VIP Music Tour of Cuba

The Most Luxurious Music Lovers Tour: Featuring Havana & Viรฑales Valley
Upcoming Dates: December 1st-7th, 2026

vip music tour of Cuba

TOUR OVERVIEW

Discover Cuban Music with Our VIP Music Tour

Welcome to a world where every note tells a story, and every melody invites you to join in the celebration. Our VIP Music Tour of Cuba is a meticulously planned journey through Havana’s rich musical landscape, combining luxury, culture, and genuine musical experiences.

Havana’s Musical Nights: An Evening to Remember

In Havana, music is the lifeblood of the city. We’ve secured the best seats in the house for you to witness the most captivating performances. Our expert guides will take you to handpicked events featuring Havana’s top musical talents each evening. Whether itโ€™s an intimate jazz session or a lively salsa show, these nights will be moments youโ€™ll treasure forever.

Viรฑales: Nature and Culture in Perfect Harmony

Join us on a trip to Viรฑales, where the scenery is as soothing as the soft strum of a guitar. Here, we’ll explore the art of cigar making, giving you a glimpse into this traditional craft. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch amidst the stunning landscape, allowing you to breathe in the fresh air and savor life’s simple pleasures.

Unique Musical Experiences: Crafted Just for You

Our team, filled with passionate musicians and Cuban music experts, has designed exclusive experiences tailored for you. Picture yourself in a live studio session, soaking up the creative energy, or dancing in a private salsa class guided by a local expert. Donโ€™t miss our special opening party, featuring performances by Cuba’s top musicians, creating a truly memorable kickoff to your journey.

Culinary Delights and Luxurious Stays

Your stay at a premium Casa Particular or private villa offers breathtaking views of Havana and plush accommodations. Each morning, start your day with a delightful breakfast filled with local flavors.

The culinary adventure continues as we dine at Havana’s famous Paladares, celebrated for their rich and diverse dishes. In Viรฑales, enjoy a special lunch that highlights the freshest produce of the region.

Join Us on a Musical Journey: Reserve Your Place Today

Come along on this exceptional tour, where every moment is a celebration of Cuban music. With limited spaces available, make sure to reserve your spot today for an experience that will resonate with you for years to come.

Group Size

Super Small Group Tour of only 10 Participants

Tour Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Location

Havana & Viรฑales

Legal Travel to Cuba

All independent and custom itineraries are designed, authorized, and operated in absolute compliance under the Support for the Cuban People general license (31 CFR ยง 515.574), maintaining an intensive schedule of engagements that directly fund and support Cuba’s independent private sector.

DATES & PRICES

Prices are per person and vary depending on whether you select a Group Casa, Private Casa, or a fully private residential villa. Havana Music Tours strictly operates within the independent private sector. All traveler accommodations are exclusively located inside vetted, authorized, family-owned Cuban Casas Particulares, independent neighborhood guest homes, and private villas. All options include a private room and a private bathroom.

To reserve your spot on this tour, we require a $500 USD non-refundable deposit (50% of the total price for private tours). Final payments are due around 90 days before tour departure. We have several payment plan options if needed. Just contact us and let us know.

The prices on our website are all in US Dollars and based on an ACH/Wire bank transfer from our 3rd party merchant or directly from your own bank. If you wish to use a credit or debit card, a 3.5% fee will be added. We do not accept cash or checks.

We have plenty of individuals, couples, groups, and families who travel with us, and everyone has a blast. If you have any special requests, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure you have the perfect space and feel comfortable during your stay.

If our dates do not work for you, remember that we also offer personalized tours with custom dates and group sizes. More info about ourย private tour options here.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

  • Day 1: Welcome to Havana

    Touch down in Havana, where youโ€™ll be greeted and whisked away to your accommodations. After settling in, weโ€™ll gather for a delightful lunch, introducing Cuban culture and what lies ahead on our itinerary.

    The afternoon offers a chance to explore the iconic Malecรณn. As the sun begins to set, weโ€™ll take a ride in a vintage convertible taxi, cruising through the vibrant streets and visiting artistic havens like Fusterlandia and the historic Plaza de la Revoluciรณn.

    In the evening, join us for our Welcome Dinner and Music in Havana, where we share some of the cityโ€™s best local flavors and introduce you to the music that makes Havana so special.

    MEALS: Lunch, Dinner

  • Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodations. Weโ€™ll take off on a walking tour of Old Havana, where the cityโ€™s rich history, stunning architecture, and lively music scene come to life. Stroll through the four historic plazas, soaking in the colonial charm and perhaps catching impromptu performances by local Son groups. Weโ€™ll break for lunch at La Vitrola, a spot where music and flavors intertwine beautifully.

    After an afternoon allocated for self-directed independent cultural research and localized interaction with self-employed neighborhood networks, weโ€™ll head to the rooftop of El del Frente for cocktails with a view of Old Havana, followed by a delectable dinner at this famed Paladar, celebrated in the documentary โ€œCuban Food Stories.โ€

    The night culminates with an incredible performance by the modern-day Buena Vista Social Club and Afro Cuban All Stars at El Guajirito, an experience that captures the essence of Cuban musical heritage.

    MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 2: Discovering Old Havana and Night of Music

  • Day 3: Studio Performance and Jazz Night

    Begin with a delicious breakfast at your accommodations before heading to a private music studio in Old Havana. Here, youโ€™ll enjoy an intimate live performance by some of the best Latin jazz musicians in Havana, giving you a glimpse into the creative music scene of Cuba. Share a small lunch with the musicians, discussing the nuances of their craft.

    Later, weโ€™ll meet at the Malecรณn to witness a breathtaking sunset. Dinner at one of Havana’s best Paladars promises a culinary delight, setting the stage for an evening of Latin Jazz at one of Havanaโ€™s famous clubs like โ€œLa Zorra y El Cuervo,โ€ or a hidden gem where the music never fails to enchant.

    MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • After breakfast, delve into a morning of music history and a vinyl record session with DJ Jigรผe at Guampara Music (the first independent AfroCuban Record Label in Cuba), in Central Havana. Feel Cubaโ€™s musical legacy as you listen to timeless records. Next, participate in a hands-on salsa dance lesson or an instrument workshop, guided by expert instructors. Enjoy a special AfroCaribbean home-prepared lunch, showcasing the best of Cuban culinary traditions. The afternoon is allocated for individual study of local private sector neighborhood infrastructure and independent music networks.

    As the day winds down, weโ€™ll gather for dinner at Paladar Cafetalex. The night continues with more live music, filling the air with the irresistible sounds of Havana.

    MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 4: Music Lessons and Cultural Exploration

  • Day 5: Exploring Viรฑales Valley

    Start your day with breakfast before we head to the picturesque Viรฑales Valley. This agricultural gem offers an immersive look into Cuban cigar farms and rural life. Explore a marvel at the prehistoric mural and take in the stunning vistas of Viรฑales. A farm-to-table lunch is included, providing a true taste of the regionโ€™s fresh produce. Weโ€™ll return to Havana for a relaxing evening, with dinner plans at your leisure.

    For those seeking more music, optional late-night sessions at a renowned club are available for recommendations or optional tour add-ons.

    MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Enjoy breakfast at your accommodations, followed by time allocated for community immersion and interaction with independent private micro-enterprises. Whether you choose to shop, sightsee, or simply relax, the city is yours to discover. Please let us know if you would like to request one of our guided experiences for this day.

    In the evening, weโ€™ll come together for a special pre-departure dinner at Paladar Vista Mar, perfectly timed to catch the sunset over the ocean. For those not ready to call it a night, more live music options await.

    MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

    Day 6: Cultural Immersion and Farewell Dinner

  • Day 7: Departure from Havana

    Savor your final breakfast at your accommodations before we arrange your transportation to the airport. Reflect on the unforgettable moments shared and the rich musical experiences that defined your journey.

    Though itโ€™s time to leave, the memories of Havana will stay with you, and perhaps youโ€™ll return for another musical adventure. (You wonโ€™t want to leave, but you can always come back โ€“ Maybe extend with aย private tour?)

    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.

All breakfasts are included. Other meals are on a per-day basis.ย All music entries and reservations reflected in the itinerary are also 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.ย 

WHATโ€™S INCLUDED

  • Premium Accommodations inside an authorized, family-owned Cuban Casa Particular or private villa
  • Super small group, maximum of only 10 participants
  • Bilingual musician tour leaders
  • Local expert tour guides
  • Support for the Cuban people and personalized interactions
  • Convertible vintage taxi ride around all of Havana
  • Unique music studio listening experience with a live band in a private studio in Old Havana
  • Detailed Itinerary (Compliant under the Support for the Cuban People General License โ€” 31 CFR ยง 515.574)
  • Entry to the best music events available each day and night.
  • An excellent Cuban breakfast every day (Cafรฉ Cubano, eggs, fruits, and much more)
  • Dinner every night except for one night at your leisure
  • 5 lunches, including a home-prepared meal and an authentic lunch in Viรฑales
  • Entry and reservation into each scheduled music event, etc
  • Dance or Music lessons
  • Day tours: walking tours, music history, Cuban history, and culture
  • Transportation and day tour to Viรฑales Valley with your tour guide (Includes Lunch and Farm tour)
  • Nightly music tours with pro musicians and musicologists
  • Airport transport to and from Josรฉ Martรญ International Airportย 
  • Transportation to all scheduled events.
  • Flight concierge (flights are not included, but we help you book the best one).
  • Restaurant reservations and recommendations.
  • O.F.A.C. General Travel License (U.S. Travelers)

Whatโ€™s Not Included

International flights, Cuban visa, travel insurance, tips, personal purchases, and additional meals or activities during free time.

Cuban Visasย are to be purchased online in advance 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.

YOUR STAY IN HAVANA

Luxury Private Villa Example

El candil boutique hotel havana 4
El candil boutique hotel havana
Boutique Hotel El Candil-Havana Cuba
El candil boutique hotel havana 3
Boutique Hotel El candil-Havana Cuba 1
Boutique Hotel El candil-Havana Cuba 5

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • VIP Access and Reservations: Enjoy priority access and reservations to the best music events in Havana, Cuba.
  • Prime Accommodations: Stay at one of Havanaโ€™s unique, private, luxury Casas Particulares or private neighborhood villas.
  • Bilingual Musician Guides: Experience a tour led by bilingual musicians from Cuba and the U.S., designed for music lovers by fellow musicians.
  • Vintage Car Ride: Cruise around Havana in a classic vintage car, taking in the sights in style.
  • Daily Music and Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in authentic music and cultural events almost every day of your tour.
  • Comprehensive Transportation: All-day transportation included, with nightly rides to music venues until around 11 pm/12 am.
  • Concierge Service: Benefit from dedicated on-the-ground concierge service in Cuba.
  • Viรฑales Excursions: Enjoy authentic cigars and farm-to-table experiences in the beautiful Viรฑales region.
  • Engage with Locals: Experience real interactions with the Cuban people and professional musicians.
  • Dance and Music Lessons: Participate in dance or music lessons tailored to your interests.
  • Delicious Breakfasts: Start each day with a fresh breakfast and authentic Cafรฉ Cubano in a luxurious villa, shared with fellow travelers.
  • Gourmet Dining: Savor meals at some of the best Paladares (private restaurants) around Havana.
  • Detailed Itinerary: Our tour is designed and operated in absolute compliance under the Support for the Cuban People general license (31 CFR ยง 515.574).
  • Independent Exploration: Enjoy allocated time to interact with local craft markets and explore private micro-enterprises.

VIP MUSIC TOUR FAQ

Yes. This tour follows the U.S. Treasuryโ€™s General License for Educational Activities, Group People-to-People (ยง515.565). Each day includes structured cultural and educational exchanges with Cuban musicians, artists, and private entrepreneurs. You will receive a full compliance packet before travel.

You will stay at Boutique Hotel Claxon (or similar) in Havana. Each room includes a private bathroom, daily breakfast, and on-site staff support. If Claxon becomes unavailable, we will offer an equal or better boutique option and confirm with you before finalizing.

This VIP tour is limited to 8 guests. Small groups let you meet musicians, ask questions, and enjoy a more personal experience.

We confirm the final night-by-night schedule a few days before the tour because Havanaโ€™s music scene changes daily. We reserve high-quality concerts, jazz clubs, studio sessions, and private performances using our local musician network.

It is an intimate live performance inside a professional recording studio. You listen through studio headphones (Snarky Puppy style), meet the band, and ask questions about their music and creative process.

Yes. Breakfast is included every day. The tour also includes several lunches and dinners at private paladares and homes. One dinner is at your leisure. The final schedule on your confirmation email will show exactly which meals are included for your tour dates.

Usually, yes. El Candil and our partner paladares offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly options. Tell us your needs when booking.

Comfortable but full. Most days include 6โ€“8 hours of structured activities, plus meals and music events. We include downtime and one lighter day so you can relax or explore on your own.

Yes. Some of our VIP guests travel solo. You will have a private room at El Candil, and our team offers support throughout the week.

Plan to bring enough cash for tips, souvenirs, extra drinks, and meals not included. U.S. cards do not work in Cuba. We provide a suggested cash amount in your pre-departure packet.

Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a small day bag, sun protection, and insect repellent. For evenings, bring neat, comfortable attire. Many Cubans like to dress up when going out to music venues, so pack a few nicer outfits for dinners and night events.

Yes. We offer flight guidance, but flights are not included in the tour price. To use the included airport pickup, choose a flight arriving in Havana between the recommended arrival window listed for your departure.

Cuba is dynamic. Artists, venues, and schedules can shift. When needed, we adjust quickly and replace an activity with something equal or better. Your musician-guides handle everything on the ground.

Traveler's Choice Tripadvisor (Medium Banner (US) (Landscape)

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

3 - Alexander Abreu y Havana de Primera - Havana Salsa Festival Photos - Havana Music Tours

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