Itinerary
- Day 1
Lisbon
You'll arrive in Lisbon and head to your accommodation by metro or streetcar (you'll pay for transport locally). The afternoon opens up for checking out the waterfront and Praça do Comércio, where you can see the iconic Arco da Rua Augusta. From there, make your way to Bairro Alto to walk through the street art scene, check out the rooftop bars, and soak in the evening atmosphere.
Optional Activities
- Metro, streetcar or local transport to accommodation
- Explore waterfront promenade and Praça do Comércio
- Visit Arco da Rua Augusta
- Explore Bairro Alto district
Landmarks Praça do Comércio Arco da Rua Augusta Bairro Alto - Day 2
Lisbon
Ride Tram 28, the yellow line that cuts through the old town, then head to Palácio Nacional in the Ajuda district. After that, travel to Belém to try the famous Pastéis de Belém pastries and walk through Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery. You'll finish by watching the sunset at Torre de Belém with the light hitting the water just right.
Included Activities
- Ride Tram 28 through old town
- Visit Palácio Nacional (Ajuda district)
- Visit Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
- Visit Torre de Belém
Optional Activities
- Purchase and taste Pastéis de Belém pastries
Landmarks Tram 28 Palácio Nacional (Ajuda) Mosteiro dos Jerónimos Torre de Belém - Day 3
Lisbon to Sintra
Grab breakfast at a local café before taking the train from Rossio station to Sintra. Once there, you'll see the fairytale castles and palaces set in the green hills. Start with Palácio Nacional de Sintra and work your way up to Palácio da Pena for a scenic hike and some great views of the colorful palace.
Included Activities
- Train travel from Rossio station to Sintra
- Visit Palácio Nacional de Sintra
- Hike to Palácio da Pena
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Fauna & Flora or similar café
Landmarks Rossio Station Palácio Nacional de Sintra Palácio da Pena - Day 4
Lisbon
Spend time in Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district, walking through hidden courtyards and side streets lined with colorful houses. The Sé de Lisboa cathedral is worth visiting, and you'll get panoramic views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia. End the day relaxing on the roof terrace at Memmo Alfama hotel.
Included Activities
- Explore Alfama district
- Visit Sé de Lisboa cathedral
- Visit Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Optional Activities
- Visit Memmo Alfama hotel roof terrace and purchase coffee or pastry
Landmarks Alfama Sé de Lisboa Miradouro de Santa Luzia Memmo Alfama Hotel - Day 5
Lisbon to Sal
You'll leave Lisbon and fly to Sal in Cape Verde. When you arrive, golden sand and turquoise water greet you. After checking into your hotel, head straight to the beach for a swim in the clear ocean.
Included Activities
- Flight from Lisbon to Sal
- Airport transfer to hotel
- Beach visit and swimming
Landmarks Sal - Day 6
Sal
This is a beach day. Swim, relax with a cocktail, or try water sports at Santa Maria beach. If you prefer to embrace the Cape Verdean 'no stress' approach, just lounge at Ponta Preta Beach and let the day pass.
Included Activities
- Beach day at Santa Maria or Ponta Preta
Optional Activities
- Kitesurfing at Santa Maria Beach
- Windsurfing at Santa Maria Beach
- Snorkeling at Santa Maria Beach
- Diving at Santa Maria Beach
Landmarks Santa Maria Beach Ponta Preta Beach - Day 7
Sal
You'll see Buracona rock formation and its natural volcanic basalt pools. Swim into the Blue Eye cave where sunlight creates a glowing effect in the water. Stop in the fishing village of Palmeira and explore the nearby town of Espargos.
Included Activities
- Visit Buracona rock formation
- Swim in natural pool and Blue Eye cave
Optional Activities
- Visit Palmeira fishing village
- Explore Espargos town
Landmarks Buracona Blue Eye Palmeira Espargos - Day 8
Sal
Head to Pedra de Lume salt mine where you can float in a natural salt crater lake. Walk through a tunnel to access the mines, then go to Shark Bay to see small lemon sharks in the lagoon. Finish up in Pedra de Lume village with ice cream.
Included Activities
- Visit Pedra de Lume salt mine and float in salt lake
- Visit Shark Bay
Optional Activities
- Arrange cab or organize tour to Pedra de Lume
Landmarks Pedra de Lume Salias de Pedra Lume Shark Bay - Day 9
Sal
Visit the coastal village of Santa Maria where Portuguese and African cultures mix together. Stroll through the alleyways, try street food at local markets, order a ponche (Cape Verde's national cocktail), and explore the pier with ocean views. Watch the sunset wrap up your evening.
Included Activities
- Explore Santa Maria village
Optional Activities
- Sample street food at local markets
- Try ponche (Cape Verdean national cocktail)
- Walk the pier
- Relax at hotel and recharge
Landmarks Santa Maria - Day 10
Sal
You can either explore Viveiro botanical garden with its rabbits and goats, or head to Terra Boa to see the pure desert landscape where you might spot mirages. Both show different sides of what Sal has to offer.
Optional Activities
- Visit Viveiro botanical garden
- Visit Terra Boa desert landscape
Landmarks Viveiro Terra Boa - Day 11
Sal to Lisbon
Spend your final day on the golden sand relaxing with sun protection and cool drinks. If you're up for it, try surfing. Later, head back to your accommodation to freshen up and pack before a driver takes you to the airport for your night flight.
Included Activities
- Airport transfer to flight
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation and swimming
- Surfing lessons or practice
- Day 12
Lisbon
You'll arrive back in Lisbon early morning. Change trains for the last leg home, thinking back on your time in Cape Verde and the whole trip.
Included Activities
- Train connection in Lisbon
