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Overview

You will experience first hand what makes our holidays so special on our Cultural Highlights of Cape Verde trip.

Have a taste of the history, food, culture and music of Santiago and São Vicente, the most cultural islands of this stunning archipelago. Explore the oldest settlement Cidade Velha and enjoy an evening of live music in cultural capital Mindelo.

On Santiago, haggle for the price of fruit at Assomada market, or mix and mingle with the locals and shop at the outdoor African market, where traders sell anything from beds to clothing. Don’t miss out on visiting the oldest kapok tree either, which is a short walk down the valley from your hotel.

In Mindelo, visit the newly developed harbour with its gallery and trendy cafes and in the evening listen to a fusion of traditional and modern Cape Verdean music in one of the many venues and bars.

Guided days are private just for you so that you can make the most out of your holiday with us.

 

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Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Heathrow and fly via Lisbon to Santiago in Cape Verde. On arrival transfer to the Hotel Oasis Praia Mar where you stay for 3 nights.

Day 2

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your English speaking guide for a private tour of Praia city. This sprawling city - where over a quarter of all of Cape Verde's population lives - feels more African than anywhere in the other islands. You start at the main square on the Plateau and walk among some imposing buildings like the Catholic cathedral, the Presidential palace and the statue of Diogo Gomes which overlooks the sea. Try not to lose sight of your guide when you're walking through colourful and bustling Sukopira market, a place full of merchandise and curiosities. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Day 3

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your private guide and driven to the oldest settlement in Cape Verde - Cidade Velha. Here your guide will take you on a historical stroll to Rua Banana, the Nossa Senhora do Rosario church and the Pelourinho (pillory). You may also wish to visit the fort which overlooks the bay. At the end of the tour, you will be taken back to your hotel in Praia. The rest of the day is free.

Day 4

A full and busy day, when your guide takes you on a private in-depth tour of the wider island. This includes visits to Assomada market and the Serra Malagueta Natural Park (with an optional short walk). Don't forget your swimming gear as you have the opportunity for a short swim at Tarrafal. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at Pousada Vassora where you stay for two nights. Lunch is included

Day 5

This is a free day, but you can ask Jean the owner of the Pousada to organise a taxi for you and return to Assomada market. Spend more time strolling around the colourful African market. It's even bigger on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If you like to stretch your legs you could walk down the valley to the famous, magnificent - and centuries old - Kapok tree named "Boa Entrada".

Day 6

Today you will be picked up and driven back along the spectacular road - with views of Santiago's highest peak (Pico do Santo Antonio 1392m) - to the airport. Fly to São Vicente and on arrival transfer to Mindelo where you'll be staying at Kira's boutique hotel for three nights. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance from your hotel, where at times local musicians perform live.

Day 7

Your guide will pick you up in the morning and you start your private tour with a stroll through Mindelo visiting the fish market, the harbour, the old customs house and Estrela square with it's permanent market stalls. At the end of the walking tour, you will also visit a guitar making workshop. You then continue your tour by car and visit Monte Verde, Baia das Gatas (lunch and swim stop) and Praia Grande.

Day 8

Today is a free day. You can either do your own thing, or you can contact our local office in Mindelo who will be able to arrange a variety of activities for you. In the evening until it's time to make your own way to the restaurant which we have booked for you where you have your two-course evening dinner and live music.

Day 9

Free time until it's time for your transfer to the airport. Fly home via Lisbon.

Guide price £2,200 per person

We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.

INCLUDED: International flights (guide price only), accommodation in twin share, en-suite rooms on a breakfast only basis throughout (dinner is included at Pousada Vassoura, which is on half board basis). Return airport transfers on Santiago and Sao Vicente. Inter-island flight per person Santiago/São Vicente. Excursions on Santiago and São Vicente as detailed in the itinerary. Visas, support from our team in Cape Verde, and air ticket reconfirmation (if required). EXCLUDED: Meals not specified above and insurance. Additional excursions on free days.

Accommodation

Throughout this holiday you will be staying in some of the most amazing places. From Kira's a family run boutique hotel in Mindelo to the beautifully designed Pousada Vassora outside Assommada. Our accommodation choices on this trip have been specially selected for you. The accommodation will be on B&B basis apart from Pousada Vassora, where dinner is included.

Kira’s Boutique Hotel
Hotel Oasis Atlantico Praiamar

Activities

Specific historical and cultural guided tours have been included where you are driven around by car or discover a place on foot. During your free time, we offer a fantastic range of activities on both islands. Most are suitable for all ages, but many can be adapted to your abilities and experience.

Driver-guided tours in Cape Verde If you are looking for the best way to explore Cape Verde…

Location

On this holiday you visit two contrasting islands, green African influenced Santiago with its rich history and vibrant more European Sao Vicente with its numerous music venues and festivals.

São Vicente island Cape Verde Mindelo is the beating heart of São Vicente. Nestled at the foot…
Santiago island Cape Verde The most African of all the islands, Santiago is a melting pot…

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