Cape Verde:
Island Rhythms
December 27, 2026 - January 3, 2027
Booking Deadline: September 27, 2026
Reserve Your Spot with Flexible Payment Plans
Welcome to Cape Verde, a soulful island escape filled with culture, rhythm, and ocean kissed serenity. This New Year journey brings you across two breathtaking islands where volcanic landscapes meet warm beaches and vibrant communities welcome you with open arms. Designed with intention for Black queer travelers, this experience blends cultural immersion, adventure, community connection, and the ease you crave at the end of the year. From the historic heart of Santiago to the quiet beauty of Maio, you will enjoy curated excursions, local traditions, joyful celebrations, and spacious moments to rest. Your days move at a balanced pace, with time for discovery, rich flavors, and shared laughter that feels like chosen family. Start the year feeling renewed, inspired, and grounded in the spirit of Cabo Verde.
This experience is designed for a small group of up to 12 travelers, allowing for meaningful connection, flexibility, and shared moments throughout the trip.
Due to Popular Demand, We've Opened a Second Group!
The response to Paris has been incredible, and we have decided to open up a limited number of additional spots for a second small group.
Each group will be intentionally capped at 8 travelers to preserve the intimate, personal experience that defines how we travel. The day to day, including excursions and group activities, will stay within each smaller group, so you still get the close-knit feel we are known for.
Here is what makes this special: because both groups will be in Paris at the same time, there will be plenty of natural opportunities to come together for nightlife, group dinners, and shared moments throughout the trip. That means a community of up to 22 Lesbifriends to connect with whenever you want it, and your own intimate crew to come home to at the end of each day.
This is the same Paris experience we promised, just twice the energy if you want it.
Please note: Although the itinerary will have the same experiences, some excursions/activities may be on different days for Group 2. You will receive all necessary information closer to the trip.
Spots are limited. Book yours before they are gone.
Photos are examples; actual room may vary slightly based on availability and accommodation alignment.
The Accommodations
Your home throughout this journey features thoughtfully selected stays that highlight Cape Verdean warmth, comfort, and coastal charm. On Santiago Island you will settle into an inviting hotel close to the shoreline, where ocean breezes, relaxing outdoor spaces, and fresh morning breakfasts help you ease into island time. Later in the week you will experience a peaceful waterfront stay on Maio that reflects the island’s gentle pace and welcoming feel. As the trip returns to Santiago, you will settle into a stay surrounded by natural beauty and walkable access to one of the most loved beaches in the region.
Each property offers simple comforts, clean and airy rooms, and an energy of the culture and rhythm of the islands. Expect reliable breakfasts, easy access to nearby activities, and spaces designed to help you unwind after days filled with exploration.
NOTE: ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Day One (Sunday, December 27th)
TOUCHDOWN IN PRAIA
Your journey begins on Santiago Island where warm breezes and the energy of Praia welcome you. After arrival and transfers, take the afternoon to settle into your room and ease into the rhythm of Cape Verde. Wander to the shoreline for your first ocean view or stretch out by the pool while you take in the landscape around you.
In the evening, we gather for our welcome dinner, a relaxed moment to meet your fellow travelers and savor traditional Cape Verdean dishes prepared with love. You will feel the community forming from the very first night.
Day Three (Tuesday, December 29th)
SANTIAGO UNFOLDS
Today, Santiago reveals its full story. We depart Tarrafal for a full-day island tour, beginning with a visit to the Rabelados community, where you will learn the history and traditions of this unique cultural group.
From there, we journey through Serra Malagueta Natural Park, stop at Poilão Park to admire its iconic centuries-old kapok tree, and explore the vibrant local market in Assomada. Along the way, we take in the panoramic viewpoints of São Salvador do Mundo and São Lourenço dos Órgãos, and stop in São Domingos to hear the story of Cape Verdean music and visit the country's largest banana plantation. We arrive in Praia by evening, our new home base.
Day Two (Monday, December 28th)
WAVES, MOUNTAINS + HEART OF SANTIAGO
Today is your full island experience on Santiago. You will visit a lively local market, cross through mountain landscapes, and end your day in Tarrafal where clear blue water and soft sand stretch out before you.
A ride on a traditional fishing boat adds a special touch, giving you a front row view of daily life on the island. Ask questions, take photos, and let the adventure unfold naturally. After returning to Praia, the evening is open for dinner and exploring the nightlife at your own pace.
Day Four (Wednesday, December 30th)
A DAY IN THE CULTURE
Today is a deep dive into everything that makes Cape Verde what it is. We spend the morning in a hands-on cooking class, learning how to prepare two of the country's most iconic dishes: Cuscus Kabuverdianu, a traditional corn and cassava cake, and Catchupa, the flavorful stew that has fed families across the archipelago for generations.
From there, we experience Batuko, the rhythmic dance rooted in Santiago's history, and learn the basics of Kriolu (Cape Verdean Creole) through simple expressions and culinary vocabulary. This is culture, community, and communion in one afternoon.
Day Five (Thursday, December 31st)
HISTORY BY DAY, NEW YEAR BY NIGHT
In the morning, we travel just 10 kilometers to Cidade Velha, the ancient Cape Verdean capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking these streets is an immersive lesson in Cape Verdean history, colonial legacy, and cultural memory.
In the evening, we bring in 2027 the Cape Verdean way at Aloha Beach Réveillon, one of the most beloved New Year's Eve celebrations in the country. Held right on Prainha Beach, expect live sets from top Cape Verdean DJs, dancing barefoot in the sand, all-white attire (a local tradition symbolizing peace and new beginnings), and fireworks over the ocean at midnight. There is no better way to close one chapter and open the next.
Day Six (Friday, January 1st, 2027)
A QUIET SHIFT TO MAIO
New Year's Day. We rest, ease into the morning, and take our time. Later, we transfer to the port for a ferry to the beautiful island of Maio, one of Cape Verde's most peaceful and untouched destinations. Upon arrival, we settle into our beachfront hotel and let the quieter energy of Maio wash over us. Tonight is soft, slow, and easy. Breakfast included.
Day Seven (Saturday, January 2nd)
MAIO ON MY MIND
Today, Maio welcomes us in. We begin the morning with a walking tour of Vila do Maio, then set off by vehicle to explore the island's small villages, beaches, salt marshes, and cultural pockets. Everywhere you look, you will feel the simplicity, warmth, and gentle beauty that Maio is known for. This is Cape Verde stripped back to something quieter and more intimate.
In the evening, we gather for our farewell dinner, sharing memories, laughter, and one final meal that celebrates everything we have experienced together.
Day Eight (Sunday, January 3rd)
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Your Cape Verde journey wraps today. Enjoy breakfast and a slow morning before your private transfer to Maio Airport for your flight back to Santiago and onward home. You will leave Cape Verde refreshed and connected, carrying warm memories, new friends, and the perfect start to your year.
What’s Included✨
Airport Pickup & Drop Off
Ferry Transfer (Santiago to Maio)
Domestic Flight (Maio to Santiago)
8 Day 7 Night in multiple boutique hotels
Daily Breakfast, 4 Lunches & 2 Dinners
Domestic Transportation to Activities on the Itinerary
Tour of Cidade Velha
Island Tour + Fishing Boat Ride
Maio Island Tour
Monte Penoso Hike
Cooking Class + Batuko Dance + Kriolu Language Intro
Sightseeing
Travel Guide
On-ground team to ensure you have an amazing time!
What’s Not Included
International Flight
Your Flight from your Home country to Cape Verde and your flight back Home is not included - but we can help you figure both out.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Lesbifriends Travel trips and a great way to protect your investment. When you book, WeTravel offers a free, no-obligation quote for basic coverage. You can easily select this option when registering. You’re also welcome to purchase your own policy from any provider. Some credit cards include built-in travel insurance if you pay for the entire trip with that card but be sure to check their terms to confirm your full trip cost is covered.
Any Applicable Vaccines
Meals not Mentioned
You are responsible for most lunches and dinners.
Optional Add-Ons
New Year’s Beach Celebration (Aloha Beach Réveillon)
Personal extras
Additional tours and excursions not included in the itinerary.
Tips and gratuities
You are responsible for all tips and gratuities, including those for accommodation staff, meal service (even for included meals), drivers, tour guides, and other service providers. We recommend budgeting $100–$200 for gratuities to ensure you can tip appropriately throughout your trip.
⭐ Lock in Founding Member rate before Dec 31.
Receive $100 Annual Trip Credit (stackable if unused)
Grab your spot in the Passport Club. → Join Now
Pricing
Booking Deadline: September 27, 2026
Payment Plans Available - All Listed Prices Are Per Person
Please review the booking terms and conditions and frequently asked questions section before booking a package.
A Quick Note on Booking Together
If you are traveling with a friend or partner and plan to share a room, we recommend that each of you book individually so payments and registration can be managed separately. Just include your roommate's name during registration and we will be sure to place you in the same room. If you book under one registration, all payments will be tied to the original booker and cannot be split later
Double Occupancy
$2,750
Deposit: $100
1 OR 2 BEDS AND 2 PEOPLE IN THE ROOM. (PRICE PER PERSON)
Single Occupancy
$3,550
Deposit: $100
1 BED AND 1 PERSON IN THE ROOM.
Disclaimer
THIS TRIP ISN'T FOR EVERYONE
Cape Verde is a West African island; their standards are not the same as the USA.
IT IS FOR YOU IF:
You are open-minded
You enjoy eating, walking, and off-the-beaten-path ideas
You love to have a great time and are open to meeting others and accept the different personalities you will encounter
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You have a tendency to bring first world expectations with you everywhere
You have a tendency to be negative or create a challenging atmosphere for those around you
You're not into trying new things or stepping outside of your comfort zone
You don’t like Cape Verdean food; that is what we’ll be eating every day
You have very specific and particular travel preferences and tend to criticize everything around you
You can’t easily walk up stairs; if you find walking tough, then this trip isn’t suited to you
You are looking for luxury; Cape Verde standards are not the same as it is in the USA, however, if you keep an open mind, you will have a great time!
Important Information
Flights
Airport transfers are included in this trip on both arrival and departure days within the designated time windows listed below.
You must schedule your flight to arrive at Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) on Sunday, December 27th, between 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included.
You must schedule your departure flight from Nelson Mandela International Airport (RAI) on Sunday, January 3rd, 2027, after 3:00 PM local time in order for airport transfers to be included. There is one group transfer provided, departing around 11:00 AM.
If you arrive earlier on the arrival day, you are welcome to wait at the airport until your group’s scheduled pickup time so that you can join the included transfer. Otherwise, you are welcome to arrange your own transfer to the accommodations or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
The same applies for departure day. If your flight departs outside the included transfer window, you may coordinate your own transfer or request a private transfer at an additional cost.
Please forward your flight itinerary to hello@lesbifriendstravel.com as soon as you purchase your tickets so that ground transportation can be coordinated.
Entry Requirements
Passport: Six months of remaining validity required. One blank page required for entry stamp.
Visa Requirements: Not required for tourist travel under 30 days.
Health and Safety: There are currently no COVID-19-related entry restrictions. No vaccination certificates or pre-departure tests are required to enter Cape Verde.
Prior to Your Departure
Check if you need to update your passport, your expiration date needs to be six months from the date of the trip.
Sign up for State Department/Embassy alerts. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Trip Terms & Conditions
We believe in transparency and informed travel. The document below outlines the Trip Terms & Conditions you will agree to once you book, so we invite you to review it ahead of time.
Money/Currency
The national currency of Cape Verde is the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE). Most hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments in major towns accept credit and debit cards, though smaller shops, local markets, taxis, and family owned businesses often prefer cash. Card transactions may include international processing fees and will follow the current exchange rate, which can vary. It is best to check with your bank before traveling to avoid unexpected charges. We recommend carrying some escudos for small purchases, tips, and local vendors, as ATMs can charge withdrawal fees and not all machines accept foreign cards.
Travel Insurance
Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Lesbifriends Travel requires you to have travel insurance for any trip you take with us. Your premium is related to your trip cost, so you don’t have to worry about being over-insured. We want to make your travel experience seamless, so sign up and we will get a travel insurance policy for you or we can provide you with a no obligation quote. If you opt not to go with our preferred travel insurance provider, you are required to get your own and proof of insurance may be requested before the trip.
Payments and Payment Plans
Get 10% off your entire trip if you pay in full at the time of the initial booking. Use discount code FULL during check out to save on your trip package. This code expires 90 days after trip is announced. Please note that discount codes don’t apply to add-on options, and you can only use one code per booking.
All payments to Lesbifriends Travel are non-refundable and non-transferable. This is because Lesbifriends Travel has contractual agreements with hotels, airlines, and other vendors that will not allow us to obtain any refunds. This way we can keep our package prices low and allow you to make monthly payments on your vacation.
When you sign up for a trip, you are automatically signed up for monthly payments and your confirmation email will clearly note your due dates and amount. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
A $75 late fee will be applied to all payments made after the 3-day grace period. Your trip is subject to cancellation after two missed payments.
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If you are traveling alone and do not want to spend the extra money for a single occupancy room, we are happy to match you with a like-minded traveler to be your roommate on this trip. We understand that the extra money spent in getting your own room takes away from the money available for you to splurge while on vacation.
For that reason, we extend each traveler the option of having us pair you with a suitable roommate for no additional cost. Roommates are paired based on room selection and a potential roommate questionnaire if there are several solo travelers. Before the trip, you will be introduced to your roommate, with plenty of time for you to get to know each other before we reach our destination.