Dakar to Dakar

Ben Vindo! That’s Portuguese for welcome, and we welcome you to Cape Verde. Meet us on board at the port of Palmeira in Sal and get to know your home for the week, as well as your fellow travellers, over housewarming (or should we say shipwarming) cocktails. We’ll have dinner on board together, before a midnight departure to Boavista. Overnight at sea.

Boa Vista is the island that has it all: volcanic landscapes, white stretches of sand, sparkling seas. Appreciate the relaxed way of life at one of the many beaches, or join us on an optional tour to discover the authentic aspects of island life: ceramics, colourful architecture and local agriculture. We’ll meet for lunch at a traditional restaurant (don’t miss the specialty *homemade goat’s cheese*) before we embark on our overnight journey to Santiago. Overnight at sea.

Early morning arrival at Santiago, the largest of the Cape Verde archipelago. We know you’re eager to jump into the tempting waters and this morning is a great opportunity. Enjoy a morning at leisure followed by lunch on board before our optional afternoon trip to Cidade Velha. Founded in 1462, this was the first city to be built on the islands, and the former capital. Come evening, we’ll set off for an overnight at sea. Destination Fogo, the island of fire.

Morning arrival in Rangiroa. Composed of 240 islets, Rangiroa is the largest atoll of the Tuamotu archipelago and the best spot for diving in all of French Polyneisa. We know you’ll want to experience the wide array of sea-life so join us on our full-day optional tour to the atoll’s Blue Lagoon; at only 16 feet deep it’s a mecca for swimming, snorkelling and marine life. Re-energise with a traditional Polynesian picnic before returning to the ship. Overnight at anchor. * Please be reminded our itineraries are influenced by weather conditions, implementing sailing restrictions when winds reach 6/7 Beaufort. The extended journey to the Tuamotu Islands, featuring anchor-adrift visits, takes into account variables like wind force, strong currents, and wave height that have to be kept into consideration due to the nature of the long sailings. In cases of unforeseen weather challenges, rest assured that we have alternative routes prepared. Adjustments to itineraries are made at the discretion of Variety Cruises, the Vessel’s Captain, or in response to port authorities’ decisions during such circumstances. Please be aware that these changes do not entitle passengers to refunds. We are dedicated to ensuring your timely disembarkation at the designated port, facilitating your flight connections, and providing you with peace of mind.

Mindelo, Sao Vicente, is a cultural hub known for its traditional music, art and architecture. Join our optional walking tour, meandre through the colonial streets and soak up the colourful sights, sounds and flavours. Visit the National Museum of Handicrafts for a deeper understanding into the rich island heritage. Mindelo is also famous for its lively nightlife; revel in it this evening as we overnight in the port.

With just 10 KM between the two islands, it’s a short sail from Sao Vicente to Santo Antao this morning. Santo Antao is the greenest of all the Cape Verde Islands; let us show you its verdant heart – Valley Paul – on our optional tour. A place where passion fruit, mangos, and sugarcane grow in abundance, and where local alcoholic drink, Grogue, is distilled from the latter. Go ahead, try some – but not too much as we’ve still got time to visit the Valley of Ribeira before dinner on board. Overnight in port.

This morning we’ll discover the south west of the island, with its volcanic, arid landscapes. Join our optional half day excursion as we journey through volcanic landscapes, crop plantations, and isolated villages. Lagedos is one such village, where ecological tourism…. Overnight at sea on route to Sal.

As we come full circle (literally!) back to Sal, it’s time for breakfast and goodbyes. For now. We hope to sea you on board one of our other cruises soon.