Undiscovered Cape Verde

Tour Code: 48950 UNDISCOVERED CAPE Grade 6 Holiday Duration: 14 nights VERDE HOLIDAY DATES 26th Jan 2019 - 9th Feb 2019, 26th Oct 2019 - 9th Nov 2019 Exploring rugged Atlantic Islands... 19th Dec 2019 - 2nd Jan 2020 The Cape Verde Islands offer a unique blend of African and Portuguese history. We go to the geologically younger, where the way of life is relatively untouched by the outside world HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Explore the dramatic canyons and fertile oases of Cape Verde’s "ribeiras". Meet friendly farmers and children on cobbled mountain and coastal trails. Discover Cidade Velha, the earliest colonial city - now a World Heritage site. Enjoy the blend of African and Portuguese culture, music and cuisine. UNDISCOVERED CAPE VERDE A day's good walking up the ribeiras on Santo Anto rewards you with stunning vistas over volcanic mountains, deep gorges and the bluest of seas. The prospect of a refreshing ocean dip, perhaps accompanied by a well- earned sundowner drink, entices you on the downward slope towards the white sand beaches. Tourism is still in its infancy here with the main development beside the sandy beaches of the flatter eastern islands. Instead, we head for the geologically younger, more rugged islands where there is some superb walking, and where the way of life is often relatively untouched by the outside world. We can enjoy the freshness of this new destination, while recognising that facilities will sometimes be limited. Our introduction to the archipelago is with the largest island of Santiago. Here we first stay on the coast at Cidade Velha, before travelling into the mountains to So Domingos, to see a glimpse of life in the very African interior. We continue to the island of Sao Vicente where we explore the fascinating city of Mindelo, with its British historical connection, and enjoy a beach walk. We then catch the ferry to Santo Anto, the furthest island west in the archipelago, where we spend several days exploring the ancient cobbled pathways of this walkers' paradise. This is one of the world's most dramatic landscapes, with high cliffs, deep valleys and ravines. We'll walk the ribeiras and appreciate the stunning scenery. We return to Sao Vicente for one night before we return to the UK. Cape Verde offers beautiful landscapes, turquoise seas, exceptional walking and a warm, sincere welcome. Bring your sense of adventure and pioneer spirit, for a truly memorable experience. All groups will be accompanied by a local guide throughout. WHAT'S INCLUDED Return flights from Heathrow to Praia return São Vicente to Heathrow via Lisbon both ways (TAP Portugal) Inter island flight and ferries Airport/Port transfers B&B en suite accommodation Dinners taken at hotels and at local restaurants All local transport costs. HOLIDAY GRADE This is a grade 6 walking holiday where we have the opportunity to fully explore the Cape Verde islands. It is also a pioneer holiday as the itinerary and walks are more adventurous and sometimes off the beaten track. The walks show the great diversity of the islands, from small villages, cultivated terraces, dramatic coastal walks and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Much of the walking is done on trails and paths which will require surefootedness and walking poles are almost essential. A reasonably good head for heights is needed in places. Some of the paths we follow are rough and stony underfoot. On some days, the walks will be top of grade, particularly when the weather is hot. Those who might normally choose a higher grade holiday would especially appreciate this holiday and combined with the scenery, culture and general ambience of the islands make it a very rewarding trip for the adventurous pioneer traveller. We can expect to walk 5-10 miles a day, note that due to the dramatic nature of the landscape on some walks' cumulative descent figures will be up to 1100m, ascent figures will be under 700m. Of all the locations we stay in, Rui Vaz on Santiago Island, at 800m, is the highest. The highest point that can be reached on this holiday is 1648m near Lagoa on the island of Santo Anto. This walk and altitude is dependent on the weather conditions. If the weather conditions are not suitable then we will not be able to complete this particular walk. Proposed Itinerary Our bottom line is happy travellers, and to that end we trust our tour leaders to use the itinerary below as a basis for providing you with a great holiday. We expect our leaders to make adjustments to the itinerary if the weather, group ability or other local conditions make that necessary. There are normally more options available to our leaders than those listed below and one or more of these options may well be chosen. All distances, heights & timings are approximate. Key to Meals: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner. In flight meals, if appropriate, will be advised in your final travel documents Day: 1 - Santiago (No Meals) Fly from London Heathrow to Praia on the island of Santiago (via Lisbon). We'll transfer to our hotel in Cidade Velha for two nights' accommodation. Day: 2 - Santiago (B,D) Today we'll explore Cidade Velha, a historic village and a UNESCO world heritage site. Cidad Velha, once known as Riberia Grande, became the first European colonial outpost in the tropics. Two churches, a royal fortress and the marble Pillory square still remain. We will take an interesting walk through a surprisingly green lush valley, passing a Baobab or two on the way and the possibility of seeing a Kingfisher as we go. We will spend some time sightseeing around the area. Day: 3 - Santiago (B,D) Today we continue to Sao Domingos and Rui Vaz where we stay for three nights. En route we will visit Tarrafal in the north of the island where we enjoy a walk and have time for lunch. One of the walks we may follow will take us along the coast with fine views of Tarrafal. As our stay in Rui Vaz is in the mountains, you may find the temperature here cooler and the day often starts with misty mountains. 4 miles (6.5km) ascent/descent 250m, 2 ½ hours. Day: 4 to 5 - Santiago (B,D) From Rui Vaz we'll see spectacular craggy mountains that offer a wonderful contrast to our time spent on the coast. There will be beautiful views across the island, the mountain peaks and plenty of opportunity to encounter local rural life and perhaps the odd donkey! Please see the walks below for an idea of the routes we may encounter during our stay here. Rui Vaz, Monte Tchota and Monte Gamboa: After a circular walk through the countryside south of our hotel in the mountains, we climb steadily to Monte Tchota and on along a ridge to Monte Gamboa with views of Fogo Island. 9 miles (14.4km), ascents/descent 550m, 5 hours. Longueira and Sao Jorge Dos Orgaos: A walk with great views of the surrounding jagged peaks. There will be a continuous descend where we will pass through eucalyptus and a small botanical garden towards the village of Sao Jorge dos Orgaos. 4.3 miles (7km), ascent 600m / descent 560m, 4½ hours. Day: 6 - São Vicente (B,D) We'll leave Santiago and take an evening flight from Praia to Mindelo, Sao Vicente. We will transfer to our hotel for two nights' accommodation. Day: 7 - São Vicente (B,D) We'll discover Mindelo today with an orientation walk around the area where we'll learn about the local history and have some free time to explore more of the area independently. Day: 8 - Santo Antão (B,D) We'll take a ferry from Sao Vicente to Santo Antao for 6 nights' accommodation (possibly with an early start depending on ferry schedules). Santo Antao is widely mountainous with high peaks, rugged cliffs and deep ravines. The island is very diverse, as some areas are rich in vegetation whereas other areas are very barren. The landscape is extremely dramatic and some of the best scenery of the holiday can be found here! In the afternoon we will take an introductory walk from Corda to Coculi. The route will take us on a long decent with some challenging stony sections but with spectacular views into the ribeiras on both sides. We will follow the windy gravel path down the mountainside on donkey paths. 5 miles (8km), ascent negligible / descent 850m, 2 ½ hours. Day: 9 to 13 - Santo Antão (B,D) During our time on Santo Antao, our walks will take us on cobbled paths with views into the ribeiras, past extinct craters, into verdant valleys and along coastal paths. We'll get an insight into rural island life as we will pass small hamlets and cultivated terraces. We will enjoy a mix of hotel and local restaurant evening meals. Our walks may include one or more of the following examples: Cova and Ribeira de Paul: This is one of the most beautiful walks of the holiday with many contrasts. Starting high on the ridge, it passes an extinct crater before descending dramatically into the lush Ribeira de Paul. The descent is over the grade and the track is a cobbled path. Down in the Ribeira, the quiet road passes a series of interesting hamlets. 9 miles (14.4km), ascent 250m / descent 1350m, 5 hours. Cruzinha Coastal Walk: A picturesque coastal walk with ascents and descents through dramatic cliff terraces. This walk is part of the St Antao West Coast Trail where there are steep ascents and descents. We'll walk on old cobble stoned paths connecting the hamlets and deserted houses.

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