Historic Capitals and the Cities of Gold

DAY 1: WELCOME TO RIO DE JANEIRO

Arrival in Rio de Janeiro. Meet and greet at the airport with your guide, followed by a private transfer to Hotel Arena Copacabana. Accommodation in a Sea View Luxury Double Room (Check-in from 3:00 PM). Briefing on your “Carioca” stay and personalisation of your tours.

Hotel transfer with an Italian-speaking guide

DAY 2: RIO - CIDADE MARAVILHOSA

Guided tour of the first metropolis to be named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural landscape – a masterpiece blending nature and human artistry. Highlights include the iconic Christ the Redeemer, surrounded by the Tijuca Forest, and Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar), offering breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay (Entrance fees not included).

6-hour city tour with an Italian-speaking guide

DAY 3: EXPERIENCING RIO DE JANEIRO

A free day to explore the Cidade Maravilhosa with our expert recommendations. In the evening, we suggest visiting the elegant neighbourhoods of Ipanema and Leblon to enjoy their characteristic local bars known as butecos. For live music, head to Lapa; the Carioca da Gema and Rio Scenarium are not to be missed.

DAY 4-5: PARATY – THE GOLDEN PORT

Road transfer to Paraty, a historic colonial town and former Masonic stronghold. The city reached its economic peak in the 18th and 19th centuries as the primary port for gold shipped from the Minas Gerais mines to Europe. Accommodation in a Luxury Room at Pousada do Sandi. Enjoy free days to visit this national monument and UNESCO site, as well as the Ilha Grande Bay with pristine beaches and islets.

Group transfer by bus or van (4-5 hours)

DAY 6: BELO HORIZONTE/OURO PRETO

Road transfer to Rio de Janeiro airport for your flight to Belo Horizonte. Upon arrival, meet our guide and transfer to Ouro Preto. Accommodation at Pousada Classica.

Group transfer by bus or van (4-5 hours) Paraty-Rio de Janeiro

Private transfer with a Portuguese-speaking driver from Belo Horizonte to Ouro Preto

DAY 7: OURO PRETO

A free day to discover the ancient “Vila Rica,” founded after the first gold nuggets were discovered by the Bandeirantes (explorers loyal to the Portuguese Crown). Along with the nearby town of Mariana – accessible via a charming trip on the Maria Fumaça vintage steam train – it served as the former capital of Minas Gerais.

DAY 8: CONGONHAS/TIRADENTED

Transfer to Tiradented along the historic Estrada Real (the Royal Road used to transport gold to Paraty). En route, stop in Congonhas to visit the Church of Bom Jesus dos Matosinhos, featuring the world-famous soapstone of the Twelve Prophets by the artist Aleijadinho. Arrive in the elegant, bohemian town of Tiradentes. Accommodation at Pousada Marilia de Dirceu. Evening at leisure; we recommend dining at one of the local gourmet restaurants, as Tiradentes hosts a renowned annual gastronomy festival.

3-hour road transfer with a Portuguese-speaking driver

DAY 9: TIRANDENTES

A free day. We suggest visiting nearby São João del Rei and returning to Tiradentes aboard another historic Maria Fumaça steam train.

DAY 10: TRANSFER BELO HORIZONTE / SALVADOR

After breakfast, transfer to Belo Horizonte airport for your flight to Salvador. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the Hotel Catharina Paraguaçu in Rio Vermelho. This vibrant neighbourhood is where locals gather in small squares to visit the “Baianas do Acarajé” – women in traditional dress preparing Acarajé, a symbol of Afro-Brazilian cuisine.

4-hour transfer with a Portuguese-speaking driver

DAY 11: SALVADOR – LA ROMA NEGRA

Visit the “cradle” of Brazil, the ancient capital of the Portuguese colony, where cultural and religious syncretism still permeates the daily life of the country’s largest Afro-Brazilian community. The historic centre is divided into the Cidade Alta (Upper City) and Cidade Baixa (Lower City). Highlights include the Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage site and most important colonial architectural complex in the Americas, and the Lower City, home to the symbolic Igreja do Bonfim and the Feira de São Joaquim, the oldest market in Brazil.

6-hour tour with an Italian-speaking guide

DAY 12: EXPERIENCING SALVADOR

A free day to explore the “Black Rome” with our local recommendations. On Tuesday evenings, the Pelourinho comes alive with the Terça da Benção (Blessing Tuesday), a celebration where the sacred and profane meet. You can participate in a historic Mass at the first church in Brazil built for enslaved people, a unique service that blends Catholic rites with African cultural traditions. After the Mass, enjoy a walk through the alleys of Pelourinho, energised by the rhythm of local percussion bands.

DAY 13: RETURN TO ITALY WITH SAUDADE

Transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight.

Airport transfer 4 hours before departure