Barroco Minero and Estrada Real

 

Departures:  Year-round
Places Visited: Belo Horizonte, Inhotim, Ouro Preto, Mariana, Congonhas, São João Del Rei, Tiradentes, Petropolis and Rio de Janeiro

Highlights
Soak up the friendly atmosphere of Minas Gerais, tour the state capital of Belo Horizonte and contemporary art haven Inhotim. Visit the best preserved colonial towns in Brazil, admire spectacular 18th century baroque churches and meticulously preserved houses in Ouro Preto and Mariana, see the enormous soapstone sculptures masterfully carved by Brazil’s famous baroque artist, Aleijadinho, in Congonhas, savor outstanding Mineiro cuisine in charming Tiradentes and visit the grand former summer palace of Brazil’s last emperor in the mountain town of Petropolis.
 
WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 1 night of accommodation in Belo Horizonte
  • 1 additional dinner
  • Half day City Tour Belo Horizonte (optional)
  • 2 nights of accommodation in Ouro Preto
  • 2 additional lunches
  • Full day City Tour Mariana & Ouro Preto
  • Full day tour to Congonhas, São João Del Rei & Tiradentes
  • 1 nights of accommodation in Tiradentes
  • 1 additional lunch
  • Daily breakfast and local taxes in every hotel
  • City Tour in Petropolis

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Meals and drinks, except as mentioned above
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional tours and experiences
  • Any items not mentioned

Day 01: Confins Airport/Belo Horizonte. Transfer from Confins Airport to Belo Horizonte Hotel.

City Tour of Belo Horizonte 
Visit the highlights of Belo Horizonte, one of Brazil’s major cities; tour the Praça da Liberdade, the city’s lively main square and the Palacio das Artes, the most important performing arts and culture venue. Also visit the Pampulha District, famous for its complex of buildings designed by Brazil’s most renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer; one of the best known buildings is the São Francisco church, decorated with paintings by Cândido Portinari. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Day 02: Belo Horizonte / INHOTIM / Ouro Preto.
In the morning travel to INHOTIM. Inaugurated in October 2006, Inhotim is one of Brazil’s most unique contemporary art venues. Located in Brumadinho (60km/40 mi from Belo Horizonte), Inhotim encompasses more than a  million square meters of beautifully landscaped grounds with important collections of national and international contemporary art, a botanical garden and several educational and social projects. Lunch at one of the museum’s restaurants. Afterwards, continue to Ouro Preto. Arrival at Selected Hotel

Day 03: Ouro Preto / Mariana / Ouro Preto.

Full day tour of Ouro Preto and Mariana
The center of the 18th century gold rush, Ouro Preto is home to the largest collection of Baroque architecture and art in Brazil. Many of Ouro Preto’s churches are adorned by Aleijadinho, one of the best known 18th century Baroque sculptors and painters. Although much smaller than Ouro Preto, the nearby town of Mariana also features an impressive collection of baroque architecture decorated with many beautiful soapstone carvings. Lunch in the Chafariz restaurant and return to the hotel.

Day 04: Ouro Preto / Congonhas / São João Del Rei / Tiradentes.

Full day tour to Congonhas, São João Del Rei & Tiradentes
Travel to São João Del Rei. Along the way, visit the Bom Jesus de Matozinhos Sanctuary in Congonhas. A UNESCO Heritage Site, the Sanctuary features magnificent soapstone carvings of the 12 apostles by Baroque sculptor Aleijadinho. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of São João Del Rei; visit the historic town center, packed with beautiful churches, gardens and museums. One of the highlights is the 18th century baroque São Francisco de Assis church. Today’s final destination is Tiradentes, a charming small town set against the rolling hills of the Serra de São José. Stroll the cobblestone streets lined with beautifully preserved houses, charming art studios, quality craft stores, luxury boutique hotels and outstanding restaurants specializing in the hearty cuisine of Minas Gerais. Enjoy a guided walking your of Tiradentes and visit the Matriz de Santo Antônio church and the São José Fountain. Arrival at Selected Hotel in Tiradentes. The evening is free.

Day 05: Tiradentes / Petrópolis / Rio de Janeiro. Transfer to Rio de Janeiro with a visit to Petrópolis along the way.

City Tour in Petropolis
Known as the Imperial City, Petropolis is located 60 km/40 mi from Rio de Janeiro. Enchanted by the region’s cool mountain air and beautiful natural setting, Emperor Pedro II bought a large property in 1830 to build his grand summer palace. 
This tour starts with a visit to the Imperial Museum, the former palace. The museum’s collection features period furniture, paintings and personal objects of the royal family, including the massive gold crown, encrusted with pearls and diamonds. The tour continues to the Gothic Cathedral where Princess Isabel, D. Pedro II and his wife have been buried. Next visit the Crystal Palace, an elegant glass construction imported from France, where Princess Isabel hosted many great parties. Today, the venue hosts cultural exhibits and special events. The tour also includes a visit to the home of Santos Dumont, one of the world’s pioneers in aviation and avid inventor. The wrist watch was just one of his many inventions. Lunch at Lago Sul steak house. After lunch the journey continues to Rio de Janeiro. Arrival scheduled around 7 p.m.


Tour descriptions and approximate times are for informational purposes only.
Some places described may be substituted and/or approximate times may be subject to change, due to unexpected circumstances.