HAVANA - CAMAGUEY - GIBARA / 6DAYS and 5NIGHTS
Know to history of one of the premier ballet institutions in the world, experience a visit one of the finest and the largest ballet school in the world, be part of a ballet rehearsal and discover how new dance and ballet companies are joining to the scene. Also we will go inside of the Cuban film industry and interchange with well-known actors and films directors through our bespoke Ballet and Cine trip.
Day 1: Welcome to Havana! After clearing immigrations and customs, our airport representative lead you to your driver who will transfer you to a private house in the heart of the historic center. *Light lunch and meet and greet with your concierge. *Get your feet wet with an afternoon orientation walk. Later that evening, celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at a private restaurant. (*For morning arrivals)
Day 2: Meet with with our local expert guide and walk in the footsteps of Havana's colonial past visiting the four key squares of Old Havana. After lunch meet with our art curator guide to Visit Art Brut Community Project, located in Cerro neighbourhood its an exhibition space, publishing house, studio, and outreach organisation devoted to supporting creators of art brut. The brainchild of artist Samuel Riera, the center seeks out Cuban artists working in the field, provides studio space and materials, and displays their works in exhibitions, publications, and documentary films. Dine at the private restaurant Café de los Artistes, where great tacos, pork medallions plus super service and cocktails are one of their highlights. Owners are big film producers and attract the cool film crowd. Night enjoy the famous show of Tropicana Cabaret, its was the main scenary for the cuban film 'Un Paraiso Bajo Las Estrellas'.
Day 3: This morning meet with our film director who will guide you until the Escuela Internacional de Cine y Televisión in San Antonio de los Baños. There he will explain the history of the film industry, main filmmakers and principal film festivals taking place in Cuba along a year. Return to Havana and meet a Cuba's famous actress/actor, at their favourite Havana restaurant for lunch. Visit ICAIC HQ in Vedado and admire all the vibrant cinema photos before buying a selection plus DVDs of Cuban movies in the Cafe Fresa y Chocolate bar opposite and enjoy some drinks in this well-established, small but very popular venue, especially with a younger crowd. Then visit the Gorria Art Gallery and Cultural Project created by Jorge Perugorria, one of Cuba´s most famous actor, also a director and visual artist, the place is more than a gallery, it also holds projects that promotes music, architecture, concerts and workshops. Late afternoon eat strawberry and chocolate ice cream as in the movie of the same name at nearby Coppelia ice cream parlour. Diner at Paladar La Guarida, used as a set in 1993's festival winner Fresa y Chocolate (Strawberry and Chocolate), and buy ice cream at La Coppelia where protagonists Diego (Jorge Perugorría) and David (Vladimir Cruz) meet. This night you will have a farewell dinner and to visit some of Havana´s newest and hottest privatly owned bars with our nightlife guide.
Day 4: After breakfast, our expert guide will collect you at the hotel and will lead you for 3hr tour of Cuban Poster Art taking in the Industrial Design School, National Library, where some of the rarest posters were designed. Finish with a coffee and leaf through your complimentary handmade poster guide to take away. Light lunch at Sloppy Joe's bar which appeared in the movie of Graham Greene's Our Man in Havana. Then you will be collected by an open top classic vintage car with our expert guide who will share with you along interesting 4hrs insights into the life and places related with Ernest Hemingway. On the way back you'll have an opportunity to see some of the most spectacular sunset views of the city from El Morro fort across the harbour from Havana. Enjoy dinner, music, dance, film, art and shows under the same roof. The new restaurant 'Tierra' that is also a meeting place for artists and avant-garde arts just inside Fabrica de Arte Cubano.
Day 5: After breakfast, visit the National Ballet school, an eclectic architectural gem, where you'll see, upon availability, a ballet class which will show dancers exhibiting the exquisite technique of the Cuban Ballet School. You will have the opportunity to exchange with teachers and students. Then enjoy a morning ballet rehearsal of the national ballet company. Although photos are not officially permitted, you will be able to take a few discreet ones as moments of your visit. Before lunch visit to the National Art Schools of Cuba (ISA) including architect Vittorio Garattis ruined ballet school. Carlos Acosta is restoring the dance school and has created his own dance school that you will have the opportunity to see in rehearsal today later. Your guide will give you an insight into the strong cultural role the arts play in Cuban society and you'll have an opportunity to chat with students. Enjoy a Carlos Acosta Ballet rehearsal. Carlos Acosta, a well known cuban international dancer, who has performed with The Royal Ballet, Ballet Nacional de Cuba, American Ballet Theatre among others, has founded his company in 2016, where contemporary dance and classic ballet are combined. Take this opportunity to see the local growing talent. Dinner at an spacious terrace bar in leafy Vedado that is the epitome of cool. Run by the former lead dancer of Danza Contemporanea it attracts a young, artsy crowd. Enjoy the different types of dance in Havana, Salsa, Son, Rumba, Flamenco, Ballet, Contemporary live shows, your concierge will make reservations for you at a theatre showcasing the best of Cuban dance that week.
Day 6: After breakfast, bid farewell to Cuba and board your departure flight.
CAMAGUEY: Head to Camaguey City and have an approach to the daily life of a professional classical ballet dancers of the city company, Ballet of Camaguey. Enjoy being in a class, watch the rehearsal of a piece; know the history of this company, one of the two that exist in Cuba. Then our guide lead you to a children's class of classical ballet or Spanish dance, depending on day.
GIBARA: Head to Gibara for the Festival Internacional de Cine Pobre (International Low Budget Film Festival) accompanied by a guide to get the most out of the festivities.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Many of the places we visit are not tourist destinations and are thus not always available. Therefore, this program should be considered as a sample only – please keep in mind that your bespoke travel plan is designed with our staff according to the specific interests that you would want to highlight in your trip. Final itineraries and quotes are sent 24hrs after we receive your request to our contact email: enquiries@bespoketriptocuba.com