PARADISE FOUND

Day 1 Depart from London travelling via Lisbon to São Tomé. On arrival transfer to Omali for a two night stay. (D)

Day 2 Full day exploration of the plantations of the north. Visit the historical landmarks of Fernão Dias and the estate of Boa Entrada, established in 1870, continue to the plantation Agostinho Neto,  Roça Rio do Ouro in colonial times, and one of the biggest of its time, now part of a thriving village community, visit the botanical garden and see remnants of the grand architecture of the time. Descend along the West Coast to Anambô where the Portuguese first set foot on San Tome. Continue to the estate of Monteforte, an old cocoa plantation, enjoy a traditional lunch between the sea and mountains. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Take the short flight to Príncipe (35-minute). Lying in perfect isolation some 130 miles off the West African coast, Principe’s forests shelter an abundance of endemic birds and plants, reptiles and amphibians – little wonder the island is sometimes referred to as Africa’s Galapagos. Transfer to Roça Sundy for a two-night stay, this lovingly restored old plantation house, whose grounds are shared with local villagers, will give you a real feeling of the character and history of Príncipe Island. It was here on May 29, 1919, the young English astronomer Arthur Eddington catapulted Albert Einstein into celebrity by proving the general theory of relativity. We will remain slightly more grounded and set off on the trail walk to Ribeira Izé (approx. 2.5 km.) with decaying palm leaves and almond husks underfoot, the trail emerges at the ruins of a church and home, the remains of the first settlement of the Portuguese seafarers in 1471. Enjoy a beach picnic before returning to the plantation house. Explore the grounds and visit the new chocolate and small bread factory, (B, L, D)

Day 4 Full day exploration of Príncipe visiting the smallest capital in the world, Santo António, and its loveliest corners. What is lacking in scale, it compensated for in pocket-sized grandeur. See the dilapidated buildings of the bay, in elegant pastels: a powder-blue school, pink government building and yellow post office discover old Portuguese tiles that surround the central square of weathered murals. Later visit Roça Paciência to observe the secrets of organic farming and experience different aromas and tastes, as well as enjoying a marvellous traditional local meal. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Explore the biosphere trails with some early morning bird watching, looking out for the many endemic species. Return to the plantation for breakfast transfer to Praia Sundy for your three nights stay where you can enjoy an intimate experience with nature, on the very edge of the ocean, surrounded by tropical forest. Free time to enjoy the lodge and time to explore the nearby beaches and trails. (B, D)

Day 6 Visit the Mambos da Terra workshop in the village of Santo Antonio, watch the local artisans and participate in the workshop to bring back your own memento of Príncipe Island. Lunch at a local restaurant before we head to the South of the Island, visit the traditional fishing village of Abade beach, stopping at the Nova Estrela (New Star) viewpoint and enjoy a panoramic view of Islet Boné do Jóquei (Jockey’s Cap). (B, L, D)

Day 7 Príncipe is famous for its towering volcanic features, the best can be seen from the water on our morning boat excursion to Baía das Agulhas, the Bay of Spires. Here you can really appreciate the spire-like phonolite towers that dwarf the surrounding area of Principe and you can’t help but feel you’re being transported back to pre-historic times. On our return, if we are lucky we may spot some marine mammals. Afternoon free on Príncipe. Sea turtles gather in this tropical paradise to breed and the local communities are joining the fight to protect sea turtles. During the months November - April, hatching season, turtle tours take place on Praia Grande During this period an excursion to see this marvel and to participate in the conservation initiative is included. (B, D)

Day 8 Transfer to the airport and short, morning flight to São Tomé. Enjoy a city tour visiting the Fortress of Saint Sebastian, the fishermen’s village of Pantufo to taste some smoked fish and hear about the traditional methods of fishing, the Cathedral, an important landmark in the history of Catholicism in Africa and Independence Square. Later transfer to the Omali where we have lunch and time to relax before we transfer to the airport for our return flight via Lisbon.

Day 9 Arrive London.

• Key
• B - Breakfast
• L - Lunch
• D - Dinner