The Islands of the Cape Verde Archipelago 2016-17
8 days cruise from Praia – Santiago

Day 1 – Praia, San Tiago

Embarkation 4Pm. San Tiago and its capital Praia is the largest and most populated island of the Cape Verde Archipelago. Overnight in port.

Day 2 – Praia, San Tiago

San Tiago is the most African of all the islands of Cape Verde and the first island where settlers came. After a morning at leisure and lunch on board, the optional afternoon excursion will bring us to Cidade Velha, the Old Portuguese capital where history is ever present. The fort and the nearby settlements were once a thriving slave trade centre. The Museum of Maritime History displays findings from rich shipwrecks. Late in the evening we will sail North to Fogo. Overnight at sea.

Day 3 – San Filipe, Fogo

Early morning arrival in Fogo, the island of fire due to the dominating sight of the Fogo Volcano which rises 3,000 meters over the sea level. Our optional full day excursion will bring us at the top of the volcano, right at the crater edge. You will walk through a landscape of lava. Lunch will be at the crater’s village. We will also visit the city San Felipe with a characteristic colonial charm. Late in the evening we will sail to San Nikolau. Overnight at sea.

Day 4 – Tarrafal, San Nicolau

Morning arrival in San Nikolau, a peaceful island with dozens of coffee plantations and friendly residents. Our optional full day tour of the island will include walks near the Monte Gordo volcano, then to the nearby forest and later to the Faja Valley. Today we will have a seafood lunch before resuming our exploration and visiting the town of Ribeira Brava, its old quarter, church and seminar. Late in the evening, we sail to San Antao. Overnight at sea.

Day 5 – Porto Novo, San Antao – Mindelo, San Vincente

Morning arrival in San Antao, the greenest of all Cape Verde Islands. The landscapes of verdant plantations of sugarcane alternate old craters. Our optional full day excursion will include the luxuriant Valley Paul where sugarcane is still exploited and where you will taste the “grogue” the national drink of the Archipelago. You will also reach the Valley of Ribeira das Patas and discover rock formations coming from lava formations. In the evening we sail

to Mindelo on the island of San Vincente just an hour sailing from San Antao. In the evening we sail into Mindelo where you will have the opportunity to enjoy Mindelo’s famous nightlife and possibly a musical event. Overnight in port.

Day 6 – Mindelo, San Vincente

Once a vibrant commercial island, it has evolved into a cultural center and Mindelo is one of the most well preserved colonial cities in Cape Verde. Our optional walking excursion will allow you to visit galleries and discover busy restaurants, musical events that give Mindelo its label of the Cultural Center of the Cape Verde. It is no surprise that the National Museum of Handycrafts is located in Mindelo. Overnight at sea to Maio.

Day 7 – Maio

Arrival at noon in Maio a calm and relaxed community. Maio landscapes are flat, probably due to erosion over the years. Our walking tour of the city of Vila do Maio will include a visit to the huge Baroque church built by the Portuguese some centuries back. Afternoon excursion. Overnight in port.

Day 8 – Maio – San Tiago
Morning sailing to Praia, San Tiago Island. Arrival at 09:00 – Disembarkation.