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.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$1,850
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 141 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 141 reviews on
1 day ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
1 day ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
1 day ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
1 day ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
2 days ago
Great follow through and help in what needed to be done to have a safe successful trip !