Cuban Music & Art Experience Sample Itinerary*
*A significant portion of your in-country programming is customized for each group in order to maximize your cultural experience. Many of our visits are not tourist destinations and are not always available, therefore, this program should be considered as a sample only, and may not be the actual itinerary for your particular tour.
Day 1: Bienvenidos a Havana!
Welcome to Havana! After clearing immigration and customs, your Cuban host will greet you and accompany you to your hotel in the heart of Havana. Take some time to settle in, and spend the rest of the day becoming acquainted with your surroundings by taking a walk along the famous seaside walkway, the Malecon. Later that evening, celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner.
(Dinner included)
Day 2: Explore Old Havana, and Meet Local Musicians and Artists
Your first full day in Havana begins with a warm greeting from your Cuban host and breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a stroll through the streets of historic Habana Vieja, deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site, to meet with the local people, and explore the famous Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas, and the City Museum.
After lunch, visit the Callejón de Hammel (Hammel’s Alley) – a community project promoting art, music, and culture. You'll have the opportunity to meet with several Afro-Cuban artists for an up-close and personal look at the thriving arts scene. Later in the afternoon you may have the opportunity to meet with an artist or musician in their home or studio.
After dinner we will visit one of Havana’s music venues to listen to a live performance.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 3: Cuban Music School for Children, and Community Art Project
After breakfast, you’ll take a short trip to Guanabacoa and visit the School of Music. You'll play, learn, and share stories with the young musicians who study there. You may even be treated to a private concert.
After lunch, you'll head to one of Havana’s recording studios to meet with staff and musicians to learn what it’s like to be a musician in Cuba. Later in the day, you’ll visit a community project that teaches children the art of painting. You’ll meet with community leaders who inspired this project and the children who currently bring it to life.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 4: Visit a Community for the Blind and the Museum for the Arts
In the morning, you’ll meet with members of ANCI, an association for the blind, to meet with these incredible individuals to share stories, exchange hugs, and watch them perform music and recite poetry.
After lunch you’ll visit one of Havana’s art museums and then continue on to Las Jaiminitas artists project. Here you’ll see how Jose Fuster transformed a local residence community.
After dinner you’ll have the opportunity to attend another musical performance or relax as you prepare for your early morning flight to Santiago de Cuba.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 5: Fly to Santiago de Cuba, Visit a Famous Cuban Pilgrimage Site, and Attend A Cuban Block Party
Early this morning you will fly from Havana to Santiago de Cuba.
After your arrival, spend the morning at the internationally renowned folkloric company, Cutumba, where professional singers, dancers, and musicians will share their passion with you. After singing, dancing, and drumming lessons, you’ll have the opportunity to put it all together and show off your dance moves.
After lunch you'll explore downtown Santiago de Cuba, followed by a visit to the village of Cobre, home to the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Cobrea, where Cuban pilgrims make offerings to the Black Virgin and take a short hike up to the Cimarron slave memorial to take in amazing views of Cobre and the countryside.
After lunch, Visit the Cuartel Moncada, the former military barracks where Fidel Castro launched the July 26 attacks that started the Cuban Revolution, which was closed shortly thereafter and transformed into a school for children. You’ll have a chance to meet the students and teachers.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 6: Explore Bayamo
Today you’ll travel to Bayamo in historic Granma Province, known as the Birthplace of Cuban Nationality. In the morning, meet with local members of the Cuban Artists and Writers Union (UNEAC) where you’ll learn how Cuba fosters artistic initiatives within the country. Following the discussion, UNEAC members may treat you to an outdoor concert by a brass quartet featuring works by Cuban composers.
After lunch you’ll meet with the Federation of Cuban Women to discuss agricultural and economic issues in Cuba as well as Educate Your Child, a parent-run group that coordinates education programs for pre-school children.
After dinner you’ll have the opportunity to attend another musical performance.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 7: Sharing Special Moments
We believe that the only thing more beautiful than the sights and sounds of Cuba are its people, so today you’ll have the opportunity to visit with a school that provides care for special needs children between the ages of four and fourteen. The students are taught a variety of subjects (including music and art) and sometimes participants are treated to a musical performance. Your time together is sure to be filled with stories, smiles, and lots of laughter.
After lunch, you’ll visit the San Pedro de la Roca Castle and take in its magnificent views. You’ll then meet with local doctors at their medical clinic to learn about the health care system that provides day-to-day care for residents of the province. Later that day, visit a local school for musicians to discuss the promotion of Afro-Cuban arts.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 8: Fly Back to Havana
Today, your Cuban host will accompany you on your flight from Santiago de Cuba to Havana.
In the afternoon, visit a large handicraft market where you can purchase musical instruments and art.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 9: Adiós Cuba!
After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight back home.
(Breakfast included)