The three main islands in the delta of the Capibaribe and Beberibe rivers - Recife, Santo Antonio and Boa Vista - make up the city known as Recife, a modern capital of 1,500,000 inhabitants. It was named after the reefs (recifes) that protect the palm fringed beaches. Boa Viagem is the most popular beach. It is here one finds the best hotels, outdoor cafés and restaurants, as well as modern condominiums. The Dutch invasion of Recife in 1630 and their 30-year occupation can still be seen in its architecture, folklore and people. The cidade de Olinda, a few minutes from downtown Recife, was declared a World Monument by Unesco. It is one of the best kept historical sites in Brazil. During the Holy Week, Nova Jerusalém a small town 185 km from Recife stages a Pageant of the Passion of Christ. The entire population of the town takes part. It is the worlds largest open-air theater, and spectators go along with the performers from one station to the next.
SERVICES IN RECIFE
TRANSFER
From the International Airport to hotels, or vice-versa.
- CITY TOUR
Daily at 9:00 AM. Approximate duration: 3 1/2 hours. Driving through the business area, you will see how the monuments of yesteryear contrast with modern buildings. A visit to Olinda, the historical jewel of the colonial times, returning by the beaches that make Recife famous.
- RECIFE BY NIGHT
Wednesdays through Sundays at 8:00 PM. Approximate duration: 4 hours. A drive along the famous Boa Viagem beach, floodlit for night swimming in balmy waters. From the Alto da Sé at Olinda, a sweeping view of the twin cities of Recife and Olinda. The shore of Olinda, lined with restaurants. This tour includes a Folklore show at Pemambuco's Convention Center.
- ITAMARACA ISLAND
Daily at 8:00 AM. Approximate duration: 4 1/2 hours. Tour starts on BR-101 highway along the shoreline to Igarassu, one of the first Latin American villages (its church was built in 1535). It then continues to Itamaracá Island, linked to the continent by a bridge. Coconut tree forests cover the island, with beautiful tepid water beaches. The main attraction is Forte Orange, a magnificent sample of the XVII century fortresses built by the Dutch during their occupation period.
CARUARU AND NOVA JERUSALEM
Saturdays at 8:00 AM. Approximate duration: 10 hours. Tour to the hinterland of Pernambuco passing by the small town of Vitória de Santo Antão. It is located here the distillery of the famous Pitú sugar-cane spirit. Continue on to Caruarú, the largest open air market in Brazil where over 1,000 persons sell regional products and the world famous clay handicraft. Caruarú fair with its singers, has a unique atmosphere. The tour then goes on to Nova Jerusalém, the site of the great spectacle of the Passion of Christ described above.
PRAIA DO PORTO DE GALINHAS - Beach resort area 64km south of Recife.
Daily at 8:00 AM. Approximate duration: 8 hours.After an interesting and informative ride through sugar cane mills and plantations, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the crystal clear warm waters of Porto de Galinhas; and perhaps sunbathe on a boat or jangada. Rustic beach resorts and inns, invite the visitor to overnight in the area.
- MARIA FARINHA
Upon Request. To find a mass of cultural, historical and natural resources all in one spot within the vast expanse of Brazil is rather uncommon. Such is the case of the north shores of Pernambuco. Soon after Olinda, yet only 30 Km away from Recife, its capital, the city of Igarassu comes alive with history. It is home to the first church built on Brazilian soil, Igreja de São Cosme e Damião, dated 1535 and to the former convent "Convento de Santo Antonio" , which houses the most important paintings of Colonial Brazil. The beaches of Maria Farinha, municipality of Paulista, on the other hand, are samples of what our future could be, within easy reach of Recife. This tropical bliss, where beauty abounds, is cut by waterways leading into the open sea and dotted by sand dunes such as "Coroa do Avião" , which appears in all its splendor at low tide. To top it off, Maria Farinha, with its native bayous, marshes, lovely beaches and serene channels offers the perfect background for its modern hotels. The low-rise ecology-oriented hotels in Maria Farinha and Nova Cruz (part of Igarassu) are comfortable and lovely, awarding the guests with elegant surroundings among beautiful settings.
One of the largest urban centers in the world, São Paulo is Brazils major industrial center, but there are leisure attractions, too. The City Park and Zoo, the Ibirapuera Park and the Planetarium are worth visiting. Another must is the unique snake farm of Butantã institute. The local authorities draw up a calendar of interesting events throughout the year that are of specific interest. For gourmets, São Paulos superb cuisine is a revelation. Ethnic restaurants cater to the most demanding and discerning palates.
SERVICES IN SÃO PAULO
TRANSFER
>From Cumbica International Airport to hotels, or vice-versa.
>From Congonhas Domestic Airport to hotels, or vice-versa.
SPECIAL TOURS
- CITY TOUR
Daily at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Approximate duration: 3 hours. A leisurely drive among the city's towering sky-scrapers and magnificent mansions in beautiful residential districts. Trees in full bloom and exotic flowers decorate many of the streets. A visit to Butantã Institute, a major research center where serum is made. The campus of the São Paulo University, its parks and modern buildings. The Government Palace. The Morumbi soccer stadium and the lbirapuera Park.
DAY TOUR SANTOS-GUARUJA (Lunch included)
Daily at 9:00 AM. Approximate duration: 8 hours. A drive through the downtown area and the Japanese district. A visit to the site of the Declaration of Independence and to the Memorial. Then, along the Via Anchieta and the Imigrantes (highway system), passing the industrial district of São Paulo: the Ford, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Saab Scania and many other plants. A stop for a scenic view at the top of the, "Serra do Mar" . Down to the Aquarium, the Orchidarium, and a look at São Vicente, the first Brazilian settlement. On to Guarujá, a sophisticated seaside resort boasting fantastic sandy beaches.
- SPECIAL INTEREST TOURS
(Itinerary according to request) Mondays to Fridays. Approximate duration: 4 hours. Alcohol distilleries, coffee plantations, automobile assembly plants, chemical and textile industries, and other special interesting visits may be set up according to clients' needs.
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