In Bahia, Africa abounds. Salvador is the most African of the Brazilian cities with up to 80% of its population of over two million people having African origins. The local cuisine, music and dance forms and its extremely vibrant visual arts traditions are all testament to this permeating African influence.
Salvador: Capital of the State of Bahia, and also Brazil's capital until 1763, Salvador is divided in two parts. The "Lower City" is at sea level and contains the old port and the commercial area where visitors will find a complete and varied assortment of Brazilian arts and crafts at the Modelo Market.
The "Upper City" can be reached by stone steps, alleyways or the famous Lacerda Elevator. This part of the city contains the old government buildings, the residential districts, museums, churches and much of the newer architecture.
Costa do Sauipe: Is a 500 acre complex just 50 miles north of historic Salvador, Bahia. The beaches are beautiful and the combination of hote
DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Arrive in the Land of Happiness Meet and greet at the airport in Salvador and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, we trace the African roots of Salvador on a city tour, which combines the newer, modern section and the older Historical Center of Salvador, the largest and best-preserved center of colonial architecture in Latin America. The area is home to many places of interest to those wishing to trace this underlying African influence. We stroll through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. We visit the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior. We visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum, which traces the West African origins of the city, and see the superb wooden, sculpted panels of the orixa's by Salvador's most celebrated artist, Carybe. Museum entrance fee included. Overnight.
2
The Candomble experience In the evening we attend a folklore show depicting the sacred dances of the Candomble: the maculele, a stick and sword dance from the cane fields; the dance of the caboclo, an amerindian hunting dance; capoeira, a martial art/dance of Angolan origin and the samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance. Dinner is a buffet with a wide selection of local and international dishes. Overnight.
3
Browsing Bahian Arts Free morning to do some shopping or enjoy a walk along the lovely beaches that bathe Salvador. Around 2pm your guide will pick you up at your hotel for an interesting introduction to Bahian arts. Bahia has always been famous for its music, but there is a also a thriving visual arts scene, which like the music, borrows heavily from African influences. Our tour takes us to the ateliers of three artists, each working in distinctly different media. We visit a cooperative of painters working in the naive style; a tapestry maker and finally a ceramic artist. Each one of our visits is to a part of town not normally seen on any city tour, giving us an even broader view of this multi-faceted city, where artistic expression, whatever the medium, is such an important part of life. Free evening. Overnight.
4
At leisure in Salvador A full day to enjoy the Land of Happiness at your own pace. We recommend the full day tour to Cachoeira, which will introduce you to the Brazil of yesteryear including a visit to the Sisterhood of the Boa Morte, the oldest sorority of black women in the Americas. Or you may want to meet a mae de santo for the jogo de buzios, the ancient divination art involving the throwing and interpretation of the cowry shells. At night do not miss the Pelourinho area with its drumming troupes and cozy terraces with live Brazilian music. Overnight.
5
On to Sauipe This morning a representative will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you by car to Sauipe, a lovely beach resort located one hour north of Salvador.
6
Sauipe Sauipe is one of Brazil’s most popular leisure destinations, a land of friendly people, long, palm-lined, sandy beaches, exquisite cuisine, ecological wonders and first class resorts.
7
Sauipe At leisure in Sauipe.
8
Depart Sauipe At the appointed time a representative will transfer you to the airport in Salvador for your departing flight.
Round-trip airport transfers in Salvador and Sauipe.
Breakfast daily.
Dinner daily at Sauipe (Deluxe option only)
City tour of Salvador
Half-day Candomble tour.
Salvador Folklore Show with dinner.
Half-day tour of Bahian Arts.
Hotel taxes and service charges.
Baggage handling.
English-speaking assistance.
Note: Rates based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Please contact our office for single occupancy rates, add-ons from cities throughout the U.S., different hotels or to add additional days to your stay. We would be pleased to customize your itinerary.
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In Bahia, Africa abounds. Salvador is the most African of the Brazilian cities with up to 80% of its population of over two million people having African origins. The local cuisine, music and dance forms and its extremely vibrant visual arts traditions are all testament to this permeating African influence.
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