America's Tour Agency
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(Formally EAC Tours)
Leave no sight unseen!
Mariah Travel
Cuba's Art, Music & Dance Tour
A Celebration of the Arts
Join Mariah Travel as we celebrate Cuba's Music, Art, & Dance scene with the Havana Music School, Baila Na' Ma'. Private and small group tours led by local musicians, artists, and dance instructors. This unique opportunity supports the Cuban people as they demonstrate their incredible artistic and musical ability. Feel the percussion rhythms, learn salsa and rumba dance moves, release your own artistic abilities.
Amigo, why are you going to Cuba to study music?
Hombre, because in Cuba music enters your pores!
Highlights and Daily Itinerary
Day 1: (D)
• Welcome to Cuba!
• Meet Mariah Travel's representation & driver, and transfer to our casa particular.
• Enjoy a welcome mojito and introduction to a fabulous week to come!
• Welcome dinner at a local paladar. (Private restaurant)
• Interact with Cubans as you visit an optional live music show. (TBD)
• Overnight: Casa particular in Havana.
DAY 2: (B,L)
• Breakfast included at casa.
• Guided walking tour of Havana Vieja. Visit historic plazas and immerse in conversations with the locals, hear local musicians playing in the plazas, visit artists in their art.
• Afternoon visit the Amadeo Roldan Conservatory the prestigious Cuban institution of academic training of music. It has marked an indelible milestone in the events of a full century in the teaching of music in Cuba and in the musical practice of composers, performers, theorists and musical pedagogues. A lifetime experience!
• Later, visit the dance studio of Baila na' ma' for an introduction to salsa, rumba, etc.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many wonderful paladares.
• Optional evening at Bertolt Brecht Theater. One of the best live shows in town.*
*Depending on schedule of venue. Other options will be available. (TBD)
• Overnight: Casa particular in Havana.
DAY 3: (B,L)
• Breakfast included at casa.
• Introduction to the Havana Music School facilities. Welcome the musician in you!
• After lunch, visit the dance studio to learn the salsa, rumba, and other dance moves.
• Learn the art of Cuban cooking! Assist with preparing, cooking, and eating dinner.
• Overnight: Casa particular in Havana.
DAY 4: (B,L)
• Breakfast included at casa.
• Drive to Matanzas for a musical exchange with some very talented Cuban musicians.
• Visit Los Muñequitos de Matanzas at their performance. They are the most respected and talented folkloric ensembles in Cuba.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many wonderful paladares.
• Optional evening of live Cuban music at numerous clubs.*
*Depending on schedule of venue. Other options will be available. (TBD)
• Overnight: Casa particular in Havana.
DAY 5: (B,L)
• Breakfast included at casa.
• Painter’s building in Habana Vieja. Private workshop (if available) with a famous Cuban artist.
• Cuban Artist Jose Fuster's studio, Fustalandia. (Gaudi-like fantasy folk area)
• Make your own mojito! Visit an expert bartender and learn to make the National drink.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many wonderful paladares.
• Optional evening of live Cuban music at numerous clubs.*
*Depending on schedule of opening. Other options will be available. (TBD)
• Overnight: Casa particular in Havana.
DAY 6: (B,L)
• Breakfast included at casa.
• Drive through Art Deco neighborhood of 5th Ave.
• Visit Estudios Areito Recording Studios (TBD)
• Art Alley Callejón de Hamel.
• Baila na' ma' for salsa & rumba dance lessons with an expert instructor.
• Dinner on your own at one of the many wonderful paladares.
• Fabrica del Arte club – art space, concert hall, night club and interaction with Cubans.
• Overnight: Casa particular in Havana.
DAY 7: (B,L)
• Breakfast included at casa.
• Join a professional photographer for a walking photo session. Learn the art of street/candid photography.
• Visit Cojimar and enjoy lunch at El Ajiaco or similar
• Explore Hemingway’s Finca Vigia, where he wrote several books during the 40s & 50s.
• See the National Ballet - Alicia Alonzo Theater, Havana Central*
*Depending on schedule of opening. Other options will be available. (TBD)
• Overnight: Casa particular in Havana..
DAY 8: (B)
• Breakfast included at casa.
• Free day to explore, rest, play music, chat with the Cubans.
• Dinner & Music with the Buena Vista Social Club (TBD)
• Overnight: Casa particular in Havana.
DAY 9: (B)
• Breakfast included at casa.
• Depart for Jose Marti Airport for flight home.
Cost: TBD
*A percentage of each registration will be donated to support the Cuban people.
Included in your tour cost:
• Airport transfers: From José Martí Int'l Airport and return.
• All breakfasts and welcome dinner. Other lunches and dinners as listed in tour itinerary indicated by B, L, D.
• All activities, services, speakers, meetings and meals as described in tour itinerary except those noted as "optional" or "not included in cost."
• Air-conditioned transportation and a full-time driver.
• Mandatory Cuban medical insurance coverage during your island stay.
• On request, Mariah Travel will coordination & reserve the best flights.
Not included in your tour cost:
• International airfare to and from Cuba.
• Cuba Tourist Visa (Mariah Travel will apply for each visa)
• Gratuities for Cuban tour guide, bus driver, chambermaids, restaurant staff, porters, etc. Please inquire about recommended gratuities guidelines.
• Any personal items.
• Optional travel interruption and cancellation insurance with USI Affinity.
Please visit - https://www.mariahtravel.com/travel-insurance
PLEASE NOTE: US Passports MUST be valid for 6 months after your arrival date to Cuba.
***This itinerary is subject to change and probably will. We will be confirming casas, restaurants, and venues as soon as possible and will update everyone as changes occur.
Cuba is a wonderful country with beautiful people and natural/cultural beauty, however sometimes things simply do not go as planned. Flexibility and patience are key.
Covid Update: Even with precautions in place, the virus continues to pose challenges, and we are not back to “normal.” So, the question is: What happens if I test positive while abroad?
With the help of local health authorities and EAC’s dedicated leaders, we first move the traveler who tested positive to a hotel room so they can isolate, if required. Otherwise, the traveler remains in their current hotel room to isolate. EAC’s leaders are on hand to offer support throughout the traveler’s quarantine.
• Mariah Travel's leader checks on the traveler daily.
• We work with the traveler to make new air arrangements for them to return home when out of isolation.
• We will bring the traveler meals, medicine if needed, and items to keep them entertained while in their rooms (such as books, magazines, and games).
As always, your health & safety is our #1 concern. I hope by sharing the steps we’re taking; you will continue to feel comfortable trusting Mariah Travel to ensure your well-being while traveling.