Amazon Adventures

Brazil

The Colonial Towns of the Golden Route

In this itinerary, while strolling around Rio de Janeiro´s colonial avenues, explore its historical values and learn about Brazil´s history. Following the Golden Route, we will visit the world famous historical cities of Petrópolis, Tiradentes, São João del Rei, Congonhas, Mariana and Ouro Preto, which takes you back in time to Brazil´s colonial period.

Founded in the early eighteenth century, Ouro Preto was the first Brazilian town to be declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The intricate details of the buildings and work of art clearly reflects the originality and autonomy of the craftsmen and artists who created this monument of Brazilian Baroque style.

Tiradentes is a cozy and charming town, known for its cobblestones streets, churches, arts and nice restaurants. Congonhas contains important works from the Golden Age of Brazil and was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1985. The main points of interest are Aleijadinho´s sculptural masterpieces of the Twelve Prophets and the Via Crucies (Stations of the Cross). The set of life-sized sculptures is one of Brazil´s greatest artistic treasure.

Day 1 (SAT) - Rio de Janeiro
Upon arrival, transfer and check-in at hotel. After check-in, visit Corcovado (Christ the Redeemer) . On the way to Corcovado Mountain, a 710m mountain with Cristo Redentor monument (Christ the Redeemer Statue) on the summit, the group will drive by the beaches of Rio and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lagoon) . Reaching the Cosme Velho district, take a cogwheel train to the top of Corcovado Mountain. The statue is covered with mosaic soapstone and is one of Rio’s finest Art Nouveau monuments. Lunch will be at Marius Crustaceus, a fine “All you can eat” seafood restaurant.
Overnight: Ipanema Plaza

Day 2 (SUN) - Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast, depart to a full day trip. We will visit the Historical Center of Rio de Janeiro . Our expert guide will lead you through the colonial avenues, squares and back streets of Rio, explaining the important historical, political and social events that shaped Rio, focusing on the period or architectural style with fine examples of Baroque constructions.

Lunch will be served at Confeitaria Colombo located in the heart of the original colonial part of the city and placed among the shops and offices. With its stained-glass windows, brocaded mirrors and marble countertops, Colombo is an elegant restaurant perfect for a lunch or only to enjoy delicious Brazilian coffee.

After lunch, visit Sugar Loaf (Pão de Açúcar) , a landscape known worldwide as one of the most famous postcards of Rio, and a must to visit.
Overnight: Ipanema Plaza

DAY 3 (MON) - Rio de Janeiro/Tiradentes-Via Petrópolis (350km / 217mi.)
In the morning, leave Rio de Janeiro and head towards the city of Tiradentes in Minas Gerais state. The trip will take around 5 hours, including visit the Imperial City of Petrópolis, near Serra dos Órgãos National Park , still in Rio de Janeiro state. Some of the attractions we'll visit will be the Gothic Cathedral and then the Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace) . Lunch included. After lunch the tour continues its way to Tiradentes with estimate time arrival at 18:00. Overnight: Villa Allegra

Day 4 (TUE) – Tiradentes / São João Del Rei / Tiradentes (15km / 9.3mi.)|
Walk around the old city of Tiradentes with very well preserved architecture. Visit the highlights such as the golden Cathedral named Igreja de Santo Antônio ; Padre Toledo Museum and the São José das Brotas Fountain . Lunch at Quinto do Ouro Restaurant, a self-service restaurant specialized in typical food from Minas Gerais. After lunch, the group will go for a 30 min ride to São João del Rei City significant urban and religious architecture and excellent cultural collection. Return to Tiradentes.
Overnight: Villa Allegra

Day 5 (WED) – Tiradentes / Congonhas / Mariana / Ouro Preto (200km / 124mi.)
This morning after breakfast, departure from Tiradentes and head towards Ouro Preto ; during the way we’ll stop to visit the cities of Congonhas and Mariana . Congonhas was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 due to its important works from the Golden Age of Brazil. In Mariana, a walk down its picturesque streets allows you to see houses that date from the beginning of the 18th Century. After lunch the tour follows to Ouro Preto.
Overnight: Solar da Ópera Pousada

Day 6 (THU) – Ouro Preto
In Ouro Preto, the tour will take you around the the city with a masterpiece of colonial Brazilian architecture and art. In 1980, UNESCO declared Ouro Preto a World Heritage Site. The tour will take you around the masterpieces of colonial Brazilian architecture and art with thirteen large churches and numerous public monuments and buildings. Lunch will be at Casa dos Contos (a former minting house); a historical and beautiful site specialized in the best of typical food.Overnight: Solar da Ópera Pousada

Day 7 (FRI) – Ouro Preto / Rio de Janeiro (400km / 249mi.)
After breakfast transfer to Rio de Janeiro.
Free day. Dinner at Azul Marinho Restaurant
Overnight: Ipanema Plaza

Day 8 (SAT) - Rio de Janeiro / Outbound
Optional: Visit Rio Botanical Garden that host the rarest specimen of Brazilian flora and of other countries.
Transfer to Rio de Janeiro International Airport.

SUGGESTED EXTENSION - Paraty

Price per person in US$

	2-3 people	4-6 people	7-9 people	10-14 people
in single room	$3114	$2639	$2402	$2050
in double room	$2673	$2197	$1961	$1609
in triple room	$2578	$2103	$1867	$1514

General Information:

Level: Moderate Level Program
Included: Ground transfer airport - hotel, overnights, tours, guide, entrance fees and meals as mentioned
Not Included: Airfare, beverages, and insurance
Transfer: Car, van or bus, according group's necessity
Personal Gear Comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, hat, light sweater or windbreaker.