Historic Brazil

15 days from £4990 per person

With iconic sights, colonial heritage and unique mix of cultures, this intoxicating country is like no other. Bring to life the colour and vibrancy of the world’s fifth largest country, this relaxed itinerary will visit the main sites of historic Brazil. From the colonial town of Paraty, picturesque 17th century town of Ouro Preto and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salvador to the beaches of Rio, this is a travel experience packed with wondrous sights, charm, art, architecture and a people famed for their infectious zest for life.

Route: Rio de Janeiro – Paraty – Tiradentes – Ouro Preto – Salvador – Rio de Janeiro

Itinerary Highlights

Backed by mountains on Brazil’s Costa Verde, Paraty’s colonial centre has cobbled streets and 17th-18th century buildings dating to its time as a port during the Brazilian Gold Rush.

A former colonial mining town located in the Serra do Espinhaço mountains in the state of Minas Gerais, Ouro Preto is designated a World Heritage Site for its outstanding baroque buildings.

Salvador in Brazil’s Bahia state has lovely Portuguese colonial architecture, an Afro-Caribbean culture and beautiful beaches. Its historic centre has cobbled streets and large squares.

Itinerary: Historic Brazil

Day 1 Depart London

Fly overnight from London with British Airways to Rio de Janeiro. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Arrive in the morning where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. In the afternoon take the cable car ride to Sugar Loaf Mountain from where the sunset views over the city are breathtaking. Rio de Janeiro is an inspiring city of contrasts and the mountains, ocean, beaches and architecture all add to make a memorable stay. (B)

Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro: Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro

Spend the day sightseeing with your guide. This morning enjoy a visit to Corcovado Mountain to see the immense statue of Christ the Redeemer and the nearby Tijuca Forest. Also visit Santa Teresa, a charming bohemian district, noted for its colonial and 19th Century buildings. After lunch visit the historical area of the city, stopping at Cinelandia Square with its historical buildings including the beautiful Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts. (B)

Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro: Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Rio de Janeiro

Today you are at leisure to relax and enjoy this vibrant city. (B)

Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro: Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Rio de Janeiro to Paraty – 286kms

This morning leave Rio and drive west to the pretty colonial town of Paraty which was once the chief port for the export of gold during the 17th century and coffee throughout the 19th century. (B)

Accommodation in Paraty: Pousada Picinguaba Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Paraty

Today explore Paraty with your guide. Places of interest include the baroque church of Santa Rita, the Casa da Cadeia and the main historical centre. (B)

Accommodation in Paraty: Pousada Picinguaba Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Paraty to Tiradentes – 427kms

After breakfast, leave Paraty and drive to Tiradentes. A small town of charming white–washed cottages, art galleries and restaurants, Tiradentes is renowned for its eight restored baroque churches and beautiful location at the foot of Serra Sao Jose. (B)

Accommodation in Tiradentes: Pousada do Largo Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Tiradentes

Today you are at leisure to explore Tiradentes. (B)

Accommodation in Tiradentes: Pousada do Largo Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Tiradentes to Ouro Preto – 150kms

This morning leave Tiradentes and proceed by car to the colonial town of Ouro Preto which nestles in the hills of Minas Gerais. (B)

Accommodation in Ouro Preto: Pousada do Mondego (or similar)

Upgrade option: Nossa Senhora do Rosário Hotel

Day 10 Ouro Preto

Today enjoy and explore this charming town with your local guide. Founded at the end of the 17th Century, Ouro Preto, which means black gold, was the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil’s golden age in the 18th Century. Today this picturesque town, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, offers one of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture in South America and the streets, colonial houses and Baroque churches adorned in gold are best explored on foot. (B)

Accommodation in Ouro Preto: Pousada do Mondego (or similar)

Upgrade option: Nossa Senhora do Rosário Hotel

Day 11 Ouro Preto to Belo Horizonte – 110kms/ Belo Horizonte to Salvador – by air

This morning continue to Belo Horizonte and fly to Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia. With its kaleidoscope of cultures and peoples from Portugal, Africa and native Brazil this is one of the most unique and interesting cities in the country. For over 300 years Salvador was the centre of a thriving slave trade which fuelled the many sugar and tobacco plantations in Bahia. The created wealth is reflected in the Baroque colonial architecture but the people and culture of Salvador are predominantly African. Stay for three nights at the Casa das Portas Velhas. (B)

Accommodation in Salvador: Casa das Portas Velhas (or similar)

Day 12 Salvador

Spend the day sightseeing with your guide in the historic old town recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and noted for its colonial architecture. It was in this old town that the Portuguese built their fortified city and their influence is still clear today. Visit the heart of the old town and walk through the narrow, cobbled streets lined with ornate churches and houses painted in pastel colours. (B)

Accommodation in Salvador: Casa das Portas Velhas (or similar)

Day 13 Salvador – visit Cachoeira

Leave the city behind and with your guide drive through some of the oldest farmland in Brazil to visit Cachoeira, 116kms from Salvador. This is the land of sugar cane and tobacco plantations, peaceful colonial towns and busy country markets. Cachoeira is a charming colonial town on the banks of the Paraguassu River. After lunch take a walking tour of the town and visit the Sisterhood of the Boa Morte, a sorority which traces its origins back to the time of slavery. (B)

Accommodation in Salvador: Casa das Portas Velhas (or similar)

Day 14 Salvador to Rio de Janeiro – by air

This morning leave your hotel and return to Salvador Airport for your onward flight to Rio de Janeiro. On your arrival you will be met and transferred to a nearby airport hotel. In the evening depart with British Airways non–stop to London. (B)

Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro: nearby airport hotel

Day 15 Arrive London

Arrive into London Heathrow in the morning. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Historic Brazil

15 days from £4990 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Historic Brazil

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What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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