Colonial Treasures of Brazil

Day 1 : Rio de Janeiro

Today explore Rio de Janeiro’s famed landmarks and aerial marvels. Drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, reaching the base of Corcovado Hill. Ascend comfortably via a scenic train journey to the Christ the Redeemer statue, standing 701 metres above sea level—an elected wonder of Rio and one of the 7 “New Wonders of the World.” At the summit, panoramic elevators or escalators lead to the statue’s foot, offering a mesmerizing view of the “Marvelous City”.

Afterwards join the million-plus annual visitors at the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, rising majestically from Guanabara Bay’s entrance. Its name stems from its resemblance to a refined sugar loaf. Glide in glass cable cars to Urca Hill, boasting stunning 215-metre views of the bay and islands. Ascend further to Sugar Loaf’s 395-metre peak, revealing a 360-degree spectacle of Rio, from its beaches to Corcovado Mountain and downtown. Explore Rio’s essence through these two breathtaking vistas, each unveiling a unique facet of this vibrant city.

Day 2 : Rio de Janeiro

Today explore Rio de Janeiro’s famed landmarks and aerial marvels. Drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, reaching the base of Corcovado Hill. Ascend comfortably via a scenic train journey to the Christ the Redeemer statue, standing 701 metres above sea level—an elected wonder of Rio and one of the 7 “New Wonders of the World.” At the summit, panoramic elevators or escalators lead to the statue’s foot, offering a mesmerizing view of the “Marvelous City”. Afterwards join the million-plus annual visitors at the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, rising majestically from Guanabara Bay’s entrance. Its name stems from its resemblance to a refined sugar loaf. Glide in glass cable cars to Urca Hill, boasting stunning 215-metre views of the bay and islands. Ascend further to Sugar Loaf’s 395-metre peak, revealing a 360-degree spectacle of Rio, from its beaches to Corcovado Mountain and downtown. Explore Rio’s essence through these two breathtaking vistas, each unveiling a unique facet of this vibrant city.

Day 3 : Rio de Janeiro

This morning, experience Rio’s rich history with a captivating walking tour through its narrow streets and historic sites. Explore landmarks like Sao Bento Monastery, Candelaria Church, Praca XV, the Imperial Palace, and cultural gems like the beautifully restored Banco do Brasil. Stroll through Ouvidor and Goncalves Dias Streets, passing the iconic Colombo Coffee Shop.

The tour concludes at the Metropolitan Cathedral, where transportation awaits to return you to your hotel. Your afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, experience the epitome of Brazilian joy in Rio’s Lapa neighbourhood—a quiet haven transformed into a vibrant nightlife hub after dusk. Restaurants, nightclubs, and bars buzz with locals and tourists seeking pure enjoyment. The Rio Nightlife Tour immerses visitors in this energetic ambiance, guiding them to Rio Scenarium, a unique club resembling an antique shop fused with an auction room. Here, indulge in traditional Brazilian jazz (bossa nova) and samba, curated by your knowledgeable local guide, for an unforgettable night in the heart of Lapa’s lively scene.

Day 4 : Rio de Janeiro > Salvador

Fly to Salvador, as one of Brazil’s great historical destinations, the city is filled with churches, homes and forts that reflect stunning Portuguese architecture from the Baroque period. Spend 3 nights here in the Old Town enjoying this designated UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its spectacular and well preserved colonial architecture.

Day 5 : Salvador

Enjoy a walking tour of the city. Visit the Sao Francisco Church, with its extravagant gold leaf baroque design, before continuing to the historical centre of Largo do Pelourinho. In the afternoon tour the modern lower part of the city, where surrounded by the quiet waters, life moves at a much slower pace than the bustling upper city. The rich cultural influence of Afro-Caribbean life is felt throughout the city, which is where the famous carnival actually originates from.

Day 6 : Salvador

Today enjoy a tour into the countryside, home to sugar cane plantations, peaceful colonial towns and busy country markets, before returning to Salvador for an evening at leisure.

Day 7 : Salvador > Belo Horizonte > Ouro Preto

Fly into Belo Horizonte today and transfer through to Ouro Preto. The city is a masterpiece of colonial Brazilian architecture and art and was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Here the intricate details of the buildings and artwork clearly reflect the originality and autonomy of the craftsmen and artists who created the Brazilian baroque style. The paintings of Manuel da Costa Athaide and the sculptures of Antonio Francisco Lisboa (known as Aleijadinho) are living examples of this period of enormous creative inspiration.

Day 8 : Ouro Preto

Tour the highlights of the Old Town and learn how Ouro Preto became the centre of gold, diamond and semi-precious stone trade during the Portuguese colonial era. The richness of the city at that time is seen as you visit the Sao Francisco de Assis Church, the Museum of the School of Mines, the Church of Our Lady of the Pilar, Oratorio Museum and the Opera House.

Day 9 : Ouro Preto > Congonhas and Mariana > Ouro Preto

Congonhas has important works from the Golden Age of Brazil. The main points of interest are Aleijadinho’s sculptural masterpieces of the twelve Prophets, carved in soapstone, and his representation of the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross in woodwork.

After lunch we will continue to Mariana, also known as the “Enchanted City”, which was founded in 1696 and was for a short time, the capital of Minas Gerais. The town originally called the “Royal Village of Our Lady of Carmel” received its present name “Mariana” in 1745 in honour of the Queen Maria Ana. On this walking enjoy the picturesque streets and houses that date back to the beginning of the 18th century, with balconies of wood, iron and soapstone.

In Minas Gerais Square, we will visit the St. Francis of Assis Church known for its richly sculpted door, the Our Lady of Carmel Church, the City Hall and the Pillory.

Day 10 : Ouro Preto > Belo Horizonte

Today travel from Ouro Preto back to Belo Horizonte Airport, you may like to add an extension to the Pantanal or even the Amazon should you wish.