17-Day Colonial Route

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This morning, you'll say goodbye to Sao Paulo and travel five hours to Paraty. You'll start your walking tour in the historical centre’s main square and wander around the cobblestone streets. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll appreciate the beautiful colonial buildings and decorated walls that will take you back to the 18th century. You'll visit different sites such as the cultural centre’s historic building where local art is exhibited, see local artists’ workshops and galleries.

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Once a thriving gold port, Paraty hugs the southernmost tip of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Shrouded in Portuguese colonial architecture, the town is now a hotspot for creatives looking to be inspired and draws tourists in with the natural wonders that surround it. From its tiny beaches to its colourful historic centre, Paraty is easy to walk around with many opportunities to take in its splendour.

This morning, after breakfast, you'll pack your bags and say goodbye to Paraty. You'll then hop in a private transfer with other international travellers and travel to the capital city of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. The journey takes around 5-6 hours and upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to relax.

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This morning, you'll take a cogwheel train through the Tijuca forest up the Corcovado Mountain. At the top, you'll admire the well-known Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the world’s wonders. Afterwards, you'll visit the Botanical Garden located at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, a 140-hectare land houses over 6,000 tropical and subtropical plants and trees. In the evening, you'll have the option to attend a Ginga tropical evening show with a barbecue dinner.

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Today, you'll drive to Rio’s downtown area for your city tour. You'll walk along the cobblestone streets in old Rio as you appreciate the beautiful architecture. You'll see the National Library, the Municipal Theatre, the Candelaria Church, Cultural Center and you'll step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral. Afterwards, you'll take two glass cable cars up the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain to appreciate the spectacular views of Rio de Janeiro.

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Today, you'll leave Rio de Janeiro and drive 70 kilometres through the forest until you reach the royal city of Petrópolis. You'll start your tour with a visit to the Imperial Museum, the Roman Catholic Cathedral and finally, you'll admire the impressive glass architecture of the Crystal Palace surrounded by imperial and modern mansions and buildings. You'll then continue on to Ouro Preto where you'll check into your new hotel.

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This full-day tour includes a visit to the cities of Congonhas, São João Del Rei and ends in Tiradentes. You'll have the day to discover the cobbled streets and colonial houses of Tiradentes and proceed via São João del Rey and Congonhas with its basilica. Congonhas contains important works from the Golden Age of Brazil. São João del Rei was founded in 1703 when gold was discovered in this area. Tiradentes was the first settlement in the Rio das Mortes region when gold was found in 1702.

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You'll walk along Ouro Preto’s cobblestone streets and picturesque neighbourhoods as you immerse yourself completely in the region’s history. You'll start by visiting the baroque-style church and admire the carved works painted entirely in gold. Then, you'll visit the elegant and simple décor of Brazil’s oldest theatre, the Opera House. You'll continue to Oratorio Museum and appreciate the impressive miniature hand-carved altars and oratories that date back to the 17th century.

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You'll depart from Ouro Preto to visit Mariana with its picturesque streets of and houses dating from the beginning of the 18th century, with balconies of wood, iron and even soapstone. The tour also includes a visit to Passagem Gold Mine, where you will visit in railcars that follow the gold veins as far as a crystalline floodlit lake you will be offered a demonstration of gold panning. After the tour, you'll return to Ouro Preto.

After breakfast, you'll leave your hotel in Ouro Preto and drive 145 kilometres to the international airport in Belo Horizonte. You will be welcomed at the Salvador airport and driven to your hotel. Salvador is known as the 'Land of Happiness'. You can wander the streets and enter a world of beauty, magic and warm hospitality. Deeply rooted in African traditions, it is the beating cultural heart of the country.

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Today, you'll head out on a historic city tour of Salvador. From the Barra neighbourhood, you'll visit Saint Antony Fort. You'll stop at the Municipal Square to appreciate the view of the lower city. You'll then visit the Modelo Market and take the 72-metre-high Lacerda Elevator to appreciate a birds-eye view of the city. Next, you'll continue towards Pelourinho, Salvador’s old town, and walk around the picturesque cobblestone streets as you admire the colonial mansions, squares and cathedrals.

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Today, you'll have the option of two tours: a Salvador cultural city tour with an Acaraje tasting or a Cachoeira tour with lunch. On the cultural tour, you'll start your tour by visiting the Santa Maria and São Diogo Forts before you continue to the Rio Vermelho House. You'll taste the famous Acarajé and awaken your taste buds with a typical African delicacy. Alternatively, you'll drive to Cachoeira where you'll take a walking tour around the main streets and appreciate the baroque architecture.

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This morning, you'll leave your hotel and drive to Salvador airport for your flight. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed at Recife airport and transferred to your hotel. Recife is a large cosmopolitan city filled with shiny high-rise buildings, a historical centre, shopping malls and great art, entertainment and restaurants. You can visit the nearby beaches, the natural pools, or escape to Olinda, its artsy counterpart.

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In Recife, you'll enjoy a panoramic tour where you can see the main nearby islands of Santo Antônio and Boa Vista. You'll see the Maurício de Nassau Bridge and the Republic Square with the Santa Isabel Theater and Government’s Palace. Then, you'll stop at Casa da Cultura, a prison from the 1850s. You'll then drive north to Olinda to walk around the historic streets and appreciate its colonial mansions, the small shops, and the markets. On the way back, you'll stop at Boa Viagem beach.

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This morning, you'll leave Recife and drive 64 kilometres south to Porto de Galinhas. During the 19th century, it was a clandestine port where slaves disembarked. Today, it is considered one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches. You'll explore the traditional fishing village and appreciate the clear, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Then, you'll take some time to snorkel and discover the vibrant underwater world, practice water activities, or simply relax in the sun.