Havana Jazz 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 program.
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 Havana. Take some time to settle in, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, soaking up the incredible sights and sounds of the city. Later that evening, celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at the hotel.
(Dinner included)
Day 2: Explore Old Havana (Habana Vieja) and Hammel's Alley
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, exploring the famous Cathedral Square, Plaza de Armas, and the City Museum. The city has been restored to its historic splendor by UNESCO World Heritage; it exudes colonial charm at its finest.
Later that morning, visit the Callejón de Hammel (Hammel’s Alley) – a community project promoting art, music, and culture. You'll have the incredible opportunity to meet with several Afro-Cuban artists for an up-close and personal look at the thriving arts scene.
After lunch, take a short trip to the seaside town of Las Jaimanitas to visit the home of the artist Jose Fuster who has transformed this small community into living art.
After dinner with friends, you’ll spend the evening at one of Havana's local music venues.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 3: Guanabacoa and a Music School
Today you’ll take a short trip to Guanabacoa to learn about the religion of Santeria, as well as many other Afro-Cuban customs. You'll visit the Guillermo Tomas Music School to see how Cuban youth masters their musical prowess early on.
After lunch, you'll have the opportunity to meet with local musicians in a local club or studio.
After dinner, venture to one of the local music venues.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 4: Meet Local Musicians
In the afternoon, head to the famous jazz club La Zorra y El Cuervo for a discussion with some local musicians.
After dinner, you'll make your way to the Jazz Cafe where you will be trated to a performance by a local Havana Jazz Ensemble.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 5: Havana
Today, you’ll partake in a meet-and-greet with the professors and students of one of Havana's premiere music schools to discuss the influences of jazz in Cuba.
Enjoy lunch with some of the students and faculty while learning even more about their passion for music and its place in Cuban culture.
After lunch, meet with representatives of the Cuban Music Institute, or Instituto de la Musica. The Cuban Institute of Music represents more than 15,000 musicians and professionals who play all kinds of music, including jazz, pop, traditional, folk, salsa, rumba, and classical.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 6: Visit a Recording Studio
This morning, you will take a short drive to Abdala Studios where you will have the opportunity to tour a recording studio and meet the sound engineers behind some of Cuba's most memorable records.
After lunch, you'll participate in your own music and dance workshop, learning from actual Cuban musicians about the sensual and passionate rhythms of their music. Afterward, you and your fellow participants will visit a local community project.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 7: Havana
Today, you’ll spend the morning in a percussion workshop with local musicians.
Cool down over a light lunch with your new found friends in the workshop. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Museum of Music to meet with experts of Cuban music history.
Complete today’s adventures with an incredible Afro-Cuban dance performance.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 8: Adios Cuba!
After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to Cuba as you board your flight back home.
(Breakfast included)