Northern Adventure: Salvador & Itacimirim Tour

7 Days

From $ 749

About this SAAT Travel tour: Northern Adventure: Salvador & Itacimirim

The Northern Adventure: Salvador & Itacimirim trip takes you to the exciting city of Salvador, the beating heart of the country’s vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. Exploring the city’s colonial streets, this rich heritage will be experienced in the African drum rhythms of the capoeira dancers, the Candomblé ritual chants and in the delicious fusion flavors of the local dishes. Following a few days in the city you’ll head along the coast to Itacimirim for a good dose of sun, sea and sand on this peaceful little town’s many beaches. The Northern Adventure: Salvador & Itacimirim trip gives you a real taste of Brazil’s less visited Northern reaches, including its beautiful natural surroundings and fascinating cultural history.

Day 1
Arrive in Salvador

Salvador
After flying over the beautiful coastline of Bahia in Brazil's Northeast you'll arrive in Salvador, the first capital of Brazil (until Rio took over in 1763, followed by Brasilia in 1960). Upon arrival you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax at your hotel or take a stroll around the city centre. Be sure to ask for some restaurant recommendations and spend your first evening sampling the wonderful cuisine of Bahia.

Day 2
Salvador City

Salvador
After breakfast you will begin a guided tour of the city's historical and architectural sites of interest. Beginning at Barra's lighthouse and fort at the entrance of All Saints Bay and continuing on through the streets of the lower city. The tour continues on foot through small squares and narrow streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, to Pelourinho, in the heart of the city. Along the way you'll see the Orixás sculptures created by the Bahian artist Tati Moreno, visit the popular Fonte Nova football stadium, make a stop at the Modelo craft market where you can you browse for souvenirs, and see the Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos Church. (Meals - B)

Day 3
All Saints Bay

Salvador
Following breakfast you will be picked up and taken to the pier in the lower city for a full-day schooner tour of All Saints Bay. The trip starts with memorable views of the historical old city and continues across the blue waters of the bay. First stop will be Monk's Island, where you will be able to swim in the inviting waters or relax on the beach. You'll then move on to Itaparica, where you will stop for lunch. The schooner returns to Salvador in the late afternoon and the evening is free for you to enjoy the city. (Meals - B, L)

Day 4
Coconut Highway

Salvador to Itacimirim
Following breakfast you will be collected from your hotel for the journey to Itacimirim along the Coconut Highway north of Salvador. The road takes you along a rocky coastline dotted with quaint fishing villages as it winds its way to Itacimirim. After arriving at your hotel the rest of the day is free for you to relax and stretch your legs. There is a beautiful beach just moments from your hotel and a stroll along its golden sands as the sun sets will be the perfect way to begin your stay in the tranquility of Itacimirim. (Meals - B)

Day 5
Bahia Beach Day

Itacimirim
Itacimirim (meaning little Ant in the local Indian dialect) is a small fishing village surrounded by waving palm trees and warm South Atlantic seas. Today you can relax on one of the beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and snorkel in the pools on Esperera Beach. If the mood takes you borrow a surfboard and head down to Peru Beach to see if you can catch a few waves with the locals. In the evening head to one of the beach bar restaurants along the seafront and sample the days catch cooked in traditional Bahian style. (Meals - B)

Day 6
Atlantic Forest

Itacimirim
Itacimirim is surrounded by mangroves and the Atlantic Forest of the Sapiranga Nature Reserve, home to a wide array of plant, bird and animal life. Today you could take a forest walk or a boat trip up the Pojuca River to see some of the park's wildlife. Alternatively head to Praia do Forte, just 5km along the coast and visit the famous TAMAR Turtle Project on the beach. If this is too much activity you can always spend the day relaxing on one of the beautiful Bahia beaches and enjoying the tranquility of Itacimirim and its stunning natural surroundings. (Meals - B)

Day 7
Home from Bahia

Itacimirim to Salvador
After breakfast you will be picked up from your hotel and driven back to the airport in Salvador for your flight back to Rio. Once in Rio you can connect with your flight home. This tour can be combined with any of our other fantastic destinations in Brazil or South America - how about seeing the incredible force of nature that is Iguazu Falls or exploring the beautiful Buenos Aires? (Meals - B)