Summary
Enjoy the culturally rich islands of Sao Vicente and Santiago, see Fogo's impressive volcano, explore the green valleys and rocky coastal towns of Santo Antao, and finish on the gold sands of Santa Maria beach on Sal.
Highlights
- Become a Cape Verde expert after this comprehensive two-week tour.
- Let your resident guides show you their island home.
- Stay in hand-picked and comfortable accommodation.
The Details
This is our most popular Cape Verde holiday. The itinerary showcases the very best of this diverse archipelago, seeing five islands within a two-week trip. We’ve been travelling to Cape Verde for over twenty years and we’ve added in all of the best highlights for you. You’ll have three nights on each island, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Your holiday starts on Santiago and a visit to Cidade Velha, the oldest settlement of Cape Verde’s archipelago. A lovely valley walk leads you to the town of Ribeira Grande. From here you will explore the historic centre. During the 18th century, the Portuguese used this as an outpost. Many elements of this occupation remain, including the canons.
Your next island is Fogo, one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes in the whole of Cape Verde. You will drive to the huge and impressive crater floor: Cha das Caldeiras. Enjoy an easy walk in the caldeira, or ask us to arrange a guided walk to it’s summit.
Next you explore Sao Vicente. You’ll start with a half-day guided tour of Mindelo. The following day you will enjoy a thrilling off-road jeep tour of the island. Explore the little fishing towns, remote dunes, and volcanic beaches of Sao Vicente.
Santo Antao is best known for the Paul Valley, and lush green valley. You can visit a grogue distillery, where they make the popular sugar-cane based spirit. We always recommend a walking in the paul valley, which is dramatic and green and wonderfully tranquil. You’ll pass through sugar cane, breadfruit, papaya and banana plantations and see the farmers at work.
Your holiday finishes on Sal, relaxing on the beautiful Santa Maria Beach.
Suggested Itinerary
Depart Heathrow and fly via Lisbon to Santiago in Cape Verde. On arrival transfer to the Hotel Oasis Praia Mar where you stay for 3 nights.
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your English speaking guide and driven to the oldest settlement in Cape Verde - Cidade Velha. Here the guide will take you on a historical stroll to Rua Banana, the Nossa Senhora do Rosario church and the Pelourinho (pillory). You may also wish to visit the fort which overlooks the bay. On the way back, you will be shown the bustling city of Praia and it's colourful market of Sukopira. Lunch is included today.
Another intoxicating day, as your guide takes you on an in-depth tour of the wider island. This includes visits to Assomada market and the Serra Malagueta Natural Park where you can take an optional short walk. You'll be taken to lunch in the northern coastal town and harbour of Tarrafal. Don't forget your swimming gear - as here you have the opportunity for a short swim in the ocean. Your return is via the east coast, with views to remote beaches and the deep eastern valleys. Lunch is included today.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Fogo, on arrival transfer to Melissa's Guesthouse in Sao Filipe where you will stay for three nights. In the afternoon you could explore the pretty town with its pastel coloured houses and Sobrado (Portuguese colonial era) architecture, set amongst cobbled roads.
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you'll be going on a full day tour to the dominating volcanic crater of Cha das Caldeiras. You can go for a short hike on the Bordeira (crater wall) with magnificent views of the crater below or you can go for a short walk in the crater along the lava fields. Your guide will bring lunch with you.
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide for a full day tour of the rest of the island. You will visit Cova Figueira, Mosteiros and Salinas before you head back again to Sao Filipe. Lunch is included today.
Transfer to the airport and fly via Santiago to Sao Vicente, where on arrival you will be transferred to Kira's Boutique hotel where you stay for 3 nights. The hotel is within walking distance of many restaurants and the harbour. In the evening you could listen to live music in a nearby bar or restaurant.
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide who will take you on a guided walk of Mindelo. During this three hour stroll, you'll visit the best sights in Mindelo like the fish market, the harbour, the old customs house, Estrela square with the permanent market stalls, the town hall and the presidential palace. Right at the end you will also visit a guitar making workshop. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.
Be prepared for an exhilarating day. This included full day off-road jeep tour is a great way to see parts of the island you wouldn't be able to see in a normal car. You will be visiting Palha Carga, Calhau, Sandy Beach, Praia Grande, Baia Norte, Baia das Gatas and Monte Verde. Lunch is included today.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the ferry port for your one hour ferry crossing to Santo Antao. On arrival, your guide will accompany you on a guided trip of the island. The mountain road is definitely one of the most spectacular on the archipelago and there will be plenty photo stops to document it. There is also the opportunity to go on a short walk to the picturesque village of Fontainhas, hanging above and amongst the northern cliffs. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at the Musica do Mar, where you stay for 3 nights. Lunch is included today.
Today, visit Paul Valley. The greenest valley of Cape Verde is surrounded by towering cliffs and here you'll walk on ancient mule tracks and cobbled roads along the stunning tropic vegetation consisting of sugar cane, mango and dragon trees. Depending on the time of the year, you will also visit a grogue distillery. Lunch is included today.
This is a free day for you to relax here at the western edge of Africa, in the seaside town of Ponta do Sol.
Early morning transfer the ferry port for your crossing back to Sao Vicente. Depending on the flight to Sal, you may have some free time in Mindelo before it's time for your transfer to the airport. On arrival transfer to the Morabeza where you stay for two nights.
You will be picked up from your hotel this morning for a half day sailing trip. Don't forget your swimming wear and you may spot some dolphins as well.
Free time until it's time for your transfer to the airport. Fly home via Lisbon.
Suggested places to stay
Gallery
From £3,950 per person
Price included
The price is based on two people sharing a twin or a double room, activities as described and includes flights from the UK.
For a personalised itinerary and full list of what's included, please get in touch.
