Rio & Salvador Cultural and Food Tour

Welcome to Brazil! Different from other tour packages, this one can give you a chance to experience this wonderful country like a local.

Upon your arrival in Rio de Janeiro, your private guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. This afternoon, if time permits, spend some time relaxing inside Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden, one of the perfect getaways from the craziness of the city for the locals. The neighborhood of Jardim Botanico near the garden exit lined with shops, bars, and restaurants would be a nice place to see Brazilian daily life.

Kick off today with an ascent to the iconic Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain. Soak in the breathtaking panoramic views before immersing yourself in the city's pulse. Pause outside the legendary Maracanã Stadium, a shrine to world football, and drive by the vibrant Sambadrome, the stage for Rio's world-famous Carnival.

After a gourmet lunch at the historic Confeitaria Colombo, step inside the striking cone-shaped Catedral Metropolitana and descend the vibrant mosaic-clad Selarón Stairs. Conclude the day at the monumental Arcos da Lapa, the 18th-century aqueduct pulsing with samba energy at night.

Another exciting day brings a morning hike along the forested trail up to Urca Hill. Along the way, enjoy surprising encounters with native wildlife and sweeping views of Rio unfolding below. After a refreshing pause, board the iconic cable car for the final ascent to Sugarloaf's summit, where a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains unfolds in front of your eyes. Afterward, descend by cable car and then return to the hotel for rest. Afterward, descend by cable car and then return to the hotel for rest.

Swap mountain air for the hoppy aroma of Brazil's craft beer scene on a curated afternoon tour. Visit up to four lively bars, pubs, or breweries, sampling unique local flavors while learning fascinating stories about Brazil's beer-making traditions behind each pint.

Today you will fly to Salvador, the vibrant heart of Brazil's Afro-Brazilian culture. Your local tour guide is waiting for you at the airport. After transferring to your hotel and checking in, the rest of the day is free at leisure.

No other regional cuisine in Brazil is as distinctive as that of Bahia, where Mediterranean, African, indigenous, and Asian influences contribute to the basis of this truly unique cuisine. This morning, follow your chef at a bustling local market to scout for all the ingredients for the moqueca, Bahia's signature dish. Continue to the chef's home for a hands-on cooking class, followed by a delicious lunch featuring your own creation.

This afternoon, immerse yourself in Bahia's rich artistic heritage with visits to the house of famed writer Jorge Amado, the 17th-century São Diogo Fort, and the Santa Maria Fort.

You will visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, built with meager resources for almost a hundred years, and Benin's House housing a rich collection of objects and works of art from the Gulf of Benin. After a general introduction to the African-Brazilian culture, you will visit a traditional Capoeira School to learn about its sport, history, and philosophy. You can also try the instruments and the basic fight movements, and the lesson will last one hour. Take some rest in the afternoon and then take a night exploration to the neighborhood of Rio Vermelho and experience its local food full of exotic atmosphere: firstly, savor the acarajé and a cool drink, then move on to a busy boteco to taste some of the local delicacies, and finally pop in to catch one of the music performances.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to the airport. Say goodbye to Brazil and board your departure flight back home.