Description:
We start in Havana, the capital of the island. Then on to Santa Clara, Trinidad, Camaguey, Bayamo and Santo Domingo, visiting the most significant and interesting historical sites along the way. Our itinerary then takes us to the Sierra Maestra mountains to visit La Comandancia, the secret base where Fidel planned and commanded revolutionary activities. Then on to Santiago de Cuba, the ‘cradle of the revolution’ where Fidel and his followers gained most popular support in the fifties and plotted to overthrow the Batista regime, before returning to Havana.
Cuba’s Revolutionary Trail is a customised itinerary which can be adapted to suit your specific interests and budget, and can start during any time of the year, subject to availability.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive Havana
Arrive at Havana airport. Private transfer to hotel or homestay accommodation in Havana including breakfast x 2 nights. Rest of evening free.
Day 2 – Havana
Breakfast at accommodation. Walking tour of Old Havana with English speaking guide including a visit to the Museum of the Revolution followed by lunch stop in local restaurant (lunch not included). Afternoon guided tour by vintage car to the Plaza de la Revolucion and other historic sites in the city. Return to accommodation and rest of evening free.
Day 3 – Havana – Santa Clara – Trinidad
Private transfer with driver/guide to Trinidad with stop off in Santa Clara for guided visit to the Tren Blindado and Che Guevara memorial museum. Free time for lunch (not included). Continue to Trinidad and check-in to homestay accommodation including breakfast x 2 nights. Rest of evening free.
Day 4 – Trinidad
Morning guided excursion to Sugar Mill Valley (Valle de los Ingenios) including lunch at restaurant. Return to Trinidad and rest of day free to relax or enjoy the lovely Playa Ancon beach.
Day 5 – Trinidad to Camaguey
Travel by bus to Camaguey departing early morning. Arrive Camaguey early afternoon. Check-in to homestay accommodation including breakfast x 1 night. Late afternoon guided walking tour of the historic city centre with English speaking guide. Rest of evening free.
Day 6 – Camaguey to Bayamo to Santo Domingo
Travel by bus from Camaguey to Bayamo departing early morning. Arrive Bayamo midmorning. Met by English speaking guide on arrival for short walking tour of the historic centre of Bayamo including a visit to the Carlos Manuel de Cespedes house. Free time for lunch (not included) and then continue to hotel/homestay accommodation at the gateway to the Turquino National Park, including dinner & breakfast x 1 night. Rest of day free.
Day 7 – Turquino National Park: La Comandancia to Santiago de Cuba
Jeep/truck transfer to trail head and hike to La Comandancia de la Plata, Fidel’s secret base in the mountains with local specialist guide (3km each way). Picnic lunch included. Return to Santo Domingo for transfer to Santiago de Cuba and check-in to homestay accommodation including dinner and breakfast x 2 nights. Rest of evening free.
Day 8 – Santiago de Cuba
Morning guided city tour including visit to the Santa Ifigenia cemetery where Fidel Castro is buried and the Jose Marti mausoleum can be found; San Juan Hill and other historic sites in the city, and the Alameda seafront promenade. Visit to a local community project/dance company rehearsal. Free time for lunch (not included) and then continue to El Morro castle at the mouth of Santiago Bay. Return to your homestay and rest of day free. Dinner at homestay. Free evening to listen to live music at a local venue.
Day 9 – Santiago to Havana
Breakfast at homestay and transfer to Santiago airport for morning flight to Havana. Arrive Havana airport and private transfer to hotel or homestay accommodation including breakfast x 1 night. Rest of day free
Day 10 – Depart Havana
Breakfast and check out of accommodation. Private transfer to Havana airport.
-end of trip-