Havana Jazz Festival 2024
Cuban Jazz, Music, And Cultural Tour Featuring Havana Jazz Plaza Festival
January 21st-29th, 2024 (Optional Trinidad/Cienfuegos Add-On – January 29th-Feb 3rd, 2024)
Our Havana Jazz Festival Tour is the ultimate VIP small group tour of the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival, curated by professional musicians and musicologists from Cuba and the United States. The best and most unique Cuba Tour for musicians and music lovers.
The Jazz Plaza Festival is the most important Music Event in Cuba and usually features some of the most popular and up n’ coming artists from Cuba and around the world. In the past, there have been performances from artists such as Chucho Valdés, Telmary, Joe Lovano, Snarky Puppy, Alain Pérez, Interactivo, Daymé, Los Van Van, Hector Quintana, Muñequitos de Matanzas, Pedrito Martinez, Cimafunk, Ruy López-Nussa, Dave Weckl, Horacio Hernández (El Negro), Habana de Primera, Rumbatá, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and much more!
This Havana Jazz Festival Tour is definitely for the music lover! If you are looking for an immersive and unique music tour experience of Cuba, our Havana Jazz Festival tour is your way to go. We, as musicians, will offer you a different perspective on Cuban music, culture, and history. Let us show you this beautiful island through music.
You will experience many different styles of music each day and see some of the best artists in all of Cuba in one diverse musical week. With your VIP pass, we will attend some of the most popular music venues in Cuba, like La Zorra y El Cuervo, Fábrica de Arte Cubano, Hotel Nacional, Teatro Nacional, and much more! Together we will discover the new and younger artists rising within the Cuban and Latin American music scenes.
While traveling with us, you will have accommodation options like a Hotel or a Private/Group Villa Casa Particular (private home/apartment Bnb style). In the case of the Group Villa Casa, you will share the place with your small group of no more than 12 people per tour group. Each morning will be an array of different fruits, Cuban coffee, eggs, bread, juices, and more.
Expect to dive deeper into Cuban culture, history, and people’s connection through music and art. The Havana Jazz Plaza Festival Tour will feature art and history museums with local multi-lingual professional tour guides. You can discover and appreciate craft stores and paladares (private restaurants) that the Cuban people have worked so hard to create.
That’s right. Your days and nights in Cuba will be filled with musical events, cultural immersion, performances, dance lessons, music education, and some free time! You will enjoy a VIP music tour with professional musicians who know the music of Cuba better than any other tour agency.
Why should you travel with us?
If your goal is to enjoy a smooth, authentic, and musical travel experience to Cuba without missing any important bucket list detail we think our Havana Jazz Plaza Tour is your best option. More than the amazing accommodations and exceptional cultural experiences, we really believe that our most valuable thing is our people. We are very proud of our talented team of musicians (unique within the Cuba Travel industry) from Cuba and the United States, excellent professionals who graduated from prestigious music schools like Universidad de Las Artes de Cuba.
Our wonderful musician-only team will make sure that you are part of a very special Cuba Tour, without any awkward moments or unfulfilled expectations. We make it possible and easy for you to explore Cuba and its culture through the local community.
But, don’t take our word for it… We are grateful for the beautiful and motivating testimonials that our previous clients have shared with us through our Tripadvisor profile, like the following:
Also, we are a U.S.-based tour agency, and this tour fulfills all of the legal OFAC travel rules for United States Travelers. You will be given a legal travel affidavit and a full-time itinerary to confirm your tour is permitted under the OFAC guidelines. For more info about Cuba and your trip preparation, check out our Cuba Travel Checklist.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
What to look forward to during this Havana Music Tour?
VIP access/tickets and reservations to music events during Jazz Plaza 2024.
Bilingual musicians tour guide from Cuba and the U.S (a tour from musicians for music lovers).
Real interactions with the Cuban people and professional musicians.
Dance or music lessons.
Authentic music and culturalexperiences almost every day of your tour.
Fresh breakfast and authentic Café Cubano each morning in a luxurious villa with our wonderful traveler friends.
Taste of the best Paladares around Havana, Cuba (Private restaurants).
Transportation from 11 am to 11 pm (which includes most evening music).
Free time to shop and explore.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
The Havana Jazz Festival Tour includes the following:
- Accommodations: Casa Particular (Villa or Private BnB) or Hotel
- V.I.P. Music Pass to Jazz Plaza Festival 2024 – Prime Theater Seating
- Private VIP welcoming dinner with private band performance
- Unique and immersive studio listening experience with excellent musicians
- Afro-Cuban Religion and Roots Walking Tour (Learn how religion ties into Rumba music)
- Cuban music history introduction
- Local private farm tour and lunch
- Festival gift pack of souvenirs: (Like Passes, Poster, Shirt, etc)
- A bilingual musician tour leaders
- Support for the Cuban people, local musicians, and small businesses
- Detailed Itinerary that is US Traveler and OFAC compliant
- Breakfast everyday
- 7 Dinners total, dinners almost every night at a top-rated Paladar (except for two nights at your leisure)
- 4 lunches total, one on the first day, two others during day tours, and another for the farm tour
- Entry and reservation into each scheduled itinerary event, workshop, clinic, or museum
- Casino de Salsa Dance lessons or Private Music Lessons
- Airport transport to and from José Martí international airport
- Transportation to all scheduled events
- Flight concierge (flights are not included, but we help you book the best one).
- Concierge service for extras like restaurants, tours, and experiences reservations and recommendations.
- O.F.A.C. General Travel Licensing. (U.S. Travelers)
Cuban Visas are to be purchased at your last airport before departing for Cuba. They are typically around $50-100. If you were born in Cuba, please contact us as you may have different Cuban visa requirements.
TOUR DATES & PRICES
January 21st-29th, 2024 (9 days/8 nights) – EARLY BIRD PRICING UNTIL JUNE 15th, 2023
- Casa Particular (Group Villa/Hostal) – $3,345 per person
- Private Premium Casa Particular (All Yours!) – $3,950 per person
- Deluxe Hotel Room – $4,850 per person
- Deluxe Ocean View Hotel Room – $5,750 per person
- Club Ocean Hotel Room – $7,465 per person
- Junior Suite Hotel Room (Very Limited Availability) – $9,685 per person
- Aston Suite Hotel Room (Very Limited Availability) – $10,855 per person
Trinidad/Cienfuegos Add-On (Jan 29th-Feb 3rd, 2024 -6 days/5 nights)
- Casa/Villa only + $1,495
Hotel:
Havana: Grand Aston Hotel
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1
- Arrival in Havana and included transportation to your Casa/Villa or Hotel (Included transport for flights between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.
- Check-in to Casa/Villa or Hotel
- Lunch (Group meeting/quick orientation)
- Driving tour around Havana in a vintage convertible taxi – visit Plaza de la Revolucion and more
- Welcoming dinner and private party with our own Latin jazz band!
- Evening Jazz Festival events
Day 2
- A wonderful Breakfast with the group at the casa/villa or hotel. (Eggs, meats, bread, freshly squeezed juices, coffees, teas. We have Vegan and Vegetarian options as well)
- Tour of Habana Vieja (Old Havana) – Walk the 4 historical plazas and learn about Cuban history in the old town.
- Visit local craft shops, and art stores, talk with locals, and learn about Cuban culture
- Lunch is included at La Vitrola – Live traditional Cuban music too!
- Back to the Casa or Hotel to rest before dinner
- Group dinner at another fine Paladar in Havana (Atelier)
- Jazz Plaza Music Events (Concerts mostly at the National Theater or another theater/music clubs)
- Optional Late night music
Day 3
- A wonderful Breakfast with the group at the casa/villa or hotel
- Visit a local music school conservatory and donate musical gear while hearing a live performance and learning about Cuban education.
- Visit Fusterlandia – a unique ceramic art pueblo designed by artist Jose Fuster
- Transportation back to the Casa or Hotel
- Dinner at a famous Paladar
- Jazz Plaza Music Events
- Optional late-night Latin jazz music at La Casa de Cultura
Day 4
- A wonderful Breakfast with the group at the casa/villa or hotel
- Unique studio listening experience with excellent Cuban jazz musicians
- Dinner on your own (This is the night to have a romantic dinner for couples or as a family)
- Jazz Plaza Music Events
- Art tour at Fábrica de Arte Cubano, feel free to stay late for more music and entertainment. Fábrica is one of the most dynamic art/music/nightclub facilities in Havana, Cuba
Day 5
- A wonderful Breakfast with the group at the casa/villa or hotel
- Private Afro-Cuban Religion Tour in Callejon de Hamel and the Cayo Hueso neighborhood in Centro Havana – Learn why religion in Cuba is important for Cuban music history
- Head back to the casa/villa or hotel to relax or explore Old Havana (Optional included transport drop off in Old Havana)
- Jazz Plaza Music Events
- VIP dinner (La Tierra), music, and art tour at Fábrica de Arte Cubano, feel free to stay late for more music and entertainment. Fábrica is one of the most dynamic art/music/nightclub facilities in Havana, Cuba
Day 6
- A wonderful Breakfast with the group at the casa/villa or hotel
- Cuban Music history introduction
- Dance or music lessons with local musicians and dancers
- Authentic home-prepared lunch. La Comida Criolla!
- Free time to explore at your leisure or return to casa or hotel
- Dinner on your own
- Jazz Plaza Music Events
Day 7
- A wonderful Breakfast with the group at the casa/villa or hotel
- Free day (optional day tours to Viñales or Matanzas – As us about it!)
- Optional Jazz Plaza music events
Day 8
- A wonderful Breakfast with the group at the casa/villa or hotel
- Local farm tour of Finca Tungasuk with organic farm-to-table lunch included.
- Free time to explore Havana
- Final group dinner at a famous Paladar
- Final Jazz Plaza Events for the evening!
Day 9
- A wonderful Breakfast with the group at the casa/villa or hotel
- Havana Jazz Festival reflection and goodbyes.
- Transportation to the Airport
- (Transportation to Trinidad for those who wish to do the Add-on)
*Flights arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary must arrive between 11:30 am-12:30 pm EST to have included transportation. You are free to contact us and arrive early with some add-on packages we can create for your group. We can arrange private airport transport at any time. All flights arriving must come into Havana and depart from Havana. If you book a departing flight from another city and/or stay extra days the transportation will not be included.
*All breakfasts are included. Other meals are on a per-day basis.
*All music entries and reservations are also included with your VIP festival pass.
*This is just a sample itinerary, you will receive a detailed itinerary with confirmed events closer to your trip departure. Keep in mind that the festival does not provide the final program until about 1 week before the first performance. So we try to have a preliminary itinerary a couple of weeks before, but the final music schedule will not be until a few days before your trip. We use all of our musical knowledge as professional musicians and musicologists to curate the best music tour for the Havana Jazz Plaza Festival
ACCOMMODATIONS: CASA/VILLA EXAMPLES
ACCOMMODATIONS: HOTEL EXAMPLES
TRINIDAD/CIENFUEGOS ADD ON (6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS)
January 29th-February 3rd, 2024
Group Villas/Casas Only – All guests will have a Private Room and Bathroom
Inclusions:
- Private Roundtrip Transportation from Havana to Trinidad
- Transportation (as needed to each included event. Trinidad is a very small town and cars are not allowed to drive much, if at all in the main area. At times we may just walk a few blocks to dinners, music, etc.)
- Accommodations in your Casa Particular (Private guest house)
- 3 Breakfasts (Each morning)
- 1 Dinner
- 3 Lunches
- Musician Tour Leader and Local Cuban Guides
- Unique musical and cultural experiences
- Historical day walking tours
- Private music experience with Tonadas Trinitarias, one of the last Folkloric music groups left in Trinidad, Cuba
Highlights:
- Music, art, and cultural tours
- Dinner reservations at prime restaurants
- Local tour guides and workshops
- The best music events during tour dates
- Unique musical experiences unlike any other tour
- Included transportation
- Detailed itinerary of events
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 (Havana —> Trinidad)
- Early morning breakfast, then check out from your Casa or Hotel in Havana
- Private transfer with your tour leader to Trinidad (Apr 5-6 Hours)
- Included Lunch
- Check-in to Casa Particular in Trinidad
- Welcoming dinner (included)
- Late-night music in Trinidad, Cuba (Folklorica, Son, Salsa, and more)
Day 2 (Trinidad – Day tour and Folkloric Music Experience)
- Fresh breakfast at your Casa (Eggs, Fruits, Juices, Coffee, Tea, Bread, Veggies, and Meats)
- Walking tour of Historic Trinidad with a local Cuban bilingual guide. Learn about history, architecture, and culture.
- Driving tour of the valley with lunch included
- Visit a local ceramic crafts shop
- A unique immersive experience with Tonadas Trinitarias. See why this group is so unique to Cuba, featuring spiritual group vocals and Afro-Cuban style percussion.
- Free time to relax or explore on your own before dinner.
- Dinner on your own. (We can help you make reservations)
- Optional evening music event.
Day 3 (Trinidad – Optional morning experiences)
- Fresh breakfast at your Casa (Eggs, Fruits, Juices, Coffee, Tea, Bread, Veggies, and Meats)
- Optional experiences: Hiking in Parque el Cubano
- Free Afternoon to shop or explore Trinidad at your leisure
- Evening on your own in Trinidad
Day 4 (Cienfuegos)
- Fresh breakfast at your Casa (Eggs, Fruits, Juices, Coffee, Tea, Bread, Veggies, and Meats)
- Transport to Cienfuegos for overnight
- Lunch at a local paladar in Cienfuegos
- Free afternoon to explore Cienfuegos with or without your guide.
- Dinner on your own or with the group (not included)
- The best music of the night in Cienfuegos
Day 5 (Back to Havana)
- Fresh breakfast at your Casa (Eggs, Fruits, Juices, Coffee, Tea, Bread, Veggies, and Meats)
- Transport to Havana
- Lunch in Havana
- Check-in and free time to explore, last-minute shopping, etc.
Day 6 (Havana – Airport Transfers)
- Fresh breakfast at your Casa (Eggs, Fruits, Juices, Coffee, Tea, Bread, Veggies, and Meats)
- Included Airport Transfers
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