Cidade Velha Tour with Grogue Tasting & Lunch

Explore Cidade Velha on a guided tour from Praia. Visit a grogue distillery, enjoy a tasting, and savor a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.
Begin your adventure in the heart of Praia. Meet your certified local guide at the prearranged meeting point and board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. As you leave the capital behind, listen to your guide's captivating introduction to the geography, culture, and contrasts that make Santiago Island so fascinating. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding valleys on the way to your first stop.

Arrive at Cidade Velha (formerly Ribeira Grande), the first colonial city built by Europeans in the tropics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow your expert guide through this open-air museum, walking along the iconic Rua de Banana, the first urbanized street in sub-Saharan Africa, famous for its stone houses with traditional thatched roofs.

Visit the imposing Pelourinho, a monument steeped in history that witnessed the transatlantic slave trade, and explore the ruins of the Sé Cathedral, which evoke the region's glorious and turbulent past. Climb to the Fortaleza de São Filipe, strategically positioned atop the hill. Learn about the defenses against attacks by legendary pirates like Sir Francis Drake and enjoy one of Cape Verde's most photogenic views.

Next, step off the beaten path for a sensory immersion in local culture at the prestigious Grogue Cabral and Martins Distillery. Grogue is Cape Verde's national drink, a sugarcane rum distilled entirely by hand. During this exclusive visit, the host family will open their doors to show you the entire production process, from harvesting the sugarcane in the fertile valleys to fermenting and distilling in traditional stills.

Understand the economic and social importance of this centuries-old tradition and participate in a guided tasting, sampling the different varieties of grogue and artisanal liqueurs produced by the brand, and discovering the secrets of their unique aromas and flavors.

Finally, head to the prestigious Restaurante Cruzeiros, known for its hospitality and authentic Santiago cuisine. Enjoy a full lunch, savoring authentic dishes made with fresh, local ingredients (with options for fresh fish caught that day, meat, or vegetarian alternatives), accompanied by typical island side dishes. All this in a relaxing setting with a privileged view that invites the sharing of stories and the celebration of the famous "Morabeza" — the Cape Verdean art of hospitality. After lunch, return to Praia, where your tour ends.

Per garantire la disponibilità, prenota il prima possibile. La prenotazione anticipata è consigliata soprattutto se stai pianificando il viaggio durante l'alta stagione come le festività pubbliche o i fine settimana.

Questa escursione può essere annullata senza costi fino a 24 ore prima dell'inizio del viaggio. Se la annulli dopo 24 ore o non ti presenti all'escursione, ti verrà comunque addebitato il prezzo intero dell'attività. Essere in ritardo al ritiro o alla partenza sarà considerato come non presentarsi.