Hafen
Porto Grande

OVERVIEW

See the world from atop a volcano, discover arid but productive valleys and walk white sands nestled against black lava cliffs on this panoramic coach tour. Ascend to the top of volcanic Monte Verde, the highest point on São Vicente, for sweeping vistas of the entire island. You’ll see lovely Mindelo and the eastern-shore beaches from your vantage point and appreciate the plant life and garden crops such as corn, sweet potatoes and bananas. Descend to Baja das Gatas, or Catfish Bay, and its sheltered lagoon created by volcanic eruptions spanning centuries. At Praia Grande beach, notice the stark contrast of the white sand against the backdrop of black lava mountains as you enjoy a pontche, a traditional island cocktail made with sugarcane molasses and grogue, the national liqueur of Cape Verde. Passing through an agricultural valley, find the stream that provides the island with much-needed irrigation. You’ll learn that despite São Vicente’s discovery in 1462, it wasn’t developed until the 19th century because of its arid nature and lack of substantial water sources, adding to your understanding of this enthralling island.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Encounter sweeping views of the entire island from Monte Verde, São Vicente’s highest point.
• View Catfish Bay, a lagoon formed by volcanic activity during centuries past.
• Appreciate the contrast of black lava mountains against the white sands of Praia Grande beach.
• Refresh with a flavorful native drink made with the national liqueur of Cape Verde.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience São Vicente’s unique natural attractions by hiking through a picturesque valley, swimming in a volcanically formed lagoon and gazing over the landscape from high atop a mountain. Discover Mato Ingles, a charming village founded by 19th-century English traders, and begin a hike along a path through an exceptionally arid valley. Despite the barren appearance, you’ll notice small farms scattered about, growing crops such as corn, potatoes and beans. After a brief coach ride, arrive at the eastern shore and appreciate the stark contrast of the white sands of Praia Grande’s beach against the backdrop of black lava mountains. Enjoy a traditional island cocktail known as a pontche, made with sugarcane molasses and grogue, the national liqueur of Cape Verde. You’ll marvel at the stunning scenery at Baja das Gatas, or Catfish Bay, where you may swim in a volcanically formed lagoon before savoring a hearty traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant. Ascend to the top of majestic Monte Verde, the highest point on São Vicente, for sweeping vistas of the myriad landscapes blanketing this fascinating island.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike into a picturesque valley from Mato Ingles, an enchanting 19th-century village.
• Notice small farms with flourishing corn, potato and bean crops, despite the barren soil.
• Appreciate the pearly sands of Praia Grande beach and refresh yourself with a flavorful native drink.
• Swim at Catfish Bay, a lagoon formed by volcanic activity in centuries past.
• Savor the nuanced flavors of the Cape Verde Islands with lunch at a popular local restaurant.
• Take in sweeping views from Monte Verde, São Vicente’s highest point.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes or boots.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and swim gear.
• Pack a towel and bottle of water from the ship.

OVERVIEW

Experience the historical and folkloric heartbeat of Mindelo on this enriching coach and walking tour through its cultural museum, open-air market, historic quarter and in a traditional dance performance. You’ll stop at charming Praça Nova, a colonial square that offers a glimpse into the city’s casual social life. Discover that the city is the island’s intellectual and artistic center as you view a handicraft exhibition and visit the esteemed Cape Verdean Cultural Center. You’ll explore this venerated home of theater and cultural activities that also hosts rotating local art exhibitions. Notice Mindelo’s well-preserved colonial buildings and monuments commemorating key historical events, and see the striking Belem Tower, a replica of the famed Lisbon original, that pays homage to the island’s discovery in 1642 on Saint Vincent’s Day. You’ll browse Praça Estrela, a thriving marketplace where West African merchants display wares ranging from handmade crafts to fine jewelry, and the historic quarter where each street cradles more architectural wonders and surprising national treasures. Cap off your adventure by watching a traditional dance performance complemented with a glass of pontche, a traditional island cocktail, presented with great pride by these socially diverse islanders.

HIGHLIGHTS

• • Glimpse the city’s casual social life at colonial Praça Nova square.
• • Visit the Cape Verdean Cultural Center, home to a theater, event space and a changing local art exhibit.
• • Discover Belem Tower, a homage to the island’s founding by the Portuguese on Saint Vincent’s Day.
• • View West African merchants displaying their wares at Praça Estrela and see the city’s historic quarter.
• • Enjoy a rousing traditional dance performance complemented by a traditional island cocktail.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

OVERVIEW

Appreciate the island’s spectacular diversity on this enlightening coach tour showcasing an eclectic blend of urban life and natural wonders. You’ll pass landmarks such as the Belem Tower, a replica of the famed Lisbon original that pays homage to the island’s discovery in 1642 on Saint Vincent’s Day. Arrive at Praça Estrela, a thriving marketplace for West African merchants displaying wares ranging from handmade crafts to fine jewelry, and visit a locally grown vegetable market. You’ll stop briefly at Praça Nova, a striking colonial square that offers a glimpse into the city’s casual social life, and ascend volcanic Monte Verde to encounter sweeping views of São Vicente. Here, on the island’s highest peak, get a bird’s-eye view of Mindelo and its beaches, such as crescent-shaped Praia Grande, renowned for the remarkable contrast between its white sands and the backdrop of the black lava mountains. Passing through an agricultural valley, appreciate the stream that provides the island’s much-needed irrigation. You’ll learn that despite São Vicente’s discovery in 1462, it wasn’t developed until the 19th century because of its arid nature and lack of adequate water, a tidbit of knowledge that will only enhance your appreciation for the island’s blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover Belem Tower, an homage to the island’s founding on Saint Vincent’s Day by the Portuguese.
• View West African merchants displaying their wares and farmers selling their crops at Praça Estrela.
• Glimpse the city’s casual social life at colonial Praça Nova square.
• Encounter sweeping views of the entire island from Monte Verde, São Vicente’s highest point.
• Learn of the challenges faced by early settlers due to the island’s arid nature and lack of substantial water sources.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.