The Islands of Cape Verde Cruise

Embarkation at 4pm at Palmeira, Sal. Dinner on board and departure at midnight to Boa Vista. Overnight at sea

Morning arrival at Sal Rei, Boa Vista. Here you will find some of the most beautiful beaches of the archipelago, and spectacular landscapes. Spend some time on the beach or enjoy an all-day optional excursion to look at some authentic aspects of the island: villages with picturesque house facades, ceramic artisans, and day to day agriculture. Lunch at a local restaurant, before returning on board. Overnight at sea to Praia, Santiago.

Morning arrival at Praia, Santiago. This is the largest of the islands. Spend the morning free time at leisure and after lunch on board, the optional afternoon excursion will take you to Cidade Velha, an old colonial city and a Unesco World Heritage site, once a thriving slave trade centre. Late in the evening we will sail north towards Fogo, the fire island. Overnight at sea.

Start your Expedition Cruise in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, located in the south of Santiago Island. You can explore its old centre overlooking the ocean and its historical buildings with transom windows. In the old quarter, you can also learn about the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins in the Ethnographic Museum. To finish your day, head to the harbour to visit the Diogo Gomes statue, paying homage to the man who discovered the archipelago in 1460.

Morning arrival Fogo, and its dominating sight of the Fogo Volcano. Your optional full day excursion will take you at the crater’s edge to the top of the volcano via the lava landscape. Lunch will be had at the crater's village. Later, you will pay a visit to San Felipe with its colonial charm. Sail late in the evening to Sao Vicente. Overnight at sea.

The volcanic island of Fogo is probably the highest landmark of the archipelago. Ideal for hiking, Pico de Fogo has an immense caldera surrounding the active crater and traces of recent and old lava flows all around. Again, along the coast there’s plenty of options too: from the charming Mosteiros to the stylish colonial houses of the historic town of São Filipe, there’s a choice for everyone.

Once a vibrant commercial island, Mindelo has evolved into a cultural center and remains one of the most well preserved colonial cities in Cape Verde. The optional walking excursion will allow you to visit galleries, happen upon musical events and discover busy restaurants. Overnight in port.

Your next stop will be Cape Verde’s cultural capital, Mindelo. Get along with the locals listening to the real morna in the bars of the old town and sipping the local drink, a sugarcane spirit. This island is also known by its British and Portuguese colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses, the municipal market and the facades of the old Governor’s Palace.

Sail in the early morning for a short sail towards the island of Santo Antao, the lushest of all Cape Verde Islands with verdant plantations of sugarcane alternating with old craters. Our optional full day excursion will include the luxuriant Valley Paul where you will taste the "grogue", the trade mark drink of the Archipelago. At the Valley of Ribeira das Patas you will come across extraordinary rock formations out of lava. Dinner on board and overnight in port

Porto Novo, the second largest city on Santo Antão, is located in the dry southeast of the island. A dusty wind blows constantly here. You can explore the main street with its former mansions, a little church, markets that have local fish, grogue and fresh goat cheese for sale, shops and-of course-the harbour. At the back of the town is the 2,000m-high Topo de Coroa, which is a fairly easy climb and has magnificent 360-degree views. Around the town, family-owned farms grow fruit and vegetables which are sold at regular markets in the town. There are some old churches from the Portuguese era, as well as a couple of elegant squares with pleasant bars and cafés, from which to watch the world go by.

Today after breakfast, there is an optional excursion on the western side of the island with arid and mountainous landscapes. Return on board to depart towards Sal. Overnight at sea.

Porto Novo, the second largest city on Santo Antão, is located in the dry southeast of the island. A dusty wind blows constantly here. You can explore the main street with its former mansions, a little church, markets that have local fish, grogue and fresh goat cheese for sale, shops and-of course-the harbour. At the back of the town is the 2,000m-high Topo de Coroa, which is a fairly easy climb and has magnificent 360-degree views. Around the town, family-owned farms grow fruit and vegetables which are sold at regular markets in the town. There are some old churches from the Portuguese era, as well as a couple of elegant squares with pleasant bars and cafés, from which to watch the world go by.

Early morning arrival at Palmeira port, Sal. Disembarkation at 8-9 am after breakfast