The many faces of Cape Verde

Arrive in Mindelo, located on Porto Grande Bay on the island of São Vicente. Explore Cape Verde's cultural center, known as the birthplace of singer Cesaria Evora. Listen to morna music in local venues and sample grog, a traditional sugarcane spirit. Walk through the historic quarter to view colorful houses, colonial-era architecture, and the waterfront area of Pont d'Água. Visit the former Governor's Palace and browse the municipal market to experience daily life and local commerce.

Located on Porto Grande Bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo serves as Cape Verde's cultural center. Discover the hometown of Cesaria Evora, where you can hear morna music in the old town and sample grog, the local sugarcane spirit. Stroll through streets lined with colorful houses and colonial-era buildings near Pont d'Água. Visit notable sites including the former Governor's Palace and the municipal market.

Included Excursion
Santo Antao, the authentic island
Duration: 11h00
From the pier, transfer to the harbor and board a ferry to Santo Antão. Upon arrival, travel along the coastline to Paúl Valley, one of the archipelago's most productive agricultural regions.

Hike through plantation landscapes and rural communities while observing crops such as bananas, potatoes, papayas, mangos, lettuce, and breadfruit. Pause to sample fresh local fruit and see extensive sugarcane fields used in the production of grog. Continue to a traditional distillery to learn about the production process and enjoy a tasting.

Travel onward to the fishing village of Ponta do Sol for a guided visit before continuing to Ribeira Grande for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, follow the former trading route through volcanic mountains and valleys. Stop to view Cova crater, where fertile soil supports local agriculture. Cross the mountain ridge and descend toward Porto Novo before returning by ferry to Mindelo and your ship.

Transportation is provided by local vehicles without air-conditioning or a PA system. This excursion includes approximately 1 km of walking on uneven terrain with some steps. Wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Good physical condition is required. The narrow, winding trading route may not be suitable if you are prone to motion sickness.

Located south-west of São Vicente, the island of Sao Nicolau is a dramatic sight with steep, richly forested mountains that reach their peak at ﾠMt Gordo. Near the summit, the islandﾒs attractive capital, Ribeira Brava, nestles in a deep green valley. Not far off, you can hike along the mountain paths of Fajã, where youﾒll see rare and extremely old dragon trees growing naturally on the high plateaux. Coastal landmarks include the Blue Hole, ﾠpeaceful Tarrafal beach and the picturesque fishing village of Preguiça.

Included Excursions:
Sao Nicolau, "the Intellectual"
Duration : 4h15
The island of Sao Nicolau impresses with its almost untouched mountainous landscape. It is a peaceful and attractive island of plantations and agricultural villages. Its inhabitants are warm, friendly and attached to their traditions. Little touched by mass tourism, this island has retained its authenticity and offers a rare tranquility.

With your guide, board your van from the pier for a panoramic tour to the historic and picturesque capital Ribeira Brava, nestled inland. You will pass through breathtaking scenery and enjoy two stops to take pictures of the panorama. Arriving at the city's main square, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the streets lined with colorful facades and backdropped by the mountains. You will also see the statue of Baltazar Lopes, one of the country's most famous writers. Your guide will then explain why Ribeira Brava was the foundation of Cape Verdean intellect in the 19th century.

The rural atmosphere, the light ambiance, and the warm welcome of Cape Verdeans will delight you. After the visit of the city, you will taste the soul of São Nicolau by enjoying a coffee break in a local bar, taking in a live music, while tasting a local pastry, mostly made with corn and manioc flour.
Then, you will take a road up to the agricultural highlands of the Faja region, crossing a mountainous landscape.

In Queimadas, a somewhat hidden valley, a traditional mazurka dance group will perform for you. São Nicolau is not only the cradle of these "imported" dances, but also one of the few places that still preserve this tradition.
Finally, you will take the road back to your ship.

This tour includes 800 meters of walking on uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets and some stairs. The team recommends that you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The transportation used is local and do not have air conditioning or a sound system.

The Dragon Tree
Duration : 4h45
In a way, the island of Sao Nicolau seems forgotten and yet it generously offers a variety of landscapes that are simply sensational. The island is teeming with captivating vegetation in a breathtaking setting. With your guide you will get into your vehicle and drive up the windy road to the Cachaco area. From here, you will begin your visit of the the town of Ribeira Brava. The main town of Sao Nicolau is lined with pretty cobbled streets and pastel facades.

After a quick walk in this small town, you will go up to the Faja region through the agricultural area of Queimadas. You will hike and pass by hundreds of aloes and the famous dragon trees, a very special tree that can only be found in Cape Verde, the Canaries and Madeira. Its red sap (the blood of the dragon) is used as a dye. During this walk, you will enjoy exceptional landscapes, giving you unique sensations.

At the end of this tour, Cape Verde will be sure to have found a special place in your heart. As you end this unforgettable journey, head back to your ship.

This tour includes hiking approximately 5km over uneven terrain some of which is cobblestoned. The tour involves very few steps. This excursion is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. Guests should be fit. It is recommended you wear hiking shoes or sneakers, and bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses with a small backpack for water and a picnic. The transportation used is local and do not have air-conditioning nor a PA-system. Passengers should carry walking sticks.

The third largest island in the Cape Verde archipelago, Boa Vista offers visitors stunning white-sand beaches and emerald water. Dubbed “the sand dune island”, it is particularly well-known for its wild, desert landscapes that are windswept all year round. Sand dunes, oases and arid plains form the landscape of this small stretch of land that is barely 30 km (20 miles) long. Make the most of your stop here by experiencing the joy of swimming amid abundant marine life.

Included Excursion
Boa Vista, between endless beaches and dunes
Duration : 2h45
Welcome to the northernmost and third largest island of the archipelago. Deserted beaches, small, abandoned villages, shifting dunes and desert oases will enchant you. With your guide, board your 4x4 vehicle to head to Morro de Areia first. It is a natural reserve with a sandy beach that is several kilometers long breathtaking coastal cliffs and dunes. Then, you will reach Shark Bay to try to see sharks from the beach.

You will continue your adventure towards the beach of Varandinha (Praia de Varandinha) crossing superb panoramas along the way. The white sand and the deep blue of the ocean contrast with the caves formed by the high tide, which are the nests and hiding places of sea birds. Birdwatchers will be delighted. The harmony of colors and the sound of the wind in the absolute silence of the desert create an incredible spectacle.  

Finally, head back on the road  and take in these beautiful landscapes that are so representative of the island as you return to your ship. This tour involves very little walking. This excursion is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems. It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and bring some water. The transportation used is local and do not have air-conditioning nor a PA-system. Swimming will be possible depending on weather conditions. 

The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the southern tip of Santiago island. You can dally in the districts planted with Tamarind and Albizia trees. Above the harbor, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old center, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. Its historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.

Included Excursions
Praia and Cidade Velha
Duration : 4h00
Welcome to the largest and most African of the Cape Verde islands. This tour will take you to the heart of the recent capital, Praia, where you will discover the contrast between its history and the modern atmosphere that reigns there.

From the pier, you will meet your guide and drive to "the Plateau". There, you will start your guided walking tour of the historical center of Praia. You will visit the Ethnological Museum which is located in a historic Portuguese colonial building. Your guide will tell you more about the way of life of the first inhabitants.
Afterwards, you will go to Cidade Velha which you will reach after 30 minutes of driving. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is the original capital of the Cape Verde Islands and the cradle of the slave trade.

Ribeira Grande, now known as Cidade Velha (“old city”), is the oldest city in Cape Verde Islands and was the first European settlement in the tropics. A colony was founded in 1462 by Antonio de Noli and prospered due to its prominent position in the slave trade. It became a city in 1572 and got a cathedral which was completed late in 1693. The great explorers Christopher Colombus and Vasco de Gama both stopped here on their respective expeditions, Christopher Colombus on his third voyage to the Americas in 1498, and Vasco de Gama on his way to India in 1497.

Before arriving, you will visit the ruins of the old Fort of Real do Sao Filipe, which overlooks the Cidade Velha. It was built in 1590 to protect Ribeira Grande after a devastating attack by the pirate Francis Drake. This defence soon proved insufficient and in 1712 the city was sacked again by the French pirate Jacques Cassart.

Once in the heart of Cidade Velha, you will discover the remains left by the first Portuguese settlers. You will visit its Cathedral, then you will walk along the Rua Banana and the Pelourinho, a pillory dating from the 16th century. Near these picturesque cobblestone streets, you will enjoy a coffee to the sound of the drums of a batuco group that will offer you a traditional dance performance. After discovering the soul of this island, you will return to the port of Praia and your ship.

This excursion involves approximately 1.5 km of walking over cobblestone streets with some steps. The transportation used is local bus and do not have air-conditioning nor a PA-system. Euros banknotes are accepted at the souvenir shops (but not coins). The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. 

Santiago, the cradle of Cape Verde
Duration : 6h00
Discover the striking scenery and colonial history of the island of Santiago, in Cape Verde, with its steep mountains, verdant valleys and pretty villages.
Your first stop will be the Fort Real de São Felipe, an imposing fortress overlooking the historic town of Cidade Velha and the Ribeira Grande valley. Below, you will discover the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the first Portuguese and European colonial settlement and the hub of the slave trade.

Then, you will arrive in Rui Vaz, nestling at the foot of the Pico de Antónia mountain. In the shade of this majestic mountain, the island’s highest summit, you will enjoy a traditional lunch while watching a performance of Batuque, a dance that takes place in a circle to the rhythm of drums, inherited from African slaves. This dance, supressed in the past, has become a vibrant symbol of Cape Verdean cultural identity.

The visit will continue in one of Santiago’s most verdant valleys. Here you will discover the local agriculture, supported by the island’s first dam, and learn more about inhabitants’ day-to-day life. This excursion involves walking approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet) on uneven ground with cobblestones. We recommend you wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Discovered in 1460 in the month of May, as its Portuguese name indicates, Maio lies east of Santiago in the Cape Verde archipelago. At the southwestern end of the island, you will discover the city of Porto Inglês, also known as Vila do Maio, where the pastel houses nestle against rounded hillsides. This port city played a pivotal role in the export of salt by the English in the 17th century. Overlooking the city, the fortress built in the 18th century as protection against pirate attacks still bears traces of its turbulent past. The long beaches of white sand that edge the island are now an invitation to enjoy the peace and serenity.

Lying west of Praia, the volcanic island of Fogo is Cape Verde's highest landmark. The foothills of Pico de Fogo are ideal for hiking, with an immense caldera surrounding the active crater. Trails start at the little town of Chã das Caldeiras and you can see recent lava flows and older ones sprouting with new growth. Along the rocky coastline you'll come across picturesque Mosteiros and the historic town of São Filipe, where elegant colonial houses overlook the Atlantic.

Included Excursion
The Crater Villages
Duration : 7h00
Fogo means fire... and fire is the element you can feel everywhere in Fogo - in the spirit of the people, in the deep red of their wine and in the lava landscape of Cha Das Caldeiras. The heart of the volcano is boiling everywhere. The island of Fogo is a majestic cone emerging from the ocean with a volcano at its center, "Pico de Fogo", which had its last eruption in 2014. All along the island, up to the foot of the volcano, small villages are scattered. What seems gray at your first approach will become, upon closer inspection, the most beautiful play of colors that the archipelago can offer.

Meet your guide and board your vehicle to take the road that leads to the crater, at an altitude of 1600 m. The beauty of the island is revealed more. At the foot of the "big crater", in the heart of the National Park through the red and ochre rocks, dotted with hardened black lava flows, a volcanic soil is revealed so fertile that vineyards appear.

You will have the opportunity to visit a private vineyard, where you will learn a little more about the wine production on Fogo. You will taste the famous Fogo wine at its place of production of the crater villages. Then, you will take the road to the two villages of the crater. On the way, you will pass a large number of plants that live on the rich lava soil, land that favors agriculture. The two crater villages, Portela and Bangaeira, buried under the lava, where a thousand people lived and were engulfed, with 75% of the houses destroyed or damaged. Rectangular surfaces and white cones can be seen floating above the lava field: the roofs of the houses swallowed by the flows or the rest of the church. In some places the inhabitants have dug into the houses to live again.

Here, you will enjoy a hearty lunch.

It is time to say goodbye to these abstract landscapes. You will take the road again, passing through the typical landscapes of the island, towards São Felipe to join your ship. This tour includes 1km of walking on uneven surfaces, cobblestone streets and some stairs. The team recommends that you wear comfortable walking or trekking shoes, a windbreaker (it can be cold at the altitude of 1600 m), and protect yourself from the sun. The transportation used is local and does not have air conditioning or a sound system. 

Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-colored houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.