Tour: Colonial Treasures of Brazil

Brazil has many colonial gems, full of character with winding cobbled streets, ornate Baroque churches and old mansions. You will be transported back to another era, discover the history of the country and enjoy distinctive music and culture. Our itinerary starts in Rio de Janeiro with excursions to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car and to Corcovado Mountain to visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer which overlooks the city. From here you visit Ouro Preto, the gold-mining capital of Minais Gerais, founded in 1711 on the wealth of the gold prospectors. This delightful colonial town is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site and has some of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Brazil. Enjoy the many churches, ornate fountains, leafy plazas, ancestoral mansions and terraced gardens that adorn the city.

Fly on to Olinda, for 4 days in the former capital, just a few miles from Recife in the North East. Olinda was founded in 1537 and is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you have all the advantages of the superb coastal setting of this lovely historical town overlooking the sea, with easy access to Recife and superb beaches nearby, for example Porto de Galinhas, one of our favourite beaches.

The tour ends in Salvador de Bahia, a cultural tour de force and an almagam of African, Brazilian and Portuguese colonial influences and culture. Stay for four days at the charming Convento de Carmo, a renovated convent steeped in history that dates back to 1586, located in the old quarter of this vibrant city

Highlights:  Rio de Janeiro, Ouro Preto, Olinda, Salvador de Bahia

Last Updated: Tuesday May 13 2008