Join our five-day tour and explore the beauty of Cape Verde´s islands, Sao Vicente and Santo Antao. Explore the vibrant city of Mindelo and get tendered by the rhythm of morna, traditional music of Sao Vicente. The sailing trip, relaxing bath and snorkel in the beaches of Santo Antao will take you to the pleasure of relaxation and little trek to Cave Volcano will fill your sight with spectacular panoramic views. This African vibe with European sway will tender your senses and leave a memorable moment for a lifetime.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Sao Vicente: vibrant musical town, hiding the very best Cape Verde´s cultural heritage. Cradle place for morna, the typical musical genre of this region
Santo Antao: beautifully green and fertile island, terraced valleys with banana and mango trees and fields of sugar cane create this island to be the amazing destination for hiking and beach relaxing
Day 1: ARRIVAL SAO VICENTE
Welcome to beautiful Cape Verde. Upon arrival at Sao Vicente International Airport, you will be met and greeted by our English-speaking tour representative, who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel in the area of Mindelo. If you’re feeling knackered after the flight, you can stay in the hotel to put your feet up and make the most of the available services. But if you’re itching to start exploring this fascinating island, then hit the streets and make your own way towards those tourist attractions, restaurants or shops that spark your interest, perhaps you will get know morna, the lilted, rhythmic music which slipped into life on the 18th century. Its spiritual leader is Cesaria Evora, by the locals known as a “Barefoot Diva.” Her powerful voice and grasp of melody linger in her birthplace, Mindelo. The “morna” as a musical genre has been classified as Intangible Heritage of humanity by UNESCO.
Overnight in Mindelo.
Day 2: MINDELO
Begin the day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel and get ready for your first cultural experience. Sao Vicente is a cultural hub for Cae Verde, and it is home to some of Cape Verde's greatest musicians, writers, and thinkers. Meet your guide at the hotel and together enjoy a 3-hour walking city tour downtown in one of the most beautiful bays in the world and admire the historic city center. Visits include Torre de Belem, Municipal Market, Cesaria Evora exposition and Centro Cultural. Once the tour is over, you can explore this town at your own pace. Try the local gastronomy at one of the restaurants, get amused by the rhythm of this vibrant city, and fuse yourself with the morna music.
Overnight in Mindelo.
Day 3: MINDELO – SANTO ANTAO ISLAND (0.5 hrs, by ferry; included)
Your day begins early with a transfer from your hotel to the ferry port. At 07:00, you’ll board the ferry to Porto Novo. By 08:00, your full-day adventure, “Discover Santo Antão,” begins. Santo Antão is renowned for its dramatic mountains, lush green valleys, terraced farms, and charming fishing villages, as well as the warmth and hospitality of its people. Your journey takes you along a spectacular mountain road up to the Cova volcano crater, perched at an impressive 1,100 meters above sea level. Continuing along the old mountain road, you’ll pass through Delgadinho and travel via Ribeira Grande, where you’ll visit the historic local church, before heading onward to the scenic valley of Ribeira da Torre. After a lunch break (drinks not included), the tour continues to the colorful cliffside village of Fontaínhas, followed by a visit to Vale do Paúl. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a traditional local drink at its place of production – which may include fresh sugarcane syrup, honey, ponche, or locally made grog. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Porto Novo to catch the 16:00 ferry back to São Vicente, arriving at 16:50, where a transfer will take you back to your hotel.
*We recommend you ask your hotel the day before to prepare an early breakfast, as most hotels only serve breakfast from 07:00 am. Important: Please note that the tour is subject to changes depending on weather conditions.
Overnight in Mindelo.
Day 4: MINDELO
Begin the day with a fresh breakfast before you start exploring Sao Vicente Island again. The first stop is the panoramic point Fortim. From there, going through the Avenida Marginal to the Municipal Market, the Torre de Belém and the fish market. We then drive to Monte Verde and descend from there to Baía das Gatas, well known for the August festival. Here we stop for a swim. On the way back to your hotel, we pass through the incredible fishing village of Salamansa.
Overnight in Mindelo.
Day 5: DEPARTURE MINDELO
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Sao Vicente. Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel, if the time permits stroll down the streets of Mindelo for the last time, check out from the hotel and at agreed time you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the Sao Vicente Airport to catch your return flight back home.
