running trips there for the last 15 years. Many of our holidays have features that are exclusive to us and this is no exception. Your senior music teacher and hostess is Sara McGuinness has been running music tours of different countries (including many to Cuba) can give you a real "insider's" tour of Havana and beyond. The holiday is suitable for musicians of all abilities and ages - from complete beginners to advanced - and the company of our charisma The Egrem Studios are famous throughout the world and in learning to play there you will be following in the footsteps of some of the most esteemed musicians to have come out of Cuba. We stay in Cuban Casas which will have all been vetted by Sara and her team so you will get a truly authentic experience of Havana. There are lots of Cuba trips on the market but don't forget that with us you're in safe hands - we're fully ATOL bonded and our staff has a combined travel industry experience of over 50 years.
"I feel a warning should be given to those looking at the holiday stating they will be very depressed by the end. I had such a good time a week later and I am still not over the fact I have had to return to cold England and work! Desperately want to return".
"Our Havana holiday was the best we have had in a very long time! I never expected it to be as wonderful as it was"
"The teachers were great. Talented, professional, friendly, and endlessly patient with beginners like my husband and I"
"Our fellow tour-goers were fantastic--a fun, congenial and caring bunch. We enjoyed each other's company even outside the organised classes and clubbing, and now we are keeping in touch on Facebook."
"We were able to see so many different aspects of Cuba that as a sole tourist we would never have seen! Fantastic!"
"It was a brilliant experience, especially since we had the chance to go out with Cubans".
"Real eye-opening experience on Cuban society and culture."
"I cannot think of a better introduction to Cuban culture, music and dance!"
If you love to have a good time and enjoy meeting new people in the setting of a fascinating, friendly country with year-round sunshine then yes! Everyone should visit Cuba at least once and you haven't danced salsa until you've danced salsa in Havana. Our team of Cuban dancers animate your entire trip and we guarantee that once you visit Cuba with us you'll be hooked. Our salsa in Cuba holidays are about so much more than just dance classes; along with our team we make sure you experience the REAL Cuba and immerse yourself in Havana's rhythm. Our Cuban holidays are suitable for ALL levels, from complete beginners to advanced musicians. Our expert teachers will ensure you get the most out of your classes and tailor their teaching to you. We include genuine off-the-beaten track experiences and take you to exclusive band rehearsals, dance performances and even to the home of our Cuban friends for a salsa party. ALL of the nights out are included in your holiday price so the only thing you have to worry about is your personal Cuba Libre fund! Cuba is an adventure and with us you're in safe hands; unlike many salsa holiday operators we're fully ATOL bonded with over 50 years' combined travel industry experience amongst our team, almost all of whom have visited Cuba many many times. Give us a call if you have any questions on salsa in Cuba - we'll be happy to talk about our favourite subject. |
Sample Itinerary
This is a provisional itinerary aiming to give you an idea of what your holiday will look like. There will be some elements which will change: (OP) indicates an optional extra for which a charge will be made in advance.
DAY 1
Arrival and transfer to your casa
Evening - Welcome meeting with Sara, including a Cuba Libre, before a group dinner (payable locally) and the option to hit the clubs, jet lag permitting!
DAY 2
Morning - Overview of the week and classes at Egrem
Afternoon - Walking tour of Old Havana including a cold chocolate drink at the Museo de Chocolate
Evening - Night out with our team of Cuban dancers
DAY 3
Morning - Music classes at Egrem
Afternoon - Visit the Museo de Ron (rum) followed by an afternoon spent browsing at Old Havana's new covered market with its huge art collection and gift stalls
Evening - (OP) Dinner and cabaret at the Parisienne in the Hotel Nacional followed by dancing at one of Old Havana's salsa OR jazz clubs
DAY 4
Morning - Music classes at Egrem
Afternoon - Unique group excursion to watch Toto and his group rehearsing (subject to schedule) OR take in a ballet performance at Havana's Teatro Nacional (subject to schedule. Approx 25 CUC)
Evening - Night out to watch Toto perform with Clave y Gaganco (subject to schedule)
DAY 5
Morning - Music classes at Egrem
Afternoon - Back to Egrem Studios in Old Havana to watch a son band perform (subject to schedule)
Evening - Cuban house party with food and drink flowing - dance the night away in the home of our Cuban friends
DAY 6
Morning - Music classes at Egrem
Afternoon - Trip to watch one of Cuba's dance companies rehearse OR take in a matinee performance at Palenque restaurant (OP)
Evening - Dinner at La Roca restaurant (OP)
DAY 7
Morning - Music classes at Egrem
Afternoon - Visit La Associacion Yoruba in Havana Vieja to watch Afro Cuban dance performances
Evening - (OP) Dinner at a Paladar (privately owned small restaurant) followed by a salsa party with the Club Dance Holidays crew
DAY 8
Farewell lunch at one of Old Havana's favourite restaurants (OP)
Late afternoon - Transfer to Havana airport for the return flight to the UK
DAY 9
Arrive in the UK