Discover the magic of Bahia as we experience fascinating culture and explore beautiful landscapes. We visit the Chapada Diamantina National Park, and tour the vibrant cities of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador and travel to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Along the way we sail to the tropical island of Morro de Sao Paolo and unwind on the white sandy beaches.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:
Join tour Salvador
Arrive Salvador and check-in at hotel. Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia and one of Brazil’s most historic cities, its roots stemming back to 1501 when the navigator Amerigo Vespucci first sailed into its bay. Initially considered to be the nation’s capital due to the natural protection of the cliffs rearing from the sea, its bay was one of the finest anchorages on the eastern shores of the New World. Once an opulent city from trade and later from the discovery of diamonds inland, this period of prosperity has left a legacy of colonial architecture, largely centred in the Upper City atop the cliffs – now designated a historic monument by UNESCO. This afternoon we have a guided orientation tour of the city.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Day 2:
Salvador; free day
Today is free for personal exploration. The Pelourinho area is considered to be the most important collection of 17th-18th century architecture in the whole of the Americas. The area is a jumble of centuries old churches, narrow cobbled streets and spacious plazas bordered by once elegant but now gently decaying mansions. The natural setting is magnificent overlooking the Todos os Santos Bay. What immediately strikes the traveller is that despite its Portuguese architecture, the spirit, cuisine, culture and people are predominantly African. The area’s riches were originally based on sugar cane and tobacco, with the majority of the workforce coming from the west coast of Africa – for over 300 years Salvador was the centre of a thriving slave trade. The modern day population is mostly of African descent – this can be heard in the rhythms of the music and in the dance, the cuisine and Candomble, a mixture of African and Christian deities and rites.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3:
Travel to Lencois
Today we travel by public bus to Lencois, gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park. Lencois is a pretty small colonial village, its streets are lined with rustic houses, small restaurants and shops.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4:
Chapada Diamantina National Park
Walk in Chapada Diamantina National Park.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5:
Chapada Diamantina National Park
Enjoy a day viewing the sights in Chapada Diamantina National Park.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6:
Return to Salvador
Today we catch the bus back to Salvador. We should arrive early afternoon so there is free time for more sightseeing or shopping in the city.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7:
To Morro de Sao Paulo
Today we travel to the island of car-free island of Morro de Sao Paulo. First of all we take a ferry to Itaparica, then travel by road to Valenca before a short boat trip to reach the island. The town is made up of five beaches named Primeira (first), Segunda (second), Terceira (third), Quatra (fourth) and Quinta (fifth). Segunda is pretty lively with a choice of bars and restaurants but as you head further away towards Quinta, the beaches get quieter and more idyllic.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8 to 9:
Morro de Sao Paulo; free days
The next two days are free. You can choose to relax on the sandy beaches or choose from optional activities such as water sports or a boat trip.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 10:
Return to Salvador, fly to Rio
Today we return to the mainland and transfer to the airport to fly to Rio. One of the world’s most beautiful cities, named from the Portuguese for River and the month of January, it is a hard location to beat. With 120 miles of marvellous beaches, and a mountain backdrop to die for, it is a city that lives up to its name – Cidade Marvihosa.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11 to 12:
Rio; optional tours
This morning we head out with our tour leader on foot to explore downtown Rio. The next couple of days have been left free for you to choose from a number of optional trips. Highly recommended is a guided tour of the city, travelling by bus, metro and tram to visit, amongst other parts, the historical city centre and the picturesque barrio of Santa Teresa taking in real life in Rio. Or a trip out to Sugar Loaf Mountain, the giant rock at the entrance of Guanabara Bay where you can take a cable car up to the breathtaking views of Rio. Your tour leader can also organise a visit to the towering summit of Corcovado (712m) topped by the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer, or if it is possible you may prefer to watch a local football match in the giant 95,000 seat Maracanã Stadium. England may be the home of soccer, but Brazil is still very much its temple and to experience a game is a memorable event. A visit to the old bohemian district of Lapa, where every night the authentic samba still can be enjoyed and is an ideal location for our final night on the town before saying our final goodbyes.
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13:
Tour ends Rio
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)
Included meals: Breakfast
