The Islands of the Cape Verde Archipelago 2016-17 8 days cruise from Praia Santiago On board the 24-cabin M/s panorama

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Discover the intriguing archipelago of Cape Verde off the Coast of Africa. The islands of Cape Verde are amazingly varied, with lush mountains, arid landscapes, colonial towns volcanic pitons and each have their character and traditions. Our island hoping discovery starts from Praia the capital of Sao Tiago Island and each day discover a new port of call, a hidden cove with crystal blue waters to cool you, a glimpse of history to amaze you and rich cultural diversity to intrigue you.

The PANORAMA was launched in 1993 and was renovated in 2001, 2008 and 2014. This state of the art sail cruiser has performed several Atlantic Ocean crossings, has sailed from the Seychelles to Monte Carlo and from the Black Sea to Cuba and offers the highest standard of accommodation, comfort and safety.

During the day, life on board centres around the outdoor areas including the 2 bars and the sun deck. In the evening you can relax in one of the ship’s two lounges, the library, and enjoy a drink while listening to piano music. The swimming platform on PANORAMA’s stern enables you to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit

The PANORAMA’s cabins are located on 3 decks and are finished with wooden furniture and light fabrics. Cabins on the Upper and main decks are equipped with windows while cabins on the lower deck have portholes. The fully equipped bathrooms are finished with marble. All cabins are air-conditioned and fitted with TV, telephone (for internal use), hairdryers, mini-fridge, central music, public address system and safe boxes.

Embarkation 4Pm. San Tiago and its capital Praia is the largest and most populated island of the Cape Verde Archipelago. Overnight in port.

San Tiago is the most African of all the islands of Cape Verde and the first island where settlers came. After a morning at leisure and lunch on board, the optional afternoon excursion will bring us to Cidade Velha, the Old Portuguese capital where history is ever present. The fort and the nearby settlements were once a thriving slave trade centre. The Museum of Maritime History displays findings from rich shipwrecks. Late in the evening we will sail North to Fogo. Overnight at sea.

Early morning arrival in Fogo, the island of fire due to the dominating sight of the Fogo Volcano which rises 3,000 meters over the sea level. Our optional full day excursion will bring us at the top of the volcano, right at the crater edge. You will walk through a landscape of lava. Lunch will be at the crater's village. We will also visit the city San Felipe with a characteristic colonial charm. Late in the evening we will sail to San Nikolau. Overnight at sea.

Morning arrival in San Nikolau, a peaceful island with dozens of coffee plantations and friendly residents. Our optional full day tour of the island will include walks near the Monte Gordo volcano, then to the nearby forest and later to the Faja Valley. Today we will have a seafood lunch before resuming our exploration and visiting the town of Ribeira Brava, its old quarter, church and seminar. Late in the evening, we sail to San Antao. Overnight at sea.

Morning arrival in San Antao, the greenest of all Cape Verde Islands. The landscapes of verdant plantations of sugarcane alternate old craters. Our optional full day excursion will include the luxuriant Valley Paul where sugarcane is still exploited and where you will taste the "grogue" the national drink of the Archipelago. You will also reach the Valley of Ribeira das Patas and discover rock formations coming from lava formations. In the evening we sail to Mindelo on the island of San Vincente just an hour sailing from San Antao. In the evening we sail into Mindelo where you will have the opportunity to enjoy Mindelo's famous nightlife and possibly a musical event. Overnight in port.

Once a vibrant commercial island, it has evolved into a cultural center and Mindelo is one of the most well preserved colonial cities in Cape Verde. Our optional walking excursion will allow you to visit galleries and discover busy restaurants, musical events that give Mindelo its label of the Cultural Center of the Cape Verde. It is no surprise that the National Museum of Handycrafts is located in Mindelo. Overnight at sea to Maio.

Arrival at noon in Maio a calm and relaxed community. Maio landscapes are flat, probably due to erosion over the years. Our walking tour of the city of Vila do Maio will include a visit to the huge Baroque church built by the Portuguese some centuries back. Afternoon excursion. Overnight in port.

Morning sailing to Praia, San Tiago Island. Arrival at 09:00 – Disembarkation.

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  Accommodation in double or twin cabins with private SH/WC & air conditioning.
  
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  Full-board: Buffet breakfast and two meals daily, including a Welcome Cocktail, Local Theme Evening and Captain’s Dinner.
  
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  Regular (filter) coffee, tea and drinking water free all day.
  
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  Use of fishing and snorkelling equipment (subject to availability).
  
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  Multilingual Cruise Escort.
  

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  Beverages (except those mentioned above).
  
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  Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
  
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  Crew tips.
  
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  Passenger personal expenses
  
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  WI-FI (available at a charge)
  

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  25 %  reduction for the bride
  
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  Cabins  with Double or King bed 
  
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  Welcome Honeymooners treatment  including a Complimentary bottle of Champagne and a Fruit Basket;
  
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  A Candle Lit Dinner at our Special Honeymooners location on board our ships or at a preferred restaurant;
  
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  10% discount for any wedding anniversary on board our ships provided passengers have spent their honeymoon on board a Variety Cruises ship.
  
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  Automatic access to our Variety Club membership;
  
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  “Our Memories” gift at disembarkation;
  
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  A free 1/2 hour massage for 2, if on board our Harmony V, Variety Voyager and Seychelles program vessel.
  

1. Please ask the details for our "Wedding and Cruise with friends and family" private charter for 40 to 72 guests.

a/ The Honeymoon offer is valid only provided that the couple is travelling within 6 months from their wedding date (copy of marriage certificate required);