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A full salsa syllabus with specialist workshops (fifteen hours - see Classes and Workshops)
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Optional programme of nights out with our team of Cuban dancers.
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Unique itinerary elements for example a Cuban house party, watching famous bands rehearse, Afro Cuban Dance performances with Conjunto Folklorico and more
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Full hosting by Rowena and our team on the ground who are experts in salsa and in Cuba
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Meet and Greet upon arrival in Havana and return hotel transfers (based on Virgin Atlantic flight times - see Flight & Transfer section for more details)
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7 nights' accommodation in local casas staying with Cuban families in Havana - all hand picked by us
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3 nights accommodation in local casas in Santa Clara
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A pick and choose itinerary including parties, soirees, restaurants, nights out dancing and optional extra activities
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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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Option of staying in hotel Seville in Havana ( ask us for the supplement )
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.
Sevilla**** (Bed & Breakfast) (Upgrade)
Hotel Sevilla**** is one of the most famous hotels in Havana. This elegant old colonial hotel, recently refurbished, has been a favourite with gangsters like Al Capone. It has a beautiful swimming pool, and the ninth floor has a spectacular ballroom overlooking the sea, the Capital Building and Old Habana and is now used as the restaurant. Rooms all have en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, telephone, radio, satellite TV, safe and fridge.
Havana with Club Dance Holidays is a total immersion in the uniquely Cuban culture. Staying in friendly local casas (which are all hand-picked by us) you will discover a world of music and dance that is truly authentic, so often missed by tourists visiting the country. Cuba is changing rapidly and we aim to provide this insight with an authentic as possible trip. See Cuba now before it changes!
There is also an option of staying in the Hotel Sevilla, a supplement will apply.
All of our team on the ground are Cuban or have family in Cuba including Daylin, Rowena, Jimmy, Michel and the rest of the dance team.
There are lots of Cuba salsa 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 Salsa in Havana holiday was the best we have had in a very long time! I never expected it to be as wonderful as it was. Rowena was amazing - lively, friendly, fun, knowledgeable of the local customs, and full of interesting plans and smart suggestions. I told her I am going to call this trip "Rowena takes her friends to Havana" because that is what it felt like."
"The dance teachers were great. Talented, professional, friendly, and endlessly patient with beginners like my husband and I. We had a blast in the clubs with them--the head teacher Alexis made sure we had fun memories that will last a long time."
"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."
"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".
"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 salsa 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.
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.
DAY 1
Arrival and transfer to your Casa for a 7-night stay
Evening - Welcome meeting with Rowena, before a group dinner (payable locally) and the option to hit the clubs, jet lag permitting!
DAY 2
Morning - Overview of the week. First 3 hour salsa session.
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 - Salsa lessons at the studios (3 hours)
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 - Salsa lessons at the studios (3 hours)
Afternoon - take in a ballet performance at Havana's Teatro Nacional (subject to schedule.)
Evening - Night out to watch Toto perform with Clave y Gaganco (subject to schedule)
DAY 5
Morning - Salsa lessons at the studios including a son workshop (3 hours)
Afternoon - Visit the 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 - Salsa lessons at the studios (3 hours)
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 - Visit La Associacion Yoruba in Havana Vieja to watch Afro Cuban dance performances
Evening night out
DAY 8
Transfer to Santa Clara for 3 nights stay
DAY 9 and 10
Excursions (optional extras)
DAY 11
Transfer to Havan for fly back home