Undiscovered Trails of Cape Verde

We begin our trip in  Praia,  Santiago - the capital city and the largest
of the island nation. Upon arrival in Praia those on group flights will be
met and transferred to the accommodation in Praia. Flight schedules can
change throughout the year so the arrival time may vary from early afternoon
to late evening. The day is free but if the group flight arrives early enough
the leader will organise a briefing later this afternoon. If the flight
arrives too late the briefing will take place tomorrow.Hotel Oasis Atlantico
Praiamar or similar

This morning we will transfer to the start point of our short hike through
the fertile valley where we will have the opportunity to visit Cidade Velha,
UNESCO World Heritage Site, where everything started for the Cape Verdians.
The first settlement from the Portuguese was established here and it was the
centre of the slave trade. In the afternoon we will take our flight to
Mindelo, São Vicente. After checking in we will have a welcome dinner with
live music in Mindelo. Hotel Porto Grande or similar

In the morning we transfer to the harbour and enjoy the scenic ferry ride to
São Vicente's neighbour island, Santo Antão (Approx 45-60 minute ferry
crossing). Upon arrival, we transfer to the plateau of the island Espongeiros
with time to take photos of the dramatic scenery along the way as we descend
to our hiking start point of Caibros. From the ferry, our luggage will be
transferred to our accommodation leaving us free to start trekking from the
centre of the island following a descent down a steep valley and crossing to
the other side of the island. This walk begins on even terrain but continues
with a steep descent on rocky terrain, for around 3 hours, but the trail is
wide with small walls for security. As you descend, you pass from the
vegetated highlands through barren hillsides to the fertile valley. Pension
Zeca or similar

After breakfast we will walk along the fertile valley of the Ribeira Grande
and its lateral valleys, passing through Horta de Garça to Chã d'Igreja.
The path climbs for an hour offering outstanding views of the valley, we
arrive at the top of a pass and from here the valley can be seen on one side,
and the Atlantic on the other. We then descend for an hour and stop for a
drink at a family-run cafe. According to the season, the river becomes either
a torrential river or a leisurely stream and alongside them with a bountiful
amount of vegetation growing here. You will experience the local life at the
riverside before arriving in Chã d'Igreja, a charming village situated on a
picturesque canyon right in front of the Atlantic. Pension Casa Mite or
similar

After breakfast you will start your hike, this being one of the most popular
hikes on Santo Antão. It is no surprise, as the views are absolutely
stunning having the ocean on your left, and the mountains on the right as you
walk through tiny villages including, among others the famous Fontainhas.
Part of today's walk is along a steep series of switch backs with the
stations of the cross marked in stone reliefs, along the way. The colourful
fairytale-like village of Fontainhas with intricate terracing is perched on
very steep cliffs, and has a beautiful view of the surrounding area.Hotel
Tiduca or similar

After breakfast we transfer (approx. 1 hour) to the Paúl Valley, the
greenest valley of Cape Verde. The Paúl Valley is surrounded by towering
steep rocks and by a bay of coconut palms. Following ancient mule tracks, we
will walk along the stunning tropic vegetation consisting of sugar cane,
mango and dragon trees and visit a grogue distillery. Our walk will bring us
to the village of Sinagoga, we will visit the original site of the synagogue
built by a small Jewish settlement who arrived on the island in the mid
1800s. In the afternoon, we transfer back to Ponta do Sol and enjoy dinner at
a cosy restaurant. Hotel Tiduca or similar

After a late breakfast, we will be transported to Cha de Morte (2 hour
drive), from here we begin the hike up to Alto Mira. We will explore the
lesser known northwest part of Santo Antão, remote and relatively untouched
by tourists. This hike is very impressive because of the peculiar rock
formations and the unique microclimate which is ubiquitous in Santo Antão.
The trail is very steep as we ascend for the last hour of the walk. Casa
Amadeu or similar

After breakfast we head to the port to catch a ferry back to Mindelo on the
island of Sao Vincente. Later we enjoy a city tour throughout the secret
cultural capital of the country. If you have not experienced Mindelense
music, you have not been to Mindelo at all! We will visit a local
manufacturer, this is the best way to listen to these fine artists and after
learning how guitars are made, we will enjoy an impromptu musical performance
from the masters.Hotel Porto Grande or similar

After several days of hiking, we will explore the island today by bus.
Amongst others we will drive to the oasis of Calhau, walking a little on the
Sahara sand dunes of Praia Grande and visit the villages of Baia das Gatas
and Salamansa. Afterwards, we will drive up to the highest point of the
island, the Monte Verde, where we will have an amazing view of the islands
as well as the islands of Santo Antão, São Nicolau and Santa Luzia. The
rest of the afternoon is free for exploring the city, relaxing on the city
beach of Laginha, or sitting by the pool. In the evening we will enjoy a
farewell dinner. Hotel Porto Grande or similar

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and check-in for the international
departure from São Vicente.