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Overview

Our Highlights of Cape Verde’s Southern Islands in 11 days holiday starts in Santiago, with island hops to neighbouring Fogo and Maio.

Santiago, Fogo and Maio belong to the Sotavento Islands (Leeward Islands) – the southern group of Cape Verdean islands.

From Cidade Velha, the oldest settlement on Cape Verde, to the moon-like crater landscape of Cha das Caldeiras, this holiday takes you on the best privately-guided sightseeing trips of Santiago and Fogo. We understand that holiday time is precious and having a private guide means you get the most out of your time.

One of the many highlights on our Highlights of Cape Verde’s Southern Islands is a stay at the beautifully restored Colonial Guesthouse, one of the finest examples of a Sobrado, a house in the style of the Portuguese colonial area. The house, decorated with fine woods and tiles, was built in 1883 and focuses around a central courtyard.

After the cultural and scenic experiences of Santiago and Fogo, you’ll have time to relax on lesser-visited Maio with it’s idyllic and quiet white-sanded beaches.

 

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Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Heathrow and fly via Lisbon to Santiago in Cape Verde. On arrival transfer to the Oasis Atlantico on the ocean front of Praia city, where you'll stay for three nights.

Day 2

After breakfast, you will be picked up by your English speaking guide and drive to the oldest settlement in Cape Verde - Cidade Velha. Here the 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. On the way back, you will be shown around bustling Praia and the colourful Sukopira market.

Day 3

Another busy day, when your guide takes you on an in-depth tour of the island. This includes visits to the colourful African market in Assomada, where not only fruit and vegetables are being sold, but also chickens and other livestock. You will then be driven to the Serra Malagueta Natural Park where you could do an optional short walk. Continue on to Tarrafal for lunch and where you have the opportunity to swim in the beautiful cove with its white sandy beach. Don't forget your swimming gear! Return to Praia via the Northeast coast.

Day 4

Transfer to the airport and fly to Fogo, on arrival transfer to the Colonial Guesthouse in Sao Filipe where you will stay for three nights. In the afternoon you could explore the pretty town with its pastel coloured houses and Sobrado architecture (buildings from the Portuguese colonial era), set amongst cobbled roads.

Day 5

Your guide will pick you up again from your hotel and you be going on a full day tour to the imposing volcanic crater of Cha das Caldeiras. You can go for a short hike on the Bordeira (crater rim) with magnificent views of the crater below - or you can go for a short walk in the crater along the lava fields. Lunch is included today.

Day 6

After breakfast, you will be picked up again by your guide and this time you will go on a full day tour of the rest of the island. You will visit Cova Figueira, Mosteiros and Salinas before you head back again to Sao Filipe. Lunch is included today.

Day 7

Free time until it's time for your transfer to the airport and fly via Santiago to Maio. On arrival, you will be transferred to your apartment where you'll stay for three nights. Your apartment is close to the stunning white sandy beach.

Day 8

The day is free to explore this beautiful, quiet and least visited island, It has lovely beaches, and offers a great variety of water sports activities. If you like bird watching then you should head for Salina de Porto Ingles, which apart from being the biggest salt lake in the archipelago also has a nearby wetland. In the evening you could visit the attractive town of Vila do Maio (the main town on the island), with its colourfully painted houses and narrow cobbled streets.

Day 9

Free day - you could either relax locally or perhaps take a jeep safari around the island and discover more hidden beaches. There are also some pleasant short walks that you can do around the salt pans. If you're on the island during the UK's late winter/early spring then you might spot humpback whales with their new-born calves from the shore.

Day 10

Free time until it's time for your pick up to the airport for your return flight to Santiago, where on arrival you will be transferred to the Oasis Atlantico for one night. The rest of the day is free.

Day 11

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

Guide price £2,450 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. Return airport transfers on Santiago, Fogo and Maio. Inter-island flights per person Santiago/Fogo/Santiago/Maio/Santiago. 4 x guided excursions as detailed in the itinerary. Visas and support from our team in Cape Verde, and air ticket reconfirmation (if required). EXCLUDES: Meals not specified above and insurance. Additional excursions on free days.

Accommodation

The combination of accommodation we choose for your trip is part of the key to an unforgettable holiday. Throughout your trip you will be staying in some of the most amazing places. From the traditional Sobrado style guest house to the comforts of a 4* hotel and your own apartment - each island has some great accommodation choices and the hotels on this trip have been specially selected for you. All the accommodation will be on B&B basis apart from the more remote places where dinner will be included.

Hotel Oasis Atlantico Praiamar
Apartments Stella Maris Colonial Guesthouse

Activities

We offer a fantastic range of activities on all the 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

The Southern islands of Cape Verde

Fogo island Cape Verde Dominated by the highest volcano of all the islands, Pico do Fogo…
Maio island Cape Verde Santiago island Cape Verde

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