Most of the colonization of Brazil in the 1700s took place in the southeast region. The focal points were Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, and the gold towns of Minas Gerais. In this adventure, you explore these key locations with a focus on the natural beauty and cultural riches of the past and present. You’ll see the famous monuments of Rio de Janeiro and the influence of the Portuguese royal court on the city, the beautiful beaches and historical port town of Paraty, and the rich culture and incredible food of the historical towns along the Royal Road in Minas Gerais.

DAY 1
Land in Rio and take the gondola at Pão de Açúcar, then a taxi up to Corcovado (Cristo monument). An afternoon walk along the boardwalk from Copacabana to Ipanema finishes the day. Choose between Ipanema and Leblon for an evening out.

DAY 2
Tour the historical sights of Rio de Janeiro, including the two palaces, Theatro Municipal, National Library, and the churches of São Francisco and São Bento. If there’s time, squeeze in the Museu Nacional de Belas Artes or the Museu Histórico da República. Spend the afternoon in the Jardim Botânical and an evening out in Ipanema.

DAY 3
Catch an early bus to Paraty and take a walking tour of the Centro Histórico. Then catch an early-afternoon bus to Trindade to explore the beaches and do some snorkeling and sunbathing. Spend the evening back in the Centro Histórico.

DAY 4
Enjoy a full-day boat excursion in the Bay of Paraty. Eat dinner and enjoy the evening in the Centro Histórico.

DAY 5
Take a tour of the waterfalls and fazendas of Paraty, then take the afternoon bus to São João del Rei. Spend the evening strolling around the Centro Histórico of São João del Rei.

DAY 6
Spend the day in Tiradentes with a walking tour of the sights, then return to catch the early evening bus from São João del Rei to Ouro Preto. Spend the evening out in Ouro Preto.

DAY 7
Take a walking tour of Ouro Preto’s churches and museums.

DAY 8
Spend the morning in Lavras Novas and the afternoon in Cachoeira do Campo (both by taxi or guide) to see two different interior towns. Catch the bus after dinner to Belo Horizonte and go directly to Sabará. Spend the evening in Sabará.

DAY 9
Take a walking tour of Sabará, then head back to Belo Horizonte in the afternoon to catch a flight to Rio and then back home.