The Historic Coast of South America: A Voyage from the Rio Plata to the Amazon: Part II

Day 1 RIO DE JANEIRO

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to hotel.

Day 2 RIO DE JANEIRO

Tour Rio de Janeiro and then transfer to embark Clelia II.

Days 3-4 AT SEA

Day 5 SALVADOR

Brazil’s former capital for more than 200 years, Salvador remains one of the country’s architectural treasures and cultural highlights. The city’s historic district contains some of the most important colonial architecture in the Americas, earning Salvador inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its maze of streets and elegant squares lined with pastel mansions, imposing churches, artists’ workshops and antique shops. Visit several of the city’s historic buildings including the late 17th-century Baroque Cathedral, whose plain exterior masks one of the most exuberant Rococo interiors of any church in Brazil, and the Church of Sao Francisco (mid-18th century), with its beautiful white and blue tiled walls and opulent cedar woodcarvings covered with gold leaf. Also visit Solar do Unhao, a 16th-century architectural gem, whose main building houses Salvador’s Museum of Modern Art. In addition, there is a lovely sculpture garden, offering magnificent views of the Bay and Salvador, where we will enjoy cocktails and a private presentation of the capoeira, the region’s famous dance.

Day 6 MACEIÓ

Arrive in the afternoon in Maceió, founded in the late 18th century as a center of sugar cultivation. The old Governor’s Palace houses the Pierre Chalita Foundation, which exhibits paintings and religious art, while the 19th-century Bom Jesus dos Mártires church is covered with interesting tiles. Outside the city, you may wish to visit the attractive colonial town of Marechal Deodoro, or relax and swim at one of the tranquil beaches Maceió is known for.

Day 7 RECIFE | OLINDA | RECIFE

Call at the port of Recife, a colony founded by the Dutch in 1637. Tour the town’s principal monuments, including the 17th-century Golden Chapel and the City Museum, housed in the former Dutch Fort of Five Points. Continue to Olinda, the old capital of Pernambuco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring Olinda’s historic landmarks, return to Recife to reboard Clelia II.

Day 8 NATAL

Morning arrival in Natal, one of the most attractive cities on the northeast coast of Brazil, built on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Potengi River. Discover a different aspect of Brazil by surveying the coast’s remarkable sand dunes, including the Moving Dunes of Genipabu. Following a short ferry ride across the Potengi River, four-person dune buggies will transport you through the dunes, providing unforgettable views of this natural wonder and the ocean beyond. Our excursion concludes with an opportunity to swim at beautiful Gracandu Beach. After lunch aboard, explore Natal’s old section, which is concentrated around the riverfront Ribeira district. Here, picturesque buildings have been beautifully restored to their original art deco style. After a tour of the city, enjoy time at leisure before sailing in the evening.

Day 9 FORTALEZA

Call at Fortaleza to tour the city’s historic district, which dates back to the 17th century. Included are the Fortaleza (Fort), built by the Dutch in 1649; the Jose de Alencar Theater, a magnificent neoclassical iron structure that also houses an art gallery and a library; the 18th-century Nossa Senhora de Rosario Church; the Museum of Popular Art; and the Central Market.

Day 10 AT SEA

Relax and enjoy the amenities aboard Clelia II as we sail along the coast of Brazil.

Day 11 SAO LUIS

Sao Luis is one of Brazil’s most charming colonial cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sao Luis is the only settlement in Brazil founded by the French (1612), later coming under the control of the Portuguese. Beautifully situated on an island between two rivers, Sao Luis is notable for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Explore the city’s historic center where elegant mansions with azulejos (tiles) line narrow streets. Visit the Cathedral da Se, built in 1629; the Leoes Palace, originally a 17th-century fortress; the magnificent Artur Azevedo Theater; the Desterro church, notable for its facade; and other historic landmarks. In the evening, there will be a show of local music and dances aboard ship.

Day 12 AT SEA

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Attend lectures by our study leaders as Clelia II cruises along Brazil’s coast.

Day 13 BELEM | DISEMBARK

Disembark in Belem and transfer to the airport for the return flights.