Brazil Like a Native

Trip Highlights

Brazil is an explosion of colors and rhythm and there is no better way to experience it than as a true local, or native. Start off in Rio de Janeiro, with its captivating beaches, majestic mountains and samba-fueled nightlife - just amongst a few things that make this destination such a Marvelous City. Visit the famous landmarks from up above and admire the impressive panoramic views. Explore Rio's lesser known food scene in the neighborhoods far from the typical tourist traps with your expert guide, sampling amazing fruits, juices, locally crafted beer and exotic Amazonian dishes. As for music, no music defines Rio better than samba that resides in the edgy neighborhood of Lapa. Get your dance shoes on as you explore this district that is home to live-music halls and hosts weekend street parties. Continue your trip to Salvador da Bahia, the oldest colonial town in Brazil and a vibrant hub of African influence, boasting a fascinating past. Walk through the brightly painted colonial buildings of the Pelourinho town amongst the pebble stone streets and witness a dazzling dance performance by Balé Folclórico da Bahia. Explore local food markets and sample Bahian cuisine, an exotic blend of European, Native American and African cultures. Enjoy one of your last nights in the trendy bohemian district of Rio Vermelho, for a classic drink of caipirinha.

Hotels described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be privately transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy your first morning getting settled or strolling the beach paths of Ipanema and Copacabana. In the late afternoon, you will tour Sugar Loaf Mountain for a visit to one of Rio’s most famous sites, known for its iconic cable cars and spectacular views at the best possible moment: sunset.  

This evening is yours to enjoy a night out on the town, a nice dinner in one of the city’s top restaurants, or simply sip a traditional caipirinhas at the rooftop pool of your hotel.

Overnight at Arena Ipanema (no meals)

After breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in an open-air hummer style jeep to explore this ‘Magnificent City’ in style. We will first visit the stunning Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, with stops at the Chinese Vista where you can see impressive panoramic views of Ipanema and Copacabana Beaches, Guanabara Bay and Niterói. We will then head towards Corcovado Mountain, where the Christ Redeemer Statue, one of the 7 “New Wonders of the World”, is located 2,300 feet above sea level. Views of Rio will be witnessed at the foot of the statue for a picture perfect moment.

Return to the hotel for some rest and then prepare for an evening out in Downtown Rio. But before heading for a night out, learn about the dance moves that swings Rio - samba! From carnival to dance clubs, samba can be danced alone, with a partner or in a group! You will take a one-hour class to learn the basic steps to be prepared for your night out in Lapa.

There is no other place in the city that embodies the "alegria" or happiness of the Brazilian people more than the nightlife-centered neighborhood of Lapa. Once the sun goes down, this normally quiet neighborhood turns into a bustling and vibrant area full of restaurants, nightclubs and bars. The streets fill with cariocas and gringos alike, who flock to this Rio nightlife Mecca with one thing in mind: fun! From traditional northeastern forró to Rio’s own samba to reggae from Bahia, you'll enjoy the best that the Rio music scene has to offer. You'll go right to the heart of the action where our expert guide will accompany you to one of the best clubs in Lapa, Rio Scenarium, a mix between an antique shop and an auction room, where locals come to listen to traditional Brazilian jazz and samba.

Overnight at Arena Ipanema (Breakfast)

The best way to get to know a city is by strolling along the streets, eating the food and rubbing shoulders with the locals. You will find the true spirit of Rio in the bustling street markets and little restaurants that only the locals know.  Brazilian food is distinctive, exciting and, most importantly, delicious! But with so many dishes and ingredients unique to Brazil it can be baffling for the newcomer and it’s all too easy to order something disappointing.  With your food host, you will explore the bustling street markets and little bars and restaurants that have been favorites with the locals for generations. You will taste the best of Brazilian cuisine – delicious street food, tasty bar snacks, amazing fruits and juices, weird Amazonian dishes, Brazilian beers and cocktails and plenty more. This experience isn't just about eating – as you walk around, your expert guide will point out street art and other places of interest, chat about life in the city today and give you insider tips on the best things to do in Rio.  Note: Transportation is not included for this tour. If you would like to include a transfer, please consult with your Travel Designer.  Drinking age in Brazil is 18 years old.

Overnight at Arena Ipanema (Breakfast & Tastings)

Today is your day to enjoy the city at your own speed. Get some hours of sun in at the beach in front of your hotel, visit the Botannical Gardens or go for a shopping spree in one of Rio's countless fashion-forward city malls. If you're still looking for some more action, just let us know and we will arrange it for you!

Overnight at Arena Ipanema (Breakfast)

Say good bye to Rio as you head north to Salvador da Bahia, the country's first capital and its cultural epicenter. You will be privately transferred from the airport to your hotel in Salvador. With your private guide, get to know the city's most famous and historical neighborhood, Pelourinho, the largest assemblage of colonial buildings in Latin America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling the cobbled stone streets of the colonial district, flanked by houses in pastel shades, you will visit the exuberant São Francisco Church, the most ornate Baroque church in Brazil, and on a larger scale, the nearby imposing Cathedral. We will continue to the Municipal Square towering above the Lower City offering wonderful views of the of thde All Saints bay.

Overnight at Villa Bahia (Breakfast)

In the morning, embark on a private guided tour of Salvador’s local markets , beginning in the Agua dos Meninos fish market, followed by the Sao Joaquin market. Try a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices, followed by lunch at a local restaurant to try the main dishes of Banian cuisine.

After lunch, you will learn about Brazil's most fascinating Afro-Brazilian martial art, Capoeira, which combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music. It was brought by the enslaved Africans to Brazil at the beginning of the 16th century. We will visit a traditional Capoeira School where you will have the chance to meet Capoeira group leaders to learn about the sport, its history and philosophy. You will have the opportunity to sample the instruments and basic fight movements.

After resting at the hotel, it will be time to head out to the intimate theatre of Miguel Santana to witness a stunning performance based on African traditions that have come to heavily influence the current Bahian culture. We will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé, puxada de rede, a song by a fisherman in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea and maculelê. Following the show you'll walk over to one of Salvador's most renowned restaurants, Uaua, for Bahia’s most local cuisine.

Overnight at Villa Bahia (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Early in the morning you will leave to explore the farm hinterland on the western side of the All Saints Bay. This is the land of sugar cane plantations, peaceful colonial towns and busy country markets - a full day of rural Brazilian life. You will stop in the country market town of Santo Amaro, and continue to the rolling hills of Cachoeira, the jewel of the Bahian hinterland nestled deep in the valley of the Paraguaçu River. After lunch, we will have a walking tour of the town, with opportunities to browse in some local wooden stores. We will visit the Danemann Cultural Center where world class cigars are expertly rolled. This tour is truly a journey back in time to the Brazil of yesterday.

After a late afternoon of relaxing, head out for a night in town to Rio Vermelho neighborhood. Rio Vermelho, referred to by Bahians as the “bairro boemio”, or the bohemian quarter, embraces the city’s bon vivants with open arms, and in many cases, open doors until the wee small hours of the morning. It is here that Bahians head to for a night out. The neighborhood has a myriad of bars, restaurants and botecos (tapas-like bars), all key to the district’s charm. Music completes the bairro’s attractions with a number of bars providing the best local live music in its many forms, traditional and contemporary. The first stop will be to savor the acarajé and a cool drink. Then move on to a busy boteco to taste some of the local delicacies and finally pop in to catch one of the music performances.

Overnight at Villa Bahia (Breakfast)

At the scheduled time, you will be privately transferred to the airport for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 7 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Private scheduled guided touring as specified

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations (internal flights not included)

• All entrance fees as mentioned on tour

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• To better immerse yourself in the Brazilian culture, a cooking class in Rio de Janeiro with a private chef in their charming home can be arranged. The host/chef will give you a hands-on introduction to Brazil’s rich cuisine, while preparing dishes with fresh produce, herbs and spices that are very typical in Brazilian homemade meals. Learn how to cook the Brazilian way and how to prepare the famous caipirinha!

• An optional tour to visit local brewers in Rio de Janeiro can be offered. Explore the very-cool Botafogo area, filled with bars, restaurants and clubs. On this privately guided tour, hop from bar to bar to sample locally brewed beers of various different styles and flavors.