DETAILS
Move to the captivating rhythm of Brazil during an enriching journey that introduces you to the African roots of the country’s music, cuisine, religion and more during four nights each in lively Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, the cultural heart of Brazil. Listen to local musicians, learn to make one of the national dishes with a local chef, visit sacred sites and immerse yourself in Brazil’s rich heritage.
- Pricing from
- $5,295
Maximum of 28 travelers. Call 800-323-7373 or click HERE for more details.
- Trip Type
- International Land & Rail Tours
- Departure Dates
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May 10, 2027 - May 20, 2027
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and meet your Travel representative. Transfer to your hotel, the Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro Copacabana on the city’s famous Copacabana beach. Later, get to know Rio during an excursion to Urca Hill and Sugarloaf Mountain. Ride a cable car to the top of Urca Hill for a stunning panoramic view of the city and its cultural landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from nearly 1,300 feet above sea level. In the evening, gather with the group for a festive kickoff to your Brazilian adventure.
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day 3
Rio de Janeiro
Start the morning with a presentation about the African diaspora in Brazil. Then, visit to Pequena Africa, or Little Africa, and explore the beginnings of African culture in Brazil. Visit the two ports where enslaved Africans were brought to Praca XV, a historic square by Guanabara Bay. This was the entry point for many enslaved Africans prior to 1811. Valonga Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, assumed that role after 1811. See the Salt Stone, an iconic Rio landmark; and visit the New Blacks Research and Memory Institute, a museum and memorial at the site of a once-forgotten cemetery for the enslaved. Break for a delicious lunch of Afro Brazilian cuisine. Then, get a peek behind the scenes at local samba school, where you’ll learn the history of the music and dance.
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day 4
Rio de Janeiro
Ride a funicular to the top of Corcovado Mountain to see Christ the Redeemer, the colossal statue that looks over Rio. Take a guided walk in the morning through Rio’s lush botanical garden, home to nearly 6,500 species of tropical and subtropical plants and 140 types of birds. The world-famous garden is known for its research and focus on conservation. After a free afternoon, rejoin the group for dinner at a local restaurant.
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day 5
Rio de Janeiro
Join a discussion that compares slavery in Brazil and the United States. Get to know the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Admire a view of the city from Parque Gloria Maria. Stroll to lively Largo do Guimaraes square, a favorite meeting spot for locals, for some free time. Remain in Santa Teresa for a group dinner.
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day 6
Salvador
Today, travel to Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia and the center of Afro Brazilian culture. Enjoy a group lunch upon arrival. Then, begin exploring the city! Embark on a tour of Pelourinho, the UNESCO-listed historic center of Salvador. As the site of the country’s first slave market, Salvador fostered the growth of Afro Brazilian culture. On today’s tour, visit the opulent Catedral Basílica de Salvador and Largo do Pelhourinho, the public square where enslaved people once were punished at the pelhourinho, or pillory. See Municipal Square, said to be the first public square in Brazil, and the Elevador Lacerda, which opened in 1873 to transport people between Salvador’s upper and lower towns. After your tour, check in to the Fera Palace Hotel.
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day 7
Salvador
Music is an integral part of life in Brazil. Bahia’s drummers are famous around the world for their African-influenced rhythms. Meet a local percussionist, learn about the local percussive styles and even try your hand at playing the drums. This evening, visit the Casa de Iemanjá, a Candomblé temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Then, get acquainted with Rio Vermelho, a lively neighborhood with restaurants, bars and music clubs. This also is a gathering spot for street vendors that serve popular local treats, which you’ll have the opportunity to taste.
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day 8
Salvador
Learn more about the Candomblé religion, which combines elements of African and European religions to create this unique spiritual belief, during a visit to a terreiro, a community center and house of worship. Stroll through the local market for a glimpse of daily local life in Salvador. Then, join a chef to learn how to make Bahia’s signature dish, moqueca, a creamy seafood stew. In the afternoon, visit the Afro Brazilian Museum to see an impressive collection of 27 wooden carvings that represent the Candomblé gods and goddesses. Watch an impressive performance of the Bale Folclorico de Bahia, an acclaimed folk dance troupe.
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day 9
Salvador
Learn about capoeira, Brazil’s fascinating martial art, during a visit to a traditional capoeira school. Comprising dance, acrobatics and music as well as self-defense maneuvers, capoeira began among enslaved Africans, who disguised this training, practiced in a circle, as a game. Watch a demonstration and learn some maneuvers. This evening, get a glimpse of a weekly evening service at the Rosary of the Blacks Church and the weekly Tuesday of Blessing street festival before gathering for a festive farewell dinner.
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day 10 & 11
Gateway City
The group departs for Salvador International Airport for the flight to Saõ Paolo International Airport, where the Land program ends. Arrive home on Day 11.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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Enjoy your stay in Rio de Janeiro along Copacabana Beach, the world-famous, crescent-shaped beach. The first-class Grand Mercure Rio de Janeiro is the perfect base in vibrant Rio. Start each day with a hearty buffet breakfast served with a view of the beautiful beach. The hotel also has an all-day restaurant that serves regional Brazilian cuisine, a rooftop bar that’s ideal for viewing the sunset, an outdoor swimming pool and a well-equipped fitness center. Relax in a comfortably appointed guest room with an espresso machine, mini refrigerator and WiFi.
Delight in a stay at Salvador’s iconic Fera Palace Hotel, an art deco beauty that welcomed its first guests in 1934. Its famous visitors included Carmen Miranda, Pablo Neruda and Orson Welles. The city’s historic center fell into decay in the mid 20th century, but decades of revitalization efforts in this culture-rich district included the restoration of the Fera Palace, which reopened in 2017. The décor of the updated Fera Palace proudly incorporates elements of the local Bahia culture with its art deco origins. During your stay, you might find yourself enjoying a dip in the rooftop infinity pool or simply sipping drinks and admiring the sunset. The hotel has a restaurant, lobby lounge and fitness center. It also offers wellness massages. Enjoy a well-appointed, comfortable guest room with a smart TV, minibar and WiFi.
CANCELLATION–All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel.
-Cancellation received up to 151 days prior to trip departure will incur a $500 per person administrative fee.
-Cancellation received 150 to 121 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 25% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 120-91 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 50% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 90-61 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 75% of the entire cost of the trip per person.
-Cancellation received 60 days prior to departure to the time of departure (or no show) will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. AN INSURANCE APPLICATION WILL BE SENT TO YOU AFTER YOU RESERVE (U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY).
TOUR MAP
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