Sun, Sea & Salsa

Cuba & Spain

Salsa is one the world's sexiest dances. Although it was formulated and christened in New York - salsa is Spanish for 'sauce' - Cuba is its home. But you don't need to be told what it is, you want to learn how to do it. And there's no better way to learn than hands on with a Cuban partner. You'll be amazed how much you can learn in a few days - so back home you can stand out on a dance floor. It keeps you fit too. We can accommodate beginners and those who know the basics already. We have two options - a week in Cuba or a long weekend in Spain.

Cuba 8 days - November 8-15, 2008

We base ourselves in Havana, the Cuban capital, and spend the days at tuition sessions and the evenings using our dance skills at local clubs. Cubans are famed for their friendliness and openness and there'll be opportunities aplenty to enjoy getting into the culture. There is free time too to relax and enjoy the city, the beaches and the sun.

Cuba Itinerary - 8 days

Day 1

Our flight from London arrives in Havana in the early evening. Patience may be needed as arrival formalities can be slow. We are met by our Songlines Travel Leader and driving into the city we get a first glimpse of the decaying glory of the Cuban capital. After checking into the hotel the evening is free - although you can always join the Travel Leader for a first taste of the city's nightlife.

Day 2

After breakfast it's time for a first visit to our dance studio. Here we meet the team that we will work with; the instructors and dancers will assess our abilities and take us through what we will learn in our week in Havana. After lunch we have arranged a city tour of Havana, which includes a visit to the rum museum; highly relevant if you plan some cocktails. This evening is free to explore more of the city's music haunts.

Day 3

Much of today is spent at the studio as the team work with us on learning, or improving, our skills on the dance floor. In the late afternoon we take a break and visit a Casa de la Musica to catch some live music. Time too to practise some of what you have learned before the transfer back to the hotel. Later in the evening you can sample more of the nightlife.

Day 4

A day of two halves. The morning is spent at the studio and in the afternoon we visit Playa del Este beach to soak up some sun. The evening is free for further musical adventures.

Day 5

After breakfast we head for the studio for a morning session. In the afternoon there is a choice. You can have an optional additional dance session (on an individual basis, for a small extra charge), or just take time out to explore the backstreets of Havana and drop into a café or a bar or two. In the evening we will visit the Hotel Nacional, one of the oldest and most famous hotels in the city, to see the Parisian Cabaret Dance Extravaganza. After that the night is still young.

Day 6

This morning sees our final salsa lesson at the studio. After lunch you are free to follow your own inclinations until the evening when we have arranged a small farewell party at the studio with our teachers and dancers. For die-hards, there's still time to go out after the party.

Day 7

This morning is free. A last wander round Havana or a taxi to the beach for some last-minute rays. In the afternoon we visit the Patio de la Rumba, the centre of the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional, to catch an impressive Afro-Cuban music performance and even a last dance. Then we go straight to the airport for our flight home.

Day 8

In the morning our aircraft lands back in the UK.

Tour Costs

Inclusive cost - £1,095

Land-only arrangements - £695

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

 

Mallorca 4 days - October 2-5, 2008

Although based in Mallorca, our Cuban salsa teacher is the real thing. It's hands-on tuition and you can fit it in over a long weekend; an idea first course for beginners. The price includes two salsa classes, three night's accommodation in a bed & breakfast, two nights visits to local clubs, transfers as necessary and a final dinner at a Cuban restaurant. Extra dance sessions can be organised if you wish. This is priced for land-arrangements only - there are many low-cost flights to Mallorca.

Mallorca Itinerary - 4 days

Day 1

Early evening at the hotel in Palma we meet up with our dance instructor and Music Travel Leader. After dinner we'll visit a local salsa club.

Day 2

Morning tuition at the dance studio. Afternoon at leisure - to check out the city walls or gothic cathedral of Palma. Evening visit to a local club.

Day 3

Morning tuition at the dance studio. Afternoon at leisure. Final dinner at a Cuban restaurant.

Day 4

Departure for home.

Tour Costs

Inclusive cost - £695

Land-only arrangements - £495

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