Island Discovery

This tour introduces you to Santiago's bustling markets, nightlife, hiking trails and spectacular scenery, with time to also explore São Vicente and its capital Mindelo, the gateway to the stunning island of Santo Antão. In contrast, Boa Vista and Sal are renowned for having the best beaches in the archipelago.

Firstly overnight on the island of Sal, before you begin your island-hopping adventure.

On São Vicente, stay in the capital Mindelo where you will have plenty of time to explore. Mindelo, the capital of São Vicente, has plenty of places to observe Cape Verdean culture. At the Centro Nacional Artesanato it is possible to watch Cape Verdeans weaving cloth and making ceramics. There are an abundance of restaurants and bars that have live music, both morna, the bitter sweet sounds and the more lively funana. For something a little different, try swimming with the resident turtles just off the shore reached by an excursion with local fisherman from São Pedro Beach.

Then onto Santiago, the largest Island in the archipelago with craggy mountains and lush valleys, the extreme opposite to Sal. Built on a plateau of rock and overspilling onto the land below its steep cliffs, Praia, the capital of the island, is mostly African yet Mediterranean as well. The main square on the plateau houses some noteworthy buildings including the old Palace of the Council, the Presidential Palace and the old Catholic Cathedral. A statue of Diogo Gomes, one of the two discoverers of Santiago, stands just outside the square.

The rest of the trip is a more relaxing affair with time spent on both Sal and Boa Vista. The landscape on Boa Vista is ever changing with the spectacular moving sand dunes due to the winds. Saharan-like oases are dotted around the interior and depending on the time of year, turtles can be spotted on some of the beaches. A plethora of water sports awaits visitors to Sal and in addition to the golden sandy beaches, the main attractions are the salt flats at Pedra de Lume. The natural swimming pools and underwater caves at Buracano are also great place to cool off for a quick dip.

Introduction

14-night island-hopping itinerary that explores four very different islands.

Departure dates

The itinerary for this tour must start on a Monday for the internal flights to work. However, other UK departure days may be available, by doing the islands in a slightly different order. Please call for a tailor-made quote, with your choice of day and UK airport.

What's included

International flights from UK to Sal
Access to UK airport lounge
Airport Security Tax (TSA)
Experienced and reliable resort team on hand to help
Free Cape Verde destination guide
Internal flights between Sal, Santiago, São Vicente and Boa Vista
10 nights' hotel accommodation on bed & breakfast
3 nights' hotel accommodation on all inclusive
Private return airport transfers on Sal and Boa Vista
All return transfers between airport and hotels on the islands of Santiago and São Vicente

What's not included

Meals not stated in the board basis
Drinks
Travel insurance
Single and upgrade supplements
Excursions

Accommodation

1 night in 5 grade Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort
2 nights in 3 grade Oasis Porto Grande Hotel, São Vicente
2 nights in 4 grade Pestana Tropico Hotel, Santiago
3 nights in 4.5 grade VOI Praia de Chaves Hotel, Boa Vista
6 nights in 5 grade Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort

Please see individual details below

Travelling Between the Islands

Upon your arrival in Sal after your international flight, you will travel to the other islands by internal flights. These flights are provided by BestFly and, whilst every effort will be made to book direct flights, flights from Boa Vista to Sal will be indirect due to scheduling limitations. There are currently no direct flights between Boa Vista and Sal.

It should also be noted that internal flights can, and do, see schedule changes and flights are sometimes cancelled, delayed or even early!

Due to the travelling involved on our island hopping itineraries we don’t recommend this type of holiday for young children.

Tour Map

Brochure Page