Travel
Are flights included in the cost of the dance holiday?
No, flights are not included in the cost of the trip as we have travellers coming from all over the world. You should book your flights independently and just tell us when and where you are arriving so that we can book your transfers, if required.
Transfers
For those arriving at Havana airport or the Viazul bus station in Havana, we can arrange local transfers.
For those arriving at other locations in Cuba, we can arrange domestic travel and advise best routes. Please get in touch with us directly for more details.
Accommodation
What type of accommodation is included in the trip?
Single or double/twin rooms in a range of carefully selected accommodation: friendly homestays, our favourite guesthouses and an excellent boutique hotel are included in the cost (see the Whats Included tab). For those travelling with a friend, partner or family member, we can arrange double/twin room accommodation as required. Please note that shared rooms are only available for two people travelling together. If you would rather stay in a larger hotel just let us know and we can provide a quote for you.
What is homestay accommodation like?
Homestay accommodation provides an insight into the everyday lives of Cubans, and offers a safe, friendly and welcoming place to stay. It is also the most cost effective type of accommodation. All our homestay accommodation is licensed by the Cuban state and guarantees a good standard of cleanliness and facilities as well as daily contact with truly wonderful welcoming hosts. Your room will have air conditioning and an ensuite toilet facilities with a shower. You will also have access to a fridge.
Where is the accommodation located?
Our homestay houses and boutique hostals/hotels are located right in the heart of Old Havana, very close to the venue for dance lessons. It is just a 10 minute walk to Parque Central and the El Prado pedestrianised promenade. A hostal in Cuba is not a budget youth hostel but more of an upmarket guesthouse, kind of halfway between a homestay and a hotel.
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included for 7 nights, providing good home cooking using delicious local, seasonal produce. You don’t eat breakfast with your hosts although they will be present if you want to have a chat. Breakfast usually consists of coffee/tea, freshly made fruit juice, bread, butter, eggs, fresh fruit, homemade jam/honey. You can usually arrange dinner with your hosts and pay them direct, or you can go to any one of the many local restaurants in the area.
I have a dietary requirement, can this be catered for?
Yes, often guests have special dietary requirements and your host will be happy to cater to your needs as much as possible.
Havana
What is the city like?
Havana is a big, bustling, colourful city and is considered to be the jewel in the Caribbean crown. It is full of life, yet simultaneously has a laid back Caribbean atmosphere. It is the biggest city in Cuba with 2.3 million inhabitants but has a compact historic centre, making it very easy to get around Old Havana on foot. This is the historic part of the city, with atmospheric squares which are lit up at night, a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants and some very hip venues for late night revels!
The Dance Holiday – General questions
How many participants are there on the dance holiday?
We have small groups of minimum 6 and up to a maximum of 15 people to keep the group dynamic personal and friendly – it also helps people get to know each other better, both Cubans and participants. It also makes things more manageable from an organising point of view. Going out at night with 15 visitors + 15 Cubans is already quite a big group, and we really do try to integrate into the local cultural scene rather than dominate with our presence.
Dance classes
Will I have a dance partner?
Yes, each participant will have their own professional Cuban dance partner/tutor for all group lessons and will be accompanied by a Cuban dance partner on organised group nights out too.
Visas
Is a visa required to enter Cuba?
Yes, all persons visiting Cuba must have a valid tourist card to enter the country. The tourist card is digital and is valid for up to 90 days from the date of your arrival in Cuba. It is the required visa for those travelling for tourism purposes. Càlédöñiâ is authorised by the Cuban Consulate in London to issue digital tourist cards, so please contact us if you require one. Some countries require their citizens to apply direct to a Cuban Consulate for an A1 visa so you should check with us first.