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The Many Faces of Cape Verde Cruise

The Many Faces of Cape Verde Cruise

From AUD $13,620

Description

Le Ponant, the first Relais & Châteaux sailing yacht, like the finest travel address on the waters of the world.
On the Cape Verde Islands, formed from volcanic lava and sculpted by the power of the Atlantic’s waves, you will experience the raw beauty of incomparable nature. There are of course the strains of morna coming from Mindelo. There is the history of a former Portuguese colony that still bears traces of its past and has a geographic situation that has meant many influences for this string of islands. Above all, though, Cape Verde represents an indefinable feeling of freedom. Carried by the wind, Le Ponant will take you into a unexpected world where the elements will imbue you with new emotions.
Soft music rises from Mindelo, the music of Cesária Évora, “the Barefoot Diva”, who is inextricably linked to her island and her town, where she remains revered. The pastel colours of the façades and the former colonial buildings dot the Cape Verdean towns and villages that you will discover from the sea. Aboard Le Ponant, you will enjoy the privilege of an intimate atmosphere in the hushed comfort of the ship. As your cruise unfolds, you will discover the historic city of São Filipe inexorably turned to the sea, on the island of Fogo, and you will explore Praia, the capital of Cape Verde with its diverse influences, planted with tamarind and silk trees. Wherever you go, you will be captivated by the markets with their bright colours and fragrance-filled stalls.
The sky and the sea, unspoiled nature and the Cape Verdean soul will sweep you away aboard Le Ponant. Everywhere you look, you will see surprising and larger-than-life landscapes. The highest island in the archipelago, Fogo, is like a painting featuring a palette of colours, at times emerald, at times grey, revealing old lava flows amidst lush vegetation. In São Nicolau, the steep hillsides soon rise on the horizon, while the deep valleys will welcome you to discover the dragon trees, these ancient trees with a majestic silhouette. Boa Vista offers another face of Cape Verde, with its dunes of fine sand stretching as far as the eye can see, revealing the cerulean blue of the Atlantic. And volcanos are everywhere here, watching over the landscape, their sharp contours unveiling the power of wild nature.
The changing winds will set the pace of your odyssey, freedom will surge up on the horizon, in the soft calm offered by the interior of PONANT’s emblematic yacht. If you look to the sky, you will perhaps glimpse some of the many bird species that can be found in this piece of land lost in the Atlantic Ocean. You are sure to be surprised by the variety of activities during your trip, from hiking the paths of the archipelago to lazing on the bridge of the ship or on a Cape Verdean beach, to cultural discoveries and the exploration of a fascinating heritage.

Trip Name
The Many Faces of Cape Verde Cruise
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Three-Master Sailing Ship Length: 288 feet Passenger Capacity: 32 Built/refurbished: 1991/2021 This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing, combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability. The striking lines, the quality of the materials, the sophistication of the way they’re combined: the common areas, designed by French design studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, exude a sense of timelessness and offer a genuine connection with the exterior scenery and landscapes. Their design offers a blend of purity, excellence and a sense of easy living through the prominent use of stylish plain tones: off-white, taupe and caviar grey. No flourishes or embellishments here, but instead a unity between the common areas and the staterooms. Exterior bar - Sun Deck Sun Lounge area - Exterior bar The Le Diamant panoramic restaurant - Zéphyr Deck Seats 34 guests - 61 m² - Buffet breakfast and dinner - Fine gastronomic cuisine made using exceptionally high quality organic and local products - Veuve Clicquot champagne - Wines from French artisan wine producers and the regions visited. The Marina - Alizés Deck Two standard kayaks and two glass-bottomed kayaks - Four stand up paddleboards - Snorkelling equipment - Fishing equipment - Scuba diving equipment (for a group of four people) - Saltwater swimming pool - Small equipment for children (noodles, rings, armbands and safety equipment) - Bicycles The lounge and Bar Emeraude - Alizés Deck Interior surface : 92 m² - Seats 35 guests - Exterior surface : 85 m² - Seats 24 guests The wellness space - Alizés Deck Spa / massages (18.5 m²): one cabin offering massages and Biologique Recherche treatments - Gym (16 m²) with dedicated fitness instructor - Yoga sessions on the Sun Deck

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 MINDELO
Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.
Day 2 - Day 2 SÃO NICOLAU
Located south-west of São Vicente, the island of São Nicolau is a dramatic sight with steep, richly forested mountains that reach their peak at ᅠMt Gordo. Near the summit, the islandメs attractive capital, Ribeira Brava, nestles in a deep green valley. Not far off, you can hike along the mountain paths of Fajã, where youメll see rare and extremely old dragon trees growing naturally on the high plateaux. Coastal landmarks include the Blue Hole, ᅠpeaceful Tarrafal beach and the picturesque fishing village of Preguiça.
Day 3 - Day 3 MINDELO TO SANTO ANTAO
From Mindelo, the cultural capital of Cape Verde and the hometown of the legendary Cesária Évora, you will be able to travel to the neighbouring island of Santo Antao. On the horizon, the island’s sharp contours, a result of volcanic activity in the region, rise out of the Atlantic Ocean. Long deemed impassable, Santo Antao has been partially tamed by man who successfully adapted to the mountain chain that crosses it, in particular by establishing terraced farming there. This unique form of agriculture gives the island an extraordinary beauty which blends in with its wild nature, at times lush, at times mineral. With its deep valleys and jagged peaks, the territory offers stunning panoramas that promise unforgettable memories.
Day 4 - Day 4 BOA VISTA
The third largest island in the Cape Verde archipelago, Boa Vista offers visitors stunning white-sand beaches and emerald water. Dubbed “the sand dune island”, it is particularly well-known for its wild, desert landscapes that are windswept all year round. Sand dunes, oases and arid plains form the landscape of this small stretch of land that is barely 30 km (20 miles) long. Make the most of your stop here by experiencing the joy of swimming amid abundant marine life.
Day 5 - Day 5 PRAIA
The capital of Cape Verde, Praia, is located on the southern tip of Santiago island. You can dally in the districts planted with Tamarind and Albizia trees. Above the harbour, the statue of Diogo Gomes pays homage to the man who discovered Cape Verde in 1460. A few streets away, in the old centre, the Ethnographic Museum presents the diversity of the archipelago’s cultural origins. Its historical building with transom windows is one of the city’s more unusual curiosities.
Day 6 - Day 6 MAIO
Discovered in 1460 in the month of May, as its Portuguese name indicates, Maio lies east of Santiago in the Cape Verde archipelago. At the southwestern end of the island, you will discover the city of Porto Inglês, also known as Vila do Maio, where the pastel houses nestle against rounded hillsides. This port city played a pivotal role in the export of salt by the English in the 17th century. Overlooking the city, the fortress built in the 18th century as protection against pirate attacks still bears traces of its turbulent past. The long beaches of white sand that edge the island are now an invitation to enjoy the peace and serenity.
Day 7 - Day 7 FOGO
Lying west of Praia, the volcanic island of Fogo is Cape Verde's highest landmark. The foothills of Pico de Fogo are ideal for hiking, with an immense caldera surrounding the active crater. Trails start at the little town of Chã das Caldeiras and you can see recent lava flows and older ones sprouting with new growth. Along the rocky coastline you'll come across picturesque Mosteiros and the historic town of São Filipe, where elegant colonial houses overlook the Atlantic.
Day 8 - Day 8 MINDELO
Set on the shores of the Porto Grande bay on the north-west coast of São Vicente, Mindelo is considered to be Cape Verde's cultural capital. Here in singer Cesaria Evora's homeland, you can listen to real morna in the bars of the old town, where you can also sip the local grog, a Cape Verdian sugarcane spirit. A few streets from the elegant floating resort of Pont d'água you'll see the pastel-coloured houses and colonial buildings of the historical district. Other landmarks are the facades of the old Governor's Palace and the busy municipal market.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-11-202415-11-2024AUD $13,620Mistral Stateroom
08-11-202415-11-2024AUD $15,730Mistral Prestige Stateroom
08-11-202415-11-2024AUD $18,560Mistral Junior Suite
08-11-202415-11-2024AUD $19,980Mistral Prestige Suite
08-11-202415-11-2024AUD $20,270Alizés Stateroom
08-11-202415-11-2024AUD $20,980Alizés Prestige Stateroom
08-11-202415-11-2024AUD $22,820Alizés Privilege Suite
08-11-202415-11-2024AUD $30,190Owner Suite
15-11-202422-11-2024AUD $18,560Mistral Junior Suite
15-11-202422-11-2024AUD $19,980Mistral Prestige Suite
15-11-202422-11-2024AUD $20,270Alizés Stateroom
15-11-202422-11-2024AUD $20,980Alizés Prestige Stateroom
15-11-202422-11-2024AUD $22,820Alizés Privilege Suite
15-11-202422-11-2024AUD $30,190Owner Suite
15-11-202422-11-2024AUD $13,620Mistral Stateroom
15-11-202422-11-2024AUD $15,730Mistral Prestige Stateroom
22-11-202429-11-2024AUD $13,620Mistral Stateroom
22-11-202429-11-2024AUD $15,730Mistral Prestige Stateroom
22-11-202429-11-2024AUD $18,560Mistral Junior Suite
22-11-202429-11-2024AUD $19,980Mistral Prestige Suite
22-11-202429-11-2024AUD $20,270Alizés Stateroom
22-11-202429-11-2024AUD $20,980Alizés Prestige Stateroom
22-11-202429-11-2024AUD $22,820Alizés Privilege Suite
22-11-202429-11-2024AUD $30,190Owner Suite
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $13,620Mistral Stateroom
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $15,730Mistral Prestige Stateroom
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $18,560Mistral Junior Suite
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $19,980Mistral Prestige Suite
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $20,270Alizés Stateroom
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $20,980Alizés Prestige Stateroom
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $22,820Alizés Privilege Suite
29-11-202406-12-2024AUD $30,190Owner Suite
06-12-202413-12-2024AUD $13,620Mistral Stateroom
06-12-202413-12-2024AUD $15,730Mistral Prestige Stateroom
06-12-202413-12-2024AUD $18,560Mistral Junior Suite
06-12-202413-12-2024AUD $19,980Mistral Prestige Suite
06-12-202413-12-2024AUD $20,270Alizés Stateroom
06-12-202413-12-2024AUD $20,980Alizés Prestige Stateroom
06-12-202413-12-2024AUD $22,820Alizés Privilege Suite
06-12-202413-12-2024AUD $30,190Owner Suite
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $13,620Mistral Stateroom
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $15,730Mistral Prestige Stateroom
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $18,560Mistral Junior Suite
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $19,980Mistral Prestige Suite
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $20,270Alizés Stateroom
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $20,980Alizés Prestige Stateroom
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $22,820Alizés Privilege Suite
13-12-202420-12-2024AUD $30,190Owner Suite
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $13,620Mistral Stateroom
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $15,730Mistral Prestige Stateroom
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $18,560Mistral Junior Suite
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $19,980Mistral Prestige Suite
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $20,270Alizés Stateroom
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $20,980Alizés Prestige Stateroom
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $22,820Alizés Privilege Suite
20-12-202427-12-2024AUD $30,190Owner Suite
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $13,620Mistral Stateroom
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $15,730Mistral Prestige Stateroom
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $18,560Mistral Junior Suite
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $19,980Mistral Prestige Suite
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $20,270Alizés Stateroom
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $20,980Alizés Prestige Stateroom
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $22,820Alizés Privilege Suite
27-12-202403-01-2025AUD $30,190Owner Suite

Inclusions

    • A cruise discovering Cape Verde, an archipelago featuring pristine wild nature, with a fascinating mix of cultural influences.
    • On land and on sea, soak in the Cape Verdean spirit and charm, and enjoy exceptional moments such as the stunning sunsets aboard your ship.
    • During this timeless interlude, you will be able to leisurely discover the beauties of this archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic, whether on hikes in nature, excursions into authentic villages or through moments of pure relaxation.
    • A rich programme of included excursions.
    • Enjoy the extraordinary experience of sailing aboard Le Ponant as though you were on your own private yacht.
    • A limited-capacity yacht: a maximum of 32 passengers and as many crew members; a dedicated chef
    • Sail on a ship propelled by the wind and enjoy the wonderful opportunities nature offers us to adjust the programme and navigate under sail whenever possible.
    • As the wind carries you, you will savour shared moments of joy and live in the here and now, in an exceptional environment.
    • Both on board and on shore, make the most of the presence of local guides who will share the secrets of this exceptional archipelago with you, through a series of 100% Cape Verde ports of call taking you off the beaten path.

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