Specialist tour operator The Cape Verde Experience has added two new island hopping opportunities with the introduction of Barlavento Trio” and “Sao Vicente Carnival” packages to its year-round holiday programme.

Featuring a collection of holiday choices to six of the 10 islands, the operator highlights island hopping as one of the best ways to fully experience the beauty and diversity of Cape Verde's breath-taking archipelago.

Product manager for The Cape Verde Experience, Charlotte Eames comments:

“We're thrilled to further extend this aspect of our programme. Our UK staff and dedicated team in resort are eager to share their island knowledge and our tours really showcase the rich variety of experiences available.”

Tour highlights:

Barlavento Trio – 7 nt tour incorporating São Vicente, Santo Antão and Sal – from £1319 pp
The Barlavento comprises five islands, grouped together as the Northern or Windward Islands, and together they boast a varying array of attractions, activities, and landscapes. This seven-night tour takes in three of the Barlavento and Cape Verde's most diverse and rewarding isles, setting foot on the vibrant streets, verdant landscapes and soft sands of São Vicente, Santo Antão and Sal.

São Vicente – 2 nts B&B at Kira's hotel (3 grade/Boutique hotel)
The tour begins with a two-night stay at Kira's hotel, a family-run boutique property located in the heart of the vibrant city of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente. Regarded as Cape Verde's cultural centre and home to some of its greatest musicians, writers and thinkers, Mindelo is proud of its rich tradition of music and art and also its architecture. The city is vibrant and exciting with live music a regular scene. After a day spent exploring the cultural side of São Vicente, day two is spent exploring the island's dramatic landscape – from the stunning Laginha Beach in Mindelo, to the towering mountain range of Monte Verde. Hiking around the green valleys which surround the island's tallest mountain will provide a great way to get to explore the flora and fauna of the island.

Santo Antão – 2 nts B&B at Santantao Art Resort (3.5 grade)
Two nights are spent at the Santantao Art Resort on the wild and rugged island of Santo Antão, from where there are impressive sea and mountain views. The island is accessed via a regular ferry service from São Vicente and takes approximately one hour. Renowned for its dramatic mountainous landscapes and hiking opportunities, particularly between Porto Novo and Ribeira Grande, Santo Antão's incredible scenery will not fail to disappoint.

Sal – 3 nts B&B at Hotel Morabeza (4.5 grade)
Sal is the final island on this itinerary which is reached by an internal flight (approx. 50 mins). Renowned for its long stretches of white sand and fantastic water sports scene, the focus of the last three days is on relaxation around the coastline with a three-night stay at Hotel Morazbeza. This popular family-run hotel occupies a superb beach front setting and boasts four restaurants among its extensive facilities. For those wishing to explore, there's the natural pools of the old Salt Mines and the coastal phenomenon, 'The Blue Eye'. For those drawn back to the sand and turquoise waters of Santa Maria beach there is a water sports centre offering kitesurfing lessons. In the evenings, there is a vibrant nightlife scene around the town of Santa Maria which includes more great live music and a good choice of restaurants.

Sao Vicente Carnival Package 10-14th Feb 2018 – 4 nts add-on package staying on São Vicente and incorporating Cape Verde's most famous carnival - from £740 pp
This four-night tour is designed for those who wish to combine a beach holiday on Sal with Cape Verde's most renowned carnival which offers an explosion of colour, music, dancing, and festivities and can be added on to any Sal booking. São Vicente's carnival is held 40 days before Easter and the streets and main square of Mindelo come alive with large floats and processions of glamourous dancers in Mardi Gras costumes, each competing to be the best. The atmosphere which takes hold of the town before and during the Carnival is truly infectious, and locals can often be seen practising and perfecting their dance routines and costumes in preparation. The price includes four nights B&B at Don Paco, a grade 3 hotel in the heart of Mindelo , internal flights, all transfers and return ferry along with the following tours:

Day trip and tour of Santo Antão
Santo Antão with its beautiful green peaks, jaw-dropping ravines and impressive cliff-hanging towns is just an hour's ferry ride away from Sal. As part of its Carnival package The Cape Verde Experience is offering a full day's tour of the island, weaving amongst the mountains, visiting a local liqueur distillery and towns such as Ribeira Grande, clinging to the edge of mountains.

Mindelo by night
An evening exploring Mindelo, with a meal at a typical restaurant offering live music is included.

Half day tour of São Vicente
A half day tour of São Vicente's travelling along the coastline passing by fishing villages and markets and 750m up to Cape Verde's tallest mountain - Monte Verde where there are panoramic views across Mindelo and beyond.
For more information contact The Cape Verde Experience – 01489 866 969, www.capeverde.co.uk 

ENDS