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.
B – Breakfast L – Lunch PL – Packed lunch D – Dinner
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrive Santiago de Cuba (D)
Arrive Santiago de Cuba airport or bus station and private transfer to homestay accommodation including breakfast and dinner x 3 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 (B, D)
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). Afternoon guided visit of Moncada Barracks museum, where Fidel and his men made their fateful assault on the government troops on 26 July 1953, setting in motion the early steps for the Cuban Revolution. Dinner at homestay and rest of evening free.
Day 3 – Santiago – Gran Piedra, La Granjita (B, L, D)
Full day guided trip to visit la Granjita and the Gran Piedra. Located just 30 minutes outside Santiago is the Granjita former chicken farm where Fidel and his followers met to set off for Moncada Barracks. The house is now a small museum, with original items belonging to the revolutionaries and a selection of period photos on show and is a fascinating place to visit.
Very close by is the winding steep road up to the Gran Piedra, literally the ‘Big Rock’. A sturdy metal ladder up to the top of the rock gives you amazing views over the sea, the countryside and down the coast all the way to Santiago. You will also visit the historic La Isabelica coffee plantation and museum and, if time permits, the Gran Piedra botanical garden. Lunch included in local restaurant. Return to Santiago late afternoon. Dinner at homestay and rest of evening free.
Day 4 – Santiago de Cuba – Turquino National Park (B, D)
Private transfer after breakfast to the Sierra Maestra mountains and the hotel Villa Santo Domingo at the gateway to the Turquino National Park. Half board accommodation x 2 nights. This peaceful rural hotel is surrounded by tropical vegetation and is next to a small river where you can cool off in the rock pools. Rooms are spacious, with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom, tv, fridge and wifi is also provided. Dinner at hotel and rest of day free.
Day 5 – La Comandancia hike (B, PL, D)
0900 After breakfast, jeep/truck transfer from the hotel to the 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 your hotel. Dinner and rest of evening free.
Day 6 – Santo Domingo – Camagüey (B)
0830 Private transfer from hotel to Playa los Colorados where Fidel and his men arrived by boat after exile in Mexico. Visit to the small outdoors museum telling the story of this historic landing and subsequent actions of the group. Free time for lunch (not included) and continue with private transfer to Camaguey. Arrive Camaguey late afternoon and check into your hotel accommodation including breakfast x 1 night. Rest of day free.
Day 7 – Camaguey – Santa Clara (B)
0800 After breakfast, private transfer from Camaguey to Santa Clara to arrive mid afternoon. Check into private guesthouse accommodation, including breakfast x 1 night. Rest of day free.
Day 8 – Santa Clara – Bay of Pigs – Playa Larga (B, L, D)
0900 After breakfast, visit the Tren Blindado and the Che Guevara museum (museum closed on Mondays) with an English speaking guide. After lunch, private transfer to Playa Giron for a visit to the Bay of Pigs museum and then continue along the coastal road to Playa Larga, a small town on the edge of a lagoon. Check into local homestay including dinner and breakfast x 1 night. Rest of evening free.
Day 9 – Playa Larga – Havana (B)
0900 Private transfer from Playa Larga to Havana via a 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 guesthouse accommodation, breakfast included, x 2 nights. Rest of day free.
Day 10 – Havana (B, L)
0900 Breakfast and half day guided visit on foot of Old Havana with a local guide, exploring the 4 main city squares and including a visit to either the Museum of the Revolution or the Museum of Bellas Artes where much of the artwork reflects pre and post Revolutionary politics. Lunch in local restaurant (included) and rest of day free.
Day 11 – Depart Havana (B)
Breakfast and free time to explore until private transfer to Havana airport. End of your Revolutionary Trail trip.
