Travel
Are flights included in the cost of the dance holiday?
No, flights are not included in the cost of the trip. 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 Santiago airport or the Viazul bus station in Santiago we can arrange local transfers.
For those arriving at Holguin airport, we can arrange transfers to Santiago de Cuba which is approximately a 2.5 hour journey. As we often have people travelling on the same flights, we organise shared transfers which helps to reduce the costs.
For anyone flying into Havana airport, we can advise on domestic flights to Santiago de Cuba (a 1.5hr flight), or can book long distance bus tickets on a scheduled service which will take 12 – 14 hrs each way.
Accommodation
What type of accommodation is included in the trip?
Single rooms in homestay accommodation are included in the cost. For those travelling with a friend, partner or family member, we can arrange double/twin room accommodation as required. The cost of the trip includes 14 nights from the day you arrive (usually the Sunday before lessons begin) and additional nights can be added on request.
What is homestay accommodation like?
Homestay accommodation provides a real insight into the everyday lives of Cubans, and offers a safe, friendly and welcoming place to stay. All our homestay accommodation is licensed by the Cuban state and guarantees a good standard of cleanliness and decent 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 in the house.
Where are the homestays located?
All of our homestays are located right in the city centre, close to the main square, the venue for dance lessons and all of the venues on the nights out.
Are meals included?
Both breakfast and evening meals are included at your homestay for 14 nights, providing good home cooking using delicious local, seasonal produce. You don’t eat any of your meals with your hosts at all although they will be present if you want to have a chat. Breakfast usually consists of coffee, juice, bread, eggs, fresh fruit. Dinner varies each night and is normally a typical Cuban dish which can be rice, beans, vegetables, salad, and meat/fish/seafood.
I have a dietary requirement, can this be catered for?
Yes, our homestays often have guests with dietary requirements and they are happy to cater to your needs as much as possible.
Santiago de Cuba
What is the city like?
Santiago de Cuba is a vibrant city, full of life, yet has a very relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. It is the second biggest city in Cuba with 500,000 inhabitants and has a compact centre, making it very easy to get around on foot. It is widely recognised in Cuba as the most hospitable city on the island and you will soon find out why!
The Dance Holiday – General questions
How many participants are there on the dance holiday?
We have small groups of up to 15 people to keep the group dynamic personal and friendly – it helps people get to know each other better, both Cubans and participants, but also to make 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.
Afternoon sessions
Two 90 minute afternoon sessions are included in the dance holiday, and you can choose from one of the following:
Dance styling focuses on body movement and posture and aims to help non-Cuban dancers to achieve a more Cuban and fluid style of dancing. Ladies are taught in a group by a female teacher, and men by a male teacher.
Percussion lessons are also taught in a group using different Cuban instruments such as congas, cowbells, clave, guiro are intended to focus on the basic rhythyms you would hear in Cuban music. People often comment that it is really useful to be able to recognise the rhythms that you hear in Cuban music.
Cost of the trip
Is there a single supplement?
No, the cost of the trip includes single room accommodation.
Visas
Is a visa required to enter Cuba?
Yes, all persons visiting Cuba must have a valid visa to enter the country. The visa is digital and is valid for up to 90 days from the date of your arrival in Cuba, and can be extended for a further 90 days once you are in Cuba. It is the required visa for those travelling for tourism purposes. Càlédöñiâ is authorised by the Cuban Consulate in London to issue the digital visa, so please contact us if you require one. Some countries require their citizens to apply direct to a Cuban Consulate for a visa (such as Indian passport holders), but we can issue the travel visa to most nationalities including US passport holders.
