The Music of Cuba

15 days - October 4-18, 2008

8 days - October 11-18, 2008

Cuba is one of the world's great musical destinations. And for the past decade, since the release of the Buena Vista Social Club CD, music has been a part of Cuba's international image. In fact there are those that credit World Circuit (the Buena Vista label) with helping the growth in Cuban tourism. Virtually anyone visiting Havana these days is likely to find themselves with a group of soneros strumming 'Chan Chan', but thankfully the Songlines Music Travel trip, led by Philip Sweeney, offers a good deal more than that.

Essentially Cuban music is a mix of African and Spanish ingredients (from the slave population brought to the sugar and tobacco plantations and the Spanish colonisers). Of the original inhabitants virtually nothing remains except the maracas and the adoption of the name of one of the tribes, Siboney, by the recording studios in Santiago, where son - Cuba's most infectious fusion of African and Latin ingredients - was born.

Our journey through Cuba starts in in the east, where son and the Cuban revolution began in the mountains of the Sierra Maestra. And it ends in Havana, where the popular sound of mambo emerged and where reggaeton holds sway today. A journey that will introduce us to the range of Cuban music today, from Afro-Cuban rumba, to son and reggaeton - ending with three rhythm-drenched days in Havana.

All Songlines Music Travellers will receive an information sheet about the local music plus recommended recordings and DVDs.

Cuba Itinerary - 15 days

Day 1

Our flight across the Atlantic lands at the small airport of Holguin where we are met by our Songlines Travel Leader. We drive east to the charming port of Baracoa for the night and check into our hotel.

Day 2

Baracoa lies at the far eastern end of Cuba, far from the bustle of Havana. Here there is time to unwind and talk through our musical plans with your Travel Leader. You can spend a day relaxing on the beach before our first evening of Cuban music.

Day 3

Today we start our journey west across the island, driving first to Guantanamo Bay (Cuba's most famous song 'Guantanamera', is about a woman from Guantanamo - not dressed in an orange jump suit) and then to Santiago de Cuba, our first major stop. Our hotel is in the centre of town and we are well-placed to wander out into the streets of town for an initial exploration. This evening we will probably visit the Casa de la Trova, one of the best music venues in Cuba.

Days 4-6

The next three days are spent in this musical heart of the island. We have arranged a walking tour of the old city, and there are optional excursions including a boat trip; but our reason for being here is of course the music. Son developed here and it was where Compay Segundo and Ibrahim Ferrer started their musical careers. The wonderful Eliades Ochoa is still based here.

Day 7

Today we continue our progress across the island. Too many visitors to Cuba only visit the major tourism centres such as Trinidad and Havana and see little of the life of the rural communities that dot the island. Our drive today will correct that as we drive to Camaguey for the night.

Day 8

We continue west, along country roads towards the sleepy town of Trinidad. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic Cuban town has a laid-back feel that belies its vibrant music scene. We stay a few streets from the main square and the old part of town. In the evening we can listen to music in the square or dance until the early hours close to our hotel.

Days 9 & 10

Two days to get to know Trinidad. We have arranged a walking tour of the old town, and will be able to explore rumba, the much more African side of Cuban music thanks to the Palenque de Congos Reales.

There is plenty of free time to wander the streets of this charming place. You may want also to visit the beaches just out of town to catch the sun. There'll be plenty of music in the evening.

Day 11

Today we drive west again, at first on narrow country roads and then joining the main highway to Havana. With a stop in Cienfuegos en route we should reach Havana in the late afternoon.

Days 12 & 13

Two full days in this musically vibrant city. We have arranged a city tour but there is also time to delve into the music of the capital, as we pick up on the mix of son, salsa, hip-hop and reggaeton that drives the city's music scene. As well as visits to learn about the recording scene here, we will visit several major music haunts during our evenings.

Day 14

A last day free, for shopping, wandering or just chilling out in the city's bars and cafes. Then in the afternoon we head for the airport and our overnight flight to the UK.

Day 15

Our flight arrives in London in the morning.

Tour Costs

Inclusive cost - £1,599

Land-only arrangements - £1,199

For information and reservations, call Songlines Music Travel on 020 8505 2582

 

Cuba Itinerary - 8 days

Day 1

Fly to Havana, where we are transferred to our hotel. This first evening is free for you to unwind after the long flight; but there are the music clubs waiting if you can't sleep!

Day 2

A full day drive, via Cienfuegos, to the old city of Trinidad and time to start exploring, with your Songlines Tour Leader, the music of this still very traditional city.

Day 3

In Trinidad. Time to explore the old quarter and the nearby beaches as well as listen and learn about the world of Cuban music.

Day 4

A full day drive to Havana.

Days 5, 6 & 7

In Havana. As well as taking a city tour we will have time to delve into the musical world of the Cuban capital. Day 14. A day free for a last wander before we head for the airport and the flight back home.

Day 8

Arrive in UK.

Tour Costs

Inclusive cost - £1,299

Land-only arrangements - £899

For information and reservations, call Songlines Music Travel on 020 8505 2582