Tour Overview
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Cape Verde — Carnival & Cultural Immersion |
| Price From | $2,489 per person (twin share) |
| Tour Style | Festival & Culture / Premium |
| Data Source | TourRadar / Cabo Verde Tours — 2026 |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1-2: Arrive São Vicente — Carnival Preparation
Arrive in Mindelo ahead of Carnival. The city buzzes with energy: samba rehearsals, costume workshops, and the infectious beat of batuku drums. Walking tour of Mindelo’s historic center. Attend a pre-Carnival mandinga warrior parade — African traditions preserved for centuries in Cape Verde.
Day 3: Carnival Grand Parade
The big day! Mindelo’s Carnival rivals Rio in color, energy, and authenticity. From morning to dawn, samba schools parade through the streets in spectacular costumes. Join the party — Cape Verdeans welcome visitors into their celebrations. Street food: pasteis, grilled espetada, and cold Strela beer.
Day 4: Carnival Finale & Recovery
Morning Carnival finale and award ceremony. Afternoon rest at Laginha Beach, the golden sand beach in Mindelo. Evening: quiet dinner overlooking the harbor.
Day 5: Santo Antão Day Trip
Early ferry to Santo Antão. Full-day exploration of the island’s dramatic landscapes: Cova crater, Paul Valley terraced hillsides, grogue distilleries, and the spectacular northern coastal road via Ponta do Sol. Lunch featuring Santo Antão’s organic produce — considered the best in all of Cape Verde.
Day 6: Return to São Vicente
Morning in Santo Antão, afternoon ferry back to Mindelo. Visit the fish market to see the day’s spectacular catch of tuna, wahoo, and grouper. Evening: private morna concert in a local’s home.
Day 7: São Vicente Coast & Farewell
Coastal drive around São Vicente: Calhau, Salamansa, Baía das Gatas. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner at Mindelo’s best seafood restaurant.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Cesária Évora Airport.
Inclusions
- 7 nights (4-star hotel near Praça Nova)
- Daily breakfast + 5 dinners
- Carnival parade premium viewing
- Santo Antão private guided day trip
- Private morna music performance
- All transfers
- English-speaking guide
