Cape Verde's Northern Islands - Privately Guided

Cape Verde's Northern Islands - Privately Guided

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8 Days From

$2510

Cape Verde's Northern Islands - Privately Guided

8 Days Starting and ending in Sao Vicente, Cape Verde

Visiting: Sao Vicente, Santo Antão, Paul, Ponta do Sol, Santo Antao, Monte Trigo, Tarrafal Valley, Mindelo

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W07CV

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 4

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2510

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Cape Verde's northern islands with a privately guided walking tour. Discover the stunning landscapes of Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, where peaceful green valleys, volcanic peaks, and serene coastal hamlets await. Immerse yourself in local culture by spending time with families and savoring homegrown produce. Enjoy the comfort of charming accommodations like Terra Lodge in Mindelo, with its breathtaking bay views and vibrant sunsets. Delight in local culinary delights with all breakfasts, six lunches, and five dinners included. Traverse the islands with the expertise of an experienced walking guide, and enjoy seamless transfers, including ferries and luggage handling. This tour promises a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion, offering a truly authentic Cape Verdean experience.

Highlights

  • Explore Cape Verde's iconic northern islands on foot.

  • Spend time with local families enjoying homegrown produce.

  • Pass by peaceful green valleys, volcanic peaks, and serene coastal hamlets.

  • Discover the colourful cobbled streets and colonial architecture of Mindelo.

  • Walk through the lush valley of Paul, known for its coffee and rum production.

  • Visit the hilltop village of Fontainhas, famous for its colourful houses.

  • Experience the isolated fishing village of Monte Trigo with its sweeping black sand beach.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive On Sao Vicente

Location: Sao Vicente

Accommodation Name: Terra Lodge, Mindelo

You'll be met at Sao Vicente airport and transferred to your first accommodation in Mindelo (approx. 15mins); here you'll receive your briefing from your private guide.



Spend your evening exploring the colourful cobbled streets and colonial architecture of this charming fishing village before watching a beautiful sunset over the beach.



Overnight Terra Lodge, Mindelo.

Day 2 : Travel To Santo Antao & Onto Ribeira De Janela

Location: Santo Antão

Accommodation Name: Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel by boat from Mindelo (Sao Vicente) to Porto Novo on Santo Antao Island (1hr - included) and transfer to the start of your walk (30mins) at Ribeira de Janela. Your guide will lead you from the seafront, climbing across the Penede valley and crossing over a high balcony to join the Janela.

Here you begin your descent, passing coffee farms and mountain villages, but never losing sight of the blue ocean below bobbing with colourful fishing boats. In the afternoon, you will be transferred from the end of your walk to Vila das Pombas where you'll spend the next two nights.



Overnight Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas.

Day 3 : Paul, Cabo De Ribeira & Figueriral

Location: Paul

Accommodation Name: Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short transfer will bring you to the lush valley of Paul. Follow the small paths from hamlet to hamlet, passing through cultivated terraces in the area of Cabo de Ribeira. Here, the locals harvest coffee, oranges, guavas, and vegetables, depending on the season; this is also where the delicious rum is distilled!

Enjoy a special lunch in the small valley of Figuerial where you'll be welcomed by a local family to sample their homegrown produce. After lunch, your walk returns you to the spectacular coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.



Overnight Hotel Paul Mar, Vila das Pombas.

Day 4 : Ribeira Grande, Corvo & Fontainhas

Location: Ponta do Sol

Accommodation Name: Tiduca Hotel, Ponta do Sol

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A morning transfer takes you through the mountainous valleys of Ribeira Grande and Garca to the coastal village of Cruzinha. Here your walk begins along an impressive path overlooking the shimmering ocean. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the peaceful green valley of Corvo before continuing to Fontainhas, a hilltop village famous for its colourful houses. Your day ends in Ponta do Sol, the northernmost city on the island of Santo Antao.



Overnight Tiduca Hotel, Ponta do Sol.

Day 5 : Ribeira Da Torre & Tarrafal

Location: Santo Antao

Accommodation Name: Kasa Baobab, Tarrafal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day begins with a short transfer to Ribeira da Torre, one of the greenest and most spectacular areas of the island, home to an imposing volcanic peak. Take some time to discover this incredible landscape before beginning your walk. Lunch is hosted by a local family before continuing your walk through cane fields, following irrigation canals towards the bottom of the valley. You will be transferred to Tarrafal on the western shore of Santo Antao, where you'll discover the summit of the North Plateau before descending to the coast and onto your seaside accommodation.



Overnight Kasa Baobab, Tarrafal.

Day 6 : Monte Trigo

Location: Monte Trigo

Accommodation Name: Kasa Baobab, Tarrafal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you'll walk along the coast in the shadow of the islands summit, a volcano almost 2,000m high that plunges into the ocean, before arriving in Monte Trigo, the westernmost settlement of Santo Antao. This small fishing village is completely isolated from the world, only accessible on foot or by boat. Its sweeping black sand beach and spectacular views over the Cape Verde Islands are well worth the effort of reaching this hidden gem. Return to Tarrafal by cabotage with the fishermen (40mins) - a unique experience in itself!



Overnight Kasa Baobab, Tarrafal.

Day 7 : Tarrafal Valley

Location: Tarrafal Valley

Accommodation Name: Terra Lodge, Mindelo

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a short morning walk through the fields of Tarrafal Valley, marvelling at the local farmers as they compete in ingenuity to build their terraces and irrigation channels. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred back to Porto Novo for your return boat to Mindelo (1hr - included) where you'll spend your final night on Sao Vicente - hopefully with fond memories of the unforgettable Cape Verdean islands!



Overnight Terra Lodge, Mindelo.

Day 8 : Depart Mindelo

Location: Mindelo

You'll be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Sao Vicente airport (approx.15mins) for your flight home.

What's Included

  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3H accommodations

    Enjoy 7 nights of hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a variety of 3-star accommodations.

  • All breakfasts, six lunches & five dinners

    All breakfasts, six lunches, and five dinners are included in the tour package.

  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent

    The tour is managed by a local Headwater-appointed agent.

  • Services of an experienced walking guide

    Benefit from the services of an experienced walking guide throughout the tour.

  • Return ferries between Sao Vicente & Santo Antao

    Return ferry transfers between Sao Vicente and Santo Antao are included.

  • Car transfers as per itinerary

    Car transfers as per the itinerary are included in the tour.

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

    Luggage transfers between hotels are provided during the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation (available on request - compulsory supplement)

    Single accommodation is not included and is available on request with a compulsory supplement.

  • Solo travellers (available on request - compulsory supplement)

    Solo traveller arrangements are not included and are available on request with a compulsory supplement.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.

Food

Accommodation

With breath-taking views of the bay of Mindelo and surrounding colourful houses, Terra Lodge has just 12 rooms. Combining contemporary comfort with the charm of historical heritage, guests can enjoy the peaceful gardens and swimming pool whilst watching the fantastic sunsets. There is also a bar located on the panoramic terrace serving cocktails, juices, and snacks. Breakfast is made from local products such as homemade pastries, cold cuts and jams from Santo Antao, and Fogo coffee roasted and ground on site.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes return ferries between Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, car transfers as per itinerary, and luggage transfers between hotels. The journey begins with a transfer from Sao Vicente airport to Mindelo and concludes with a transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a mix of 3-star accommodations, including Terra Lodge in Mindelo, which offers breathtaking views of the bay and a bar on the panoramic terrace. Other accommodations include Hotel Paul Mar in Vila das Pombas, Tiduca Hotel in Ponta do Sol, and Kasa Baobab in Tarrafal.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes all breakfasts, six lunches, and five dinners. Breakfasts are made from local products, including homemade pastries and Fogo coffee.

  • Will there be a guide during the tour?

    Yes, the services of an experienced walking guide are included in the tour package.

  • How will luggage be managed during the tour?

    Luggage transfers between hotels are included, so you won't have to carry your bags during the walks.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes return ferries between Sao Vicente and Santo Antao, as well as car transfers as per the itinerary.

  • Will I have the opportunity to interact with local families?

    Yes, you will spend time with local families, enjoying homegrown produce and experiencing their hospitality, such as during a special lunch in the small valley of Figuerial.

  • What kind of landscapes will I see during the tour?

    You will pass by peaceful green valleys, volcanic peaks, and serene coastal hamlets, with opportunities to see coffee farms, mountain villages, and the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.