STAY
Type of stay :
Circuit
Island(s) :
Santiago
Fogo
São Vicente
Santo Antão
Sal
Localities visited :
Praia, Cidade Velha, São Filipe, Chã das Caldeiras, Mindelo, Monte Verde, Paul, Cova, Ponta do Sol, Santa Maria
Length : 13 days
In 13 days, this complete and balanced circuit takes you on
five islands to discover the essential of the archipelago placed in the middle of the Atlantic. Stunning mountain landscapes, desert plateaus, craters witnessing a turbulent genesis, valleys covered with a rug of tropical crops, quaint and welcoming villages, coastlines, beaches with spectacularly turquoise water , the Cape Verde Islands are
a mosaic of atmospheres and panoramas.
The highlights of your stay:
- A visit to an area listed as World Heritage by Unesco
- The diversity of landscapes traveled
- English speaking guides to accompany you in the most crucial visits
- Resting days on the beach at the end of your stay
- Free days for your personal discoveries
- Explore sites still preserved from mass tourism
- Two types of accommodation
INFO
Day 1 SANTIAGO - First steps in Cape Verde
Arrival at Praia Airport, where we breathe in our first puff of Cape Verdean air. And up we go - in 4 strokes, we're ready to go! We are in Santiago, the largest Capeverdean island. The culture, atmosphere, life style are more African than the rest of the archipelago - for geographical and historical reasons. Night in Praia's historical centre of Plateau.
Included services:
- Transfer airport - accommodation
- Night at hotel Santa Maria or similar (Option A)
- Night at hotel Praia Confort or similar (Option B)
- (-/-/-)
Day 2 SANTIAGO - Excursion to Cidade Velha
We first discover the historical part of the capital Praia: during a guided tour on the 'Plateau', we visit and learn everything you need to know about this city, from the main square to the colorful markets.
We visit Cidade Velha: twin of Goree in the sinister slave trade, the city is considered the cradle of the Creole identity with its cathedral, the first built in Africa, and its recently renovated fortress. A perky and sad place at the same time, the little village square, where the pillory still stands, has seen a multitude of shattered destinies. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it is also a very lively place where rimbambelles of young children have fun on the beach. Night in Plateau.
Included services:
- Excursion as described, with guide
- All transfers
- Entrance for the Fortress
- Night at hotel Santa Maria or similar (Option A)
- Night at hotel Praia Confort or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Day 3 SANTIAGO - Free day
Free day in Santiago. Night in Plateau, Praia.
Included services
- Night at hotel Santa Maria or similar (Option A)
- Night at hotel Praia Confort or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Tour option: Tour in the interior of the island
Santiago is the island of the highlands and the most African of the archipelago. We leave to discover it today by car and equipped with a roadbook. All this almost without losing sight of the Pico d'Antonia, the highest point of the island that looks a bit like shark fins. It is at his feet that we take a coffee to give us the strength to continue our collection of panoramas.
Included services:
- Excursion as described, included roadbook, all transfers and coffee break
Price of this optional excursion
Price of excursion option based on 2 people: EUR 65 per person
Day 4 Flight SANTIAGO > FOGO
Kem ka ta badu, ka ta biradu - who does not leave can not come back, it is by these words engraved on the monument at the entrance to the airport of Praia that travelers are greeted. We leave the island of Santiago for a few days to visit the Isle of volcano: Fogo. Arriving in Sao Filipe, we enjoy the serenity of the city surrounded by beaches of black sand and the charm that exude its beautiful colorful streets. Our roadbook will help us to visit the city. Night in Sao Filipe.
Included services:
- Transfer accommodation - airport
- Flight Santiago > Fogo
- Transfer airport - accommodation
- City Tour of São Filipe with a roadbook
- Night at Pousada Belavista or similar (Option A)
- Night at Colonial Guesthouse or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Day 5 FOGO - Excursion to Chã das Caldeiras
Fire is the element present on the whole island of fogo: in the spirit of the people, in the red of the local wine and in the lava landscape of
Chã das Caldeiras. The heat of the volcano is also omnipresent. We drive up to 1700 m and for a little walk on the lava flows that formed during the eruptions of 1951, 1995 and 2014, we feel the energy released by this impressive landscape. It is in this special atmosphere that we picnic surrounded by vineyards that grow at the foot of the volcano. Night in São Filipe.
Included services:
- Excursion as described, with guide et tous les transferts
- Lunch
- Night at Pousada Belavista or similar (Option A)
- Night at Colonial Guesthouse or similar (Option B)
- (B/LB/-)
Day 6 SÃO VICENTE - The lively port city of Mindelo
We leave the island Fogo to reach Mindelo through Praia. Mindelo is the capital of the island of São Vicente, but it is also the cultural capital of the archipelago, a status on which it jealously guards. Mindelo is music, Carnival at the beginning of the year, music in the summer, theater in the autumn, and all year round it's also its bars on the harbor or just the view on the Bay.
Quem ca conxê Mindelo, ca conxê Cabo Verde: who does not know Mindelo, does not know Cape Verde, according to the song performed by the island-born diva Cesária Évora. Overnight in the historical center of Mindelo.
Included services:
- Transfer accommodation - airport
- Flight Fogo > São Vicente
- Transfer airport - accommodation
- Night at Mindelo Residencial or similar (Option A)
- Night at hotel Porto Grande or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Day 7 SÃO VICENTE - City tour
A day on São Vicente that begins with a tour of Mindelo and a dive into the bustling markets of the city.
Just open your soul to be carried away by the charm of Mindelo. We are spoiled for choice: exploring the city, its small markets and downtown alleys, shopping, listening to a concert in one of the many bars / restaurants in the city, having an aperitif in front of a sunset. sun pink, yellow or orange depending on the time of the year or even take a ride on the Monte Verde. Overnight in the historical center of Mindelo
Included services:
- Excursion as described, with guide
- Visit of a museum / exhibition
- Night at Mindelo Residencial or similar (Option A)
- Night at hotel Porto Grande or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Day 8 SANTO ANTÃO // Excursion to Paul
After a quick boat ride, we begin our discovery of Santo Antão by taking the rope route, the old paved road that winds its way between the mountains and is less practiced since the recent opening of an asphalt road along the coast. 'ocean. Impossible to ignore the crater of Cova that we discover in depth during a hike. Going beyond an impressive viewpoint, overlooking two valleys, we continue by car to the greenest valley of the archipelago - the valley of Paul where we will eat the Catchupa, the national dish of Cape Verde. Overnight in Ponta do Sol.
Services inclus
- Transfer accommodation - harbour
- Ferry São Vicente > Santo Antão
- Excursion as described, with guide
- All transfers
- Lunch
- Night at hotel Coração Ponta do Sol or similar (Option A)
- Night at guesthouse Kasa Tambla or similar (Option B)
- (B/L/-)
Day 9 SANTO ANTÃO - Free day
Free day. Night at Ponta do Sol.
Included services:
- Night at hotel Coração Ponta do Sol or similar (Option A)
- Night at guesthouse Kasa Tambla or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Tour option: to the northeast of Santo Antão
After breakfast, our driver is waiting for us at our accommodation. We dive again into the spectacular panoramas of this incredible island, first going to Fontainhas: a short break is needed in this small picturesque village which counts among the most beautiful of the country. According to National Geographic magazine, Fontainhas is even one of the ten villages with the most beautiful views in the world, so apologize! We continue our walk in the mountain to reach the village of Cha de Igreja where a family has prepared a delicious lunch. Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Included services:
- Excursion as described, including driver-guide, lunch and all transfers
Price of this optional excursion
Price for excursion option based on 2 people: 72 EUR per person
Ferry back to São Vicente and en route to another Cape Verde paradise, completely different: the island of Sal. Besides protected bays inviting sunbath or surf sessions, we discover deserted beaches with turquoise water between the dunes, palm trees and deserts. Between two cocktails staring at the sky or the sea, why not visit the premises of the association SOS Tartarugas, which deals with the protection of fauna and flora in Cape Verde, and more precisely turtles. Depending on the season, it is possible to accompany a ranger during his night tour... Night in Santa Maria.
Services inclus
- Transfer accommodation - harbour
- Ferry Santo Antão > São Vicente
- Harbour transfer - accommodation (luggage deposit)
- Transfer accommodation - airport
- Flight São Vicente > Sal
- Transfer airport - accommodation
- Night at Aparthotel Santa Maria Beach or similar (Option A)
- Night at hotel Dunas de Sal or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Day 11 SAL - Free Day
The advantage of Sal is that we can easily relax in the sun, stroll along the beaches, swim... No one will blame us for enjoying these few days of vacation. Because after all that we have seen since the beginning, we have to face the facts, Sal is a completely different facet of Cape Verde, with its miles of white sand beaches, its restaurants, its bars and its souvenir shops. Night in Santa Maria.
Included services:
- Night at Aparthotel Santa Maria Beach or similar (Option A)
- Night at hotel Dunas de Sal or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Excursion option 1: the salt (about 4 hours)
White sandy beaches, sun and relaxation - welcome to Sal!
But there is much more to discover. This half-day discovery tour of the island shows you the best side of Sal. The day begins by taking you in comfort through the beautiful salt pans of Santa Maria towards Serra Negra, the only small mountain that is home to a wide variety of birds. The views of the Serra Negra are impressive. Take the opportunity to discover this sport that has developed strongly in the world and on the island by passing 'Kite Beach' on your way to Pedra da Lume - the salt pans that gave the island its name. Drive around the Pedra da Lume crater in a 4x4 to enjoy the views of the island's salt pans and its old installations (without entering the crater) before taking the road back to Santa Maria via Palmeira, a fishing village.
Included services:
- Excursion comme décrite, avec guide
Price of this optional excursion
Price for excursion option based on 2 people: 98 EUR per person
Excursion option 2: Lemon Sharks (about 8 hours)
White sand beaches, sun and relaxation - welcome to Sal! But there is much more to discover. This full day of island discovery starts with a comfortable drive to Murdeira Beach, continuing to the fishing village of Palmeira - the starting point to discover the "blue eye" of Buracona and observe the mirage effect in the desert for the north of the island. Right after a traditional lunch, you will have the opportunity to dip your toes in Shark Bay, a small natural pool that serves as a cradle for small sharks. Drive around the Pedra da Lume crater in a 4x4 to enjoy the view of the island's salt pans and its ancient installations (without entering the crater) before having an aperitif in Ponta Preta Bay to end your day.
Included services:
- Excursion comme décrite, avec guide
- Déjeuner
Price of this optional excursion
Price for excursion option based on 2 people: 132 EUR per person
We wanted to determine if there is an infinity of regular prime numbers, we wanted to translate A Midsummer Night's Dream into SMS language, we were determined to demonstrate the Goodstein theorem in first-order arithmetic, but finally and by mutual agreement, no, none of that. We will just continue to laze on the beach, sorry. For those who love white sand beaches, sun and comfort, Sal is just perfect. With its dreamy beaches and constant wind, the flattest and sunniest capeverdean island attracts sun-worshipers, kitesurfers and windsurfers. Night in Santa Maria.
Included services:
- Night at Aparthotel Santa Maria Beach or similar (Option A)
- Night at hotel Dunas de Sal or similar (Option B)
- (B/-/-)
Day 13 SAL - Départ
You know what ... The lush valleys, the papayas, the white sand, the turquoise water, the morabeza, the sweetness of life, all that, it must be shared, we will not keep all this just for us, we can not be selfish! We pack our bags carefully protecting the bottle(s) of grog that we will open on our way back to
mata sodad (kill nostalgia)...!
Included services:
- Day-use until 18: 00
- Transfer accommodation - airport
- (B/-/-)
A week unwrapping three different islands: Santiago the African, São Vicente the elegant and Santo Antão the tropical, breadbasket of the North part ...
