Essential Salvador (Historical)

Discover the essential sights of Salvador on a half day tour tracing the development of the city from its simple beginnings to what is now the third largest city in Brazil. The tour focusses on historical and geographical aspects of the city and serves as a fine orientation for those wishing to further explore the city.

After hotel pick up with private guide Essential Salvador takes you to the Barra district at mouth of the immense bay, site of important historical landmarks in Brazil’s early colonial period, now also residential waterfront neighborhood. We then proceed via elegant tree-lined avenues and bustling city streets to the Pelourinho, a Unesco Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in the South America. We leave the vehicle at the Municipal Square, by the towering Lacerda Elevator, allowing for great views of the bay stretching out to the lower city, and stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. We visit the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town.

 

Highlights:

• Historic landmarks at Barra district
• São Francisco Church
• Cathedral or other church
• Walking tour of historical district
• Comprehensive city orientation / overview

 

Include:

• Guide and Transport
• Hotel picks up and drops off
• Church entrance fees

 

Duration:

• 04 hours

 

Other Aspects:

• Excursion comprises of a mix of transport and section on foot
• Limited wheelchair access
• Cobbled stone streets in Pelourinho area though sidewalks are paved
• Paved Sidewalks
• We suggest comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sunscreen and hat

 

The Lower City: Another Perspective

 

The Lower City tour offers another perspective of the sprawling city, taking us to the quiet waters of the Itapagipe Peninsula where life moves at a slower pace than the bustling upper city. Fishermen fish from dugout canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners lie at anchor, all protected by the famous Bonfim church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil and deeply syncretized with the Candomblé (visit). We continue to the Monserrat district with its panoramic view of the city and on to the Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local artifacts and souvenirs.

Walking Tour Of Historic District

Duration: 03 hours

For passengers staying hotels or guest houses in the Historical Center of Salvador we offer a walking tour with private guide of the principal attractions of the largest complex of colonial architecture in Latin America, the first planned city in the Brazil.

Hotel or Pousada pick up by guide and then visit the principal attractions of the Historical Centre of Salvador, the renowned Pelourinho, the largest assemblage of colonial buildings in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its wonderful examples of Baroque architecture. The exquisitely restored Cathedral is a perfect introduction to this art form. A short stroll across the main plaza takes us to the exuberantly gilded São Francisco Church, the most ornate Baroque church in Brazil. We continue our walk through the cobbled stone streets of the colonial district, flanked by houses in pastel shades to the Pelourinho Square, one of the city´s iconic sights. We continue to the Municipal Square, the first public square in Brazil, towering above the Lower City offering wonderful views of the of the All Saints bay. Return to the hotel on foot accompanied by your guide. Church entrance fees included.

 

Highlights:

• Views of the bay and Lower City
• Cathedral
• São Francisco Church
• Comprehensive orientation of Historical Center

 

Included:

• Private Guide
• Hotel pick up and drop off accompanied by guide
• Church entrance fees

African Heritage and Upper City Tour (AM/PM depart).

For those wishing to focus on Salvador’s permeating African Influence, in this, the most African city in the Eastern Hemisphere.

Important Note: This tour visits the same districts as our Essential Salvador tour, but with specific visits focusing on important aspects of African Heritage in Bahia.

We trace the African roots of Salvador on a city tour combining the residential areas at the mouth of the bay and continue to the older Historical Center of Salvador, the Pelourinho area. We visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum, which traces the West African origins of the city, and see the superb wooden sculpted panels of the orixá’s by Salvador’s most celebrated artist, Carybé, one of the city´s treasures. We visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the famous Black church, built with meager resources over a period of almost 100 years in the heart of the famed Pelourinho Square so called after the pillory or whipping post that stood in the main square. In this square, we also visit the intimate Bahian Gastronomy Museum, which focuses on the African influence on Bahia cuisine.

 

 

Highlights:

• Afro Brazilian Museum
• Our Lady of the Rosary church
• Gastronomy Museum
• Optional visit to São Francisco Church

Opening Hours

• Afro Brazilian Museum is closed Sat and Sun.
• Gastronomy museum closed on Sun.
• Both churches and museums are closed on local and public holidays.

 

Included:

• Museum and church entrance fees
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Guide and Transport

 

Duration:

• 04 hours

Other Aspects:

• Excursion comprises of a mix of transport and section on foot
• Limited wheelchair access
• Cobbled stone streets in Pelourinho area though sidewalks are paved
• Paved Sidewalks

Bahia By Night: Dinner and Show by Balé Folclórico da Bahia (Miguel Santana Theater)

An evening immersed in the permeating African heritage with an exhilarating performance by the Bahia Folklore Company (Balé Folclórico da Bahia), one of the most respected folklore dance troupes in the world.

The Balé Folclórico da Bahia Company performs in the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre in the Pelourinho district in a seamless presentation of the multiple African traditions that underpin Bahian culture. We will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé; puxada de rede, a song by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea; maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance with its origins in the cane fields; the exhilarating capoeira martial art/dance, and the grand finale of samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance.

After the performance dinner will be served in a local restaurant.

 

Highlights:

• Full Folklore Show as per description above
• Dinner in local restaurant (see options)

 

Included:

• Show and Dinner
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Guide and Transport

 

Not Included:

• Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks

 

Other Aspects:

• Excursion comprises of a mix of transport and section on foot from vehicle to venue
• Cobbled stone streets in Pelourinho area
• Paved Sidewalks
• Not suited for paxs in wheelchair as theatre is accessed by stairway.
• Sitting is bleacher or bench style

 

Timing:

• Hotel Departure 18:30
• Show 20:00
• Dinner: 21:00
• Return to hotel: 22:30

 

Please note:

• Not available Sundays, Tuesdays, national and local holidays
• Photography is not permitted

 

Bahia by Night Folklore Show with Dinner at Restaurant Coliseu

 

An evening focusing on Bahian culture, in a full folklore presentation displaying the multiple African traditions, still so much alive in Bahia. Enjoy a buffet dinner of local and international cuisine and then watch the one-hour show from your table.

Our evening’s entertainment and dinner will be in the Coliseu Restaurant, offering a buffet of the best in local and international cuisine to suit a wide variety of tastes including the signature Bahian dish the moqueca. Tables are located around the central stage where the evening’s entertainment is presented, beginning with the sacred dances of the Candomblé orixás or deities in their full ritual costumes, then puxada de rede performed by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea, followed maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance from the cane fields. The highlight of the show is an exhilarating display of capoeira, the stunning martial art/dance of Angolan origin. The show ends with the samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance.

 

Highlights:

• Full Folklore Show as per description above
• Buffet of Local and International Cuisine
• Photography permitted

 

Included:

• Show and Dinner
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Guide and Transport

 

Not Included:

• Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks

 

Other Aspects:

• Excursion comprises of a mix of transport and section on foot from vehicle to venue
• Cobbled stone streets in Pelourinho area
• Paved Sidewalks
• Not suited for paxs in wheelchair as restaurant is located on first floor

 

Timing:

• Hotel Departure 18:30
• Dinner: 19:15
• Show 20:00
• Return to hotel: 21:30

 

Not available Sundays, Tuesdays and national and local holidays

 

Portraits of Bahia – The Legacy of Cultural Icons: Amado, Carybé and Verger

 

Novelist Jorge Amado, artist Carybé and photographer Pierre Verger formed a formidable triumvirate of outstanding talent and artistic output in Bahia from the 1950´s until their passing. All were great friends, and each in his own genre and style documented daily life in Salvador and Bahia, focusing on the wide palette of cultural traditions and ethnic characteristics that form the mosaic that is Bahia, its markets, street scenes and religiosity.

In respect of their importance, each now honored with a permanent exhibition center celebrating their respective life’s works.

Jorge Amado´s legendary home in Rio Vermelho, where he received so many of the world’s literary luminaries as his guests, now converted into an emotive museum of his life and work.

The 17th century São Diogo fort at Porto da Barra beach houses an interactive audio-visual exhibition of the works of Carybé, he the master sculptor and painter who used such a wide range of materials and techniques; engravings, sculptures, watercolors, oil and acrylic canvases.

Also at Porto da Barra beach, Santa Maria Fort is home to a permanent interactive digital exhibition highlighting the iconic photographs of Pierre Verger, a French ethnologist, deeply inspired and trusted by Candomblé religious leaders, allowing him unparalleled access to sacred rituals. Like his two friends Amado and Carybé, he also documented daily life in Salvador, markets and street scenes, his iconic black and white photos testament to the city´s cultural wealth. This cultural space also exhibits works by other leading local photographers.

Each evening the works of Carybé and Verger are projected on the façades of their respective museums at 18:30 and 19:00, on days that the museums ae open to the public.

 

Opening hours:

– Forts Santa Maria (Pierre Verger) and São Diogo (Carybé): 11:00 – 19:00 (Every day except Tuesdays). Projections at 18:30 and 19:00

– Casa do Vermelho: 10:00 – 17:00 (Every day except Mondays)

 

Forte Beach and the North Coast

 

The scenic Coconut Highway leads to Praia do Forte, a fishing village 80 kms north of Salvador, home to some of the best beaches in Bahia. The latter section of the drive north is flanked by the distinctive white sands of the sparse restinga vegetation signaling that we are approaching Praia do Forte. First we visit the ruins of the imposing Garcia D´Ávila castle (1556), once the home of the largest landowner in the New World, set on the lands of what was the first farm in Brazil. From here we have a panoramic view of the northern coastline.

Lunch time sees us in the village of Praia do Forte. After lunch we visit 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.

Then time to relax on the beach or browse in the many local handicrafts stores before returning to Salvador.

 

Cachoeira: A Day in the Rural Heartland

 

We leave the city behind to explore the farming hinterland on the western side of the All Saints’ bay. This is the land of sugar cane plantations, peaceful colonial towns and busy country markets, a day of insights into the life in rural Brazil in the cradle of Brazil´s African heritage.

We drive north out of Salvador on the main highway and then head westwards, stopping at busy country market in Santo Amaro. Little has changed over the years in this traditional fruit and vegetable market, ever popular with locals. We continue our drive westwards through rolling hills to Cachoeira, a Unesco World Heritage site and the jewel of the Bahian hinterland nestled in the deep valley of the Paraguaçu River.

The town’s importance goes beyond its architectural wealth, being home to a thriving cultural output grounded in African traditions so visible in local art traditions, mainly wood sculpting. African religious traditions are epitomized by the Sisterhood of the Boa Morte, a sorority which traces its origins back to the time of slavery. After lunch we take a walking tour of the town, with an opportunity to browse in some local wood carvers stores.

We cross to the western bank of the slow moving river and visit the Dannemann cigar company where we can also see world-class cigars being expertly rolled. This excursion is a journey back in time to the Brazil of yesteryear.

 

Highlights:

• Scenic countryside
• Insight to importance of sugar and tobacco booms in Brazils formation
• Santo Amaro Market
• Rural Colonial Architecture
• Hand rolled cigar production
• Optional visit to Boa Morte Sisterhood

 

Included:

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Guide and Transport

 

Duration:

• 08 hours

 

Other Aspects:

• Excursion comprises of a mix of transport and sections on foot
• Limited wheelchair access
• Cobbled stone streets
• Paved Sidewalks

 

Important Note: Dannemann Center closed Sat, Sun and public holidays

 

Tobacco Tour

 

The decline of the sugar plantations coincided with the rise of tobacco for cigar production where the fertile lands around and south of the All Saints Bay were ideally suited to cultivation of high quality tobacco. Our tour takes us through all aspects of seeding, growing, drying and hand rolling of world-class cigars.

 

Description

Morning departure from hotel in air-conditioned vehicle with bi-lingual guide, leaving the city behind and driving through the rolling landscape, now mostly used for cattle rearing. Our first stop is at a farm in town of Governador Mangabeiras.

Here we concentrate on the growing, harvesting, drying and classification processes. Sumatra is the main crop, the largest producer today being Dannemann Ltda. Our tour will concentrate on this company’s facilities. Best time of the year for this tour is August – November.

We then have lunch in another farm in Muritiba, a family restaurant overlooking the Paraguaçu River valley with tremendous views of the surrounding countryside.

After lunch we take the winding road to the bottom of the valley and visit the Dannemann Cultural Centre in São Felix, an arts center the company hosts to stimulate cultural expression in the region, and also the site of their cigar producing facility. Here we learn of the many stages of the hand-rolled cigars made by highly skilled craftswomen. Optionally, visitors can also roll his or her cigar under the expert supervision of the employees.

We cross the bridge back to hotel in Cachoeira.

 

Highlights:

• Scenic countryside
• Deep insight on tobacco and cigar production in the region
• Rural Colonial Architecture
• Hand rolled cigar production

 

Included:

• Guide and Transport
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Visit to tobacco farm
• Lunch

 

Duration:

• 07 hours

 

Not included

• Drinks during lunch
• Cigars during visit

 

Capoeira Insight: Out of Angola

 

The traditional Capoeira Angolan is the slower and subtler of the two forms of the martial art forms found in Brazil. It differs in many ways from the flashier and derivative Capoeira Regional, more authentic though less spectacular at first sight perhaps but certainly more intricate upon further investigation. It is classified as a Brazilian National Cultural Heritage.

Like all great martial arts there is a very deep philosophy associated with being a capoeirista involving an ethical code, mutual respect, self-esteem, cultural identity and sense of the collective.

The word “ginga” is key here; meaning sleight of hand, foot and body to potentially deliver and avoid blows and one is considered a good capoeirista for the manner in which one gets one’s opponent into a position where he or she is off guard. To become a master demands years of dedication to the finer details of the art.

Music plays a very important role in Capoeira, kingpin being the berimbau, (a bowed one-stringed instrument and the backbone of the capoeira).

 

Itinerary

We visit a traditional capoeira school and meet with the capoeira group leaders, learn of the history and philosophy, try our hands at the instruments and learn the basic movements (optional). Loose trousers should be worn by those wishing to learn the movements. Changing facilities are available at the school. Cool for kids and adults alike, this visit offers insights into a vital aspect of Afro Brazilian history and identity.

 

Highlights

• Visit to Traditional Capoeira School
• Meet with capoeira master
• Authentic hands on experience
• Understanding of historical and social aspects of the martial arts form

 

Included

• Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off
• Guide and transport
• Donation for Capoeira School

 

Other considerations

• Not suitable for wheelchair access
• Appropriate clothing should be worn
• Best days are Mon, Wed, and Fri
• Not available Sundays, local or pubic holidays

 

Schooner Bay Cruise

 

Amerigo Vespucci boldly went where no European had gone before when he landed at the entrance to the bay on Nov 01, 1501, All Saints’ Day, hence the name All Saints’ Bay. Aboard a motorized wooden schooner we take to the waters of the bay for a full day cruise of the largest tropical bay in the world.

Hotel pick up and transfer city passenger terminal where we board a shared traditional motorized schooner at the city passenger terminal and cruise to two of the 50 islands in this sparkling bay, a day of rest and relaxation with great views of the city both on the outbound and homeward journeys.

Our first stop is Frades (or Monk’s) Island, 1h45’ crossing in a northwesterly direction from the city. Virtually uninhabited, the island is home to some of the best beaches in the bay. We stop at the beautiful Ponta da Nossa Senhora do Guadalupe beach, one of only seven beaches in Brazil to receive the coveted Blue Flag credential.

Here we have ample time to swim in the warm inviting waters, or relax in the sun or the shade, and there is never a cold drink too far away! Those wishing to climb the steps to the tiny Guadalupe chapel are rewarded with tremendous views of the bay.

We then continue our cruise to the larger Itaparica Island to lunch venue, this time a short 45 minutes crossing southwards. Further time to relax o the beach here before returning to the schooner. Upon return to the schooner, we raise anchor and set off for Salvador on the eastern shore of the bay, arriving late afternoon with the sunset flooding the city coastline in late afternoon glow. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

 

Highlights:

• Wonderful views of the bay
• Ponta da Nossa Senhora Beach
• Rest and Relaxation aboard a traditional wooden schooner
• Full bar service on board at own cost

 

Included:

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Round trip hotel –pier – hotel transfer
• Shared boat

 

Not Included:

Alcoholic or no Alcoholic\Drinks

 

Duration:

• 08 hours

 

Other Aspects:

• Boarding in Salvador and Frades Island is by pier
• Disembarking and embarking in Itaparica is by tender
• The boat is a motorized wooden-hulled schooner. It is not a sail vessel.

 

What to wear:

Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, swimming suit or trunks

 

Please note: There are no changing facilities available. We suggest that those wishing to swim wear their swimming suit or trunks prior to hotel departure.

 

Brazilian Percussion Insight: The Beat Goes On

Bahia is the percussive heart of Brazil, its rhythmic soul is African, with a mind boggling myriad of rhythms that has attracted many international musicians to these shores, Paul Simon, Michael Jackson, to name but a few of the more famous. The origins of intrinsically Brazilian musical formats have their origins here – samba, bossa nova, axé. As proof of its musicality Salvador is a member of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in the music category, one of just sixteen currently in the world.

Under the expert guidance of local professional percussionist we investigate and contextualize varied aspects of the percussive jungle that is Bahia, focusing on the more important and accessible rhythms in a workshop that is instructive, interactive, engaging and fun. This is a great option for families and is as hands-on as participants wish it be or feel comfortable with

Participants try their hand at various instruments such as the rhum, rhumbi and lê drums of the Candomblé, also the surdo, caixa, timbau and repique drums of the samba-reggae, as well as hand percussion instruments agogo, reco-reco and caxixi, and of course the formidable berimbau, the integral instrument of the capoeira.

 

Highlights

• Authentic experience with master percussionist
• Hands on activity
• Understanding of Brazilian percussion development

 

Included

• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Guide and transport

 

Not Included

• Drinks

 

Other Considerations

• Not suitable for wheelchair passengers

 

 

Bahian Cooking Class

 

No other regional cuisine in Brazil is as distinctive as that of Bahia where Mediterranean, African, indigenous and Asian influences form the basis of this truly unique cuisine.

Seasoning for Bahian cuisine is a blend fresh coriander leaf (cilantro), garlic, limes, black pepper, all with their origins in either Mediterranean countries or further east in Asia.

 

– Coconut and seasonings from the Mediterranean and Asia (via Portugal)

– Dende palm oil from Africa

– Manioc in all of its variants from Brazil

 

The challenge is to bring all of these together and no better way than with the assistance of leading local chef. We meet with our chef at a bustling local market, source for all of the ingredients for the moqueca, Bahian cuisine’s signature dish. A subtle blend of the above ingredients, the moqueca is a seafood dish prepared in an earthenware wok-like dish and brought to the table directly from the stove, a delight for the eyes, nostril and palate.

Dessert will also draw on the imported seasonings such as clove and cinnamon.

 

Highlights

• Market visit with chef
• Learn to prepare and savor the local signature dish, the moqueca

 

Included

• Guide and transport
• Passenger Terminal pick and drop off
• Cookery Lesson with chef
• 3 course meal

 

Not included

• Alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks

 

Other considerations:

• Any dietary restrictions should be advised prior to excursion