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A full dance syllabus with specialist workshops accompanied by live music (eighteen hours - see Classes and Workshops)
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A programme of nights out with Ariel and his team of Cuban dancers including dancers' drinks and their club entry
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Unique itinerary elements including a Cuban house party, Afro Cuban dance performances and more
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Full hosting by Ariel and our team on the ground who are experts in Cuba
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2 evening meals - Welcome dinner & New Years Eve
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Return direct flights with Virgin Atlantic Gatwick / Havana
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Meet and Greet upon arrival at Havana airport and transfers
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10 nights' accommodation in a good quality family owned guest house in Havana
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4 nights' accommodation in a good quality family owned guest house in Trinidad
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All land transfers and one Beach trip
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A pick and choose itinerary including parties, soirees, restaurants, nights out dancing and sight seeing suggestions
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A pre-departure pack containing information on where to eat, where to party, tourist spots and attractions for independent sight-seeing
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Welcome party and drink
Admire the famous Cathedral in Old Havana built in 1748. Visit the Palacio de los Capitaines Generales, the residence of the Spanish Captain General who ruled Cuba from 1791-1898 and 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, as seen on the label of Havana Club rum.
See 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.
Rumba, Mambo, Son, Cha Cha Cha plus Afro-Cuban, Salsa and live music with Ariel Rios Robert of Afro Fusion Dance and his local Cuban dance team.
We have recently re-vamped our Cuba programme to include some really unique elements exclusive to Club Dance Holidays. This post-Christmas holiday offers an exclusive opportunity to delve into the history and tradition of Afro-Cuban and popular Cuban dance with our favourite expert, Ariel Rios, and his local team. The holiday is suitable for dancers of all abilities and ages - from complete beginners to advanced - and the company of Ariel and a charismatic team of local dancers makes the holiday extra special. Not only do they dance with you in all the classes (a full eighteen hours), we pay for them to accompany the group to Havana's salsa clubs, ensuring some unforgettable nights out.
We stay in family-owned guest houses in Havana and Trinidad, to permit a real insight into the Cuban lifestyle and enjoy the hospitality of Ariel and his family and friends and we even include a dinner at Ariel's mum's house! The casas we stay at in Havana are just 15-20 minutes' walk to Old Havana and Vedado. All dance classes are held in a private room near the Malecon.
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".
"I would like to say that the holiday was absolutely smashing - I expecially enjoyed the Havana parts of the holiday. The hotel was wonderful, the dance troupe absolutely super (gold stars all around) and Ramon, our guide, exceeded all expectations being informative, friendly and looking out for us at busy social functions".
"We are not normally given to writing thank you letters, or using superlatives, but we have just returned from your salsa dancing holiday in Cuba, and feel compelled to write and say that this was just an amazing experience, and one of the very best holidays ever!".
"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".
"Brilliant. Partied for 2 weeks. Cubans are all 'locos'! and good company".
"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 until you've danced in Havana's hot clubs. Ariel and his team of Cuban dancers animate your entire trip and we guarantee that once you visit Cuba with us you'll be hooked. Our 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, staying in the homes of our friends and enjoying nights out accompanied by our lively dancers.
Our Cuban dance holidays are suitable for ALL levels, from complete beginners to advanced dancers. 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 costs of accompanying dancers are included in your holiday price so the only thing you have to worry about is your club entry and 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 multiple 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.
Note that club entry and drinks on nights out are payable locally.
DAY 1
Arrival and transfer to your Casa Particular (private house or guest house) for a six-night stay.
Evening - Welcome meeting at Ariel’s mum’s house with drink (Mojito or a Cuba Libre), before a group dinner and salsa night in Havana's clubs out with your teachers. Jet lag permitting!
DAY 2
1100 - 1300 Overview of the week and 2 hours of Cuban Traditional Dance classes at Amanecer (local dance centre). Afro-cuban and Son plus live music
Afternoon – City tour by classic American car (Subject to schedule. Approx 10 cuc)
Lunch in a typical Cuban restaurant in Old Havana (OP)
Matinee at Casa de la Musica Miramar with live band “Habana de Primera”
Evening - Salsa the night away with your teachers
DAY 3 (New Year's Eve)
1100 – 1400 Cuban Traditional Dance classes at Amanecer.
Afternoon and evening - Salsa your way through the afternoon and evening at Havana's hottest matinee salsa club.
New Year’s Eve Party at Miriam’s house (Ariel's mum). Enjoy a traditional Cuban house party with food and drink flowing.
Optional: Live music at Casa de la Musica Habana
DAY 4
Free morning
Afternoon – Matinee at Casa de la Musica Habana.
Evening - Group Dinner
Salsa the night away with your teachers
DAY 5
1100 – 1400 Cuban Traditional Dance classes at Amanecer. Cuban Salsa and Rueda de Casino incorporating different Cuban styles.
Afternoon - Attend a Cuban Band rehearsal and head to the beaches on the outskirts of Havana for a beach party.
Evening - Salsa dancing with your teachers.
DAY 6
1100 – 1400 Cuban Traditional Dance classes at Amanecer.
Afternoon - Rumba Matinee at Palenke (Cuba’s National Folklore Centre)
Evening - Group Dinner, relax and later get ready to hit the salsa clubs for all night dancing.
DAY 7
Depart by coach to Trinidad for a 4-night stay.
Check in to your Casa Particular
Afternoon - Free time to chill on the beach and explore Trinidad
Evening - Salsa the night away with the our local dancers.
DAY 8
1100 - 1300 Traditional Trinidad Dance Classes
City Tour
Group lunch (OP)
Afternoon - Beach Party
Evening - Night out with Ariel’s team and local friends at “Casa de la Musica Trinidad”.
DAY 9
1100 - 1300 Traditional Trinidad Dance Classes
Group lunch (OP)
free afternoon
Evening - Night out with Ariel’s team and local friends
DAY 10
Free morning
Optional excursion into the Trinidad Nature Reserve where you will discover the natural beauty of the surrounding Sierra del Escambray mountains, flora and fauna.
Evening - Farewell to Trinidad with an evening at Casa de La Musica.
DAY 11
Return to Havana
Check into your Casa and enjoy a free afternoon
Evening - Salsa night out
DAY 12
1100 – 1400 Cuban Traditional Dance classes at Amanecer.
Afternoon - Visit a Professional Dance Company and watch them rehearse.
Evening - Salsa dancing with your teachers in yet another fantastic club.
DAY 13
1100 – 1400 Cuban Traditional Dance classes at Amanecer.
Afternoon - Browse Old Havana’s new covered market with its huge art collection and gift stalls.
Evening - Salsa night out at one of Havana's best clubs, for the dance die-hards.
DAY 14
Free morning
Explore Old Havana followed by an afternoon visit the Museo del Ron(Rum Museum).
Evening - Farewell salsa night out at one of Havana's best clubs, “1830", with live salsa band.
DAY 15
Free morning
Lunch at “El Guarachero Restaurant” before transferring to the airport for the return flight.
DAY 16
Arrive in the UK