Overview
Why go all the way to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, if you can go to the Cape Verde Carnival on Sao Vicente, the Archipelago’s most colourful event of the year.
People of Mindelo live for their Carnival and preparations for the next start as soon as festivities have finished. Be like them – book this trip well in advance to avoid any disappointment!
During the Mindelo festival, the colourful spectacle of music, dance and colourful street processions, is also known as the Creole festival. The streets of Mindelo come alive with colourful dance troops and spectacular floats, each competing to win the coveted carnival prize for being the best.
The celebrations start in January with colourful parades held every Sunday. The week leading up to Shrove Tuesday is crammed with parties and other events, which you too can join, eventually culminating in the main parade, which runs late into the night and shouldn’t be missed.
After the Cape Verde Carnival, we’ll give you a flavour of another island, by flying you to Santiago, Cape Verde’s biggest island. We’ll take you to the northern coast where in Tarrafal you’ll find a paradisiacal beach on which to relax and let the party leave your system!
The carnival is held on Shrove Tuesday. The 2023 date is Tuesday 21st February, and preparations and mini celebrations take place during the week before this date.
Itinerary
Guide price £2,200 per person
We can create a tailor-made holiday to suit your budget.
INCLUDED: International flights (guide price only), accommodation in twin share, en-suite rooms on a breakfast only basis throughout. Return airport transfers on São Vicente and Santiago. Inter-island flights per person São Vicente/Santiago. 4 x guided excursions as detailed in the itinerary. Visas and support from our team in Cape Verde, and air ticket reconfirmation (if required). EXCLUDED: Meals not specified above and insurance. Additional excursions on free days.
Accommodation
After one night in Lisbon, you will be staying for 5 nights at the Terra Lodge in Mindelo and 4 nights at Villa Strela in Tarrafal.
Activities
We have included four activities accompanied by an English speaking guide and more can be added. If however you prefer to go to the Carnival activities instead then we can always change the itinerary.
Location
On this trip you will be visiting two Cape Verdean islands. São Vicente in the north and Santiago in the south.
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