top of page
Cuban Culture

Bienvendios a Cuba

FASCINATING RHYTHM: THE MUSIC AND DANCE OF CUBA

Summer 2025

​

All About this Trip:

Welcome to Cuba, where music is foremost and dancing is fundamental. Lonely Planet writes, “Time worn but magnificent, dilapidated but dignified, fun yet maddeningly frustrating, Cuba is a country of indefinable magic.” We invite you to discover this yourself on our carefully curated tour. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or just beginning to explore the world, this trip is like no other.

 

Our adventure begins in Havana, the Caribbean’s largest island. Highlights include visits to Buena Vista Social Club and Tropicana Club.  While traversing the island we will meet an array of dancers, musicians and performers who will reveal Cuba’s past while we experience the present and ponder her future.

What to Expect:

Day One

  • Upon your arrival to Havana we begin with a panoramic tour of the city via coach with stops at significant landmarks.

  • After meeting our hosts at the private homes arranged for you we will enjoy dinner and an evening of dancing. 

​

Day Two

  • After breakfast we meet our dance instructor for salsa lessons.

  • The afternoon will be spent enjoying lunch and a walk through Old Town to see its colorful architecture.

  • Dinner will be hosted in a private home followed by an evening of dancing. 

 

Day Three

  • Today brings us to Viñales, considered The Garden of Cuba, to view the limestone mountains unique to the island.

  • After touring a cave we visit a tobacco farm, view the drying houses, and talk with the farmers who will guide us through the process of making the world famous Cuban cigars.

  • Lunch will be enjoyed at an idyllic spot followed by leisure time before our return to Havana.

  • After dinner those who wish can enjoy clubbing, keeping in mind an early departure for tomorrow’s travel to Trinidad. 

​

Day Four

  • Our travels bring us through the south of the island where we will enjoy views of the azure and crystalline Caribbean sea.

  • After lunch we move on to Cienfuegos, a modern colonial city known as “The Pearl” of the island.

  • After a bit more driving we arrive to our guest homes and prepare for dinner.

  • Your dancing experience will be a memorable one as Trinidad is a city with the best night life in Cuba in terms of salsa music.

Day Five 

  • We begin with a salsa class in the heart of Trinidad followed by a percussion class. Percussion is a strong tradition in Cuba due to its relation with African tribes and religion, of which Trinidad is a great exponent.

  • We will familiarize ourselves with the famous tambores and perhaps master the claves.

  • Lunch will be provided at a colorful local restaurant followed by a leisurely tour of the town and some free time to explore museums on your own.

  • We will gather for dinner and go out for dancing. 

​

Day Six

  • The day starts with an early departure from Trinidad. In Havana we will have a late lunch. At this point you will be familiar with Cuban Guaguanco and Rumba from prior performances and evenings out on the town.

  • We will enjoy a private performance of these dance styles featuring son cubano music.

  • We will meet for dinner in the evening, and then more dancing if you are so inclined. 

​

Day Seven

  • Our morning starts with dance classes. The focus is on Salsa, Timba, and Rueda de Casino. We will pay a visit to Hemingway’s house and continue to Cojimar, a magical town where the writer found inspiration for his novel The Old Man and the Sea.

  • After lunch there will be free time for walking through Old Town.

  • We will enjoy an evening of dinner and dancing for a farewell celebration.

 

Day Eight

  • Guests Depart 

 

*The itinerary may vary as needed due to weather, festivals, or unforeseen events. 

Things to Keep in Mind:

Our guest houses are clean, comfortable, with Cuban hosts who provide an insider’s experience no hotel can offer. Power outages can occur. This trip is an opportunity to explore all Cuba offers without focusing on what it may not.

​

US issued bank, credit cards and currency are not accepted. Not at all. It is wise to bring EUR, CAD, or GBP to exchange upon arrival and to request smaller bills. Like many things in Cuba, this is subject to change and we will keep you apprised accordingly.

​

Internet and cell phone service are not as widely available as in the U.S. It can be costly and unreliable. This is a great opportunity to take a break from modern life and connect with Cuban culture and people. 

 

Part of Cuban’s charm is her crumbling beauty. There are cobblestone streets, uneven steps, and stairs without railings.

​

Flexibility, patience, and good humor come in handy when things go differently as planned. Cuba is very “other” and provides a chance to leave current day life behind in order to embrace her charm. 

 

Why this trip is a good fit for you? You will learn about the country by giving support to the Cuban people, gaining an insider’s knowledge of the country, the culture, and citizens. We have the very best in local guides and access to exclusive classes, artists, and musicians. This tour covers a good amount of the island, bringing us past the enclave of Havana.

Important to Note:

  • As the number of participants is limited, early registration is advised.

  • The price is $3,895 per person.

  • This Route is limited to 12 with a minimum of 4 participants.  

  • A complete itinerary and packet of trip materials will be provided upon full receipt of payment prior to departure. Please do not make travel arrangements until the trip has been confirmed to you by Kitchen Routes LLC.

  • Airfare to and from Jose Marti International Airport (HAV )is not included.

 

Included in your tour are:

  • 6 nights accommodation, 

  • Daily meals, one adult beverage with meals and water, 2 bottles of water daily, other beverages are available for purchase for those who desire them.

  • Airport transfer to and from José Martí International Airport 

  • Ground transportation during the trip

  • Entrance fees

  • Dance classes, private performance, percussion class and site seeing as indicated in itinerary

  • Nightly dancing 

​

Not included in this tour: 

  • Airfare to and from José Martí International Airport (airport code HAV) Travel insurance (required)

  • Tips to guides and drivers

  • Discretionary spending money for shopping and incidentals

​

Please note that COVID-19 vaccinations are required to participate in this trip.

All participants agree to abide by Cuban laws. 

​

Cost: $3,895 per person, Single Supplement $300.

A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is due at registration.

bottom of page