Day 1
Arrival - cultural capital Mindelo
In the morning we arrive in Mindelo, the proud cultural capital with its music, carnival, sailors' pubs ... not forgetting the view of the bay, which is one of the 30 most beautiful in the world. Cesaria Evora once sang: "If you don't know Mindelo, you don't know Cape Verde". The barefoot diva brought great attention to the town where she was born and where she died. In the afternoon, you will stroll through Mindelo, the city with its small alleyways, lively markets and relaxed main square. Our guide will tell you its history; many anecdotes and a visit to a guitar maker will make you fall in love with this city. Finally, you will reach the "Rua de Lisboa", the heart of the city. Mindelo is lively, bubbly, full of life - certainly not shy or moderate. Only on Sundays is there a little peace and quiet. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 2
Sao Vicente - full day island exploration
A full-day off-road tour is on the program today. This excursion shows you the impressive nature along the north and south coast of the island. You drive through the agricultural center of the island to a viewpoint from which you have an excellent view over the uninhabited neighboring islands of Santa Luzia, Razo and Branco. After a short visit to one of the fishing villages with its colorful wooden boats, you continue on to Monte Verde, at 750 m the highest elevation on the island. On a clear day, you will have a wonderful view of the lowlands, the Madeiral mountain range and Santo Antao. Return to Mindelo. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 3
Ferry trip to Santo Antao - Hike from Altomira to Curral das Vascas
Enjoy the fresh breeze on the approximately 1-hour ferry crossing to the green neighboring island of Santo Antao. Then head towards the west of the island. A region that is remote and offers numerous discoveries and pleasant encounters. Step by step, valley by valley, our sense of time and reality adapts to the local pace. The hospitality of your hosts at the family-run guesthouse will make you feel at home. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (Walking time approx. 3-4h, 520 m↑↓, 6 km).
Day 4
The wild west - hike to Bordeira de Norte
After sunrise, a spectacular hiking stage awaits you on the Norte plateau. A place on the island where the survival of the inhabitants is a real feat. Magnificent views guaranteed! You reach the Bordeira de Norte at an altitude of around 800 m via mule tracks. With a view of the Ribeira de Patas, you descend back down into the valley to Curral das Vaccas. Guests who wish to conserve their strength have the option of lingering in the Ribeira das Patas valley and later walking to meet the other tour participants. Overnight stay as on the previous day. (Walking time approx. 5-6h, 700 m↑↓, 10 km).
Day 5
Off to the green north - hike in three stages
Enjoy - is on the agenda today! You leave the volcanic landscape in the south and drive along the old trade route that crosses the island from south to north. On the way, you stop to take short hikes to three of the most beautiful viewpoints. In the afternoon, you check into your room in a quaint, family-run guesthouse in Caibros. The house has been gradually converted into a guesthouse, where you still have dinner with your host family. Overnight stay in a guesthouse (shared bathroom). (Total walking time approx. 2-3 hours; driving time approx. 2 hours, 65 km).
Day 6
Hike to the village of Cha d'Igreja
Surrounded by lush green fields, mango plantations and sugar cane, you will hike through the valleys of Ladeira de Garça and Ribeira da Mocho to the sleepy village of Cha d'Igreja. Don't miss out on learning a few words of Creole so that you can exchange more than just a smile when you meet the local people. Once you arrive at your overnight accommodation, you can prove yourself against the children of the village in table soccer or watch the people in the small local store doing their shopping in the early evening. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (Walking time approx. 4-5h, 800 m↑, 1100↓, 8 km).
Day 7
Coastal hike to Ponta do Sol
From the mountains to the sea! As the sun rises, you set off on one of the most impressive hiking stages in the archipelago. On small donkey paths secured by natural stone walls, you walk along the steep coast with a view of the seemingly endless blue ocean. Until you reach the picturesque fishing village of Ponta do Sol, a new spectacular view awaits you around every bend. Overnight stay in a guesthouse. (Walking time approx. 5-6 hours, 1000 m↑↓, 14 km).
Day 8
Hike in the Paul Valley
The day begins with a hike through the green and tropical Paul Valley. On the paths through the most fertile region on Cape Verde, you will pass fields of sweet potatoes, papaya trees and coffee bushes. Enjoy the breathtaking views from one of the farms. For lunch today you can try the Cape Verdean national dish - cachupa - a stew made from beans and corn. Let yourself be surprised. Overnight stay in a hotel. (Walking time approx. 3-4h, 400 m↑↓, 6 km).
Day 9
Paul Valley on your own
The day in the greenest valley on the island is yours to explore at your leisure. How about a visit to a grogue distillery or a hike to Vila das Pombas? Your tour guide will be happy to help you plan your day. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 10
Carnival in Mindelo
Rest at last. You drive back to Mindelo - keep a good lookout during the crossing - there are sometimes dolphins to be seen, but certainly flying fish. Once you arrive in São Vicente, you can spend the day on the town beach "Laginha" - it is the pride of the population. Here, people train, chat and hit on each other for all they're worth. In the evening, the Samba Tropical Carnival night parade is on the program. The whole city is on its feet to witness the spectacle. Be amazed by the fantastic costumes and be carried away by the atmosphere. It could be a short night. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11
Carnival in Mindelo
Carnival is raging in Mindelo. Enjoy the colors and sounds of the wonderful Carnival of Mindelo - called the "little Brazil". The main parade with the official carnival groups takes place today. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 12
Adeus Cape Verde - Boa tarde Lisbon
Today you leave the Cape Verde Islands and start your return journey to Lisbon, where you will land in the evening. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13
Lisbon - Return journey
In the morning transfer to the airport and flight home to Germany.
