Expedition Brazil: From the Amazon Delta to Bahia Shores

The Historic City Tour in São Luís offers not only an immersion into the rich history of the city but also a glimpse of its stunning beaches. This complete tour allows you to explore both the charms of the historic centre and the beautiful coastal landscapes. The tour begins with a visit to the main beaches of São Luís, such as Calhau Beach, São Marcos Beach, and Olho d'Água Beach. After this panoramic view of the beaches, we will continue to the historic centre of São Luís. Accompanied by a specialized guide, you will visit the Maranhão House, the Church of Sé, and various colonial-style mansions and historic streets. Additionally, there will be a stop at the Praia Grande Market, where you can admire and purchase local handicrafts, gaining deeper insight into the Maranhão culture and cuisine. The Historic City Tour in São Luís is an unmissable experience that combines the natural beauty of the beaches with the city's historical richness. It’s a unique opportunity to dive into the culture, history, and enchanting landscapes of São Luís. Take this tour to learn more about the past and identity of this special city.

Tour will leave as soon as local authorities will allow guests to debark, planned departure time is around 06:30 am. Return to the ship will be shortly before sailing. We will leave the Porto do Itaqui in São Luís to the picturesque town of Santo Amaro, nestled beside the breathtaking Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. This scenic adventure spans approximately four hours, with a 20-minute pause in the charming city of Morros for a refreshing break. As we continue our voyage, we will make a brief stop at a gas station where the 4x4 open-air vehicles (jardineiras) await. These rugged vehicles will transport us through the park's entrance gate, leading us to the awe-inspiring Great Dunes. Our next destination is the quaint village of Betânia. Here, we will embark on a serene boat ride across the tranquil Alegre River, arriving at the restaurant for a sumptuous lunch. After a relaxing break, we will venture back to the dunes, making stops at the park's stunning lagoons, perfect for a refreshing swim in their crystal-clear waters. To enhance your experience, we will visit a special tent set up by Swan Hellenic, where you can indulge in fresh fruits, juices, and towels, all while soaking in the natural splendour around you. As our day draws to a close, we will return to the gas station to board our buses, concluding our magical journey back to São Luís. Join us for a day filled with adventure, relaxation, and the unparalleled beauty of Lençóis Maranhenses.

With a population of approximately 2.2 million residents, Fortaleza stands today as Brazil’s fifth-largest capital, offering a unique mix of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty. This immersive experience invites you to explore the historical roots and modern charm of Ceará’s capital, one of Brazil’s most dynamic coastal cities. Your tour begins with a deep dive into the city's colonial past, where you'll learn how Portuguese settlers and Dutch forces clashed over the strategic Fort Schoonenborch. This pivotal conflict laid the foundation for what would become Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, officially established on April 13, 1726. As we traverse the city, you'll witness the harmonious blend of old and new. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture and one of the largest churches in Brazil. The tour will continue to the Central Market (Mercado Central), a bustling hub of local crafts, regional delicacies, and cultural souvenirs. Enjoy a panoramic drive passing by the Saint House of Mercy Hospital and Centro de Turismo while going to the Dragão do Mar Culture Center, one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in Fortaleza, Ceará, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Brazilian art, history, and heritage. Inaugurated in April 1999, the center spans over 33,000 square meters and was designed by renowned architects Delberg Ponce de Leon and Fausto Nilo, is home to a wide range of cultural and educational facilities and museums. After the visit drive back to the port passing by some of the most famous beaches as Meireles and Mucuripe Beaches, Praia do Futuro.

Escape to Cumbuco Beach, a hidden gem just 37 km west of Fortaleza, where nature’s beauty unfolds in a breathtaking fusion of golden dunes, emerald coconut groves, and serene lagoons. Once a traditional fishing village, this paradise now invites travelers to experience its untouched charm and exhilarating adventures. Hop on a buggy ride across the mobile dunes, where excitement and panoramic views blend into an unforgettable journey. Feel the rush as you glide over the sandy landscapes, surrounded by stunning coconut trees and the endless azure coastline. At the end of the buggy ride enjoy some free time on the beach.

Discover the history of João Pessoa with the City Tour, the ideal excursion to experience the rich history, culture, and architecture of the third oldest city in Brazil. On a guided tour, you will be amazed by the main attractions of this charming capital, from the easternmost point in the Americas to the fascinating Historic Centre, a journey through centuries of the city's history, featuring churches, monuments, and colonial buildings that narrate the evolution of the capital of Paraíba. Be enchanted by the colourful colonial architecture at one of the Historic Centre’s most traditional spots. Enjoy a stunning view of the Sanhauá River from the city's former luxury hotel. Your guide will lead you in the São Francisco Cultural Centre, giving you a full immersion in the history and traditions of the area. We will stop at the Paraibano Handcraft Market to give you the time to stroll a bit on your own and do some souvenir shopping.

Let the serene beauty of Paraíba’s southern coast sweep you away on this unforgettable adventure through Costa do Conde. Designed for those who crave tranquility and authenticity, this tour blends breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural encounters, all guided by a local expert who ensures your comfort every step of the way. Your journey begins at Coqueirinho Beach, a postcard-perfect stretch of golden sand framed by dramatic cliffs and swaying coconut palms. Known as one of the region’s most iconic beaches, Coqueirinho invites you to relax, swim, and soak in the natural beauty. To uncover its hidden gems, you’ll hop into a 4x4 or buggy and venture off the beaten path to panoramic viewpoints and secluded spots unreachable by bus. Next, step into the heart of Afro-Brazilian heritage with a visit to the Quilombola Community of Black Women of the Countryside. Here, you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality, taste traditional dishes, and learn about the community’s deep-rooted traditions in farming and cuisine. The tour continues to the Mirante do Castelinho da Princesa, where nature has sculpted the cliffs into formations that resemble a fairytale castle. It’s the perfect place to pause and capture stunning photos of this surreal landscape. Before heading back, enjoy a stroll through Rural Shopping, a delightful collection of artisan shops and local goods, showcasing the creativity and agricultural pride of the region’s families. Finally, unwind with a hearty Northeastern-style lunch at a cozy countryside farm, where rustic charm and home-cooked flavors come together for a truly satisfying end to your day.

Ge the most out of your day with a full day tour combining most of the visit of our included tour with some free time to enjoy the beach, at a special price. The first part of the day will be dedicated to the history of João Pessoa with a City Tour rich of history, culture, and architecture. You will be amazed by the main attractions of this charming capital, from the easternmost point in the Americas to the fascinating Historic Centre, a journey through centuries of the city's history, featuring churches, monuments, and colonial buildings that narrate the evolution of the capital of Paraíba. Be enchanted by the colourful colonial architecture at one of the Historic Centre’s most traditional spots. Your guide will lead you in the São Francisco Cultural Centre, giving you a full immersion in the history and traditions of the area. After the visit it is time to relax at Minha Praia Beach club, savoring lunch and enjoying the beach. At the end of the day, before getting back to the ship, a quick stop at the Paraibano Handcraft Market to give you the time to stroll a bit on your own and do some souvenir shopping.

Get a glimpse of the city’s intriguing cultural mix of African and European heritage. During the tour, you will get to see the historic and some modern sections of the city when continuing along the city to the Barra Lighthouse. This historic tour will focus on the city sites related to the colonial and Afro-Brazilian history of Salvador, by visiting Pelourinho, named a world heritage site by UNESCO, and Salvador being the most African-based population outside of Africa. We start by driving through the traditional neighbourhoods of Campo Grande and Vitória that will lead us to the Barra lighthouse for an outside visit of the first lighthouse of the American continent, at Saint Antony Fort with its beautiful view of the Atlantic. Time to capture memories of one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Upon arrival at the old town, we get off at the Municipal Square, by the Rio Branco Palace, one of the oldest palaces in Brazil. Start our promenade towards the Cross monument, and a visit to the Baianas memorial - a gallery that is part of the great work of the baianas do Acarajé Association in Salvador, that more than preserving the culture from Candomblé African religion, there is also attention dedicated to the continuity of this traditional manual work that promotes women financial empowerment. We continue moving and exploring this important site of Brazil’s colonial era; Upon reaching Terreiro de Jesus square, we visit the City Cathedral and the Saint Francis church, with its grandiose design that took decades to be finished and it is very representative of baroque architecture in Brazil. After this immersion, we stop to taste the drink icon of Bahia, coconut water, before having some free time to look around. Continuing our walk, we go to "Largo do Pelourinho", a site where enslaved Africans used to be punished in ancient times, and today it is the city post card for one of the most symbolic images of Salvador. Time to meet the bus and head back to the ship.