4*Hotels - Discovery of 3 Islands Santiago; São Vicente; Santo Antão
4*Hotels - Discovery of 3 Islands Santiago; São Vicente; Santo Antão
4*Hotels - Discovery of 3 Islands Santiago; São Vicente; Santo Antão
10 Days Starting and ending in Mindelo
Visiting: Praia, Mindelo, Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Paul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26314
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Beach Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Welcome to Cape Verde! This programme will help you discover Cape Verde's most emblematic islands! Santiago is known as the most African island, due to its strong connection with this continent through its traditions and culture. As it was the first island to be colonised, it is also here that we can find the roots and origins of this country's history. Its richness is not limited to culture and history, but also includes the diverse landscapes of Cape Verde's largest island, with mountains, fertile valleys and beautiful white sandy beaches. São Vicente is considered the capital of music and culture. Mindelo, its city, is the birthplace of the famous "morna", immortalised by the sultry voice of the barefoot diva, Cesária Évora, and many other singers from the island. Walking around Mindelo also means discovering beautiful, well-preserved colonial buildings. The island also hides beautiful nooks and beaches that you can explore. Santo Antão is the island of fertile valleys, where villages and banana and sugar cane plantations have been established. The paths climb up to peaks and soon open out onto balconies above the ocean. A journey of conviviality, sharing and authenticity!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Day
Location: Praia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pestana Trópico Santiago
Arrival at Santiago!
Transfer to your hotel and welcoming.
Day 2 : Santiago History And Nature
Location: Praia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pestana Trópico Santiago
With this discovery we will enjoy an unforgettable trip to the north of the island where we will contemplate the unique landscapes of the island of Santiago. High mountains, plains and green valleys...
The first stop is at São Domingos, where we will visit the Eco Centro. We will see different villages, passing by the Antonia Peak, the highest point of the island. 60km from Praia we will find the town of Assomada, an important point of commerce, where we will visit the traditional market (just on Wednesdays and Saturdays).
The walk continues through Serra da Malagueta Natural Park, with its eucalyptus forest, several types of acacias and other endemic plants.
We will finally arrive at Tarrafal, a fishing village where we can visit the old concentration camp, now transformed into a museum, and then go to the incredible bay, with a very pleasant sea, surrounded by palm trees - considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
Lunch by the sea and free time to swim into the turquoise water.
Next, we will stop at the village of the "rabelados" at Espinho Branco - a religious community, which rebelled against society and the church, during colonial times and that maintains its unique traditions. Here we will see and be able to buy handicrafts, paintings, and learn more about this culture.
Before returning to Praia, we will see the small bays, caves and black sand beaches of the coastline of the island, stopping in the beautiful area of Pedra Badejo.
Day 3 : Discovery Of Praia And Cidade Velha
Location: Praia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Pestana Trópico Santiago
We will start with a walk in the historic center of the city of Praia - the “Plateau”, where we will see the cross quarter, the square, the church and the municipal market, street of art of Ponta Belém , going down through the Sukupira market.
After, we will take the bus to Cidade Velha, located 20 minutes from the capital, the first city built by the Portuguese in Africa and considered the cradle of Cape Verde.
The historic center of “Cidade Velha” named as World Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO) in 2009 reveals more about the unique history of the country.
We will visit the Fort of São Filipe, 100 meters above sea level. It was built to protect the city from the pirates who constantly attacked the city between the 16th and 17th centuries - among them Francis Drake and Jacques Cassard.
Upon arrival at Cidade Velha, we will visit each monuments and ruins, including the old cathedral, the Convent of São Franciso, the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (the first church built in the ancient settlements), the street of Banana and the old slave market, with its pillory.
Day 4 : Change Of Destination
Location: Praia
Accommodation Name: Ouril Hotel
Today you will be taken to the airport to fly to a new destination - São Vicente Island.
Arrival at São Vicente!
Transfer to your hotel and welcoming.
Day 5 : S. Vicente Beaches And Volcanos
Location: Praia
Accommodation Name: Ouril Hotel
Discovery of all the landscapes of São Vicente with its beautiful beaches and extinct volcanoes.
We start with a walking tour at the cosmopolitan city of Mindelo, the capital.
Then, we head to Monte Verde, to enjoy its panoramic view; Salamansa and its beach known for the practice of Kite Surfing; Baía das Gatas, known for its music festival and its natural swimming pool (Free time for swimming).
We will also pass by Praia Grande, a beautiful white sand beach and Calhau with its extinct volcanoes overlooking the island of Santa Luzia.
Return to the city centre towards the Madeiral road.
Day 6 : S. Vicente Cultural Mindelo
Location: Mindelo
Accommodation Name: Ouril Hotel
Discovery on foot of Mindelo, the city of culture and music.
Mindelo is the result of two major influences: Portuguese and British, testified all over the city by the well preserved colonial buildings.
Ideal walk to know and understand better how people from Mindelo and know all the secrets of their history.
Visit of the different markets and tasting of local products, visit to the Cesaria museum at the governor's palace, the church square from which the first houses were built and the first streets were laid out, Praça Nova, Avenida Marginal - with the replica of the Belém tower in Lisbon, the bay and the Alfândega Velha - today the cultural center of Mindelo and workshops of painters.
Day 7 : Santo Antão The Discovery
Location: Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Mindelo
Accommodation Name: SantAntao Art Resort
Morning transfer to Mindelo port to take the ferry to your new destination - Santo Antão.
Circuit to discover the main sites of the island, passing by the famous Corda road, Aguas das Caldeiras, Ribeira Grande and Ponta do Sol. A fabulous contrast between an arid southern region, an altitude forest and fabulous vegetation in the north.
Day 8 : Hike Paul Valley
Location: Porto Novo, Ribeira Grande, Paul
Accommodation Name: SantAntao Art Resort
Today on the way to the exotic, we walk through the garden of Cape Verde, in the heart of Paul Valley, considered the greenest and most luxuriant in the country. The path goes from cottage to cottage, crossing vegetable crops (cabbage, tomatoes, salads….) And tropical ones (bananas, guava, sugar cane, yams…), combining meeting with the locals, agriculture and botany. This is an opportunity to discover rural life: taking the mule tracks, built by man at the foot of "levadas" (irrigation canals) and terraced crops.
Difficulty level 2
7 km, estimated 4h, Ascent 550m, Descent 700m
Day 9 : Santo Antão Southwest
Location: Porto Novo, Mindelo
Accommodation Name: Ouril Hotel
Discovery of the southwestern part of the island, through volcanic landscapes, fields of Pozolana where you will see beautiful isolated villages ... Discovery of extraordinary landscapes as well as Lagedos known for its sustainable tourism.
Amazing landscapes to agricultural fields planted in terraces and embedded in the black rock, typical of this region.
After lunch, transfer to the port of Santo Antão to take the ferry back to São Vicente.
Day 10 : Departure Day
Location: Mindelo
End of our journey of discovery of the history, culture and nature of Cape Verde.
Transfer to Cesária Évora International Airport.
What's Included
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All the transfers
All transfers during the tour are included.
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National flight Santiago/São Vicente
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Double room accommodation with breakfast included
Accommodation in double rooms with breakfast is included.
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Santiago - 2 tours with transfers/guide and lunch
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São Vicente - 2 tours with transfers/guide and lunch
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Santo Antão - 2 tours + 1 hike with transfer/guide and lunch
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Meals mentioned in the program
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All transfers
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Double room accomodation with breakfast included
What's Not Included
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Tourism tax
Tourism tax of 2.
5€/person
ight is not included. -
Airport tax
Airport tax of 34€/person is not included.
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Beverages
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Meals when not included
Meals that are not mentioned in the program are not included.
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Personal expenses
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Tourism tax 2.5€/person/night
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Airport tax 34€/person
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Meals not mentioned in the program
Mode of Transport
All transfers are included, along with a national flight from Santiago to São Vicente and ferry transfers between islands.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at Hotel Pestana Trópico Santiago, Ouril Hotel, and SantAntao Art Resort, with double room accommodation and breakfast included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes double room accommodation with breakfast at 4-star hotels. Specific hotels mentioned are Hotel Pestana Trópico Santiago, Ouril Hotel, and SantAntao Art Resort.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals mentioned in the program are included. Specifically, the tour includes lunch during the tours in Santiago, São Vicente, and Santo Antão.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
All transfers are included in the tour, including a national flight from Santiago to São Vicente and ferry transfers to Santo Antão.
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What activities are included in Santiago?
In Santiago, the tour includes visits to São Domingos, Assomada, Serra da Malagueta Natural Park, Tarrafal, and the village of the 'rabelados' at Espinho Branco. Additionally, there is a historical tour of Praia and Cidade Velha.
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What can I expect to see in São Vicente?
In São Vicente, you will explore the cosmopolitan city of Mindelo, Monte Verde, Salamansa beach, Baía das Gatas, Praia Grande, and Calhau with its extinct volcanoes. There is also a cultural tour of Mindelo, including visits to local markets, the Cesaria museum, and various historical sites.
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What activities are planned for Santo Antão?
In Santo Antão, the tour includes a circuit to discover the main sites of the island, a hike through Paul Valley, and a discovery tour of the southwestern part of the island, including volcanic landscapes and agricultural fields.
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Is there any hiking involved in the tour?
Yes, there is a hike through Paul Valley in Santo Antão, which is considered the greenest and most luxuriant valley in Cape Verde. The hike is 7 km long, estimated to take 4 hours, with an ascent of 550m and a descent of 700m.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour package?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour package are tourism tax (€2.5 per person per night), airport tax (€34 per person), beverages, meals not mentioned in the program, and personal expenses.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.