What goes on?
While it’s still relatively cool, in the mornings we have Son and Salsa dance classes. We may also learn some rumba or cha-cha-cha. All levels of dancers, from complete beginners to advanced levels will find something new to learn at the classes taken in an atmospheric, downtown Santiago theatre. This is where you will be able to see your teachers – all members of the internationally-renowned Cutumba dance company – rehearse and perform their afro-cuban shows.
It’s not all dance..
In the afternoons there is a chance to learn survival Spanish if you are a complete beginner, or brush up your language if you already know some Spanish. Or instead of Spanish, perhaps you would like to take some percussion classes – these can be arranged with musicians from Cutumba. There are also afternoon rumba parties, visits to local places of interest and outings to the local countryside and beaches.
What else goes on?
Every trip is accompanied by one of our experienced bilingual tour leaders who will smooth out everything for the trip. A full day excursion and two afternoon visits are included in the holiday. Santiago is the home of son and live music, and evenings are spent going out to the wide range of inexpensive local clubs and dance venues – you can invite your dance teacher too, if you like, to practice what you’ve learned during the day. Things happen at short notice in Cuba but your tour leader will know what bands are playing where and what other events are taking place and can also organise additional unscheduled activities for anyone interested.
You want to dance, but your friend doesn’t
If you would like to invite somebody else along who is not interested in taking dance classes but who would like to join in with the other holiday activities, this can be arranged at a reduced price. They will be made very welcome and who knows, they may even want to join in once they get into the atmosphere of the place!
Where do you stay?
We will book you half board, single room accommodation in a Cuban home selected by us, giving you the chance to experience the local way of life. No single supplements! If you would prefer to stay in a local hostal or hotel, just let us know. In Havana, accommodation on the last night of the trip is in a 3* or 4* hotel, twin room, B&B
How about dance and trekking holidays?
On some trips you have the option in week 2 to spend four days trekking in the Sierra Maestra Mountains. The expedition is fully guided and involves staying in mountain refuges in a beautifully unspoilt environment. Ask us for dates of the combined dance/trekking holidays.
Did you want to see Havana too?
At the end of the trip, we usually fly up to Havana for the last night and spend 24 non-stop hours exploring the city and its nightlife. On some trips it is not possible to spend a night in Havana due to local flight availability but we will always let you know well in advance.
What about booking flights to Cuba?
We are ATOL llicenced agents, and can reserve group tickets at reduced prices for the trip. This includes: return international flights from London to Cuba; one internal flight from Santiago to Havana; return airport transfers in Cuba; Cuba tourist card. You are always free to book your own flights if you would prefer (see prices marked £).
