Luxury Bahia

 

Departures:  Year-round
Places Visited: Salvador Bahia & Morro de São Paulo

Highlights
Explore the best of Bahia in style; soak up the rich history of Salvador, the first capital of Brazil and the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture. Stroll the cobblestone streets of historic Pelourinho, admire the beautifully restored colonial architecture and visit exquisite baroque churches. Spend a day in Praia do Forte, a beautiful palm-lined beach with natural reefs and home to the sea turtle research center. Unwind in Morro de São Paulo, one of Bahia’s top beach resorts. This car-free island south of Salvador offers an idyllic laidback destination with strings of unspoiled beaches, a charming village, luxury accommodation and fine dining.  

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 3 nights of accommodation in Salvador
  • 4 nights of accommodation in Morro de São Paulo
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes
  • Half day historic city tour in Salvador
  • Dinner and show
  • Full day tour to Praia do forte


WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Domestic Flights
  • Meals and drinks other than those mentioned
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Day 01: SALVADOR BAHIA. Upon arrival private transfer to Zank Boutique Hotel.

Day 02: SALVADOR BAHIA:

The tour begins at the Barra Lighthouse that guards the entrance to the Bay of All Saint. Closer to downtown passes the São Pedro Fort and Praça Castro Alves, one of Salvador’s large civic squares and a popular gathering place during carnival. In the Lower City, visit the Mercado Modelo, one of the largest craft markets. Browse the many booths displaying a dazzling array of crafts and engage in some friendly bargaining with the vendors. The majestic 19th century Lacerda Elevator connects downtown to the Upper City and historic Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage site that boasts the greatest collection of Baroque architecture in Latin America with  more than a thousand houses, churches and monuments dating back to the 16th, 17th and 18th century. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow cobblestone streets lined with lovely pastel-colored colonial architecture, unique Afro-Brazilian arts and crafts and many artisan studios. Highlights of the tour include the beautifully restored 18th century Igreja de São Francisco; the Baroque altar of this church is a stunning gold-plated master piece and the cloister features perfectly preserved Portuguese azulejo tiles. The Largo do Pelourinho is home to the Casa de Jorge Amado, a cultural center dedicated to Bahia’s most beloved author Jorge Amado and Nossa Senhora do Rosario church, an 18th century  baroque jewel built by slaves.

Bahia Dinner & Show
A night of magic, mystery and fun awaits! The evening begins with an authentic folkloric show to introduce visitors to the most important expressions and traditions of Afro-Brazilian culture. The outstanding performers will captivate the audience with Candomblé, Maculelê, Puxada de Rede, Dança do Caboclo, Samba de Roda and a dazzling display of capoeira (traditional slave fighting). The evening includes transportation, a bilingual guide and traditional or international dinner.

Day 03: SALVADOR BAHIA:

Full Day tour to Praia do Forte
Soak up the beauty and laidback ambiance of one of Bahia’s premier beach destinations. Praia do Forte lies 44 miles (70 km) north of Salvador. With more than 7 miles of beautiful palm-lined beaches, Praia do Forte truly lives up to its name of "Brazilian Polynesia".

Spend the day exploring the beaches, basking in the warm sunshine, swimming in the tide pools or sipping chilled coconuts in the shade. Sample local seafood delicacies for lunch and stroll the charming seaside village. Learn more about the coastal ecosystem and local wildlife conservation at the Tamar Project (admission not included), the Sea Turtle Research Center. Return to Salvador in the late afternoon.

Day 04: SALVADOR BAHIA/MORRO DE SÃO PAULO:
At appropriate time private transfer to take an catamaran. Upon arrival private transfer to Villa dos Corais.

Day 05: MORRO DE SÃO PAULO: Day at leisure. Check the tide table for the best time to go snorkeling or swimming in the natural pools close to the hotel. Explore the other nearby beaches or simply relax in the hotel’s fabulous swimming pool and sun deck. At the end of the day, take a 40-minute stroll to the village for dinner and drinks, browse the elegant boutiques for colorful summer fashions and see the work of local artisans.

Day 06: MORRO DE SÃO PAULO: Day at leisure. Book a boat tour and sail around the island of Morro de São Paulo. Spend a relaxing day on the boat enjoying the lush green scenery of the river estuary, visit a charming local village and savor a delicious seafood lunch on the beach of Boipeba, a smaller island just south of Morro de São Paulo. There will be plenty of time for sunning and swimming.
 
Day 07: MORRO DE SÃO PAULO: Day at leisure. Active travelers may choose from a variety of outdoor pursuits. Morro de São Paulo offers biking, hiking, horseback riding, snorkeling and diving. Or pamper the body and soul with a spa treatment or massage. Watch the sunset from the old fort in the village. This is also a great vantage point for spotting dolphins.

Day 08: MORRO DE SÃO PAULO:  At appropriate time private transfer to the airport.


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.
Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances or weather conditions.