Port
Praia, Ilha de Santiago, Cape Verde
Activity Level
Moderate
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At
$54.95
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Take this fantastic chance to learn about the history of Cape Verde in general and Santiago Island, and to immerse yourself in the island and its traditions.
At Cidade da Praia, you will visit the Praça Alexandre Albuquerque -- an iconic gathering spot for the people of Santiago.
Step inside the Se Cathedral Nossa Senhora da Graça, and view the Palace of the President and the viewpoint of Statue of Diogo Gomes. Gomes discovered the Cape Verde Islands in 1460. Still in Cidade da Praia, you will also visit the colorful vegetable market. Next continue to Cidade Velha (the Old Town) -- a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will visit the Fortress of San Filipe, built by orders of Filipe I, King of Portugal and Spain. Also in the village you will visit the Pelourinho -- a reminder of the islands' history of slavery and the sad commerce of human souls. On the main square you have free time to purchase a refreshment (at your own expense). Before heading back to the pier, you will stop at Rua Banana to see the traditional old stone houses and shop at a local handicrafts store.
Notes:
Tourism infrastructure is limited in Cape Verde; the coach may not have air-conditioning or a PA system.