Highlights of Cidade Velha with local guide
Description
Explore the first city built by Europeans in sub-Saharan Africa, Cidade Velha, a World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Cape Verdean nation and culture. Enrich your knowledge of the history of colonization and slavery in Cape Verde, and take in the city's highlights.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Get picked up from your accommodation and travel towards Cidade Velha.
Explore the highlights of Cidade Velha, a World Heritage Site that represents the cradle of Cape Verdean nation and culture.
The Convent of São Francisco was built in the 17th century, and it has served as housing for the Franciscan order and a training center for priests.
The first historical monument to be built in Cape Verde. It is an important church visited by columbus and Vasco da Gama before sailing on to remote lands.
At lunch, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city and taste local delights in a typical restaurant right on the seafront.
Visit the famous Banana Street with its traditional houses. It was the first street to be urbanized by the Portuguese in the tropics.
Meet local fishermen and learn the history of slavery at the former slave market in Pillory.
Explore the ruins of the first Cathedral built by Europeans in Sub-Saharan Africa, followed by a panoramic view of the city center's colonial buildings from the top of Calhau fishing bay.
Take a guided walking tour of the São Felipe Fortress and discover the ancient system of defense against pirate attacks. Please not that the €5 per person for Fortress entrance is not included.
The tour finishes with drop-off back to your hotel in Praia.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
If your accommodation is not listed, please send us an email with your pick-up address. Airport pick-up is not included. An additional fee will apply for travelers who require this service.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please bring comfortable clothes and shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- A moderate walking is involved
Reviews(9)
I had this tour with Bamba (guide) and Dani (driver). Very sstidfed with the tour and Bamba explained a lot above the visited sites and also sbout Cabo Verde.
Ricardo was an absolutely exceptional tour guide during my time in Praia. Extremely knowledgeable and a wonderfully pleasant young man, he made the experience truly memorable. What set Ricardo apart was the extra effort he took, especially after learning I am a travel writer. He went above and beyond to deeply introduce me to Cabo Verdean culture, sharing insights that were invaluable for my work. More than just a guide, Ricardo felt like a friend showing me his city and culture. His passion and warmth were infectious. I highly recommend booking a tour with Ricardo—he offers an enriching and authentic experience that you won't soon forget!
Our tour of Cidade Velha with our guide Alex was fantastic! He taught us a lot about the city's rich history, from Rua Banana, the oldest street in Cape Verde to the impressive fortress and convent, he also shared incredible stories about Cape Verde’s connection with the Portuguese and even the English. We visited the oldest church in Sub-Saharan Africa and learned about the city’s role in the transatlantic slave trade which was especially moving. If you're looking for an authentic and insightful way to explore Cape Verde's heritage, I definitely recommend this tour.
Thank you so much ! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an enriching experience exploring Cidade Velha with Alex. It's wonderful that you were able to dive into the deep history of Cape Verde, from its colonial past to its moving connection to the transatlantic slave trade. Alex truly takes pride in sharing the culture and heritage of the island, and we're glad that his stories left such an impression. We hope to welcome you back for more memorable journeys into Cape Verde's history and beauty soon
Dana was a delight and great fun to be with and was very considerate of my questions and interests. I learned a lot about Cidade Velha and it's various waves of pirate attacks, but also about the geopolitical significance of being the first European settlement in the tropics. Dana also told me some of the deeply emptional stories of how people were bought and sold in the town square, with local (captive)women singing to give those about to be taken to the new world hope of one day returning to Africa. To boost moral at its lowest ebb. Its a beautiful and deeply historic spot and well worth the trip.
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Dana provided an engaging tour, sharing insights into Cidade Velha's history and its significance. It's clear that you found the experience both enriching and deeply emotional. We agree that Cidade Velha is a beautiful and historically significant destination. Thank you for choosing Bu CountryTours, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future
Very nice town. One of the few places in Cape Verde where you can see culturally sights. The guide was very nice and was telling a lot about the history of this place and Cape Verde.
Thank you for your comment! We appreciate your kind words about the town and your positive experience with our guide. It's great to hear that you enjoyed learning about the history of the place and Cape Verde. We strive to provide informative and enjoyable tours for our customers. Thank you for choosing our services, and we hope to welcome you back in the future.
Interesting trip to the old capital of Santiago island, learning a lot about the history of Cape Verde. Fantastic tour guides. We did several tours and were very happy that we found this company.
Hello dear docdyn! We are delighted to hear that you had an interesting and enriching experience visiting the wonderful island of Santiago. Our team of tour guides strives to provide detailed information about the history of Cape Verde. We are glad that you chose our company for your excursions and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
The tour was listed as a private tour and I was under the impression it would be such. However, it wasn’t one which greatly limited the positive impact I was hoping it would have
Dear Basanth Thank you for your review. We never never and never sold Praia City Tour as private tour. You knew that! You booked our Praia City Tour for less than 30 Euros. Right? Your accommodation was in Old Town. Only the Trasnfer from the Old Town to Praia costs almost the price of the Tour. But fulfilling your request, we ended up offering the free pick up for you, right? You have booked your transfers with our partner via internet and once again you have chosen our services. We were always on time, but at the Trasnfer out we had to wait for 50 minutes after the scheduled timing until you show up at reception and you didn't apologize. Right? Yes, you booked a private tour of Cidade Velha only and you asked if you can join the open group Praia City tour from Cidade Velha. We changed the itinerary and timing of all customers just to fulfill your request. At the end of the day you came to tell me you didn't like one of the group participants because according to you: He was very boring! Sorry for that! Kind Regards
We took a tour of cidade velha, which was excellent. Our guide Zenildo took a lot of time to show interesting sights and explain the goings-on of the island. Communication was quick and clear, the driver was fine. Would definitely recommend.
Thank you for your feedback, we are delighted to hear that you had an excellent experience with us. Your recommendation and trust mean a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you back for future experiences and creating even more memorable moments. Thank you once again!
Exceeding expectations is an understatement. I’ve been on several tours around the globe, but I’ve never experienced anything like this! A full immersion experience of culture, food, people, art, and humanity. From end-to-end the trip was packed with fun and excitement, blended with history lessons in between. Admilson’s mastery of not only the Cape Verde landscape, but the several languages he spoke and the attention to detail that was specific to the goals my wife and I looked to gain from the tour, was look nothing I’d ever seen before. I highly recommend him and his company to anyone that’s looking to get the most out of their time in CV and or their vacation. Wish we had more time, would have loved to do and see more.
We do what we love, this is what make us delivering tours with all our hearts and effort to satisfy you and provide unforgettable moments of your live!!! Big thanks for your review!!!
