Brazil Holidays
Bahia Heartland, Colonial Heritage and Mountain Landscapes
Diamante Tour - 13 Night Itinerary
Discover the unique character of blending African and Portuguese heritage in Salvador, forming the roots of Brasilian identity, hike the inland rivers and canyons of Chapada Diamantina and unwind on the idyllic island of Morro Sao Paulo.
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Tour Route
- Salvador da Bahia - 3 Nights
- Lencois Diamantina - 4 Nights
- Salvador da Bahia - 2 Nights
- Morro Sao Paulo - 4 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Enjoy a journey through the culture and life in the state of Bahia
- Visit historic Salvador, home to fine colonial architecture
- Explore churches, art galleries, forts and pedestrian streets with cobbled stones
- Absorb the rich African heritage in paintings, art, literature, religions and music
- Feel the energy of blending Portuguese and African cultures
- Admire table-top mountains, river caves and remote waterfalls in the interior
- Rumble in the countryside trails on long or short walks
- Relax on the idyllic white sand beaches of Morro Sao Paulo island
- Discover the tropical ingredients of Bahia cuisine in cosy restaurants
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Salvador da Bahia - 3 Nights
Day 1 - Fly to Salvador da Bahia
Day 2 - Walking introduction of Salvador
Day 3 - City tour of Salvador
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Monday, 11 November 2024
Fly to Salvador da Bahia
Take a daytime flight on Air Portugal via Lisbon or Air Europa via Madrid, to Salvador da Bahia, arriving the same day in the evening. Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 4 night stay and also be available to brief you on your itinerary and local area.
Tuesday, 12 November 2024
Walking introduction to Salvador da Bahia
Salvador is at the heart of Brazilian identity with roots in Portuguese colonial history, blending with African music and customs. The old centre of Salvador, the Pelourinho, was restored and became a UNESCO World heritage Site with cobbled streets, colonial architecture and churches. Today our guide will take you on a short walk to introduce you to the area surroundings your hotel so that you can get your bearings upon arrival and gain a feel of the city life, the people and the culture. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on one of Salvador's stunning beaches where you can enjoy a freshly grilled fish lunch as one of the many pleasures of this historic city.
Wednesday, 13 November 2024
City tour of Salvador
Today we take a guided journey through the cobbled streets lined of Salvador, with splendid colonial houses, which stand as a reminder of a bygone era when Salvador was at the height of its glory in the 18th century. We explore the upper and lower parts of the city, we visit the numerous churches, squares, fortifications and symbols of Salvador's rich diversity of faiths and cultures, as we immerse ourselves into the heart of Brazil's colonial roots from Portuguese and African influences.
Monte Pascoal
Salvador da Bahia - Tourist Hotel
Located in a modern buildings close to the lighthouse at Barra, shops and restaurants. All 77 rooms are fully equiped and it has a restaurant serving Brazilian cuisine and a pool.
Casa do Amarelindo
Salvador da Bahia - Tourist Hotel
Located in the old Pelourinho area, the hotel has the warm, colourful decoration of Bahia and with 10 comfortable rooms with ceiling fan and air conditioning, bath, CD and DVD player, free WiFi, hair dryer, safe and satellite TV. Breakfast can be taken all day by the pool, the panoramic terrace or the restaurant.
Fasano
Salvador da Bahia - Deluxe Hotel
Located at Castro Alves Square, Salvador's Historic Centre, the deluxe Fasano Hotel has an unparalleled view of the Todos os Santos Bay.
The air-conditioned rooms have king-size beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, spacious living room, television and marble bathroom. Most rooms have sea views.
Italian cuisine is served in the restaurant. Other public areas include a stunning rooftop swimming pool, Spa and fitness centre.
Lencois Diamantina - 4 Nights
Day 4 - Travel to Lencois
Day 5 - River trail excursion
Day 6 - Waterfall trail excursion
Day 7 - River cave excursion
- Full Description
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Travel to Lencois
Our guide will met you at your hotel to take you to the coach station for the coach journey (6 to 7 hours) inland to Lencois, set in an area of outstanding beauty and remoteness, with lush flat-top mountains, canyons, waterfalls and vast limestone caves. Transfer the Hotel Canto das Aguas Hotel, located on a riverbank beside a waterfall, for a 4 night stay.
Located on the banks of the Lencois River and close to the town, this delightful hotel has well appointed rooms in a scenic setting. Public facilities include a restaurant offering international and local cuisine from Bahia, large swimming pool, fitness room, spa facilities and lush gardens leading to the river and nearby waterfall. A great place to relax and unwind after your days exploring this lesser-visited part of Brazil.
Friday, 15 November 2024
River trail excursion
Today enjoy a walking tour of Lencois including the coloured sands, the river, the waterfall and a trek along the River Sossego. We will visit villages that were left frozen in time at the end of the diamond mining boom, with their architecture and charm intact.
Saturday, 16 November 2024
Waterfall trail excursion
About 68 km drive from Lencois is the village of Capao. There we will start a trail to one of the highest waterfalls in Brazil, Fumaca, which is 366 metres high. We will trek for 6 km, climbing for 2 km. Stop at Cachoeira do Riachinho waterfall for a swim. Afternoon return to Lencois.
Sunday, 17 November 2024
River Cave Excursion
We leave Lencois to the Mucugezinho River, located 20 km from Lencois. Here we have a short trek by the river, followed by a swim under a tall waterfall named Poco do Diabo. We continue on to Lapa Doce Cave located in Iraquara, a small city 70 km from Lencois, where we walk for about one hour and see typical formations like the stalagmites and stalactites. We also visit Pratinha Cave, 6 km from Lapa Doce, which has pure, clear river water and is a good place to swim. In the afternoon we visit Pai Inacio Mountain, in the centre of Chapada, from where we get a beautiful view of the two biggest mountains in the National Park.
Salvador da Bahia - 2 Nights
Day 8 - Travel to Salvador
Day 9 - At leisure in Salvador
- Full Description
Monday, 18 November 2024
Travel to Salvador
Transfer to the coach station for the return journey to Salvador, arriving in the afternoon.
Tuesday, 19 November 2024
At leisure in Salvador
A day at leisure in Salvador. Our guide will be on hand to advise you on any further optional excursions you might wish to take.
Morro Sao Paulo - 4 Nights
Day 10 - Sail to Morro Sao Paulo
Days 11-13 - At Leisure in Morro Sao Paulo
Day 14 - Return to the UK
Day 15 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Sail to Morro Sao Paulo
South of Salvador at Valença we board a schooner to sail to the remote tropical island of Morro de São Paulo. This former fishing village is a car free island paradise of swaying palm trees and mangroves, with colourful bird life and 40km of pristine beaches. We stay at the comfortable beachside Villa Guaiamu for 4 nights.
Thursday, 21 November 2024
At Leisure in Morro Sao Paulo
This is such a laid back island, you can do as much or as little as you wish. You could walk in the rolling hills surrounding the bay to find secluded beaches to relax and tranquil settings to watch the local wildlife in this idyllic setting. The most dramatic waterfall is at Fonte do Ceu, reached by walking to Gamboa, a truly authentic fishing village. Perhaps go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters to explore the coral reef or just relax on the beach. Between July and October, it is possible to take a boat trip to spot hump back whales and dolphins that make this area their home.
Wander the sandy track through the Morro village to visit the ancient fortress, lighthouse and Church of our Lady Light dating back to the 16th century. Morro village is a wonderful place to eat in the evening, with good local restaurants in a delightful, relaxed atmosphere.
Whatever you choose to do, you will enjoy the tranquil and laid-back atmosphere and won't want to leave - quite a wonderful end to your tour of Bahia.
Friday, 22 November 2024
At leisure
Saturday, 23 November 2024
At leisure
Sunday, 24 November 2024
Return to the UK
Return by boat to Salvador (it is possible to return by air on a small plane). You will be met at the pier and taken to the airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
Monday, 25 November 2024
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK
Vila Guaiamu
Morro de Sao Paulo - First Hotel
The hotel has 22 comfortable rooms, each with air-conditioning, TV, minibar, a veranda and hammock. The hotel is a huge covered terrace, incorporating a restaurant and bar, TV lounge and a space for reading and games. Inside the grounds of the hotel guests can enjoy ecological walks and appreciate the natural beauty of Morro Sao Paulo.
Price Guidelines
Season | Low Season | High Season |
---|---|---|
Travel Dates | 1 Jan - 30 June, 17 Aug - 16 Dec | 1 July - 16 Aug, 17 Dec - 30 Dec |
Room Arrangement | Tourist | Tourist |
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £3,045 | £3,174 |
Multiple Travellers - Own Room | £3,780 | £3,909 |
Single Traveller - Own Room | £4,951 | £5,080 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 15 Days / 13 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guide
- Exclusive list of restaurant suggestions
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