Shore Excursion: 3-Hour Guided Historic Tour of Praia & Cidade Velha

Exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Cape Verde’s historic cities is a journey that captivates the senses. This 3-hour guided tour presents an opportunity to explore the intriguing past of Praia and Cidade Velha, uncovering the stories that have shaped these vibrant destinations. From the bustling traditional market to the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha, travelers will gain a deeper understanding of the island’s unique heritage. With personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, this intimate excursion promises to reveal the fascinating layers that make Cape Verde’s history and culture so distinct. What secrets might this tour uncover?

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Guided Tours In Santiago.

Key Points

• This 3-hour guided tour offers a personalized exploration of the historic sites in Praia and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cidade Velha.
• The tour includes visits to key landmarks like the Fortaleza Real de San Felipe, the first cathedral in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the traditional market in Praia.
• Transportation is provided in a climate-controlled minivan with pickup and drop-off at the Praia harbor, ensuring a convenient and comfortable experience.
• The tour is limited to a maximum group size of 8 individuals, ensuring personalized attention from the professional guide.
• With a mix of historical insights, culture, and seamless logistics, this tour provides an engaging and memorable experience for cruise ship passengers.

Tour Overview

This 3-hour shore excursion offers a guided historic tour of Praia, the capital city of Santiago, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cidade Velha in Cape Verde.

With a maximum group size of 8, the tour provides personalized attention from a professional guide. Highlights include exploring Praia’s traditional market, visiting the Fortaleza Real de San Felipe, the slave pillory, and the first cathedral in Sub-Saharan Africa within Cidade Velha.

Transportation is provided in a climate-controlled minivan with pickup and drop-off at the Praia harbor. The tour is priced from €55, with an additional €5 entrance fee for the Fortress.

Comfortable clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended for the small amount of walking involved.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour explores Praia, the capital city, including a visit to the traditional market.

It then ventures to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cidade Velha, where participants can discover the Fortaleza Real de San Felipe, the slave pillory, and the first cathedral in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Guests will enjoy a personalized itinerary with individual attention from a professional guide who’ll share the rich history and cultural significance of these key sites.

The tour promises an immersive and educational experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Cape Verde’s past and its enduring legacy.

Inclusions

The tour package includes private transport in a climate-controlled minivan, pickup and drop-off at Praia harbor, and the services of a professional tour guide. It also covers the entrance fee for the Fortaleza Real de San Felipe, which costs €5 per person. However, guests are responsible for covering their own personal expenses during the tour.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Private transport in climate-controlled minivan	Personal expenses
Pickup and drop-off at Praia harbor	–
Professional tour guide	–
Entrance fee for Fortaleza Real de San Felipe (€5 per person)	–
Liability insurance	–

Meeting and Pickup

The pick-up point for the guided historic tour is the Port of Cape Verde Archipelago Beach in Praia. At the port exit, the guide will hold a sign displaying your’ names.

Cruise passengers must provide the following information at the time of booking:

1. Ship name
2. Docking time
3. Disembarkation time
4. Re-boarding time

This ensures a smooth and convenient pickup for all participants.

The guide will be there to greet your and escort them on the 3-hour exploration of Praia and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cidade Velha.

With personalized attention and a comfortable climate-controlled minivan, the tour offers an immersive experience in the rich history and cultural heritage of Cape Verde.

Important Details

Accessibility for the guided historic tour is limited, as the itinerary involves a small amount of walking and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Comfortable attire, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended to ensure a pleasant experience during the tour.

Certain sites, such as the Praia Municipal Market, are closed on Sundays, while the Fortress remains closed on holidays.

Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.

While the tour includes private transport in a climate-controlled minivan, personal expenses aren’t covered.

Tour Duration

The tour lasts 3 hours, providing ample time to explore Praia’s traditional market and the UNESCO-listed Cidade Velha. This duration allows for a comprehensive and immersive experience, with the following highlights:

1. Leisurely strolling through the vibrant Praia Municipal Market, where you can interact with local vendors and soak up the lively atmosphere.

2. Delving into the rich history of Cidade Velha, the first European colonial settlement in the tropics, and a testament to the region’s complex past.

3. Visiting key landmarks, such as the Fortaleza Real de San Felipe, the slave pillory, and the first cathedral in Sub-Saharan Africa.

4. Enjoying personalized attention from the professional guide, who’ll tailor the tour to your interests and ensure you make the most of your time.

Maximum Travelers

To ensure an intimate and personalized experience, this tour limits the maximum number of travelers to 8 individuals.

This group size allows the guide to provide attentive, one-on-one attention to each participant, fostering deeper engagement with the historic sites and local culture.

Keeping the group small also enables easy navigation through the narrow streets and alleyways of Praia and Cidade Velha, enhancing the overall immersive nature of the tour.

By restricting the group size, the tour ensures that participants can fully enjoy the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of these captivating Cape Verdean destinations, without feeling crowded or overwhelmed.

This thoughtful approach prioritizes quality over quantity, ensuring a truly memorable and enriching exploration of the region.

Reviews and Rating

Travelers rave about this guided historic tour, awarding it an impressive 5.0 out of 5-star rating based on 7 in-depth reviews. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide who brings the rich history of Praia and Cidade Velha to life.

They highlight several standout aspects of the experience:

1. The personalized attention and tailored itinerary that caters to individual interests.

2. The opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cidade Velha, including key landmarks like the Fortaleza Real de San Felipe.

3. The chance to enjoy the vibrant culture and traditional market of Praia.

4. The seamless logistics, from punctual pickups to comfortable transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is offered in multiple languages, allowing visitors to choose their preferred language for the guided experience. While English is available, the tour may also be conducted in other common languages spoken by participants.

Can I Modify the Tour Itinerary to Add or Remove Sites?

The tour itinerary can be modified to add or remove sites, though this may incur additional fees. Travelers should discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who can customize the experience to meet their specific interests and needs.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for participants of all ages. However, the tour involves a small amount of walking, so young children may require additional assistance or consideration from their guardians.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Tour?

Guests are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the tour. The tour allows ample opportunities to capture the historic sights and scenery. However, guests should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the tour guide or venue.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

While the standard tour duration is 3 hours, the tour operator may be able to accommodate a request to extend the tour if needed. Guests should inquire about this option when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

This guided historic tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Cape Verde.

Visitors will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cidade Velha, visit significant landmarks, and gain a deeper understanding of the destination’s fascinating history.

With personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide and a small group size, this excursion provides an intimate and insightful way to discover the vibrant essence of Praia and Cidade Velha.