Havana’s rhythm is legendary, but for a few weeks, its heart beats to a different tempo: the International Ballet Festival. This is not just a performance; it’s a city-wide celebration of an art form woven into Cuba’s national pride. To be here during this time is to feel the city’s artistic soul at its most vibrant.
We invite you on a curated journey that places you at the heart of this celebration. This is an immersion designed for the true connoisseur—one that moves beyond the audience and into the wings. You will gain access to private rehearsals with world-class companies and dine with the new generation of Cuban dancers, all while experiencing the island’s richest culture and landscapes.
Wednesday October 28, Day 1: Arrival in Havana—A Vintage Welcome
Your journey begins seamlessly with a VIP greeting at the ramp, guiding you through a private lounge to your waiting classic vintage car. You’ll cruise to the five-star Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski, your home in Old Havana. Here, your private concierge, Naylet or Daniel, will meet you for welcome cocktails to personally review your itinerary. Your evening begins with a reservation at Paladar Los Mercaderes, a romantic, refined restaurant known for its charming service in a luxurious colonial dining room.
Thursday October 29, Day 2: Old Havana, Rhythmic Roots & The Opening Gala
Begin with an expert-led walking tour of Old Havana’s four key colonial squares—Plaza de Armas, Plaza San Francisco de Asis, Plaza Vieja, and Plaza de la Cathedral. Then, delve into Cuba’s culinary scene with a guided food tour, visiting a local produce market before lunch at Jíbaro. This funky, hidden paladar is where you’ll learn to make an authentic mojito and feast on Cuban food with a twist. The afternoon is dedicated to rhythm: a private session with Habana Compas Dance, a company celebrated for its unique fusion of percussion and movement. Tonight is the pinnacle: the exclusive Opening Gala of the International Ballet Festival.
Friday October 30, Day 3: Acosta Danza, Artistic Legacies & A Private Concert
Today grants you rare insider access: a private rehearsal with Acosta Danza, the world-renowned company founded by ballet superstar Carlos Acosta. Afterward, see the city’s grand avenues on a panoramic tour in an open-top vintage car, taking in sites like the Malecón and Almendares forest. You’ll then lunch at the celebrated Cinco Sentidos in the esteemed company of young, rising Cuban dancers. In the afternoon, explore Cuba’s artistic future with a guided visit to the famed Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA). Your evening is a sublime blend of flavors and sound: dinner at La Cocina de Lilliam, set in a lush tropical garden, accompanied by an intimate private performance from trumpet virtuoso Yasek Manzano.
Saturday October 31, Day 4: The Heart of Ballet & The Soul of the Night
Continue your ballet immersion with a visit to the Escuela Nacional de Ballet Alicia Alonso, observing rehearsals and learning how the legendary school operates. From there, explore the magnificent Gran Teatro de la Habana on a private inside tour. After a vibrant lunch on the rooftop terrace of El del Frente (known for its exceptional cocktails), you’ll dive into Afro-Cuban culture at a private music and percussion session with Brenda. Tonight, following another spectacular Ballet Festival performance, experience Havana’s premier cultural hub, Fábrica de Arte Cubano (FAC), with our seamless VIP access.
Sunday November 1, Day 5: Viñales—An Organic & Tobacco Heartland
Journey west to the striking landscapes of Viñales. Your first stop is Finca Tungasuk, a 32-acre organic family farm, for a true farm-to-table lunch prepared by chef Anabelle. Continue to the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site defined by its towering ‘mogote’ limestone hills. Here, you’ll walk the rust-red earth of a tobacco plantation, learning the entire process from seedling to cigar from a local veguero (farmer). Your evening concludes with creative, farm-fresh cuisine at Paladar El Cuajani.
Monday November 2, Day 6: Art, Rumba & a Return to the Stage
Returning to Havana, you’ll enter the surreal, Gaudi-inspired world of ‘Fusterlandia’ in the Jaimanitas suburb. You will meet the artist himself, Jose Fuster, for lunch and a private exchange at his studio. After checking back into the Kempinski, enjoy sunset cocktails at the iconic Hotel Nacional. Your night transforms with an intimate Rumba party at Grados, the home-paladar of Chef Raulito, featuring live drummers and professional dancers. Finally, you will be whisked away for another magnificent performance at the Ballet Festival.
Tuesday November 3, Day 7: Cienfuegos & The Journey to Trinidad
Your private driver escorts you south, pausing for snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Playa Giron, part of the historic Bay of Pigs. The journey continues to Cienfuegos, the ‘Pearl of the South,’ for a city tour of its French colonial architecture, including the Tomas Terry Theatre. Enjoy a seaside lunch at Finca del Mar before continuing to Trinidad, the perfectly preserved 19th-century sugar town. After checking into the IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel, dinner awaits at Los Conspiradores, set on the steps of the Plaza Mayor.
Wednesday November 4, Day 8: Trinidad—Colonial Charms or Mountain Vistas
Today is yours to personalize. OPTION 1: Delve into Trinidad’s artisan heart, visiting the Ortiz Art Gallery and the famous Santander pottery family. OPTION 2: Embark on a historical tour of the Valley of the Sugar Mills to understand the area’s complex past. In the afternoon, you may opt for a medium-level trek to a waterfall in the Topes de Collantes mountains. After a sunset swim at nearby Playa Ancon, dine at Sapori Italiani, known for its fresh, handmade pasta, before soaking in the live trova music that fills the Plaza Mayor.
Thursday November 5, Day 9: Cayo Macho—Your Private Caribbean Key
Escape to the sea on your private boat for a day trip to Cayo Macho. You’ll head to this charming key off the coast before the crowds arrive. Spend the day snorkeling the pristine coral reef (equipment included), spotting iguanas on the beach, and enjoying a fresh seafood lunch on the island. For dinner, we’ve reserved a table at El Ojo del Toro, an authentic restaurant in the fisherman’s village of La Boca, perfectly positioned for sunset cocktails.
Friday November 6, Day 10: Revolutionary History & A Final Havana Night
Your journey back to the capital includes a meaningful stop in Santa Clara to pay respects at the Che Guevara memorial and mausoleum. Lunch is a culinary high point at Suite Florencia, one of Cuba’s hidden gastronomic gems. Upon returning to Havana, your final evening is a celebration of the city’s sophisticated side: sunset drinks at the chic Bleco bar, a refined dinner at the wine-centric Costa Vino, and live music at the Claxon rooftop.
Saturday November 7, Day 11: Departure—An Effortless Farewell
Savor a final breakfast overlooking Old Havana. Your private driver will meet you for a comfortable, seamless transfer to Jose Marti Airport, leaving you with memories of an unparalleled cultural immersion.
Why Choose This Journey?
This is not a standard tour; it is a curated immersion into the heart of Cuban artistry. True luxury is access, and this itinerary is built on it. You will not only attend the ballet; you will be hosted by dancers, welcomed into private rehearsals with companies like Acosta Danza, and feel the pulse of Cuba’s artistic lineage. It’s a journey that seamlessly weaves world-class performance with authentic cultural encounters, exceptional paladares, and deep, personal discoveries—a signature of Cuba Private Travel.
Your Private Invitation Awaits
This journey is merely a suggestion; your personal Cuban story is yet to be written. We make it our mission to get to know you , ensuring no two holidays from Cuba Private Travel will ever be the same. From securing your seat at the festival to arranging a private concert with a jazz master, our in-country expertise and trusted network make the extraordinary effortless.
Let us begin the conversation. We look forward to introducing you to your Cuba.
