The Cradle of the Revolution
A three-night tour visiting some of Cuba’s most contrasting and revolutionary historical cities, along with a variety of carefully chosen visits en-route. The Cradle of the Revolution Tour allows you the chance to enjoy all the major sights of this vibrant and diverse area of Cuba, and also allow some independence to explore on your own or relax and choose your own activities.
- A visit to Bayamo, the leafy antiquated former capital of Cuba
- A short trek to La Plata, the former HQ of Fidel Castro’s revolutionary heroes, situated deep in the Sierra Maestra mountains
- A visit to Santiago de Cuba, a passionate and revolutionary city, home of the Mausoleum of Fidel Castro
- Explore the streets of Santiago de Cuba in an old American vintage car
- Visit the birthplace of Fidel and Raul Castro at their former farm at Biran
- Duration:
- 3 Nights / 4 Days
- Accommodation:
- We use a mixture of very well located, good quality casas particulares and hotels.
- Extensions
- On the last day, it is possible to transfer clients to the beaches of Guardalavaca or further afield a for a few days relaxing on the beach, or alternatively to Havana or elsewhere for more exploration time.
Guaranteed Tour
Group Size
Private Tour Available
Tour Departures
Meals Included
Local Support
Transport
Accommodation
Physical Ability
Upgrades Available
Download The Cradle of the Revolution Full Itinerary:
The Cradle of the Revolution Itinerary Highlights
Day 1 | Baymo
On arrival into Holguin Airport, you will be welcomed and then taken to the former capital of Cuba, Bayamo, where dinner will be served and there will be the chance to explore the area independently.
Day 2 | Baymo & Sierra Mountains
There will be a short orientation tour of Bayamo which will focus on the leafy square of Parque Cespedes, named after the ‘Father of Cuba’, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, born overlooking the square.
You will travel deep into the Sierra Maestra Mountains, passing small farmhouses and villages with wonderful mountain scenery. Later in the morning, you will arrive at Villa Santo Domingo, nestled deep in the mountains with views to Cuba’s highest and most sacred mountain, Pico Turquino.
Upon arrival, the jeeps will take you higher into the mountains for a walk deep into the forests to La Plata, the former HQ of Fidel Castro’s revolutionary heroes. See the hidden buildings including Fidel’s actual house and the radio station from where they launched the Revolution. Continuing the trail, there is an option to visit the tiny mountain community of La Platica.
Day 3 | Santiago de Cuba
The tour will depart for Santiago de Cuba stopping enroute at the picturesque church of El Cobre. A famous pilgrimage site in Cuba.
Visit the Castillo del Morro a historical fortress offering fantastic views across the Caribbean Sea and the impressive Sierra Maestra mountains.
Ride in an old American car and visit the Moncada Barracks, the location for what many describe as the start of the Revolution and the small museum that depicts Fidel Castro’s attack on the barracks on 26th July 1953. Also, Calle Heredia, one of the city’s liveliest streets, Padre Pico Street, made famous by the intense games of draughts played by the locals.
Explore independently the centre of Santiago de Cuba or visit the very famous Casa De La Trova.
Day 4 | Santiago de Cuba & Biran & Hoguin
Visit the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, a most important site in Cuba and the final resting place of Fidel Castro, one of the world’s most recognised leaders. The cemetery also contains the final resting place of Cuba’s national hero Jose Marti, as well as a number of other important revolutionary and historical figures including the Bacardi family.
Explore the tiny village of Biran in the foothills of the Nipe Mountains – the birthplace of Fidel and Raul Castro who both became iconic world leaders. You will see the house where the brothers were born, which is also the final resting place of their parents.
Lunch today will be served in a small local restaurant close to Biran. The journey will continue to Holguin, founded in 1545 and now one of the largest cities on the island. There will be a short tour of the colonial centre of the city, famed for its numerous small squares, a focal point for local life, before the tour concludes.
