Highlights
- Discover why Recife is called the "Venice of Brazil" on a catamaran tour
- Learn about the Brennand cousins and their contribution to Recife's art scene
- Celebrate your first night in Fernando de Noronha on a sunset boat ride
- Seek out isolated beaches and coves on a 4WD Jeep tour of Fernando de Noronha
- Experience art, culture, and scenic views on a tour of UNESCO-listed Alto da Sé
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Recife, Catamaran Tour Through Recife's Waterways | Recife |
Day 2 | Full-Day Tour of Recife Antigo | Recife |
Day 3 | Spend the Day on Praia das Campas | Recife |
Day 4 | Guided Tour of Recife's Museums & Cultural Institutions | Recife |
Day 5 | Visit Igreja São Benedito, Beach-Day at Praia dos Carneiros | Recife |
Day 6 | Fly to Fernando de Noronha, Sunset Boat Tour | Fernando de Noronha |
Day 7 | 4WD Tour of Fernando de Noronha | Fernando de Noronha |
Day 8 | Praia do Sancho Boat Tour, Dolphin Spotting | Fernando de Noronha |
Day 9 | Hike the Emerald Coast | Fernando de Noronha |
Day 10 | Fly to Recife, Transfer to Olinda, Explore at Leisure | Olinda |
Day 11 | Guided Tour of the UNESCO-listed Alto da Sé | Olinda |
Day 12 | Free Day on Praia do Farol | Olinda |
Day 13 | Transfer to Recife, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Recife, Catamaran Tour Through Recife's Waterways
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Welcome to Recife, the capital of one of Brazil's northeastern states, Pernambuco. Meet your driver outside the airport, transfer to your hotel to check-in, and get ready for a catamaran tour down some of the city's waterways, which granted Recife the nickname the "Venice of Brazil." Once on board, you'll cruise down the Capibaribe and Beberibe rivers, giving you a look at the blend of old and new architecture that defines the city. Marvel at the colonial houses of the Santo Antônio neighborhood, the striking bridges connecting different parts of the city, and the bustling riverfront markets.
You'll also pass landmarks like the Parque de Esculturas Francisco Brennand, Palácio do Campo das Princesas, and Teatro de Santa Isabel. After the tour, head to one of the restaurants along the river to enjoy your dinner overlooking the water. Indulge in local dishes like sururu, a mussel stew, or carne de sol, a sun-dried beef dish often served with sides like cassava, rice, and beans. Then, end the night with a sweet treat of bolo de rolo, a Pernambuco dessert made of thin layers of cake rolled with guava paste.
Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Recife Antigo
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Join your guide for a full-day tour of Recife Antigo, the city's historic center. Head to Praça Barão do Rio Branco, a picturesque square surrounded by historic buildings like Caixa Cultural, to see the Rosa dos Ventos sculpture, which marks where the city was first established in the 16th century. You'll walk to some of the city's most important landmarks, such as the 17th-century Igreja da Madre de Deus. Then, wander down Rua do Bom Jesus to the Embaixada dos Bonecos Gigantes, a cultural institution celebrating the art of giant puppets used in Carnival festivities.
Day 3: Spend the Day on Praia das Campas
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Leave the city behind for the day as you transfer two hours down the coast to Praia das Campas in Tamandaré, renowned for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters. When you arrive at the beach, you can first visit Igreja de São Pedro to admire the charming colonial-style church overlooking the water. When you're ready, step onto the soft sand framed by hundreds of swaying palm trees and find your spot for the day.
Day 4: Guided Tour of Recife's Museums & Cultural Institutions
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Immerse yourself in Recife's rich culture on today's full-day city tour, starting at Paço do Frevo, a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating frevo, a unique music and dance style that originated in Pernambuco. Peruse the colorful costumes and umbrellas used in frevo dances before continuing to the Centro Cultural Cais do Sertão on the waterfront. Step inside to discover the museum's exhibits and displays showcasing the history, music, art, and daily life of the sertaneja people who inhabit the arid lands of the Brazilian highlands.
The museum also pays tribute to iconic figures like Luiz Gonzaga, a legendary musician known as the "King of Baião," who popularized northeastern music styles worldwide. Your next stop is the Parque de Esculturas Francisco Brennand, featuring work from one of Brazil's most celebrated sculptors. Brennand's most notable work, the 104-foot-tall (32 m) Torre de Cristal, has become one of the city's most recognized symbols. Another famous Brennand is Francisco's cousin, who established the Instituto Ricardo Brennand, which you'll visit next, to house his extensive art collection.
Stroll through the complex to admire the art and architecture. The institute's centerpiece is a castle-like structure surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens. Enjoy a sophisticated lunch at the on-site restaurant, then end the tour at the Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand, a workshop and studio complex. Watch artisans mold clay into intricate forms that reflect Francisco's unique style, then stroll through the gallery to see more of his masterpieces.
Day 5: Visit Igreja São Benedito, Beach-Day at Praia dos Carneiros
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Change into your bathing suit and get ready for a day in the sun as you transfer two hours down the coast to Praia dos Carneiros. When you arrive, visit the Igreja São Benedito, a charming church with a whitewashed facade set amid coconut groves overlooking the ocean. Explore the church's grounds, attend Mass, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings and panoramic view of the beach.
Then, find a spot on the soft white sand to sit back and relax. If you get bored of sunbathing or swimming in crystal-clear water, book a catamaran tour to explore the nearby mangroves, natural pools, and reefs. You could also rent a kayak, standup paddleboard, or snorkeling gear. The beach faces westward, so you can watch the sun slowly descend toward the horizon before transferring back to Recife.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 6: Fly to Fernando de Noronha, Sunset Boat Tour
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Say goodbye to Recife this morning and head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic island in an archipelago of the same name, home to 21 islands and islets. Check into your hotel and get ready for a four-hour sunset boat tour. Once on board, you'll cruise to Morros Dois Irmãos, two towering rock formations rising from the sea, while you enjoy delicious fresh fish and a cocktail. Head to Praia da Conceição next for a refreshing swim and to watch the sun begin its descent.
Day 7: 4WD Tour of Fernando de Noronha
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This morning, you'll hit the dirt roads in a 4WD vehicle to discover some of the island's best beaches and viewpoints. Start at Praia do Porto to relax on the golden sand or dip in the crystal-clear waters. Continue to the Baia dos Porcos (Bay of Pigs), named after the dark rocks scattering the shore, resembling piglets. Admire the white sands and towering cliffs, then move southward to Cacimba do Padre, famous for hosting international surfing competitions. Your next stop is Praia do Sancho, a secluded beach known for its pristine white sand and turquoise waters.
Depending on the time, you may also visit Praia do Sueste and Praia do Leão. Break up the beach hopping by stopping at a local restaurant for lunch if you're hungry and a series of lookout points that showcase the island's beauty. Visit Mirante dos Golfinhos (Dolphin's Lookout) and try to spot the playful dolphins swimming across the ocean. Stop at Sancho Lookout for a stunning vista of Sancho Bay and Two Brothers Lookout for panoramic views of the nearby islets resembling two siblings. End the day at the 17th-century Forte Sao Pedro do Boldro to watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 8: Praia do Sancho Boat Tour, Dolphin Spotting
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Today, you return to Praia do Sancho by boat to discover more of the archipelago's highlights. Jump on board and sail past Sapata Point, where rugged cliffs and lush vegetation meet the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Continuing along the coast, Dolphin's Bay comes into view, named for the playful dolphins often spotted frolicking in the waves here. When you arrive at Sancho Bay, jump off the boat to swim in the turquoise waters. Look below the surface to see the bay's colorful coral and tropical fish before returning to the boat to cruise back to land and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 9: Hike the Emerald Coast
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Lace up your hiking boots and set off on a trek along the island's Emerald Coast this morning. Transfer to Vila dos Remedios and follow your guide down the trail through the dense foliage. As you walk, admire the endemic flora and fauna and keep an eye out for glimpses of the turquoise ocean through the trees. Break up the trek with stops at some of the eight picturesque beaches along the trail, starting at Praia do Cachorro and Praia do Meio.
Relax on the white sands, take a refreshing dip in the water, then continue up the hillside of Morro do Pico. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Baia dos Porco's pristine sand and glittering water. Spend some more time beach hopping to Praia do Boldró, Praia do Americano, Praia do Bode, and Praia da Cacimba. After discovering Fernando de Noronha's west coast for four hours, return to your hotel to rest your feet and unwind.
Day 10: Fly to Recife, Transfer to Olinda, Explore at Leisure
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Trade the pristine islands of Fernando de Noronha for the cobblestone streets of Olinda, a charming colonial town founded in 1535. Head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight back to Recife, where you can meet your driver and transfer 30 minutes down the coast to town. After settling into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. If you want to shop, visit Mercado da Ribeira, a historic market dating back to the 19th century. Browse the stalls brimming with fresh produce, regional delicacies, and handmade crafts to find a unique souvenir to take home.
Day 11: Guided Tour of the UNESCO-listed Alto da Sé
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After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Olinda's UNESCO-listed historic center, Alto da Sé. Not only is it one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, it's also situated on the highest point of the city, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Start your tour at the iconic Sé Cathedral, built in the 16th century by Portuguese settlers. Admire the Baroque-style architecture, then step inside to see the intricate wood carvings, gilded altars, and sacred artwork. Continue to the nearby Mercado de Artesanato da Sé to shop for handcrafted goods and local artwork.
Admire more Brazilian art at Galeria São Salvador, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and installations by talented local and national artists. As evening approaches, head to the buzzing Praça do Alto da Sé, the ultimate spot for nightlife in Olinda. Enjoy dinner at one of the lively restaurants or bars before making your way to the Mirante do Morro da Caixa D'Água. Take an elevator to the top of the hill and enjoy views of the city's colorful colonial rooftops, sprawling coastline, and the distant skyline of Recife.
Next, visit the iconic Prefeitura de Olinda, the starting point of the giant puppet parade during Carnival. Built in the 17th century, this building features stunning neoclassical architecture and has served as the Palace of Governors and the Brazilian government headquarters on several occasions. Lastly, discover the historic Sobrado Mourisco, with its distinctive Moorish-inspired design, and Casarão Vermelho across the street, better known as the "Red Mansion" for its bold, crimson facade.
Day 12: Free Day on Praia do Farol
![Praia do Farol, Olinda](https://cdn.kimkim.com/files/a/images/6cf9646f01f9342757f2697f68bf8c179141d524/original-1d024f354ad2b749588b04d73a26f5bb.jpg)
Day 13: Transfer to Recife, Depart
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After 13 days of soaking up the sun and exploring Brazil's rich history and culture, your trip is, unfortunately, coming to an end today. If you have a later flight, you could relax on one of Olinda's beaches, such as Praia de Bairro Novo or Praia de Casa Caiada. Those who want to pick up some last-minute souvenirs can return to Mercado da Ribeira to shop and indulge in street food like pastéis, deep-fried pastries filled with cheese, shrimp, or meat. When it's time, return to your hotel to meet your driver, who will transfer you 30 minutes to the airport in Recife. Safe travels!
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