Salvador & Praia do Forte Tour

8 Days

From $ 949

About this SAAT Travel tour: Salvador & Praia do Forte

The Salvador & Praia do Forte tour takes you to the exciting Northern 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 food. Following a few days in the city you’ll head along the coast to peaceful Praia do Forte for a good dose of sun, sea and sand on the town’s many beaches. The Salvador & Praia do Forte trip gives you a real taste of Brazil’s less visited Northern reaches, including its beautiful natural surroundings and fascinating cultural history.

Day 1
Arrival in Bahia

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 Praia do Forte
Following breakfast you will be collected from your hotel for the journey to Praia do Forte along the Coconut Highway north of Salvador. The journey takes you along a rocky coastline dotted with quaint fishing villages as it winds its way to Praia. After arriving at your hotel the rest of the day is free for you to relax and stretch your legs. There are 13km of beautiful beaches around Praia do Forte as well as a handful of restaurants and boutiques lining its sandy streets - head to the beach to catch a beautiful Bahia sunset. (Meals - B)

Day 5
Bahia Turtle Watching

Praia do Forte
Today you will visit the famous turtle sanctuary, the TAMAR sea turtle project, on Praia do Forte's beach front. The project works along 50km of coastline around town to protect the endangered turtles and preserve their nesting ground. If you visit between September and March you may well be able to see the baby turtles emerging from the sand, or from the hatcheries of the project, and being released into the sea. The project now works in several sites along Brazil's coast and it is estimated that they help protect around 500,000 baby turtles a year - less than a 1000 of which will make it to adulthood. (Meals - B)

Day 6
Atlantic Forest

Praia do Forte
After breakfast you'll head out to the stunning Sapiranga Ecological Reserve where you'll hike through protected Atlantic Forest home to a wide array of native plant, bird and animal life. After a morning hike you'll stop off at the Pojuca River rapids for a swim and a rest before continuing on to visit a manioc flourmill to see production techniques. Last stop will be the 16th Century Garcia D'Avila Castle. In the afternoon you'll return to Praia do Forte for a late lunch and the rest of the day is free for you to relax on the beach. (Meals - B)

Day 7
Bahia Beach Day

Praia do Forte
Today you can spend a full day relaxing on Praia do Forte's beautiful beach where white sandy stretches and waving palm trees make for the perfect Bahian beach day. The reef just off shore acts as a natural breakwater, making the turquoise waters of the bay calm and clear. The tidal pools that form amongst the coral reef warm up in the sun, making them the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling amongst the feeding fish. There are many colorful tropical species that make their home in the waters of Praia do Forte. (Meals - B)

Day 8
Leaving Bahia

Praia do Forte to Rio de Janeiro
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)