Loading
Phone1800 960 693AustraliaMonday to Friday 8am - 9pm (AEDT)
Travel Agent Login

12-Day Brazilian History and Culture

  • view trip mapView Trip Map
  • downloadDownload
  • shareShare

Overview

Over twelve amazing days, you will visit some of Brazil's most historic cities and breathtaking beaches including Copacabana beach. For those who want to learn more about the unique ethnic mixes and customs that gave rise to the Brazilian people, this trip is perfect for you.

Begin your trip in Rio de Janeiro, soaking up the culture in the city's colourful favelas and climbing Sugarloaf Mountain for a glimpse of the impressive Christ the Redeemer. Spend some time in the city of Paraty, which retains its 16th-century colonial charm and get to know some of the most important cities of the state of Minas Gerais, like Ouro Preto and Tiradentes.

The trip ends in Salvador, the first capital of Brazil, with its baroque churches, cheerful sounds of African origin, rich culture and delicious gastronomy.
Sightseeing
Culture & Arts
Outdoors & Nature
Beach & Sea

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Relax at Copacabana beach

Hide details accordion
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Relax at Copacabana beach

You will arrive at the airport in Rio de Janeiro where you will be privately received and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of your day off relaxing at your hotel or exploring some of Rio de Janeiro at your leisure. Copacabana Beach is one of Rio's most iconic coastlines and has a vibrant atmosphere packed with both tourists and locals.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Rio Othon Palace5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Copacabana BeachOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from RIOgaleão - Tom Jobim International Airport to Hotel Rio Othon Palace

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rio de Janeiro

Day 2

Sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro

Hide details accordion
Sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro

Today you will spend the day exploring the sights of Rio de Janeiro. You will start by visiting Sugar Loaf Mountain, and the famous cable car is the most common way to reach the top of this mountain. Here you will see the incomparable Christ the Redeemer, one of the most iconic monuments of the wonderful city.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Rio Othon Palace5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rio de Janeiro Tour

    Christ the Redeemer

    Sugar Loaf

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Cable Car from Red Beach to Sugarloaf Mountain

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rio de Janeiro

Day 3

Two Brothers Peak Hike and Favela Visit

Hide details accordion
Two Brothers Peak Hike and Favela Visit

This fantastic tour offers you magnificent views of Ipanema Beach and the Atlantic Ocean and Rocinha, the largest favela of Rio. You will begin with a 15-minute walk on the seaside to find the entrance of the Vidigal Favela, where you'll catch a VW van for a ride to the top of the favela. Then, embark on a 45-minute hike through woods to reach the summit of the Two Brothers Peak (660 metres high). On this day you will see a unique side to Rio!

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Rio Othon Palace5 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Rio de Janeiro Half-Day Tour: Two Brothers Peak and Vidigal Favela

    Free Time in Rio de JaneiroOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rio de Janeiro

Day 4

Departure for Paraty

Hide details accordion
Departure for Paraty

It is the end of your stay in Rio. This morning you will make the four-hour journey from Rio to Paraty, where you will be spending the next couple of days. In the afternoon, you are free to explore Paraty at your leisure. You can spend some time in one of the pretty beaches found here, or stroll around Paraty's historical centre which is studded with charming Portuguese colonial architecture.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pousada do Ouro3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    ParatyOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Rio Othon Palace to Pousada do Ouro - Paraty

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Rio de Janeiro

    Paraty

Day 5

Boat Tour and Sightseeing in Paraty

Hide details accordion
Boat Tour and Sightseeing in Paraty

On this day you will experience Paraty by boat and explore the islands and coves in the area. During the tour, you will see dozens of small fishing villages cut off from the rest of the world. Later, you will explore the historical centre of Paraty on foot, where you can explore the charming narrow streets of the old Paraty. You can visit the main church, the high street, the fish market and enjoy the architecture of the old-era colonial houses.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pousada do Ouro3 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Private Boat Tour of Paraty

    Historical Centre

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paraty

Day 6

From Paraty to Ouro Preto

Hide details accordion
From Paraty to Ouro Preto

This morning you will make the journey from Paraty to Ouro Preto. In the morning, you will be transferred in a private car to Rio de Janeiro airport. Catch a short one-hour flight to Belo Horizonte. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be received and transferred to Ouro Preto, where you will spend the night. You have the rest of the evening to relax in your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pousada Solar do Rosário

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Pousada do Ouro - Paraty to Rio de Janeiro Airport RJ Santos Dumont

    Plane from Rio de Janeiro Airport RJ Santos Dumont to Airport Belo Horizonte - Carlos Prates

    Private Driver from Airport Belo Horizonte - Carlos Prates to Ouro Preto

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Paraty

    Piranga

Day 7

Sightseeing in Ouro Preto, a Gold Mine and Mariana

Hide details accordion
Sightseeing in Ouro Preto, a Gold Mine and Mariana

Today, you will have a day of sightseeing in Ouro Preto and its region. You will be able to visit the main churches of Ouro Preto, such as the Church of St. Francis of Assis, whose interior is covered in gold leaf. You will also have an interesting visit to the Museum of Mineralogy, learn about the history of mining in an old gold mine, and finally visit the city of Mariana, 12 kilometres from Ouro Preto.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pousada Solar do Rosário

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ouro Preto

    Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

    Museu de Mineralogia UFOP

    Mariana

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Piranga

    Ouro Preto

    Belo Horizonte

Day 8

Visit Congonhas and Tiradentes

Hide details accordion
Visit Congonhas and Tiradentes

You will be transferred in private to Tiradentes. On the way, you will visit Congonhas, the loading of the cross and the twelve prophets from architect Aleijadinho sculptures set in the sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos, can be considered as the ultimate expression of the Baroque style in Minas Gerais. Later, go on to visit Tiradentes, a town in southeastern Brazil known for its baroque colonial-era architecture.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pequena Tiradentes Pousada

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Congonhas

    Congonhas

    Tiradentes

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Ouro Preto to Tiradentes

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Piranga

    Congonhas

    Tiradentes

Day 9

Visit in Sao Joao del Rei and Transfer to Salvador

Hide details accordion
Visit in Sao Joao del Rei and Transfer to Salvador

In the morning, you will visit São João del Rei, one of the most beautiful colonial towns of Minas Gerais, preserved in time thanks to its difficult access. Serra de São José and the tropical vegetation of the Atlantic Forest that surround the city give a more special charm to the village. After the visit, you will be transferred in private to the airport of Belo Horizonte for your flight to Salvador.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Pequena Tiradentes Pousada

    La Villa Bahia Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    São João del Rei

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tiradentes to Belo Horizonte

    Plane from Belo Horizonte to Salvador

    Private Driver from Salvador-Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport to Hotel Villa Bahia

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    São João Del Rei

    Salvador

Day 10

Explore Salvador

Hide details accordion
Explore Salvador

Today go on a full-day tour of Salvador, the capital of the state of Bahia, known for its tropical coastline and Portuguese colonial architecture. You'll start your tour visiting the upper part of town and the famous Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dotted with colonial landmarks and multicoloured buildings. Then, head to the lower town, the coastal area of Salvador, where you will visit Senhor do Bonfim's Church and the Mercado Modelo.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Villa Bahia Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Salvador Tour

    Pelourinho

    Sao Francisco Church and Convent of Salvador

    Elevador Lacerda

    Basilica do Senhor do Bonfim

    Mercado Modelo

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Salvador

Day 11

Free day in Salvador

Hide details accordion
Free day in Salvador

Use this free day in Salvador to find out the amazing things in this city! You can visit Praia do Forte, which hosts the Tamar Project, a nonprofit organization that protects sea turtles. In an area of 10,000 square metres, you can see 4 or 5 species of sea turtles in different stages of the life cycle. If your trip takes place between the months of July and October and depending on weather conditions, you can also visit the Humpback Whale Institute.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Villa Bahia Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • activities icon
    Activities

    Praia do ForteOptional Activity

    TAMAR Marine Turtle Praia do Forte ProjectOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Salvador

    Praia do Forte

Day 12

Departure from Salvador

Hide details accordion
Departure from Salvador

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, a private driver will be waiting at your hotel lobby to transfer you to the international airport of Salvador in time to catch your departing flight back home.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    La Villa Bahia Hotel4 star

    Note: We will endeavor to book the aforementioned hotels. If, however, we are unable to secure them due to circumstances out of our control, we will replace them with hotels of similar value and standard.
  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Hotel Villa Bahia to Salvador-Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Salvador

Included in Price

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 19 activities
  • 11 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

Not Included in Price

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
pdf icon

Want to Read This Later?

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

Why Choose Designer Journeys

access

Access Exclusive Experiences

Open your eyes to a world of exclusive experiences that will make your next trip extraordinary. Designer Journeys’ local travel designers are connected to unique experiences that are out of reach for most people – so you’ll return with some amazing stories to tell.

local expertise

Extraordinary Local Expertise

Using highly experienced local travel designers means you have access to your very own local expert. You'll find experiences you never knew existed, avoid some of the common pitfalls and, most of all, feel like you have an insider guiding you every step of the way.

support

Supported Every Step of the Way

Our in-destination local travel designers are the first line of support when you are travelling. They are in your time zone and have the local expertise and knowledge to solve any issue that may arise – making you feel more confident about your trip.

custom travel designed

Travel Designed For You

Designer Journeys style of travel is all about how you want to travel – its private travel designed exactly to your needs. Our local travel designers customise every trip to suit you, whether completely bespoke or based on one or more of our 2,000+ gallery of itineraries.

Image - Designer Journeys
Image - Designer Journeys
DESIGN YOUR EXTRAORDINARY

Why Travel with Designer Journeys

Smile icon
Your Trip. Your Version of Extraordinary.

At Designer Journeys, we know that we all travel differently. That's why you decide where you travel, how you travel and your travel experiences when you design your trip with us.

Message icon
Connect and Design With an Expert.

Our trusted Local Designers use their destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning expertise to build your extraordinary trip. Our dedicated Travel Concierge team will be there every step of the way to ensure your perfect trip becomes reality.

Trust icon
Book with Confidence. We are Trusted.

Secure payment platforms, multiple accreditations, rigorous Local Designer selection process, and decades of travel expertise means you are in safe hands with Designer Journeys.

As seen on
Partners