Small-Group Music & Cultural Experience Led by Musicians & Musicologists
Six 2027 departures • Maximum 10 guests per tour group
January 11–15 • February 8–12 • March 8–12 • April 12–16 • May 10–14 • June 7–11, 2027
5 Days / 4 Nights • Maximum 10 guests • $2,985 per person + $450 single supplement
Looking for a rich and authentic experience in Havana?
Our five-day tour is crafted for those who want to explore the city’s unique blend of music, art, and culture in a way that only musicians can offer. Havana isn’t just a place we visit—it’s a city we know intimately, and we’re excited to share its essence with you.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be guided by professionals who live and breathe music. We’ll introduce you to Havana’s vibrant neighborhoods, where music pours out from every corner. Imagine walking down streets filled with the sounds of locals playing son and salsa, with every note telling a story of the city’s deep musical roots. Each day is thoughtfully planned to ensure you experience as much of Havana’s cultural richness as possible.
During your stay, we’ll explore the city’s history through its music. You’ll visit studios where renowned Cuban musicians have recorded, meet with local artists who blend tradition with innovation and learn about the evolution of Cuban music from the people who know it best. We’ll take you to workshops and studios where you can see local craftspeople at work, giving you insight into the artistic traditions that are still very much alive today.
Our musician-guides select live performances from Havana’s confirmed calendar, with music ranging from jazz to timba and son. Exact artists and venues depend on the departure dates, opening schedules and confirmed access. Fábrica de Arte Cubano may be an option when its calendar allows, but no particular venue or artist is guaranteed on every departure.
We also believe in giving you time to explore on your own. There will be moments for you to wander through the city’s historic plazas, enjoy a leisurely meal at a local paladar, or simply relax with a Cuban coffee as the world passes by. Whether you’re exploring the bustling markets or sitting in on a spontaneous jam session at a local bar, you’ll feel the pulse of Havana in a way that’s authentic and unfiltered.
Throughout the tour, we’ll provide insights that go beyond the usual tourist experience. You’ll learn how Cuba’s political and social history has shaped its music and how, in turn, that music has become a symbol of resilience and expression. By the end of these five days, you won’t just have visited Havana—you’ll have connected with it on a deeper level, understanding the nuances of its culture through the lens of music and art.
So, if you’re a music lover with a desire to experience Havana in a meaningful way, join us, we promise that every moment of these five days will be filled with discoveries, connections, and, of course, incredible music.
Small Group Tours — Maximum 10 Guests
5 Days / 4 Nights
Havana
For U.S. travelers, this itinerary is designed around Support for the Cuban People (31 CFR § 515.574). Each traveler must participate in a full-time schedule of qualifying activities with meaningful interaction and support for independent Cuban activity. We provide the detailed itinerary and pre-departure guidance. Private stays, meals and concert attendance alone do not qualify a trip; breaks must remain consistent with the full-time program.
January 11–15 • February 8–12 • March 8–12 • April 12–16 • May 10–14 • June 7–11, 2027
$2,985 per person • $450 single supplement • Maximum 10 guests • Private dates are also available by request.
Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Havana
Touch down in Havana and be warmly welcomed as you’re whisked away to your charming private Casa Particular/Villa. After settling in, enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the local area or simply relaxing in your accommodation.
In the late afternoon, we’ll embark on a captivating driving tour, guiding you through Havana’s vibrant streets and historic landmarks, setting the stage for your adventure.
As the evening draws near, join us for an insightful discussion on Cuba’s rich culture and history, followed by a delightful welcome dinner at one of Havana’s top Paladares.
The night comes alive with an exclusive group reservation, where you’ll be treated to performances by modern-day Buena Vista Social Club members and the Afro-Cuban All-Stars—an unforgettable introduction to Havana’s musical soul.
MEALS: Dinner
Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Old Havana
Start your day with a hearty group breakfast at the private Casa Particular/Villa, fueling up for a day of exploration.
We’ll dive into the heart of Habana Vieja (Old Havana), where a walking tour will immerse you in the city’s energy, taking you through its charming streets, craft markets, art galleries, and cigar shops.
Lunch/Brunch will be a culinary delight in the heart of Old Havana, offering a taste of local flavors.
Afterward, return to the Villa for some well-deserved downtime, perhaps a siesta or a chance to unwind by the pool.
In the evening, explore Havana’s music and art program with your local musician guide. A visit to Fábrica de Arte Cubano depends on its opening calendar and confirmed access; it is not guaranteed on every departure.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: A Day of Music and Dance
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your private Casa Particular/Villa before diving into Havana’s rich musical heritage.
The day begins with a music history and vinyl record listening session with DJ Jigüe in central Havana, offering a unique perspective on Cuba’s musical roots.
Afterward, you’ll have the chance to partake in a Salsa dance class or choose from a selection of specific instrument music lessons tailored to your interests.
Lunch will be a special, home-prepared Afro-Caribbean-Cuban meal, a culinary journey into the island’s diverse flavors.
The afternoon is yours to explore, shop, or relax as you see fit.
For dinner, the choice is yours (on your own)—whether you’re in the mood for an adventurous, romantic, or family-oriented meal, we’ll provide recommendations to suit your taste.
The evening will conclude with a selection of Havana’s finest live music venues, offering a perfect end to a day steeped in rhythm and melody.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Immersing in Havana’s Cultural Tapestry
Begin your day with breakfast at your private Casa Particular/Villa, ready for another day of exploration.
Begin with a visit to Fusterlandia, José Fuster’s colorful community art project in Jaimanitas, where homes, streets, and public spaces have become part of a neighborhood-scale mosaic environment. From there, continue west to Finca Tungasuk for an included farm-to-table lunch and guided visit focused on Cuban agriculture, local food production, and sustainable farming practices.
After returning to central Havana, enjoy some free time to rest, explore, or prepare for the evening.
As the day draws to a close, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner at one of the city’s renowned Paladares, celebrating the flavors of Cuban cuisine and the memories made on this unforgettable journey.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Farewell to Havana and Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast at your private Casa Particular/Villa, savoring the flavors of Cuba one last time.
The morning is yours to relax or explore a bit more of Havana, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs or visiting a nearby café for a final taste of Cuban coffee.
As your departure time approaches, you’ll be escorted back to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you the unforgettable memories of your Havana Music & Cultural Tour.
This day marks the end of your journey in Havana, but the rhythms, flavors, and experiences will stay with you long after you’ve left.
MEALS: Breakfast
*Flights arriving on Day 1 of the itinerary must arrive between 11am-1pm EST to have included transportation. You can contact us and arrive early with some add-on packages we can create for your group. It is better to arrive earlier than later, as our tour starts around 4 pm on the first tour day. 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.
*This is just a sample itinerary; you will receive a detailed itinerary with confirmed events closer to your trip departure. We try to have a preliminary itinerary a few 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 during the tour.
*All breakfasts are included. Other meals are on a per-day basis.
*All music entries and reservations reflected in the itinerary are also included.
Cuban eVisa: Cuba now uses an electronic visa linked to your passport. It should be obtained online in advance before departure. Visa procedures and fees can change, and Cuban-born travelers may have additional passport or entry requirements. We provide current instructions before travel; contact us if you were born in Cuba or have questions.
About these accommodation photos: These images are representative examples of privately owned Casas Particulares and private villas that Havana Music Tours has used or vetted in the past. Your confirmed property may differ based on group size and availability, but we select accommodations of comparable quality in well-located areas, with private bathrooms and reliable guest support. Because power interruptions can occur in Cuba, we prioritize properties with backup-power capability—such as solar systems, battery storage and/or generators—whenever available, to reduce disruption. Final accommodation details are confirmed before departure.
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We spent six days in Cuba on a private tour with Havana Music Tours. This is a great personalized tour, specializing in authentic, non-touristy music experiences. Chaz Chambers, the owner, did a great job of putting together our itinerary, informing us what to expect and providing a wealth of information to prepare us for our trip. Read More
My wife and I went on the Jazz Plaza 2024 tour. Really excellent. Chaz and Yami have put together a great team of Cuban guides and facilitators: Rocio, Ismelys… were all wonderful. They go out of their way to personalize the experience and provide any support that is needed. Jazz Plaza is an incredible experience, and Havana Music Tours did a great job curating the adventure. Read More
Absolutely fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime custom-built musical and cultural tour around Havana! Chaz and Yami took all of our requests and constraints into consideration while planning and customizing our tour, which included mouth-watering dining in paladares, musical experiences & concerts, and walking & driving city tours. Read More
First off, It’s very easy to recommend any tour with Chaz and Yami. Period. Honestly, I was a little skeptical about so many glowing TripAdvisor reviews. Here comes another glowing review, haha. I can say easily, without hyperbole, that the experience with Havana Music Tours was life-changing! The trip exceeded expectations. Read More
