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Beaches of Cape Verde Islands

Islands of the Cabo Verde Archipelago

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Harmony V
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This 8-day cruise gives you the chance to explore the intoxicating mixture of African and Portuguese heritage found in the Cabo Verde archipelago. Once a former colony and slave trade outpost, the Cabo Verde Islands of today offer a spellbinding blend of influences in their architecture, food, customs and traditions. Being blessed with a pleasant year-round climate, the archipelago also offers a diverse range of landscapes from verdant mountain ranges, lush hills and jungles, to volcanic landscapes and wide deserted beaches. This voyage opens up for you a vibrant and colorful world, all set to the gentle rhythms of West African music.
Sunset in PraiaFishermen in the Cape Verde IslandsSnorkel the vibrant reef systemBeaches of Cape Verde Islands
Places Visited
  • Africa
  • West Africa
  • Cape Verde Islands
  • Fogo
  • Maio
  • Mindelo
  • Porto Novo
  • Praia
  • Sao Nicolou
  • Tarrafal de Sao Nicolau
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Praia, San Tiago

Embark your ship this afternoon in Praia, the capital of San Tiago, the largest and most populated island of the Cape Verde Archipelago. Overnight in port.

Day 2: Praia, San Tiago

Among the Cape Verde islands, San Tiago demonstrates the most prevalent African influences. This was also the first island encountered by settlers. After a morning at leisure and lunch on board, the optional afternoon excursion brings you to Cidade Velha, the old Portuguese capital where history is ever-present. The fort and the nearby settlements were once a thriving slave trade center. The Museum of Maritime History displays findings from rich shipwrecks. Late in the evening, sail north to Fogo. Overnight at sea.

Day 3: Sao Filipe, Fogo

Arrive early this morning in Fogo. Considered the island of fire for the dominating sight of the Fogo Volcano, which rises 3,000 meters over sea level. Your optional full-day excursion brings you to the top of the volcano, right at the crater's edge. Walk through a landscape of lava. Enjoy lunch at the crater's village. You can also visit San Felipe, which offers a true colonial charm. Late in the evening your ship sails to San Nicolau. Overnight at sea.

Day 4: Tarrafal, San Nicolau

This morning, arrive on San Nicolau, a peaceful island with dozens of coffee plantations and friendly residents. Your optional full-day tour of the island includes walks near the Monte Gordo volcano, then to the nearby forest and later to the Faja Valley. At midday enjoy a seafood lunch before resuming your exploration and later visiting the town of Ribeira Brava - see its old quarter, church, and seminar. Late in the evening, sail to San Antao. Overnight at sea.

Day 5: Porto Novo, San Antao / Mindelo, Sao Vincente

Wake up in the greenest of all Cape Verde islands: San Antao. The verdant landscapes include alternating sugarcane plantations and old craters. Your optional full-day excursion includes the luxuriant Valley Paul where sugarcane is still exploited and where you can taste "grogue," the national drink of the archipelago. Also visit the Valley of Riberia das Patas and discover lava-formed rocks. In the evening, sail a quick hour to Mindelo on the island of San Vincente. In the evening, take the opportunity to enjoy Mindelo's famous nightlife and possibly a musical event. Overnight in port.

Day 6: Mindelo, San Vincente

Once a vibrant commercial island, San Vincente has evolved into a cultural center and Mindelo is one of the most well-preserved colonial cities in Cape Verde. Your optional walking excursion allows you to discover galleries, busy restaurants, and musical events that give Mindelo its label of the Cultural Center of the archipelago. It is no surprise that the National Museum of Handycrafts is located in Mindelo. Overnight at sea en route to Maio.

Day 7: Maio

Arrive midday in Maio, a calm and relaxed community. Maio landscapes are flat, probably due to erosion over the years. Your walking tour of the city of Vila do Maio includes a visit to the huge Baroque church built by the Portuguese some centuries back. Choose to join an optional excursion this afternoon. Overnight in port.

Day 8: Praia, Sao Toago

  • 1 Breakfast
Sail into Praia this morning. Disembark following breakfast on board and continue your homeward journey.

Ship/Hotel

Harmony V

Spacious interior lounge
Harmony V Dining room
Dining on the Harmony V.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,850
Harmony V Cabin Category C
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Category C (Double)
Main deck. One double bed, windows, en suite bathroom with shower, flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Harmony V Cabin Category B
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Category B
Main deck. One double bed or two twin beds, windows, en suite bathroom with shower, flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Harmony V Cabin Category A
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Category A
Upper deck. One double bed or two twin beds, windows, en suite bathroom with shower, flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.
Harmony V's Category P Cabin.
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Category P
Upper deck. One double bed or two twin beds, sofa, windows, en suite bathroom with shower, flat screen TV sets, DVD players, mini fridges, hairdryers, individually controlled A/C and safe deposit boxes.

Notes

- Please note that fares do not include port charges and possible fuel surcharges. Contact us for details.
- Please note that shore excursions are offered at additional costs.
- Child Discount:
Children between the ages of 7-10 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 50% discount in Category A. Children between the ages of 10-16 sharing a cabin with two paying adults receive a 35% discount in Category A.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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