Sotavento Big Tour in group

THE GREAT SOUTH OF CAPE VERDE

Sotavento Big Tour in group

The first Oi Cape Verde Group Tour! An international group trip with local tourleader Carlos Martins. A tour of the islands of Santiago, Fogo and Maio to visit the best landscapes and live 100% local experiences. We will visit the strength of nature in the lively island of Fogo, learn about the history of this world enclave in Santiago and visit the spectacular virgin landscapes of the beaches of Maio. All this making an immersion in the culture and land of the Creole archipelago.

Combined trip

Departures with Date

10 days 9 nights

From 1 person

from

1650€ +

Summarized itinerary:

Day 1. Hometown – Praia (Santiago)
Day 2. Praia – Cidade Velha
Day 3. Santiago – Fogo
Day 4. Fogo Rural
Day 5. Cha das Caldeiras
Day 6. Fogo – Santiago
Day 7. Santiago – Maio
Day 8. Costa Maio
Day 9. May (Free day)
Day 10. Maio – Praia – Origin

Day 1: City of origin – Praia (Santiago)
Individual arrival on the island of Santiago at noon or midnight with TAP Portugal or with Royal Air Maroc in the evening. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in the capital Praia. (-/-/-)

2 nights: Hotel Oasis Praiamar, standard rooms with breakfast

Day 2: Praia – Cidade Velha
After breakfast, welcome and introduction by local guide Carlos Silva Martins. Tour of the interior of the city on the historic Praia plateau, including a visit to the Sukupira clothing market. We will get socially involved and participate in the “Cidade Verde” project, where we will plant a tree in the capital. This is not only to turn Praia back into a “green city”, but also to prevent erosion and desertification of the island. Emileno Ortes will present his project! Then transfer to Cidade Velha, the former capital of Cape Verde and important center of the slave trade. Lunch at sea included before learning all about the history of the country. The tour will end at the São Filipe fort (entrance fee included). In the afternoon transfer back to the hotel. In the evening welcome dinner in a local restaurant. (D/A/C)

Day 3. Santiago-Fogo Island
After breakfast and transfer to Nelson Mandela airport, we will fly to Fogo volcano island (flight 30 min – forecast: 09:35-10:05). Upon arrival, transfer to São Filipe. In the afternoon, interior city tour through the historic town of São Filipe followed by a visit to the “Casa Memória”. In the evening, dinner included in the village (B/-/D).

3 nights: Hotel Xaguate, ocean view rooms, breakfast included.

Day 4. Friday 07/28 – Rural Fogo – Coffee, geology, fascinating landscapes
We will explore the island of Fogo and visit the highlights of the island. In Mosteiros we will enjoy a coffee tasting followed by lunch.
In the afternoon, we will walk along the beach to Tortuga and enjoy a delicious three-course menu in a stunning sunset setting. (D/A/C)

Day 5. Fascinating Chã das Caldeiras and trekking in Pico Pequeno
In the morning we will drive to the entrance of the National Park. From there we will hike up to the small crater that last erupted in 1995, and is located right next to the crater of the 2014 eruption, which we will also visit. The most impressive sensation is the sulfur and lava fields surrounding our walk. In addition, we will have an incredible view of the entire Caldeira and the dimensions of the last eruption. The warm and colorful sulfurous areas still show the volcanic activity under our feet. The tour will end in the village of Portela, where we will enjoy a typical lunch including a tasting of the fiery Fogo Wine. In the afternoon transfer back to São Filipe. Free night (B/L/D/-)

Hike: Ca. 4h, +350 / -340 hm, moderate.

Day 6. Return to Santiago
In the morning transfer to the airport and flight back to Santiago (forecast: 13:20-13:50h). Rest of the day free to enjoy Praia or the swimming pool and hotel facilities. (B/-/-)1 night: Hotel Oasis Praiamar, standard rooms, breakfast included.

Day 7. The unknown pearl: Visit Maio!
Today we will travel to the place where Carlos is from – Maio. Early in the morning transfer to the airport and flight to Maio (forecast: 06:50-07:10h). On arrival transfer to Porto Inglês and breakfast in town. Today Carlos will show us “Nha Terra” – his land! During the city tour, followed by a tour of the island, we will visit a museum, take a short walk through the Salt Flats and visit a ceramic project in Morro, another project in Calheta. In addition, we will walk to some impressive sand dunes and much more. After a traditional lunch, we will taste the local goat cheese: it is supposed (and true) to be the best in Cape Verde! Dinner at the lodge. (D/A/C)

3 nights: Vila Maris Eco Lodge, garden apartments, half-board

Day 8. Coastal Trek
Today we have an active day on unspoiled and abandoned beaches. We will make an impressive coastal trek from Calheta to the lodge. After dinner, together with Carlos, and with some luck, we might attend a very special event. The laying of eggs of the rare hawksbill turtle on the beach – something you will never forget! (D/-/C)

Trekking: Ca. 14km and 5-6h, moderate.

Day 9 Free day in Maio
The day is dedicated to leisure. Relaxation at the accommodation or walks along the beach to the city (transfers can also be arranged by the tour-leader). In the afternoon transfer to Ponta Preta, where we will enjoy the sunset overlooking Santiago in a nice restaurant followed by the farewell dinner with Carlos. In case we were not lucky enough to see turtles, we will have a second chance in the evening. (D/-/C)

Day 10 Maio – Praia – City of origin
After saying goodbye to Carlos, we will transfer to the airport and take the flight back to Praia (forecast: 15:30-15:50 h). On arrival we will be met by a Tour member and assisted to the hotel. There we will have a room for day use until departure. In the afternoon transfer, assisted to the airport and international departure. (D/-/-)

End of the entire Sotavento group trip and of our services.

Includes

9 nights in the mentioned accommodations
Hotel room with day use on the day of return flight
9 breakfasts
4 lunches
6 dinners
Excursions, transfers and meals mentioned in the itinerary
Domestic flights as described in the program with TICV/BestFly Cape Verde (including taxes)
Local tour leader with extensive experience > Tour language in English
Tourist rates in all the hotels described in the itinerary

Does not include:

Other expenses such as souvenirs, tips, drinks and meals not included in the itinerary.
International flights.
*Entrance fee NOT included. 31€ per person to be paid online(https://www.ease.gov.cv/)

Accommodations

Lodging available in the entire Sotavento in group:

Praia – Santiago Hotel Praiamar (3 nights + Dayuse)

The Praiamar Hotel is located in a residential area near a black sand beach and overlooks the ocean. It is a very comfortable hotel set in extensive grounds. The brightly styled rooms have excellent bathrooms and there is also a beautiful outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi area at one end and a nice bar overlooking the area- Across the street, but forming part of the hotel, we can find a bar with live music and a small gift store complex.

Location (approx.): Center 3.5 km, beach 2 minutes walk, airport 6.5 km.
Facilities: 123 rooms including 3 suites and presidential suite, different buildings with restaurant, bars as well as different conference rooms, saltwater swimming pool, separate children’s pool, sun terrace, sun beds and umbrellas.
Sports and Leisure: Tennis court, gymnasium.
Accommodations: All rooms en suite with TV, telephone, minibar, safe and air conditioning.
Meals: Breakfast buffet, half board with menu.
Credit cards: VISA, Diners.

Sao Filipe – Fogo Hotel Xaguate (3 nights)

Located on a cliff overlooking the ocean towards Brava, this small hotel is ideal for those seeking comfort, especially after hiking Monte Fogo. The rooms are tastefully decorated with colorful bathrooms. The reception and public areas are clean, spacious and fresh. The beautiful outdoor pool is located on a lovely terrace surrounded by flowers and palm trees with excellent views of the ocean. This is one of the most attractive hotels on the islands, not too big but with good facilities.

Location (approx.): Center 500 m, beach 1 km, airport 3 km.
Facilities: 39 rooms, restaurant, bar, snack bar, gift store, massage and therapy room, large swimming pool with bar.
Rooms: All rooms with bathroom (14 with sea view), air conditioning, TV, telephone, minibar and safe. Meals: Buffet breakfast, half board with menu. Credit cards: VISA and MasterCard.

Morrinho – Maio Vila Maris Ecolodge (3 nights)

The first Ecolodge on Maio Island is located in Morro and is dedicated to the philosophy of ecotourism. The lodge has no televisions or radios and is the perfect place to relax and escape from everyday life and immerse yourself in nature.

Location (approx.): town center Santa Maria 150 m, directly at the beach, airport 18 km.
Facilities: 54 housing units each equipped with private entrances, terrace, kitchenette and private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi.
Lodging: There are four different categories:
Studios (25 m²): Double room with private terrace (16 m²)
Garden apartment (33 m2): Up to 4 pax with private terrace (24 m2). Double bed and sofa bed. Garden Villa (50 m²): Spacious two-bedroom villa with private terrace (36 m²). Up to 4 pax.
Deluxe Beach Villa (81 m²): Two-bedroom villa with direct ocean view for up to 4 pax. Terrace (46 m²). Meals: Breakfast and dinner in local restaurant.
Credit cards: MasterCard, VISA.

*We manage fully customized trips, please consult us for other types of accommodations.

Prices

Price of the trip per person without international flights:

1650€

*Indicative prices in tourist category and in Double/Twin room.

Guaranteed departures for 6 persons or more
International group travel
Group language > English

Booking of the trip:

Travel request through the form
Confirmation of vacancies by Oi Cabo Verde
Formalization of the reservation (50% of the amount of the trip)
2nd payment 30 days prior to departure

Cancellation policy:

Before 30 days prior to arrival: Internal flight costs
Between 29 and 15 days before arrival: 20% of contracted services
Between 14 and 8 days prior to arrival: 30% of the contracted services
Between 7 and 2 days prior to arrival: 50% of the contracted services
24 hours prior to arrival or no-show: 100% of the contracted services

Do you want to know a total price right now?

You can calculate the approximate overall price of your trip to the Leeward Islands by checking the price of flights. To do so, click on the following TAP Portugal link and enter the dates and cities.

Important information

How do we work?

In Oi Cape Verde we design completely customized trips to the African islands, managing all services (including internal flights and ferries), from your arrival to the archipelago until you take the return flight. We do not manage international flights, but don’t worry, we will explain below the easiest way to book them. In addition, with Oi Cabo Verde you will enjoy 24/7 support in all the islands to travel with total peace of mind.

Reservations

Once you have decided that you want to travel to Cape Verde we make it easy for you. Click on “I want to travel” or “Contact” and we will offer you different ways to design your trip. We can do it by phone or video call, so that we can meet each other face to face! During this consultation, you explain to us the type of trip you have in mind, the dates, days, accommodation category, type of experiences, etc. After this, we will look at the best travel proposal to design, how many islands to visit and advise you on international flights. A few days after the consultation you will receive your travel proposal and later you will be able to formalize it.

In advance

In order to ensure the best available services we recommend you to book your trip several months in advance, ideally between 3 and 6 months. At Oi Cabo Verde we do not manage “last minute trips” less than 30 days before departure. We tell you in much more detail in the following link:

Individual services

We only manage integral trips and all the services we include are part of a tailor-made itinerary designed according to your needs. We do this because in this way we have total control of everything that happens in Cape Verde. Also, by traveling with Oi Cabo Verde you will enjoy 24/7 support on all the islands.

Responsibility

We work with local operators always trying to promote family businesses that offer good working conditions and fair wages. Our tourism proposal is to have as positive an impact as possible, always respecting people as much as possible and trying not to interfere in the daily life of the local population.

International flights.

As we have already mentioned, Oi Cabo Verde does not manage international flights, but here we explain how they work.

The options for travel to Cape Verde from Spain are still somewhat limited. However, this fact preserves the archipelago as a sustainable tourist destination, somewhat exclusive and in many corners still emerging.

The best option to travel from the mainland is offered by TAP Portugal, which with a quick stopover in Lisbon, we can access the archipelago from different cities. From the Canary Islands, the company Binter offers direct flights to Sal. Between June and September, Vueling offers direct flights from Spain to the island of Sal. There are other options such as Royal Air Marroc, which although offering lower prices, we do not recommend it due to its continuous delays and cancellations.

At the price level, as you know it is impossible to predict the fares of the tickets, but we can show a tendency of them. In no case we would speak of low cost prices. We can travel from 325€ in months like March or October or up to over 900€ in special seasons like Christmas, New Year or some weeks of August.
Below, we present an approximate graph of the average price to travel to CV.

The stopovers in Lisbon have an approximate duration of 1h 50min. The peninsular flight has a duration of 1h 15/50min (BCN/MAD) and the long flight takes about 4 hours. The tickets include snack during the short flight, menu on the long flight, and normally luggage.

We recommend checking the tickets directly on the airline’s website, as other portals show unreal prices with surcharges added later. You can access through their website or by clicking on the airline logo shown below.

Do you want to know the price of the tickets?

Click on the following link of TAP Portugal and calculate the amount of the tickets on your desired dates.

And don't miss...

Always with you before,
during and after your trip.

24/7 support on all islands

Travel with total peace of mind knowing that you have staff available on all the islands for anything.

Itineraries
that work

Trips with the maximum guarantee by having total control of the itinerary and permanent contact with the suppliers.

Authentic travel with essence

There is no better way to discover a destination than through local staff who are experts and passionate about their land.

100% customized trips

We will design your trip according to your needs.

Islands to Visit

Category Accommodations

Beach

Trekking

Local experiences

SANTIAGO – FOGO – MAIO

Do you already know the islands you are going to visit?

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