9 Days • 8 Nights
Cuba Music & Culture: Havana to Santiago
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Live son, salsa and rumba in Havana
- The famous Casa de la Musica steps in Trinidad
- Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of son
- Afro-Cuban cultural centres and rehearsal rooms
- Cigars, rum and colonial beauty
- A deep immersion in Cuba's musical soul
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Met at Havana airport and transferred to your hotel or casa, you enjoy a welcome dinner and a first taste of live music in a historic bar.
A walking tour of Old Havana and a vintage convertible ride, followed by an evening dedicated to Cuban music, a rumba performance or a legendary salsa venue.
A day exploring the roots of Cuban rhythm, from the Afro-Cuban traditions of the Callejon de Hamel to a visit with musicians and a dance or percussion workshop if you wish.
You travel to colonial Trinidad, the cobblestoned town whose evenings come alive with music on the Casa de la Musica steps. Settle in and join the dancing under the stars.
A walking tour of Trinidad's plazas and pastel mansions by day, with free time for craft markets or Playa Ancon, and another evening of live son and salsa in this most musical of towns.
You transfer and fly east to Santiago de Cuba, the birthplace of son and the most musical city in the country, settling in to feel its Afro-Caribbean energy.
A city tour taking in the cathedral, the Morro castle and the Moncada barracks, and an evening at the famous Casa de la Trova, the spiritual home of Cuban traditional music.
A day exploring Santiago's rich Afro-Caribbean heritage, from the Tumba Francesa dance traditions to the carnival museum, ending with one last night of the city's incomparable music.
After breakfast you are transferred to Santiago airport for your onward flight, or a connection to Havana, carrying the rhythms of Cuba home with you.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation in hotels or casas particulares
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a classic-car city tour and two live-music evenings
- Airport transfers
- Touring and activities as per itinerary with English-speaking guides
- Ground transfers between cities
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Havana, Trinidad and Santiago guided touring, an Afro-Cuban cultural visit and a domestic flight Havana to Santiago
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Tourist card: Almost all visitors need a Cuban Tourist Card (visa) to enter, which we help you arrange before travel, along with a passport valid for at least six months. Requirements vary by nationality and by the country you fly from
- US travellers: US citizens and residents face specific restrictions and must travel under one of the authorised categories rather than general tourism, and US-issued bank and credit cards do not work in Cuba; we will advise you carefully if this applies to you
- Cash is king: Cuba is largely a cash economy and many foreign cards, especially those linked to US banks, do not work; bring enough cash (euros, pounds, Canadian dollars or US dollars) to exchange for local currency and cover your trip
- Currency: The local currency is the Cuban Peso. Exchange rates and rules change frequently, so we brief you on the current situation before you travel and recommend carrying cash in good condition
- Medical insurance: Proof of travel medical insurance is required to enter Cuba and is strongly recommended in any case; we can advise on suitable cover
- Internet: Internet access is limited and can be slow, typically via wifi in hotels and public squares using prepaid cards; embrace the chance to disconnect and enjoy Cuba's music and street life
- Best time to visit: The dry season from November to April offers the most pleasant weather and is ideal for sightseeing and beaches; the summer is hotter and wetter and falls within the Atlantic hurricane season
- Casas particulares: Staying in a casa particular, a licensed private guesthouse, is a wonderful way to meet Cubans and enjoy home cooking; we can mix these with hotels to suit your comfort and style. Tipping in cash is customary and appreciated
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be able to dance?
Not at all — you can simply soak up the music and atmosphere. That said, Cubans love to share their dance, and we can arrange salsa lessons if you would like to join in; it is all part of the fun.
Is a domestic flight included?
Yes — a domestic flight takes you east to Santiago to avoid a very long drive, letting you spend more time enjoying the music and culture. Exact routing is confirmed on booking.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with any meals named in the itinerary such as a welcome dinner. Cuba's paladares (private restaurants) and casa home-cooking are a highlight, so most lunches and dinners are left free, and we are happy to recommend the best.
Do I need a visa for Cuba?
Almost all visitors need a Cuban Tourist Card, which we help arrange before you travel. US citizens and residents face additional rules and must travel under an authorised category; we advise you fully based on your nationality.
Can I use my credit card and ATMs in Cuba?
Cuba is largely a cash economy, and many foreign cards, especially US-linked ones, do not work. Bring enough cash in euros, pounds or Canadian dollars to exchange; we brief you on the current money situation before departure.
When is the best time to visit Cuba?
The dry season from November to April is the most comfortable and popular, ideal for Havana, the colonial towns and the beaches. Summer is hotter, wetter and within the hurricane season.
Is Cuba safe for travellers?
Cuba is generally very safe for visitors, with low levels of violent crime and warm, welcoming people. As anywhere, take normal precautions with valuables, and your guides are on hand throughout to help.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, colonial towns and beach, mix hotels and casas particulares, add regions like Santiago or the cays, and tailor the pace to your interests.
More Cultural Journeys
Cultural
Customizable
El Salvador Colonial & Culture: Suchitoto & Beyond
El Salvador Colonial & Culture: Suchitoto & Beyond
El Salvador
Cultural
Customizable
El Salvador & Guatemala Highlights Combo
El Salvador & Guatemala Highlights Combo
El Salvador
Cultural
Customizable
El Salvador Coffee & Highlands
El Salvador Coffee & Highlands
El Salvador