This shore excursion is designed for cruise guests who want to experience the best of Santiago within a limited time ashore. The route is compact, comfortable, and well-paced, allowing you to enjoy the island’s history, culture, and everyday life in one day without rushing.
This tour is planned around your ship’s port times, with a built-in time buffer. You will be back at the port well before all-aboard, so you can rejoin your cruise without stress.
The tour starts directly at the Port of Praia. With a knowledgeable local guide, you first explore the historic centre of Praia and get a feel for local life and Cape Verdean culture. Next, you travel along the coast to Cidade Velha, the country’s oldest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You stroll through historic streets, including the iconic Rua de Banana, while learning how Santiago shaped Cape Verde’s storey.
Along the way, you’ll stop at scenic viewpoints in the mountains for breathtaking photos. Afterwards, you enjoy a relaxed lunch with local cuisine, freshly prepared and served in a warm, welcoming setting.
In the afternoon, you cross the island towards the east coast. In Pedra Badejo, you step away from the tourist routes with a short village walk and a coastal stop that shows authentic everyday life on Santiago. Afterwards, you return comfortably to the Port of Praia with time to spare, well before all-aboard.
