Discover Cidade Velha, the first city founded by Europeans in the tropics and the true cradle of Cape Verde's history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former capital bears witness to centuries of history, from maritime discoveries and trade to cultural fusion.
Accompanied by your guide, stroll through the cobbled streets of this historic city and discover its iconic monuments. Walk along the famous Rua Banana, considered the oldest preserved colonial street in the tropics, admire the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, one of the oldest colonial churches in the world, and explore the Pelourinho, a symbol of the era of the slave trade.
Throughout the tour, enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Cidade Velha Bay while hearing the stories of the navigators, traders, and pirates who shaped the history of this strategic Atlantic port.
The excursion continues with a visit to a traditional grogue distillery, where you'll discover the different stages of production of this iconic Cape Verdean spirit. You'll observe the artisanal methods used for generations to transform sugarcane into grogue, before tasting this typical drink and, depending on the season, other by-products such as liqueurs or sugarcane honey.
To complete this cultural immersion, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, where you'll savor Cape Verdean specialties prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
After this day full of discoveries, return to your accommodation with a deeper understanding of the history, cuisine, and traditions of Santiago Island.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation (Praia)
- Transportation throughout the tour
- Local guide
- Guided tour of Cidade Velha (Old Town)
- Entrance fees to the sites visited
- Visit to a traditional grogue distillery
- Grogue tasting
- Traditional lunch
- Liability insurance
Not included
- Additional drinks during lunch
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities (optional)
Important Information
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Clothing suitable for walking
- Hat or cap
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Cash for personal purchases
Good to know before booking
- Please note that the São Filipe Fortress is closed on public holidays.
- This tour is suitable for all ages.
- The grogue tasting is reserved for participants aged 18 and over.
- The order of visits may be changed depending on operational constraints, without affecting the content of the tour.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be sent to the agency by email. Cancellation fees are applied according to the date the request is received:
➡️ More than 30 days before departure: 10% of the total activity cost.
➡️ Between 30 and 22 days before departure: 30% of the total activity cost.
➡️ Between 21 and 8 days before departure: 60% of the total activity cost.
➡️ Between 7 and 3 days before departure: 80% of the total activity cost.
➡️ Less than 48 hours before departure or after the departure date: 100% of the total activity cost.
