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SALVADOR DE BAHIA
5D/4N: Bahia – All Saint’s Bay  SALVADOR

The oldest city in Brazil and its first capital, Salvador was a major post for the slave trade and is now a thriving center of Afro-Brazilian life. Salvador is considered the country’s soul and the birthplace of Brazilian culture. The local cuisine, music, dance and vibrant visual arts are all testaments to this pervasive African influence.
As one of Brazil’s greatest historical destinations, the city is filled with churches, homes and forts that reflect stunning Portuguese architecture from the Baroque period. Outside the city lie some of Northeastern Brazil’s most pristine beaches, including the renowned Praia do Forte and Costa do Sauípe. Considered Brazil's most artistic city, Salvador has a lively art scene and its streets are filled with dance and music all year round.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1:
Reception and transfer from airport to selected hotel. Day at leisure. We recommend walking around the city. Overnight accommodation.

DAY 2:
Breakfast . Half-day panoramic city tour: You will enjoy the city of Salvador for the beauty of its people and the many contrasts between past and present. Our tour starts at Barra Lighthouse, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the waters of All Saints Bay, the largest and most beautiful bay in Brazil. From the Presidente Vargas Avenue you will see the statue of Christ besides Ypiranga Hill, drive through Chame-Chame District, Tororo Dam, Nazaré Valley, Fonte Nova Soccer Stadium and Américo Simas Tunnel, connecting the upper and lower cities. In the lower city, you will visit the Água de Meninos free market, São Joaquim Fort and Orphans school and church. Our Lady of Seas Church at sidewalk street and many, many other points of interest. .The city is filled with entertainment for everyone and many pretty and interesting places to be visited. Overnight accommodation.

DAY 3:
Breakfast. Full day Praia do Forte. The scenic Coconut Highway leads to Praia do Forte, a fishing village 80 km north of Salvador, home to some of the best beaches in Bahia. As you drive north, the appearance of the distinctive white sands of the sparse restinga vegetation signals that you are approaching Praia do Forte. First stop is the ruins of the imposing Garcia D’Ávila Castle (1556). Once the home of the largest landowner in the New World, this property is set on the land of what was the first farm in Brazil. From here you have a panoramic view of the northern coastline. You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the village of Praia do Forte. After lunch, visit the headquarters of the TAMAR Project, the national sea turtle preservation project and one of Brazil’s most successful ecological programs. The visitors’ center provides a unique up-close view of these majestic animals. Later there will be time to relax on the beach or browse in the many local handicrafts stores before returning to Salvador. Overnight accommodation.

DAY 4:
Breakfast. Day at leisure. We recommend you to visit Morro de Sao Paulo located just a couple of hours from Salvador by catamaran.
Bahia by night. Enjoy the typical dishes of Bahian cuisine and the folkloric shows (Candomblé, Capoeira, Maculelé, and Samba de Roda), in a typical and pleasant house. Don't miss your chance to witness a true afro-bahian cultural experience. This magical evening starts off with dinner, an International Buffet which also features local Bahian Delicacies. After dinner, the guests will experience a true Afro-Bahian cultural performance. The exciting music and dance, performed by Native Afro-Bahian people, will transport the traveler to another place in time. The folkloric dances and songs are presented in a spectacular manner, featuring pulsating rhythms, sensual movements and beautiful costumes.
Overnight accommodation.

DAY 5:
Breakfast
At appropriate time, transfer to the airport.