Our ‘Learn Spanish, Dance & Adventure’ 4 week program has been crafted to maximize your time in Old Havana and Viñales (both UNESCO World Heritage destinations).
Upon arrival Havana International Airport you are picked up for a transfer to our hostel and language school, or Casa Particulares. Opened at the end of 2015 our hostel features shared single sex bedrooms (with air con), separate shower and toilet facilities, dining rooms and lots of comfortable indoor and outdoor space (inc spacious roof terraces). Here you can enjoy hanging out with new friends or chilling on your own to enjoy the cool breezes and great views of the streets below. As with most of Havana you will enjoy taking in the atmosphere in this central location which is truly unique.
Welcome Camino
On your first day in Havana you are taken on a short walking tour – usually within 24 hours of your arrival – to familiarize you with your new surroundings, such as money change and internet services, and to give you a flavor of the opportunities to enjoy your free time in this exciting location.
While in Havana during weeks 1, 2 & 4 your time will feature the following activities;
Spanish Lessons
Monday to Friday’s intensive Spanish lessons take place shortly after breakfast. Your teacher is licensed and on day one you receive a short test to establish your level and objectives. Lessons take the format of 3 x 45 minute lessons each morning, with 15 minute breaks to refresh, making approximately 3 hours of Spanish lessons each day – 15 hours per week. Lessons are held from 09:00 sharp, Monday to Friday.
* The Discover Cuba content features additional Spanish language tuition, oral comprehension and dialogue (approx. 4 hours per week).
Dance Classes
There are 2 dance classes per week, usually Tuesday and Thursday from 14:00-15:00. You are taken through your paces – lessons feature Salsa but depending your progress you may also be introduced to Son, Rueda de Casino, Mambo, Cha Cha Cha, and Rumba and perhaps a few moves you haven’t heard of! The lessons are delivered a short walk from your Casa by a licensed dance instructor, and in the evenings there are MANY free live music venues where you can do your homework!
Discover Cuba
Three times weekly (usually Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 14:00-17:00 approx.) we take you on an adventure to help you understand and enjoy the history of Cuba and Habana. Understand the source of her amazing wealth, the rich cultural mix, marvel at the faded patina of Habana’s famous gorgeous neo classical architecture, the rumble of classic American cars, curious soviet era high rise buildings, ubiquitous live music on every street, dance, exotic religions etc etc the list is endless.
You will quickly feel at home, gain the knowledge and confidence to enjoy the city during your own time, with new found traveller and Cuban friends. You have been immersed into the Cuban culture - enjoy!
Weekend Excursions
Two weekends will be in Havana and we go on a daytrip to the beaches directly east of Havana. Journey time is 30 minutes by bus and you can enjoy the exhilarating rollers that break on these pristine sandy beaches.
Week 3 - Viñales
At the end of your second week, on Sunday we head west on a three hour drive to the central western region of Cuba. Viñales is a beautiful agricultural town utilising horse power to cultivate plantations including the best tobacco fields in the country. The perfect contrast to your time in Havana here we enjoy the fresh air and natural world including stunning UNESCO heritage status limestone mountains and tobacco drying houses.
Spanish lessons continue Monday to Friday but after lunch we explore*; hiking, horse-riding and cycling through some of the most wonderful landscapes in Cuba. Accommodation, breakfast & lunch, Spanish lessons each morning and an adventure activity every day Monday to Friday help you maximise your time in this special place. The following Sunday we head back to Havana for our final week in Cuba.
* adventure activities in Viñales include horseback exploration Viñales valley including a traditional tobacco drying house to learn more about growing, curing & drying and rolling cigars, trek through plantations to learn about other crops including a sunrise trek to learn about some of the history – and mythology – of this beautiful area. We also take bicycles heading out of town to explore distinctive limestone caves. If you don’t like horses – or bikes! – alternative arrangements can be made to enjoy the countryside.
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