From Rio to Salvador, in the footsteps of colonial Brazil
A tour for travelers who put history and architecture first. After Rio de Janeiro, you head to Paraty, whose historic center bears witness to the era of the gold routes.
The heart of the trip is the Minas Gerais of the gold cycle: Ouro Preto, Mariana, Congonhas, São João del-Rei and Tiradentes, with their baroque churches, old mines and works by Aleijadinho. The tour ends in Salvador, Brazil’s former capital.
Trip at a glance
- Rio de Janeiro: Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer and a free day.
- Paraty: a boat trip on the bay and the UNESCO-listed historic center.
- Ouro Preto and Mariana, with a visit to a former gold mine.
- Aleijadinho’s Twelve Prophets in Congonhas and the Maria Fumaça steam train to Tiradentes.
- Salvador: the Pelourinho, Bonfim and the culture of Bahia.
With Brazil Vip
An itinerary built with you, at your own pace and within your budget.
Bookings and logistics handled from start to finish.
Assistance 7 days a week during your trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
You are met by our English-speaking guide and taken by private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private airport–hotel transfer with English-speaking guide.
Day 2 — Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro
Cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic view over Guanabara Bay, then on to Corcovado for Christ the Redeemer and one of the finest views of the city.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, entrance fees for Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Day 3 — Free day in Rio
Rio de Janeiro
Beaches, neighborhoods, restaurants: enjoy Rio at your own pace, or add an excursion of your choice.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 4 — Along the coast to Paraty
Rio de Janeiro, Paraty
Drive by private vehicle along the coast to Paraty, between the Atlantic Forest and the bay. Check in and the rest of the day free.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private transfer Rio de Janeiro – Paraty.
Day 5 — The bay and historic center of Paraty
Paraty
A boat trip among the islands, coves and small beaches of the bay.
A stroll through the cobblestone lanes of the historic center, with its colonial houses and 18th- and 19th-century churches, listed as a World Heritage Site together with Ilha Grande.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, boat trip.
Day 6 — On to Minas Gerais
Paraty, Belo Horizonte, Ouro Preto
Transfer to Rio airport, flight to Belo Horizonte, then drive to Ouro Preto. Check in at your hotel.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private transfers, Rio de Janeiro – Belo Horizonte flight.
Day 7 — Ouro Preto, Mariana and a gold mine
Ouro Preto, Mariana
Once the center of the gold cycle, Ouro Preto preserves a remarkable UNESCO-listed ensemble of baroque churches, houses and fountains. Visit the Casa dos Contos and a space dedicated to minerals.
Descend into a former gold mine, then discover Mariana, another historic town nearby.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, entrance fees.
Day 8 — Congonhas, São João del-Rei and the Maria Fumaça
Congonhas, São João del-Rei, Tiradentes
In Congonhas, the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos and its Twelve Prophets, carved in soapstone by Aleijadinho.
A visit to São João del-Rei, then a ride on the Maria Fumaça, the historic steam train, to Tiradentes.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide, private transfer, Maria Fumaça train ride.
Day 9 — Tiradentes, then Salvador
Tiradentes, Belo Horizonte, Salvador
A stroll through one of the best-preserved historic towns in Minas Gerais, at the foot of the Serra de São José.
Transfer to Belo Horizonte airport and flight to Salvador.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tour with English-speaking guide, private transfers, Belo Horizonte – Salvador flight.
Day 10 — Salvador, Upper Town and Lower Town
Salvador
On foot through the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho, with the Church of São Francisco, then the Bonfim Church, the São Joaquim market and the Lacerda Elevator.
Included: accommodation with breakfast, private tours with English-speaking guide.
Day 11 — Free day in Salvador
Salvador
Food, neighborhoods, beaches: at your own pace. Optional excursion to Praia do Forte and Projeto TAMAR.
Included: accommodation with breakfast.
Day 12 — Departure from Salvador
Salvador
Private transfer to Salvador airport for your international flight. End of our services.
Included: breakfast, private hotel–airport transfer.
Map
Included in this price
- 11 nights in hotels or pousadas, in a double room, with breakfast.
- Domestic flights Rio de Janeiro – Belo Horizonte and Belo Horizonte – Salvador, taxes included.
- All transfers in the itinerary by private vehicle.
- Tours in the itinerary on a private basis, with an English-speaking guide where indicated.
- Boat trip on Paraty Bay and Maria Fumaça train ride, subject to its operating days.
- Entrance fees for the sites, monuments and attractions mentioned.
Not included
- International flights (we can advise you).
- Meals and drinks not mentioned.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel, cancellation and medical evacuation insurance.
Nothing is set in stone: every step can be adjusted with our team.
An extra night in Ouro Preto, Ilha Grande after Paraty, or a few beach days in Bahia: we tailor the tour with you.
Customize this tourSuggested accommodation
Hotels are indicative. We confirm them when we prepare your quote, based on your dates and availability, and they may be replaced by properties of an equivalent category. We can also tailor the choice of hotels to your preferences and budget.
Superior / Boutique
- Miramar Hotel by Windsor — Rio de Janeiro
- Pousada do Ouro — Paraty
- Hotel Solar do Rosário — Ouro Preto
- Pousada Ouro de Minas — Ouro Preto
- Solar da Ponte — Tiradentes
- Hotel Villa Bahia — Salvador
Luxury / Unique
- Belmond Copacabana Palace — Rio de Janeiro
- Pousada Literária — Paraty
- Hotel Fasano — Salvador
What to pack
- Light, comfortable clothing.
- Comfortable, non-slip shoes for the cobblestone streets.
- A light rain jacket.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat or cap.
Good to know
The tour includes several walking visits through historic centers with cobblestone streets that can be steep and uneven, especially in Ouro Preto and Tiradentes. Bring good shoes.
The order of visits may be adjusted depending on flight schedules, site opening hours and local conditions.
The Maria Fumaça ride depends on the train’s operating days and times and may be adjusted if necessary.
Visits to churches and museums may occasionally change due to opening hours, religious services or restoration work.
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