Glimpse Of The Revolution

HAVANA - PLAYA GIRON - SANTA CLARA - CAMAGUEY - GRANMA - SANTIAGO DE CUBA / 12DAYS and 11NIGHTS
Discover Cuba's revolutionary history through this bespoke trip program where you will visit some of the most historic destinations along the island. Learn about the cuban revolutionary movement from its origins and how Cuba's history then brought the country to the revolution socialist lead by Fidel Castro.
Havana-Playa Giron-Santa Clara-Camaguey-Granma-Santiago de Cuba

HAVANA - 3nights

Day 1: Welcome to Havana! After clearing immigrations and customs, our airport representative lead you to your driver who will transfer you to a private house in the heart of the historic center. *Light lunch and meet and greet with your concierge. *Get your feet wet with an afternoon orientation walk. Later that evening, celebrate your arrival with a welcome dinner at a private restaurant. (*For morning arrivals)

Day 2: Meet with with our local expert guide and walk in the footsteps of Havana's colonial past visiting the four key squares of Old Havana. After lunch our guide will give you an explanation about the context of the pre-revolution years, that contributed to the collapse, of the previous regime, to the social progress done the current system as well as some faults it presents. You will also visit to the most important monuments and museums in Havana, to get a real idea of how chain of events has determined the mixed system in which Cuba is living under. Finish this day having a dinner at a 20th-century mansion where Barack Obama and his family dined in during their March 2016 visit. Night cuban musical show inspired by the Son music of the famous Buena Vista Social Club or enjoy the famous show of Tropicana.

Day 3: This morning you will visit a private collection of Alex Korda, especially known for his celebrated photos of Che Guevara, and was one of the major official photographers who documented the early years of the Cuban Revolution. Then lunch and meet with a young Cuban writers Hal Klepak, author of book Cuba's Military 1990–2005:Revolutionary Soldiers during Counter-Revolutionary Times. Afternoon Cuba Poster Art Pre and Post Revolution tour with our expert guide who will go through of Cuban Poster Art taking in the Industrial Design School, National Library - home to many original rare poster, the home of one of Cuba's most prolific collectors, and then to a modern design studio via the lobby of ICAIC which is home to most of the examples of Cuban film posters. Finish with a coffee and leaf through your complimentary handmade poster guide to take away. Dinner at a lovely new restaurant next to the Museum of the Revolution and the Cuban collection of the Museum of Fine Arts.

PLAYA GIRON - 1nights

Day 4:After check-out, depart to Bay of Pig where were proclaim Cuba's erstwhile victory over the 'Yanqui' imperialists in 1961. There you will visit the important museum related to the Bay of Pigs invasion in that important period in the history of Cuba. Free time for scubadiving and trekking activities. Dinner at a local paladar.

SANTA CLARA - 1nights

Day 5: This morning we depart for Santa Clara, one of the most important provinces in the center the island, the Santa Clara Battle of December 1958 led by Che Guevara was the catalyst for Bastista's runaway. A guided tour throughout strategic locations, hills, trenches hidden traces of the battle will take you all over the city, picturing history within the frame of today's current life in a city that is always busy. Along the tour you will have the opportunity to visit Parque del Carmen, Tren Blindado, Loma del Capiro, Cuartel de 31, Palacio de Justicia, Parque Vidal, Revolution Square ending at Che Memorial. Coffe break at Cafe Museo de La Revolucion that pays homage to Santa Clara's and Cuba's revolutionary past with photos, old uniforms and other ephemera lovingly curated by the owner.

CAMAGUEY - 1nights

Day 6: This morning set off for Camaguey, where we'll meet our local guide for a city with a very peculiar layout through a lovely ride on a classic 1950´s american car, Camaguey has an intriquing architectural history. Our expert guide, will show you some of the best examples and hidden places. Dinner at a classic private restaurant located in the centre of the architectural Church and Hospital of St. John of God.

GRANAMA - 2nights

Day 7: Depart this morning for Granma, stopping along the way in the the second city founded by the Spanish, Bayamo. This particular town had great importance during the independence of the island, Bayamo is the home town of some of Cuba´s most significant heroes. Our local guide will take to to the house in which Carlo´s Manuel de Céspedes was born (Currently a museum) as he explains the rich historyof this province. We arrive at Villa Santo Domingo, the best jumping-off point fo the La Plata and Turquino hikes.

Day 8: Early morning depart to visit one of Cuba's most rewarding and authentic historical monuments, Comandancia de la Plata - Fidel's Headquarters. Take a 3 hour gentle hike through the Sierra Maestra mountains until you reach Fidel Castro´s hideout. Encased in magnificent natural surroundings La Plata is spectacularly unique; a living testament to Castro's indefatigable ability to organize, survive and run rings around an incompetent enemy. Besides the revolutionar history, the views alone are worth the hike with spectacular scenery and crisp, fresh mountain air.

SANTIAGO DE CUBA - 2nights

Day 9: Morning transfer will take you to Santiago de Cuba, illuminated city by a rich cast of revolutionary heroes. Visit the Siboney Farm where the attackers of the Moncada Barracks, led by Fidel Castro, spent the night prior to the attack on July 26, 1953. Walk in the Prehistoric Valley, unique of its kind in Cuba, where you will encounter dozens of life-size dinosaurs sculpted in stone and other prehistoric creatures lurking in lush vegetation. Then walk in the Prehistoric Valley, unique of its kind in Cuba, where you will encounter dozens of life-size dinosaurs sculpted in stone and other prehistoric creatures lurking in lush vegetation. Continue to your hotel at the historic center of the city.

Day 10: Morning to explore the former home of Antonio, the famous general who fought in both wars of independence of Cuba. Then a visit to Frank and Josue Pais, brothers who organized the underground section of the M-26-7 in Santiago de Cuba. Your trip continue to the Moncada Barracks and its museum of July 26, the Revolution Square and other historical sites. After lunch visit Santa Efigenia Cemetery, declared National Monument since 1937, that keeps the story of heroes, troubadours and other illustrious locals; and where the mausoleum of Fidel Castro Ruz and also our Apostle Jose Marti is located and the honor guard shift ceremony takes place every day. Enjoy the sunset from the most complete and the most preserved example of Spanish-American military architecture in Cuba, The Morro Castle or the San Pedro de la Roca Castle, declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1997. After dinner live music at Casa de La Trova

HAVANA - last night

Day 11: Check-out and retunr to Havana by domestic flight. Relaxing afternoon at Hotel Inglaterra.

Day 12: After breakfast, bid farewell to Cuba and board your departure flight.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Many of the places we visit are not tourist destinations and are thus not always available. Therefore, this program should be considered as a sample only – please keep in mind that your bespoke travel plan is designed with our staff according to the specific interests that you would want to highlight in your trip. Final itineraries and quotes are sent 24hrs after we receive your request to our contact email: enquiries@bespoketriptocuba.com

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