Highlights of Salvador

Duration: 4 hours

Tour Code: ssa-001

Begin with a scenic drive through the Lower City past the yacht club. Its marina is dotted with sleek sailing boats and yachts of Salvador's wealthy residents. Attracted by the scenic coast, the Barra district is the favored haunt of the city's elite. At the entrance of the bay stands the fortress of San Antonio, built on the spot where Amerigo Vespucci supposedly landed in 1501. The fort was erected to protect the Portuguese colonists from Dutch invaders.

Proceed to the Praça Municipal in the historic center, where Brazil's best-preserved colonial architecture is located. Leave your coach at the square and proceed on a guided walk through the Upper City. Visit the Cathedral, formerly the chapel of the largest Jesuit seminary outside Rome. The stunning interior includes a paneled ceiling of carved and gilded wood which gives the church a light, airy feel. Continue to the Church of São Francisco. The opulent interior features cedar woodcarvings, covered in gold leaf that took 28 years to complete. A slight downhill walk will take you to one of the city's oldest squares. Formerly the site of the slave market, a pillory still marks the spot where slaves once were publicly punished. The square's appearance hasn't changed much since the 18th century.

Rejoining your coach, your tour will continue with a sightseeing drive, passing by Victoria district and residential areas to the Mercado Modelo. Visit to the Mercado Modelo, which offers you an opportunity to stroll through several stalls with countless souvenirs of African as well as Brazilian origin.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 2-hours of walking, mostly over cobblestone surfaces and there is a steep downhill to negotiate. The tour is not available to wheelchair guests and is not considered suitable for those with mobility concerns. Due to the heat and lack of air-conditioning at the sites, light-weight clothing is recommended along with sun caps; sunglasses and flat, comfortable walking shoes. For all Sunday calls, the Cathedral and Mercado Modelo will not be visited. These sights will be substituted with sightseeing at other locations.