Coast of the Conquerors

Meet your guide and driver at the Bahia airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend your first day in this beautiful city, the original capital of Brazil, at your leisure. Some of its buildings date back to the 16th century when the city operated a slave market.

This morning, go on a city tour to explore Salvador da Bahia and learn about the history and culture of the region. Visit the landmarks of the Upper and the Lower Town, including the Barra Lighthouse, the Corredor da Vitória, and the Campo Grande. One highlight of the tour is visiting Pelourinho, Bahia’s historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 due to the impeccable state of its colonial buildings.

In the evening you can opt to go on a Bahia by Night excursion and enjoy a traditional local dinner.

Travel north to visit Praia do Forte, the Tamar Project’s Turtle Station. Here, a team of scientists, volunteers, and biologists help preserve the different sea turtle species that inhabit this area of the Atlantic coast. Enjoy some free time and unwind at the beach.

This tour includes lunch at a local restaurant, so be sure to try one of the traditional Brazilian dishes.

Transfer to Maceió, located on the "Linha Verde," the green strip north of Salvador. Here, you are close to the beach and the palm tree forests. The small capital of Alagoas state is modest, yet peaceful, with friendly and warm people. Maceió is one of the most famous beach resorts amongst Brazilians, yet undiscovered by the international crowd.

In the evening, you can enjoy the light breeze of the trade winds during a casual walk along the extensive beach promenade.

Today’s tour takes you to the beaches of Maceió, including Ponta Verde and Pajuçara. Also, tour the historic center of Jaraguá and learn about the city’s origin as a trading town.

The scenic journey to Recife takes about 2 1/2 hours. The city was built on land reclaimed from the ocean by the Dutch. Check into your hotel in the beach district and enjoy a stroll along Boa Viagem ("bon voyage") and see the protected coral reefs.

Go sightseeing through Recife, a city with 39 bridges and 50 canals. Enjoy the elegant colonial baroque architecture and beautiful palm trees in the area.

Next visit Olinda, the original state capital until it was jealously set afire by the Dutch Prince Maurice of Nassau in 1637 to elevate his city, Recife. Olinda sits on hills above Recife, with many esteemed churches under shading palm trees. Recently, it has become an artist's colony.

The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site, as well as a National Monument. The Dutch government donated funds to help restore the area. After the tour, return to Recife to say Boa Viagem to one of the best beaches Brazil has to offer.

After breakfast, transfer to the Recife airport to board a flight back home or continue to your next destination in South America.