Private Full-Day Tour - Salvador's Lower & Upper City

This full-day adventure will allow you to enjoy both the magnificent panoramic views Salvador offers, as well as discover its rich history, extraordinary architecture, and dynamic culture, result of the blend of Portuguese, African and Indigenous people. We will see the city from different angles, discovering the Lower City, with its bucolic interior atmosphere, around the calm waters of the All Saints Bay, and continuing to the tip of the Itapagipe Peninsula, the extreme west part of Salvador, and then the Upper City with its Historic Center – the cradle of our city’s history.

Itinerary

1. Our journey will start at the Farol da Barra, where we will enjoy the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean and the entrance to the bay. (20 min)
2. We will then head to Dique do Tororó, where we will appreciate the famous sculptures of the Orixás – African Dieties by the artist Tati Moreno, which reflect the African influence in the everyday lives of Bahians, and we will see the soccer stadium, Arena Fonte Nova. (20 min)
3. While making our way down to the Lower City, we will drive through Salvador’s old financial center and the Port of Salvador towards Ribeira district.
4. We will have a chance to stop at the city’s most traditional ice cream shop, Sorveteria da Ribeira, where we will have a chance to enjoy some of the over 70 flavors available, many of which are made with the typical fruits of the region. (20 min)
5. Next, we will arrive at the Bonfim Church, one of the most famous churches in all of Brazil and a great representation of the religious syncretism so present in our culture, where we can tie the traditional colored ribbons and ask all the saints for their protection. Moved by faith, the people of Bahia walk 8 km (5 mi) annually on the traditional Bonfim festival. (30 min)
6. On the way, we will go to Ponta de Humaitá and make a stop at the Mont Serrat Fort, where we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Salvador. (20 min)
7. We will then reach the top of the Upper City, where the Portuguese built the first capital of Brazil, similar to an acropolis. From the Municipal Square we will see the Rio Branco Palace, the City Council and the iconic Lacerda Elevator, from where we will enjoy a magnificent view of the bay with its islands, the old financial district and Mercado Modelo, a handicraft market. (20 min)
8. WE will pass through the Sé Square, where the first cathedral of Brazil was built and we can still see its ruins. (20 min)
9. The Terreiro de Jesus Square, home of the former Jesuit School and Church were originally built. Nowadays, it's the new Basilica Cathedral. At this point we will provide free time for lunch. (1h 0min)
10. After lunch, we will visit one of the Brazil's most beautiful cathedrals.The Basilica Cathedral of Salvador is the mother of all Brazilian Catholic churches and houses one of the most important collections of Brazilian sacred art. (30 min)
11. Saint Francis Square is in the hart of the old city, where we find bars, restaurants and handicraft shops. But, the landmark here is really the world's famous Saint Francis of Assisi Church, a true barroque gem (visit). Ticket not included. (10 min)
12. This is one of the most beautiful squares of Salvador, where the Jorge Amado Foundation and the Church of Rosary of the Black Men are located. (20 min)