Colonial Brazil and Fernando de Noronha

Rio de Janiero’s famous icons include Copacabana, Sugar Loaf, Samba, Ipanema, Caipirinha cocktails, beach culture and of course the magnificent subtropical rainforests. Brimming with vitality and life, there has never been a better time to explore the beauty and energy of Brazil’s unofficial capital.

Belo Horizonte (Beautiful Horizon, or Beagá), the capital of the state of Minas Gerais lies on the western slope of the Espinhaco Mountains and is built on several hills. The first of Brazil’s planned cities, it was laid out like a grid with broad avenues intersected by smaller streets, modeled after Washington DC and La Plata in Argentina. The city features contemporary and classical art nouveau and art deco architecture including several iconic buildings such as the Chapel of São Francisco in Pampulha. Discover a mix of atmospheric neighborhoods like the cosmopolitan Savassi, the tree-lined Afonso Pena Avenue, and the Liberdade Palácio which houses the governor’s offices. Dine at fine restaurants in Lourdes, experience the city’s buzzing nightlife, shop at Mercado Central and the vibrant weekend street market along leafy Parque Central. You will also find several large parks and hiking trails with panoramic views in the immediate outskirts of the city.

Marvel at the modern Brazilian architecture of Pampulha – a fascinating neighborhood in Belo Horizonte, characterized by magnificently designed structures that are now cultural treasures! Soak up the picturesque surrounds of Pampulha’s artificial lagoon in the heart of the city, fringed by contemporary buildings courtesy Oscar Niemeyer, who took inspiration from the contours of the human body and the mountain silhouettes around. Admire the botanical gardens by Burle Marx, paintings by Portinari, and projects by a bunch of avant-garde artists that adorn these spaces. Soak up highlights such as the Pampulha Modern Ensemble complex, which includes a casino turned art museum, the St Francis of Assisi Church with its abstract facade, a ballroom, and a yacht club, all enhancing the urban landscape. Unwind by the vibrant waterfront, and drop by the famous Mineirão soccer stadium after. End your tour with a stroll in the free-form parks across town frequented by Brazilian beavers, while you nibble on local homemade cheese bread. (Half Day; Time: Morning; Duration: 3 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate; This tour is unavailable on Mondays.)

Tiradentes is a picturesque and historic Brazilian town nestled amid the Serra de São José mountains in Minas Gerais. Named after a local dentist, and carrying the gold rush legacy, Tiradentes is now a retreat for artisans and craftspeople. Baroque facades, colonial architecture, fountains, and churches grace the town, while its beautiful natural surroundings replete with Atlantic forests can be enjoyed onboard the vintage Maria Fumaça train! The central city square of Largo das Forras shaded by trees, branches out via a network of narrow cobblestone streets flanked by well-preserved buildings in white and color accents. The church of San Antonio featuring gold altars and gilded interiors dominates the skyline. Navigating the town by foot or on horse-drawn carriages, enjoy the exotic wildflowers, antique boutiques, the puppet theater, and an abundance of fine-dining restaurants. Tiradentes’ film festival is a big draw, and the annual culinary festival celebrates the array of local produce including cachaca, caramel sweets, and fruit preserves.

On the first day, begin your tour from Belo Horizonte – the delightful capital of Minas Gerais, and head toward the picturesque and historic Brazilian town of Tiradentes. Enroute, stop by Congonhas, another town that was influenced by Brazil’s Gold Rush. Visiting the Basilica do Senor Bom Jesus do Matosinhos, perched on a hilltop, and enjoy panoramic vistas of its beautiful surroundings. Marvel at this showstopper landmark that is known for life-size statues of 12 prophets from the Bible, created by the renowned Brazilian artist Aleijadinho. As you explore this complex that also houses six other chapels, browse the gilded interiors adorned with various soapstone sculptures, depicting scenes from the scriptures. Next, head to São João del Rei, a former mining region, and now a bustling university town steeped in religious traditions. Ambling about the historical center, see churches, monuments, fountains and colonial mansions flaunting baroque architecture. You could also witness the centuries-old tradition of the ringing of church bells. Savor a buffet lunch of regional dishes, getting a taste of Mineira cuisine. Post a hearty meal, head to Tiradentes, nestled amid the Serra de São José mountain surrounds. Known for its role in the independence revolution thanks to local dentist Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, Tiradentes has left its mark on Brazil’s cultural history. During the weekend, you can experience traveling on the vintage Maria Fumaça train that runs along the romantic route between São João del Rei and Tiradentes.

Ouro Preto is a 17th century colonial city framed by the Serra do Espinhaço mountains in Minas Gerais. Famous for creating one of the biggest gold rushes of humanity, and Brazil’s independence movement, this is now a lively university town. Several steep cobblestone street slopes from the central Tiradentes Square meander across town featuring chapels, churches, bridges, fountains, and quaint cafes that serve local rustic dishes. The beautifully preserved Brazilian Baroque architecture, and the magnificent churches embellished with hundreds of kilograms of gold, stand testament to Ouro Preto’s splendid past. Saint Francis of Assisi Church and Basílica Nossa Senhora do Pilar are among noteworthy examples that house Aleijadinho’s carved sculptures. Several specialty museums dedicated to oratories, medicines, gemstones, and Brazil’s history, are spread across town showcasing the life and style of Ouro Preto’s heydey.

Explore Tiradentes, nestled amid the Serra de São José mountain surrounds. Known for its role in the independence revolution thanks to local dentist Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, Tiradentes has made a mark in Brazil’s cultural history. Visit a couple of museums that showcase local craftworks, and the finest examples of the country’s baroque art. After a typical Mineira lunch, continue to Mariana, nestled amid rolling hills, and enjoy its baroque colonial architecture that features art nouveau wrought iron accents. Pass by renovated 18th century buildings that house boutiques and art studios. In the main square, marvel at well-preserved churches that showcase themes of sensual romanticism through Aleijadinho's elaborate carvings. You can also browse museums of music and sacred art collections, plus experience weekend organ concerts! The following day, navigating Ouro Preto’s picturesque mountainous city through steep winding streets, admire its skyline dotted with numerous ornate churches. Laze about people watching at the central cobbled plaza and soak in the architectural attractions, museums, and the Old Town. By late afternoon, depart for Belo Horizonte. (2 Full Days; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate; Churches and museums are closed on Mondays)

Belo Horizonte (Beautiful Horizon, or Beagá), the capital of the state of Minas Gerais lies on the western slope of the Espinhaco Mountains and is built on several hills. The first of Brazil’s planned cities, it was laid out like a grid with broad avenues intersected by smaller streets, modeled after Washington DC and La Plata in Argentina. The city features contemporary and classical art nouveau and art deco architecture including several iconic buildings such as the Chapel of São Francisco in Pampulha. Discover a mix of atmospheric neighborhoods like the cosmopolitan Savassi, the tree-lined Afonso Pena Avenue, and the Liberdade Palácio which houses the governor’s offices. Dine at fine restaurants in Lourdes, experience the city’s buzzing nightlife, shop at Mercado Central and the vibrant weekend street market along leafy Parque Central. You will also find several large parks and hiking trails with panoramic views in the immediate outskirts of the city.

The glamorous Brazilian coastal city of Recife gets its name from the magnificent coral reefs lining the turquoise and topaz shaded ocean. It has an equally rich cultural history dating back to Portuguese and Dutch colonisers. Set at the confluence of the Beberibe and Capibaribe rivers, Recife has continued to be a prosperous trading hub down the ages. Its modern steel and glass skyscrapers sit well with old colonial structures, parks, museums, marketplaces, cathedral and observatory tower. The confluence of the two rivers, the ocean, the new and the old, give the city its unique character. Recife has its own symphony orchestra, a conservatory of music, and several theatrical companies, apart from African and traditional Brazilian festivals and carnivals. To really get to know the city, one needs to read it during its raucous carnivals!

The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago is composed of twenty islands covering an area of 26 square km. The main island, with a size of 17 square km and with 545 km of beautiful coastline, is the only inhabited island, and has a population of 3,000 people. The habitants devised a system of “sustainable tourism”, creating an opportunity to experience the balance between man and nature in one of the most important ecological sanctuaries of the world. With each passing year, more and more tourists visit this tropical paradise, developing an alternative economy for the local population. The vast majority of the inns on the island are rustic and simple, yet very comfortable, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, TV, refrigerators and private bathrooms. In March of 2014, one of its beautiful beaches was just elected the best beach in the world: Sancho Bay (Baía do Sancho).

Rio de Janiero’s famous icons include Copacabana, Sugar Loaf, Samba, Ipanema, Caipirinha cocktails, beach culture and of course the magnificent subtropical rainforests. Brimming with vitality and life, there has never been a better time to explore the beauty and energy of Brazil’s unofficial capital.