Salvador Your Way, 3 Days

Salvador

As the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763, Salvador de Bahia witnessed the blending of European, African and Amerindian cultures. It was also, from 1558, the first slave market in the New World, with slaves arriving to work on sugar plantations. The city has managed to preserve many outstanding Renaissance buildings. A special feature of the old town is the brightly colored houses, often decorated with fine stucco-work. The historical centre itself, which revolves around the Pelourinho with its triangular form, is characterized by its fidelity to the 16th-century plan, the density of its monuments, and the homogeneity of its construction on a hilly and picturesque site that embellishes the urban scenery by providing steeply falling and ascending views of incomparable beauty.

Itinerary

Day 1: In / Salvador – Free Afternoon

Arrival at Salvador airport and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon to relax and enjoy Salvador by own self or to join some optional activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Salvador (B)

Free day to relax and enjoy Salvador by own self or to join some optional activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Salvador / Next Destination (B)

Free morning to relax or to join some optional tours. Check-out at 12.00 Noon and transfer to the airport to board on flight to your next destination.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (not included)

Panoramic visit – 3 to 4 hours
Leave the hotel for the suburbs of the Lower City, where the Itapagipe Peninsula stretches out into the sea, providing panoramic views. This first holiday residences district now is a peaceful family neighborhood where life moves in a slower pace than the bustling upper city. You will visit the famous Church of Bonfim, place where happens most of the religious manifestations of Bahia, also the famous party “Wash of Bonfim.” Fishermen fish from dugout canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners are at anchor, all protected by the famous church. It is also the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil and deeply syncretized with the Candomblé. A stop at the Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local handicrafts (the biggest of Bahia).

Note: Possible everyday.
- Included: transportation and a certified driver and English-speaking guide;

Art and Flavour with lunch – 6 hours
Tour to Barra and Rio Vermelho neighborhoods where you’ll visit Santa Maria and São Diogo Forts, Jorge Amado’s Memorial House and Rio Vermelho Market. Located at the Porto da Barra beach, both Forts were built to defend the Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay) and today they house interactive photo and other cultural exhibitions of French-Brazilian photographer and ethnographer Pierre Verger and Argentinian plastic artist Carybé. Continue to Rio Vermelho neighborhood, one of the most bohemians of the city, to visit the Rio Vermelho Memorial House where the writes Jorge Amado and Zélia Gattai lived. The place not only tells the story of their lives, but also stories of the characters, costumes and signs that helped forge Bahia identity and that Jorge Amado revelead to the world. It also houses a collection of more than 30 hours of videos and projections. Some of the rooms remain the same where they once welcomed Glauber Rocha, Pablo Neruda, Tom Jobim, Dorival Caymmi, Roman Polanski, Jack Nicholson, Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, among others. After the visit, carry on to Rio Vermelho Market, where you can find local handcrafts and taste the regional food. Time for shopping and have a delicious traditional lunch.

Note: This tour operates from Monday to Saturday.
- Included: transportation with a certified driver, English-speaking guide and lunch.

Mystic Bahia – 3 to 4 hours
Leave the hotel towards the Orixás at the Dique do Tororó (Tororó Dam) where your guide shall give you an explanation about them, their clothing, colors and the preferences of each of them. After getting a bit acquainted with the Orixás, you shall visit the Terreiro Ilê Axé Opo Ofonjá where Candomblé celebrations take place. There you will see the houses of the saints and learn a lot about Candomblé.

Note: Not possible on weekends.
- Included: transportation and a certified driver, entrance fees and English-speaking guide.

São Joaquim Fair and lunch with cooking class at Uaua Restaurant – 4 to 5 hours
What is so special about the Moqueca?” … You will discover at the market, where, early in the morning, you will visit the typical Feira de São Joaquim (São Joaquim fair). At this large market, you can find vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, herbs and much more. Prices are very reasonable. Afterwards, transfer to Uaua Restaurant to experience how to make a real Moqueca. At the end of the class, lunch will be served with typical Bahian food prepared by you. With the hints and tricks of our expert cook you will discover the magics of the Bahia cuisine.

Note: Is also possible to include a visit to the Bahian Gastronomy Museum. (on request)
Included: Transportation, bilingual guide and cooking class with lunch.
Not Possible on Weekends

Salvador by night with show at "Miguel Santana Theater" and Dinner – 3 – 4 hours
Situated in the historical center, Pelourinho is an important colonial place member of UNESCO and symbol of the black movement in Bahia. Folklore Dance Performance – Miguel Santana Theatre: The folkloric and popular culture of Brazil were formed by the combination of three different influences:
European, by the Portuguese colonization; African, by the slaves; and Indian, the natives from Brazil. Balé Folclórico da Bahia shows, in the pure state, some of the most important expressions of the Bahian folklore, and some dances of the Candomblé, African religion in which music and dance are one of the main factors. Program Balé Folclórico da Bahia: African Gods - Ogum, Oxum, Omolú, Iansã, Oxossi, Fire´s Dance, Fishermen’s Dance, maculelê, Capoeira, Samba de Roda.
Return to the hotel.

Note: The Theater is closed on Sundays, Tuesdays and National Holidays.
- Included: Ticket for the show, dinner (buffet) transportation in a nice vehicle with air-conditioning, a certified driver and guide speaking English.

Panoramic Bike Tour – 3 hours
Pedal the lower part of the city of Salvador visiting the main tourist attractions of the peninsula.
Approximately 12 km in 3 hours of pedal - Beginner Level
- Included: bike, helmet, English speaking guide, transfers from & to the hotel.

Historic Bike Tour – 3 hours
Immerse yourself in the history of Brazil and visit the Historic Center of Salvador, listed as a World Heritage Site, with its beautiful churches and secular mansions.
Approximately 11,8 km in 3 hours of pedal - Beginner Level.
- Included: bike, helmet, English speaking guide, transfers from & to the hotel.

Leisure Day at Praia do Forte – 7 – 8 hours
Leave the hotel towards Praia do Forte in the Northern Cost of Bahia (approximately 85km, 1h30). This region is considered the main area of natural reserves, lakes and beaches with coconut trees in the country. First of all, we walk 40 min on a trail inside Sapiranga Reserve and get in contact with the native environment, like birds and tropical vegetation. After this, inside the fishermen's village of Praia do Forte, we will visit the Tamar Project, marine turtle preservation centre and swim and walk on the beach. Suggest to lunch in a fish and seafood restaurant. Return to the hotel.

- Included: transportation in a nice vehicle with air-conditioning and a certified driver and English speaking guide;

Download Detailed Itinerary

COST: Please enquire for current pricing

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