The Cradle of the Revolution Tour
Eastern Cuba
The Cradle of the Revolution tour delves deep into the history of Cuba, in particular its struggles for independence over the years. The itinerary begins in Holguin, a city steeped in Spanish history and colonial architecture and during the 19th century a flourishing centre of sugar and tobacco production. The tour then continues to Santiago, where just some of the highlights include Revolution Square and the former Moncada barracks, scene of a famous battle during Fidel Castro's Revolution. The tour then moves on to Baracoa at the eastern tip of the island, site of Columbus' first landing and nestled amid some of the country's most beautiful and unspoilt scenery. The tour finishes with a visit to Cayo Saetia off the coast where there will be plenty of time to relax with a swim and local jeep safari.
Itinerary
Day 1 Sunday
After arriving to Holguin airport from Havana or directly from Europe you will be warmly welcomed and transferred the short distance to your Holguin Hotel where the remainder of the day will be free to relax or explore Holguin on an independent basis.
Day 2 Monday
After breakfast there will be a short orientation tour of Holguin the provincial capital known for its many peaceful, tree-lined squares, before we continue to Cayo Saetia.
On arrival at this picturesque former private game reserve there will be time for a relaxing swim, some leisure time on the stunning white sandy beach, a jeep safari to spot zebra, antelope and deer, and a local Cuban style lunch.
In the afternoon we will continue to Baracoa where the scenery gradually becomes more dramatic and beautiful as we enter the Humbolt National Park. Stops can be made en route where local farmers sell homemade sweets and drinks.
In the late afternoon we will arrive in Baracoa, fascinating and idyllic small town surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. There will be an orientation tour of Baracoa including the possibility of a stroll down Baracoa’s seafront promenade the “Malecon”.
Dinner and overnight will be taken at the Hotel Villa Baracoa or similar
Day 3 Tuesday
After breakfast we will travel to Finca Duaba, a traditional Cuban farm surrounded by unspoilt tropical scenery, which gives an excellent insight into rural way of life in Cuba. The tour will continue with a visit to Rio Toa Cuba’s widest river which runs through a UNESCO protected reserve where there will be a chance to have a short boat ride up the river and lunch will be taken in the reserve.
In the afternoon we will return back to Baracoa with a chance to spend some time at leisure before taking dinner in the hotel.
The evening will be at leisure to enjoy the local sights and sounds of Baracoa at night!
Day 4 Wednesday
We will leave early in the morning and travel over the breath taking mountain scenery, past palm fringed bays and sleepy towns towards Guantanamo a typical Cuban town living in the shadow of the naval base.
After a short orientation tour of Guantanamo with a chance to take lunch in the city we will continue through the hills to Santiago de Cuba.
On arrival in the late afternoon, there will be the chance for a swim in the hotel pool or relax in the sun.
Dinner this evening will be at the hotel.
Day 5 Thursday
After breakfast at the hotel we will spend the day with a full exploration of this city that has been of crucial importance throughout Cuba’s history.
We will visit the Moncada Barracks, central square Parque Cespedes, Calle Heredia, one of the city’s liveliest streets, and Padre Pico Street, made famous by the intense games of draughts played by the locals.
The day continues to Castillo del Morro, a historical fortress offering fantastic views across the Caribbean Sea and the impressive Sierra Maestro mountains. We will enjoy a traditional Cuban lunch at a restaurant next to the fortress offering stunning views of the coastal scenery.
After lunch we will return to our hotel in the city and the remainder of the afternoon will be at leisure to explore Santiago De Cuba independently or relax and catch the sun by the hotel pool!
Dinner this evening will be in the hotel and there will be the chance to spend some time exploring the city on an independent basis.
Day 6 Friday
After a leisurely breakfast we will leave the city and head towards the Sierra Mountains to the picturesque church of El Cobre, Cuba’s most sacred pilgrimage site and a shrine to Virgin Mary. Locals are adamant that this is the most beautiful location in Cuba and we will take a tour of the church and its many historic gifts bestowed by visitors! There will also be time to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the church.
Lunch awaits at Cayo Granma, reached by a short boat crossing, the restaurant looks out across the bay towards Morro Fortress and after lunch there will be time to wander around the small island before heading back to the hotel.
The remainder of the day will be free to relax or explore the city before dinner taken in the hotel.
After dinner there will be an optional visit to one of Cuba’s famous “Casa de la Trova” for live music - Cuban style!
Day 7 Saturday
Today we will be up early and head for the airport for the flight to Havana or another onward destination and say goodbye to the guide, as the tour will end at the airport.
For those clients traveling back to the UK or Europe there will be connections this evening on Iberia and Air France. For clients flying on Virgin the last night will be spent after one night in Havana before the return flights.
