Tantalizing taste of Brazil: 19-day tour

Rio De Janeiro

Day 1: Rio de Janeiro

Free evening in Rio de Janeiro
Excursion: Rio exudes a different kind of energy in the evening. The unmistakable rhythms of Batucada samba beat through streets which are lined with laid-back restaurants and alluring cocktail bars. As the sun begins to set, a handful of Rio’s hidden gems start to glimmer. Soak up the smooth ambience over a leisurely dinner. A personal recommendation is the Imaculada Bar and Restaurant for its joie de vivre and delicious local food: climb up some pebbly steps through an alleyway between the Candelária Church and the city’s port district, and you’ll wind up in the historic neighbourhood of Centro surrounding it. If you’re in the mood for live music, the bohemian neighbourhood of Lapa homes Santo Scenarium, a charming jazz bar. After a couple of caipirinhas, slip on your dancing shoes and get stuck into some samba lessons. Of course, the choice of activities can be overwhelming, so our local experts will be on hand with mini guides and recommendations to help you get the most out of your free evening.

Downtown Rio

Day 2: Rio de Janeiro

Coffee Experience
Excursion: Coffee culture is kind of a big deal in Brazil, and is a huge part of the country's history. Learn all about how coffee contributes to the cultural, economic and historical fibre of the country, all through the stories of different local baristas and shop owners. Discover what makes a really good cup of coffee, the trade secrets of how to prepare it, and the immense variety of speciality coffees. Of course, you will get to taste the assortment of tones and flavours from two Brazilian coffee states. You'll also pay a visit to the esteemed Confeitaria Colombo, a place significant in the coffee industry since the beginning. Both a historic landmark and now a restaurant, sit back in the restaurants gorgeous interior and soak up the rich aromas of fresh coffee being made. Tour length: approx 3 hours Not included: Transportation

 

Rio De Janeiro

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro

Free Day in Rio de Janeiro - Culture, Nature & Beaches
Excursion: Today is free for you to explore Rio de Janeiro- a city bursting with colour, culture and cachaça. Of course, there are the legendary sights: Christ the Redeemer stands tall on Mount Corcovado, the peak of the Sugarloaf guarantees jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city and the mosaics of the Selarón steps will make you feel part of Brazil’s renowned artistic community. For the nature-seekers, Jardim Botânico is widely revered for its iconic avenue of Royal Palm trees, radiant orchid farm and distinctive architecture. Nearby is the majestic lake, Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Amble around it, paddle over it, or station yourself on its banks as you drink in its tranquil atmosphere or a lakeside Caipirinha. When it comes to the perfect beach spot, you’re spoilt for choice in Rio. From the vogue shores of Copacabana to the secluded bays of Prainha, it may be a struggle to pick one yourself, so our local expert is on hand with first-hand knowledge of where best to go. Of course, if the prospect of a free day is a little overwhelming, our local experts are on hand with tips, suggestions and unique tours to give you a bit more structure. These may include samba dance classes, hikes, sailing trips and more.

Historic Rio

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro

Cachaça Stroll in Historic Rio
Excursion: This is a prime opportunity to delve into true carioca culture. The social spirit of Rio’s centre is infectious, with many locals sitting and chatting over cachaça. This famed national drink is made from distilled sugar cane juice, and puts fire into Brazil’s national cocktail, the caipirinha! Be sure to sample a few of these on your trip. As you twist around Rio’s street corners, you will explore the traditional bars which offer up a delectable array of cachaça variations. Dip into them, sip away at them and learn how to drink like a local. TOUR LENGTH: approximate 3 hours. INCLUDES: English-Speaking Guide + Cachaça Tasting

 

Rio De Janeiro (Gig) - Salvador (Ssa) - Salvador

Day 5: Salvador

Flight from Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Salvador (SSA)
Scheduled flight Transfer: Flight from Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport to Salvador. Approximate length: 2 hours Baggage allowance: 1 piece of checked baggage up to 23 kg 1 piece of carry on up to 10 kg and personal item
*Flight tickets not included in the final price

Free Day in Salvador
Excursion: Enjoy a free day in Salvador, the first capital of Brazil and one of the oldest colonial cities of the Americas. This vibrant city thrives with Afro-Brazilian culture, elegant architecture and a buzzing coastline.

Salvador

Day 6: Salvador

Community Cooking Class
Excursion: Today, you'll be cooking your own lunch! The class takes place at a traditional community in Salvador, where you'll learn from the women at the Cooks & Candy Association (ADOCCI), who cook and teach the art of gastronomy for lovers of good Bahian cuisine. The community about 30 min away from the city center. Once you're there, you'll learn all about the community project, and then leave to a local farmer's market to pick up fresh ingredients for class. Then, you're ready for your class. You'll be taught to prepare a "Mixed Moqueca," which is a seafood stew, and a typical dessert. And then of course, you eat! You can also take this time to have questions answered by the lovely ladies from the community and the local guide who will be with you. Transfer back to your hotel after lunch.

 

Salvador

Day 7: Salvador

Salvador Art and Flavor
Excursion: On this tour, we will visit important locations of Salvador such as the Forts of Santa Maria and São Diogo, Casa de Jorge Amado Memorial and the Rio Vermelho’s Market, called Ceasinha. Located on the beach of Porto da Barra, the forts of Santa Maria and São Diogo, which historically served to defend the Bay of All Saints, now host cultural spaces with interactive exhibitions of the Franco-Brazilian photographer and ethnographer Pierre Verger and of the Argentine visual artist Carybé. We will continue our tour in the direction of Rio Vermelho neighborhood, considered one of the most bohemian in the city. We will visit Casa do Rio Vermelho Memorial, which was once the home of Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai. We will see that this space is not limited to the history of the writers, but of characters, customs and signs that helped to forge the identity of Bahia that he presented to the world. Shortly after the visit, we will continue to Rio Vermelho’s Market (Ceasinha), a showcase not only for the crafts of Bahia but also for regional cuisine. We can stop for shopping, for a regional fruit tasting and to enjoy a tasty and typical lunch.

Salvador (Ssa) - Belém (Bel) - Belém

Day 8: Belém

Flight from Salvador (SSA) to Belém (BEL)
Scheduled flight Transfer: Flight from Salvador
*Flight tickets are not included

Amazon: Food, Arts and Community - Day 1
Excursion: On this first day of the "Amazon: Food, Arts and Community" experience, you will have the chance to explore the city of Belém. A private transfer will meet you at the airport and escort you to your charming hotel. Your host and guide will happily provide recommendations to all guests for the best of what to do and see. At night, we will chat at the hotel to prepare ourselves for our upcoming Amazonian experiences.
*Meals not included

Belém

Day 9: Belém

Amazon: Food, Arts and Community - Day 2
Excursion: After breakfast at the hotel we will visit one of the most famous sights in Belém: the popular Ver-o-Peso Market, where you can find the largest varieties of regional products and the unique specialties of Pará state cuisine! In the afternoon, we will set out on walking tour through the historic center of the city. We will learn about the city’s colonial architecture and its regional culture, along with its important role in the occupation of the Amazonian region. By the end of the day, we will head to Estação das Docas, on the banks of the Guajará river bay and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Cotijuba Island

Day 10: Ilha de Cotijuba

Amazon: Food, Arts and Community - Day 3
Excursion: After breakfast, it's time to embark via riverboat to the Island of Cotijuba! Upon arrival, we will be welcomed by our hosts from the local community and we will take part in a number of activities, including a delicious lunch at the headquarters of the MMIB (Belém Islands Women’s Movement) project. In the afternoon, we will relax on the famous beach of Vai Quem Quer; this white-sand fresh-water river beach that looks like the sea! At the end of the day we will enjoy home-cooked dinners prepared by each of our hostesses.

Cotijuba Island

Day 11: Ilha de Cotijuba

Amazon: Food, Arts and Community - Day 4
Excursion: After breakfast at your guesthouse, we will dive into the Amazon culture! Along with the women of the MMIB and our culinary specialist, you will learn how to make several local dishes and have a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue with a hands-on workshop learning about the various seeds and other natural materials of the Brazilian Amazon that can become beautiful bio-jewelry. After a full day of learning, it's time to relax and interact with our surroundings and the welcoming community of the island.

Cotijuba Island

Day 12: Ilha de Cotijuba

Amazon: Food, Arts and Community - Day 5
Excursion: Today we will venture out on an exciting interpretive trail through the Amazon rainforest, learning about local flora and fauna along the way. After that, it's time for a refreshing river bath. After lunch and a well-deserved rest, we set to work alongside our hostesses to prepare everything from the decorations to the food for our amazing beach luau this evening!

Cotijuba Island - Belém

Day 13: Ilha de Cotijuba - Belém

Amazon: Food, Arts and Community - Day 6
Excursion: In our last morning at Cotijuba Island, we will have breakfast at the headquarters of the MMIB, where we will learn about the community actions to keep the Amazon Forest thriving. After a special farewell lunch, we will board our river boat back to Icoaraci port in Belém, where we will learn about the production process of the marajoara pottery, an ancestral art that pays tribute to the region’s indigenous roots. After that, we will return to our charming hotel in Belém and prepare for our farewell dinner.

Belém - São Paulo

Day 14: Belém - São Paulo

Amazon: Food, Arts and Community - Day 7
Excursion: After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the airport with the memories of all the unforgettable experiences in the Amazonian region.


Flight from Belém (BEL) to São Paulo (GRU)
Scheduled flight Transfer: Flight from Belém to São Paulo
*Flight tickets are not included

Downtown São Paulo

Day 15: São Paulo

São Paulo no Prato Tour
Excursion: This tour takes guests to a different neighbourhood for each edition, in order for the traveller to explore the best the city has to offer in gastronomy and history combined. Your guide is an historian and chef, who will teach you the city's history through its people and its food.

Sao Paulo

Day 16: São Paulo

São Paulo Immigration Tour
Excursion: The largest city in the country is known for its diversity and melting pot of cultures, international cuisine, and more. On this tour, we'll explore the influences different immigrant groups had and continue to have on the city. Your guides will be a local guide, and a new local - an immigrant or refugee who has been living in the city for some time now, and speaks your language. You'll go through the city's "old centre", where you'll learn about the early European immigrants, African slaves, and the Arabic influence on commerce. The tour then goes to the Liberdade neighbourhood. Today, it is known as the "Japanese" neighbourhood, but virtually every immigrant group has passed through here! You'll pop in to Japanese and Chinese shops, a Luso library, and finish off at refugee welcoming centre and NGO, to learn about the city and country's current immigration situation.

Car Hire In São Paulo - Gonçalves

Day 17: São Paulo

Car hire in São Paulo.
Car Transfer: Collect your rental car and prepare for an amazing road trip!

Gonçalves

Day 18: Gonçalves - São Paulo

Free Day in Gonçalves
Excursion: Enjoy a free day in Gonçalves, this charming small town in the south of Minas Gerais. Don't forget to visit Senhora das Especiarias, a local spice and jam shop; the organic farm Sítio 3 Barras; and Bar do Marcelo, where you can find almost a thousand brands of cachaça.

Gonçalves - Sao Paulo

Day 19:

Gonçalves to São Paulo
Other Transfer: It's time to hit the road back to São Paulo, take your flight home and start planning your next trip to Brazil =)