On arrival in Recife, you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel in Olinda. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Olinda.

Overnight in Sete Colinas, Olinda

Meal plan: n/a

The first part of this tour combines a visit to the Museum of North-eastern Culture with the innovative Cais do Sertão Museum and the Paço do Frevo in Old Recife. The combination of the two museums will give you an anthropological view of the life and origins of the North-east Brazilians over the centuries, from the times of slavery on the sugarcane plantations to present-day life in the arid backlands. The morning finishes with an insight into the region's Carnival, whose features reflect the unique folklore of this part of Brazil.

After lunch at a typical North-eastern restaurant, dive into the city’s art scene by visiting the works of two illustrious members of the Brennand family, the descendants of 19th century English immigrants. Francisco Brennand, the celebrated sculptor, ceramicist and painter, reinvented his father's brickworks to create a unique range of decorative ceramic tiles, whilst transforming a huge area into a studio within a lush forest reservation. Influenced by artists like Picasso, Miró and Gaudí, Brennand has created his own exotic world through a vast collection of unusual sculptures. The tour continues to the Ricardo Brennand Institute, built by entrepreneur and art collector Ricardo Brennand. Voted the best museum in South America by Trip Advisor's Traveler's Choice, the Institute is set in opulent grounds with fine sculptures. Complemented by a library and an extraordinary Arms Museum, the Art Gallery has the largest collection of Frans Post paintings in the world, as well as works by Debret, Taunay and Rugendas.

After the tour, return to Olinda and overnight at your hotel in Olinda.

Overnight in Sete Colinas, Olinda

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

This walking tour through Olinda's historical town centre offers the opportunity to meet some of the local artists who best represent the town. Take a pleasant stroll to their studios, with time for you to engage in conversation, with the help of the guide, and find out about the local art scene and North-eastern culture. Among the artists you may meet are Ze Som (who uses his fingers to paint), Tarcisio Andrade (a wood sculptor) and Sergio Villanova (a painter).

The rest of the day is free for you to explore Olinda at leisure. Overnight in Olinda.

Please note: The aforementioned artists are only examples. There will be the opportunity to visit several studios, but the names of the artists cannot be guaranteed beforehand. 

Overnight in Sete Colinas, Olinda

Meal plan: Breakfast

The first stop on this fascinating tour is in Igarassu, one of Brazil's oldest colonial settlements, to visit the Convent of St Anthony, built in 1588, and the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, built in 1535. Then, head 25 kilometres north to cross the bridge from the mainland onto the island of Itamaracá, where sites of interest include the Fort Orange. After a seafood lunch at one of the beach stalls, you may choose to make an optional short crossing by sailing boat or motorboat (not included) to Coroa do Aviao, a sandbar across the seaway known as Ilha do Amor (Love Island).

Return to Olinda and overnight at your hotel.

Overnight in Sete Colinas, Olinda

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

This morning, leave the tropical coast behind as you head towards the semi-arid interior, known as sertão. During the approximately 6-hour drive you will see the scenery and vegetation change quickly, revealing a lesser-known side of North-eastern Brazil - completely different from the palm-fringed beaches and cities you have encountered so far. Along the way, stop at the rock formation of Pedra do Ingá. On arrival in Pai Mateus, the rest of the day is free for you to discover your surroundings at your own pace. Overnight at Fazenda Pai Mateus.

Overnight in Fazenda Pai Mateus, Pai Mateus

Meal plan: Breakfast

Today, you will explore the surroundings of Fazenda Pai Mateus in Paraíba's Cabaceiras region. The first stop is a rock formation known as Sacas de Lã, located just 1.5 km from the Fazenda. Before you return to the Fazenda for lunch (not included), you will visit one of the region’s best preserved archaeological and geological sites, Lajedo Manoel de Sousa, where a combination of unique rock formations and ancient rock paintings will illustrate the fascinating history of the area.

In the afternoon, head out to visit the Lajedo de Pai Mateus. Surrounded by sparse Cariri vegetation, enormous boulders of varied shapes are laid out on the slightly convex ground, giving the place an almost lunar appearance. Legend has it that Pai Mateus was a hermit shaman who, in the 18th century, received and healed people from all over the region at this mystical place.

Return to the fazenda, and the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight at Fazenda Pai Mateus.

Overnight in Fazenda Pai Mateus, Pai Mateus

Meal plan: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport in Recife for your flight to Salvador. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel on the outskirts of Salvador to check in. Overnight in your hotel near Salvador. 

Overnight in Iara Beach, Salvador

Meal plan: Breakfast

Before exploring the city of Salvador itself, head inland again to discover the Bahian countryside in the hinterland of Salvador, the so-called Recôncavo Baiano. The first stop is Santo Amaro, where the town’s beautifully maintained colonial buildings will take you back to the era of the Brazilian Empire. This journey through time continues as we head on to Cachoeira, a National Historical Monument sometimes called the 'Ouro Preto of Bahia'.

After lunch at a typical fazenda, cross the impressive Dom Pedro II Bridge to São Felix, where you will visit the Centro Cultural Danneman, home of the country’s most exquisite cigars. The production of tobacco remains one of the region’s most important economic activities. During a guided tour through the Fazenda Santo Antônio tobacco plantation, learn everything about this process, from the seed to the ready-made cigar. The Adopt a Tree project will give you the opportunity to actively participate in the preservation of Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest by planting your own tree. In the late afternoon, you will be dropped off in Cachoeira, where you will spend the night.

Overnight in Pousada do Convento, Cachoeira

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Depart Cachoeira and transfer to the mining town of Lençóis, the gateway to Chapada Diamantina National Park. In the afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel to walk along the Serrano River, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural rock pools. Continue to the so-called Areias Coloridas (Coloured Sands), a patch of rocks that reveals an astonishing diversity of colours in a tiny area of sandstone. After another swim at the Cachoeirinha, continue to Primavera waterfall, which flows into the Lençóis River beside the highest point of the mountain, the rock of Pedra do Mirante. Here you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the town of Lençóis. 

After the tour, return to Lençois, where the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Lençois.

Difficulty level: 4 km of walking, mostly on easy terrain, with one descent of approximately 20 minutes.

Overnight in Hotel de Lençois, Lençóis

Meal plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive out to the Mucugezinho River, then walk about 20 minutes to reach the Poço do Diabo waterfall, with time to take a swim in its clear waters. Then it’s on to the cave region, situated around 75 km from Lençóis. Starting at Lapa Doce cave, with its beautiful stalagmites and stalactites, continue via Pratinha cave, where an underground river with crystalline water provides an opportunity for a refreshing bathe. Sunbeams shining into the Gruta Azul cave refract into a spectrum of colours, a unique natural phenomenon. In the afternoon, climb to the summit of Morro de Pai Inácio, one of Chapada Diamantina's landmarks, to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Return to Lençois and overnight.

Please note: A lunch box is provided. This tour includes a visit to a lagoon, so we recommend bringing swimwear.
Journey terrain: 150 km by car (40 km off-road and 110 km on asphalted roads).
Difficulty: 6 km of walking on mixed terrain (rocks, short ascents and descents).

Overnight in Hotel de Lençois, Lençóis

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Meet and greet with your local guide in Lençóis, to be transferred in approximately 5 hours to Salvador, in an air-conditioned vehicle.

In the afternoon, embark on an historical walking tour around the old town of Salvador, known as Pelourinho. This is a great opportunity to feel the unique energy of this magical place and its people. Pelourinho offers visitors a number of churches, museums, local artists' studios, galleries, shops and restaurants. Pelourinho's main attractions include the house of the famous writer, Jorge Amado, the cultural group Olodum, São Francisco Church and the Cathedral Basílica, as well as the traditional Cravinho Bar (where you might want to go for an optional caipirinha - not included). After exploring Pelourinho, your next stop is Elevador Lacerda, originally built in 1873 and nowadays connecting the Upper City and the Lower City as an important means of transport both for locals and visitors. From there, enjoy panoramic views of the All Saints Bay and Mercado Modelo.

The evening is free for you to relax or explore Salvador at your own pace. Overnight in Salvador.

Overnight in Convento do Carmo, Salvador

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Afro-Brazilian community is one of the most prominent throughout Bahia, and with this in mind, a visit to the region is enhanced by an enjoyable introduction to the Afro-culture, religion and customs. Some may be familiar with well-known Afro-Brazilian traditions such as capoeira, a popular sport in Bahia that you will have the chance to experience on this half-day tour. Begin by learning the intricacies of Candomblé, a popular religion that derived from Africa, and now has many followers in Bahia; in fact, the first Candomblé temple was built in Salvador. Get under the skin of this fascinating religion by meeting a Babalorixá, or 'supreme' religious leader of Candomblé, discovering the day-to-day practices which make this religion so unique.  Next, witness the legendary spectacle of capoeira at a local class, as a master of this iconic martial art shows us some key moves, before the students put on a memorable performance. You will have time to chat with them about the history and meaning of capoeira, as it boasts an authentic heritage of survival, playing an important part in Bahian culture and history. From here, head to the intoxicating San Joaquin Market, the largest of its type in Salvador. A riot of colour, music and flavours, this is the perfect place to interact with the community, taste the spices and secrets of Afro-culture while discovering the incredible array of regional religious cults.

The afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure.

In the evening, enjoy a wonderful dinner and a spectacular folklore show. The show features some of the major Afro-Bahian cultural traditions, such as samba de roda, maculelê, hauling of the fishnets, Candomblé and capoeira.  Dinner will be served in a charming restaurant in Pelourinho, where you will be able to savour delicious Bahian cuisine. Overnight in Salvador.

Please note: Seating at the theatre is on steps (not chairs). Please let us know in advance if you will require a cushion to sit on.

Overnight in Convento do Carmo, Salvador

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

At a suitable time, you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Many international flights from Salvador will require a connection in another Brazilian city, such as Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. Please speak to your Travel Specialist if you would like to add on a private extension to one of these exciting destinations.

Meal plan: Breakfast