Revolutionary Trail outline itinerary
We start the trip in Santiago de Cuba, the second city of the island. Often called the ‘cradle of the revolution’, where Fidel and his followers gained most popular support in the fifties and plotted to overthrow the Batista regime, this is also the city where Fidel has been laid to rest. We continue to historic Bayamo, one of the original 7 cities founded by the Spanish, and then on to the Sierra Maestra mountains to visit La Comandancia, the secret base where Fidel planned and commanded revolutionary activities in the fifties.
From here we travel up the island to Camaguey, Santa Clara and the Bay of Pigs, visiting the most significant and interesting historical sites along the way. Our itinerary then finishes in Havana, the capital of this fascinating island.
Cuba’s Revolutionary Trail is a customised itinerary which can be adapted to suit your specific interests and budget, and can start at any time of the year, subject to availability.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive Santiago de Cuba
Arrive at Santiago de Cuba airport and private transfer to homestay accommodation including breakfast and dinner x 2 nights. Depending on your time of arrival, you may be able to have a short orientation walking tour with a local guide after arrival. Dinner this evening at homestay and rest of evening free.
Day 2 – Santiago de Cuba
Breakfast at accommodation. Morning guided city tour including a visit to the Moncada Barracks; Santa Ifigenia cemetery where Fidel Castro is buried and the Jose Martí mausoleum can be found; San Juan Hill and the Vista Alegre district. Free time for lunch (not included) and then continue up into the Sierra Maestra mountains to visit La Granjita, where Fidel Castro and his men hid-out before storming the Moncada Barracks. Return to Santiago for dinner at homestay. Rest of evening free.
Day 3 – Santiago – Bayamo
Morning free to visit the Moncada Barracks, where Fidel and his men tried to first overthrow the Batista government, or the Museum of the Resistance. Free time for lunch (not included). Late afternoon travel by bus from Santiago to Bayamo and check into homestay accommodation including breakfast and dinner x 2 nights. Dinner at homestay and rest of day free.
Day 4 – Turquino National Park: La Comandancia
Early breakfast and depart by private transfer with your guide to Santo Domingo, the gateway to the Turquino national park. Jeep/truck transfer from here to trail head to hike to La Comandancia de la Plata, Fidel’s secret base in the mountains with local specialist guide (3km each way). Picnic lunch included. Climb up to visit Radio Rebelde (if time allows), the radio station established by the revolutionaries, before returning to the trail head and transfer back to Bayamo. Dinner at homestay and rest of evening free.
Day 5 – Bayamo – Camagüey
Travel to Camagüey this morning by private transfer. Arrive Camagüey mid afternoon and met by local guide for short walking tour of historic centre, before checking into your homestay or hotel accommodation including breakfast x 1 night. Rest of day free.
Day 6 – Camagüey – Santa Clara
After breakfast, free time until midday travel by national bus from Camagüey to Santa Clara. Arrive late afternoon and private transfer to homestay accommodation, including dinner & breakfast x 1 night. Rest of day free.
Day 7 – Santa Clara – Bay of Pigs – Playa Larga
After breakfast, visit the Tren Blindado and the Che Guevara museum with an English speaking guide, and free time for lunch (not included). Private transfer after lunch to Playa Giron for a visit to the Bay of Pigs museum and then continue along the coastal road to Playa Larga. Check into local homestay including dinner and breakfast x 1 night. Rest of evening free.
Day 8 – Playa Larga – Havana
Private transfer from Playa Larga to Havana via the community called Australia where there is a small museum dedicated to the Cuban defence of the Bay of Pigs. On arrival into Havana, check into private guesthouse accommodation, breakfast included, x 2 nights.
Day 9 – Havana
Half day guided visit on foot of Old Havana with a local guide, exploring the 4 main city squares and visiting the scale model of the city. Lunch in local restaurant (included) and afternoon guided visit to the Museum of the Revolution. Evening visit to experience the cannon ceremony at El Morro castle overlooking Havana Bay at 9pm, with return transport provided.
Day 10 – Depart Havana
Breakfast and check out of accommodation. Private transfer to Havana airport and the end of your Revolutionary Trail trip.
