There are two faces to Florianópolis; the industrial mainland and, across the bay, the island with the historic center and the chic district of Beira-Mar Norte. Two picturesque bridges link these halves, whilst the old suspension bridge, the Ponte Hercílio Luz, is no longer open to traffic, it still lights the night sky and acts as the defining feature of Floripa’s spectacular skyline.
The Serra Verde Express was selected as one of the “10 most spectacular rail journeys that you’ve never heard of” by The Guardian newspaper and ridden by Michael Palin in his 2013 adventures around Brazil. These two endorsements only add to the glowing reputation this railway has gained in recent times, the star attraction of Brazil’s rail network.
The three hour journey carries passengers in supreme luxury between two very different, but equally interesting cities. The starting point is the metropolis of Curitiba, home to dazzling modern architecture, large green parks and the Oscar Niemeyer Museum - the architect behind Brasilia. At the other end of the line is the small and scenic city of Morretes, famed for its historic buildings and churches, tropical trees, locally-made crafts and excellent restaurants service typical cuisine.
In between lies a conveyor-belt of magnificent mountainous scenery, spectacular bridges and viaducts, remote waterfalls and lush Atlantic rainforest, all appreciated through the train’s large panoramic windows.
A highlight of our Serra Verde tour is the chance to visit the amazing Bavarian town of Blumenau. Surrounded by hills and forest, it has preserved the traditions and architecture of the Germans who settled here in the 19th century.
Serra Verde Express Itinerary
Day 1 On arrival in Curitiba, transfer to your hotel for two nights. Afternoon tour of the city with open spaces and modern architecture and including the botanic gardens, museum of Niemeyer and the Opera de Arame.
Day 2 Full day tour by train to the Serra Verde, Mountain Range of Paraná in the luxury Litorina train to the coastal towns of Morretes and Antonina. On arrival in Morretes we have a tour of the city and the narrow streets of Antonina, with its rich cultural and religious traditions. Scenic return to Curitiba by coach.
Day 3 Guided transport to the city of Blumenau, founded in 1850 by German settlers and surrounded by hills and forests. We visit the city with its typical German architecture and traditional preserved. In the afternoon continue to Florianopolis and overnight.
Day 4 Short tour of Florianopolis centre and transfer to the airport.
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