Brazil Custom Group Vacation Package – Salvador and Morro de Sao Paulo Carnival (8 Nights)

Day by Day Itinerary

This is a Sample Vacation Package that we have created for customers in the past.

Day 1 – Salvador
Upon arrival, a guide will be waiting for you with your name on a sign. A private transfer to your hotel will follow. SALVADOR: Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia, was the first major port and the capital of colonial Brazil for almost two centuries. The city lies between green tropical hills and broad beaches along the Bay of All Saints. It was built on two levels with administration buildings and residences constructed on the hills, with forts, docks, and warehouses on the beaches. To this day the city is still divided into upper and lower cities. Many of the city’s baroque churches, private homes, squares, and even the hand-chipped paving bricks have been preserved as part of Brazil’s historic patrimony. In Salvador, more than anywhere else in the country, the African influence in the makeup of Brazilian culture is readily visible. This can be seen from the spicy dishes still called by their African names (caruru, vatapa, acaraje), to the ceremonies of candomblé which honor both African deities and Catholic holidays, to the capoeira schools where a unique African form of ritualistic fighting is taught. Salvador is not only one of Brazil’s oldest cities, but one if its most gay-friendly as well. One of Salvador’s most popular and touristic neighborhoods is Barra; which is home to a variety of gay bars, saunas, hotels, and the most popular attended gay beach in the city. The annual Carnaval of Salvador attracts millions people and is one the most popular events in Brazil and worldwide for LGBT tourism, as everyone flocks to the streets for the 6-day long party. Wednesday is also officially the first day of Carnaval in Salvador. The opening of Carnaval begins with the presentation of the “blocos” and dozens of bands playing wind and percussion instruments for a preview of the party while parading along one the main Carnaval circuits. As tradition, the bands depart from the Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) at 7:00pm and parade along Avenida Oceanica until 2:00am

Day 2 – Salvador
On this tour we will explore the lower part of the city, including the quiet waters of Itapagipe Bay where the first holiday residences were built. It also includes a visit to the famous Bonfim Church (closed on Mondays) and the Modelo Market (closed on Sundays and holidays at afternoon) where we will find several craftsmen selling local works. The Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Church of our Lord of Bonfim) inaugurated in 1754 is one of the most popular in Brazil and certainly the most representative of blended religion constructed in the country. Dedicated to Jesus Christ, the Bonfin’s church is also the place for the cult of Oxalá, supreme divinity of candomblé. We will continue the excursion with a stop at the Monte Serrat Fort. This military construction fort from 1587 combines medieval and colonial architecture and provides a panoramic view of “All Saints Bay”. Crossing the suburbs that surround the bay, we arrive at the heart of the inner-city. At the end of the trip we will take a stroll down Porto da Barra, one of main tourist points of the city and an LGBT hot spot. The Salvador Carnival is by far the biggest street party in the world. Every year, around 2 million people participate in the Salvador Carnival Parades. During six consecutive days, from about 5pm to 5am, dozens of Bands make a parade along the streets, playing on big trucks (called Trios). The largest street carnival on Earth is held in Salvador Bahia, the `Land of Happiness` and gateway to the tropical northeast coast of Brazil. The Barra-Ondina circuit is the most popular route where the trios start at the the Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) and go until the adjoining neighborhood for a few kilometers. There are 3 main ways to enjoy Carnaval as outlined below: Bloco – You can dance on the streets inside a safety area surrounding the Trio, protected by bodyguards and thus isolated from the crowd. To be accepted it is necessary to buy a t-shirt (called Abadá), that identifies you as a member of that Trio/Bloco Camarote – You can watch the Carnaval from the Camarote, a balcony located along the avenues above the streets. They offer drinks, food, music, a dancing environment, and more depending on the specific camarote. Pipoca – You can simply dance on the streets with the crowd for free called “Pipoca” (popcorn), which is a funny way to describe how the crowd looks from a distance. Bloco dos Masquerados – The bloco dos Masquerados is one of the oldest LGBT blocos of the Salvador Carnival. The bloco will have its 18th year for the 2017 Carnival. Access is free and the tradition is to wear costumes and masks. The bloco is in the Barra/Ondina Circuit concentrated at the Farol da Barra and many famous people have participated in the bloco in the past. The list for who will lead in 2017 has still not yet been released. The first night you will have the opportunity to enjoy the the Bloco dos Mascaradas and afterwards the camarote of Licia Fabio. The Bloco dos Mascarados is one of the oldest LGBT blocos of the Salvador Carnival. The bloco will have its 18th year for the 2017 Carnival. Access is free and the tradition is to wear costumes and masks. The bloco is in the Barra/Ondina Circuit concentrated at the Farol da Barra and many famous people have participated in the bloco in the past. The list for who will lead in 2017 has still not yet been released. The Licia Fabio camarote is situated at the Monte Pascoal Hotel in Barra and will feature an open bar and themed costume party.

Day 3 – Salvador
On Friday night, you will enjoy the Bloco Cha Rosa, headlined by Alinne Rosa. The Bloco Cha Rosa is a bloco commanded by singer Alinne Rosa, a popular Brazilian singer and active member of the LGBT community. She has participated and gained a lot of attention in the Cha de Alice, an annual party in various cities throughout Brazil that is widely attended by the Gay public. 2017 will be the second year Alinne Rosa will head the Cha Rosa bloco, one of the most popular blocos for the gay community at the Salvador Carnaval.

Day 4 – Salvador
A full day Schooner tour departing from Maritime Terminal in Salvador. 9:00 – 11:30 -During the tour, you will pass by some the most stunning points of Salvador including the São Marcelo Fort, the Bonfim Church, and Tainheiros Cove. You will have the opportunity to stop at Ilha de Maré to take pictures and enjoy the stunning views of this tropical island. Next we will head towards Ilha dos Frades following the coast of Ilha de Maré. We will reach the beach of Loreto with its charming colonial church that overlooks the island of Bom Jesus. 11:30 – 12:30- You will have the opportunity to swim at Loreto Beach on Ilha das Frades and also enjoy the relaxing natural pools. Don’t be shy about showing some skin, as men in Brazil are accustomed to wearing a sunga, known as a Brazilian speedo. 12:30 – 14:30 – You will return to the Schooner Resort boat that will anchor at the Loreto Cove, one of the most protected places in the bay with an array of tropical vegetation. Here there will be served an exclusive buffet lunch prepared by the Chef. 14:30 – 16:30 –After lunch, we will continue the tour navigating around Ilha dos Frades and passing by other islands, sand banks, and the Nossa Senhor Point of Guadalupe with its beaches of crystalline waters before arriving back in Salvador. 17:00 – Arrival back at the Maritime Terminal in Salvador, in time to enjoy the nighttime Carnaval festivities. Rio Vermelho In the evening, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Salvador for a night out in the city! First you will tour the neighborhood of Rio Vermelho, which is considered one of the most vibrant and cultural bohemian neighborhoods in Salvador. A neighborhood filled with artists and lots of bars, Rio Vermelho contains the main gay nightclub of Salvador; San Sebastian. The pre-game can be done in Largo de Santana, where Dinha is located. It is one of the most famous spots and arguably the best in Bahia to enjoy Acarajé, a typical snack food which is similar to a shrimp falafel. Chupito is also one of the more trendy bars in the area, where a variety of drinks and shots are served. The bar is located between Largo de Santana and the San Sebastian night club. San Sebastian Club in Rio Vermelho After some fun and drinks, you will be then transferred to the San Sebastian Night Club in Rio Vermelho. The San Sebastian Club is a gay electronic nightclub that unites the good taste and high quality of Salvador, something that all its visitors deserve. Big names and artists of the international electronic scene are played throughout the club that has one of the best and most up to date sound systems. The building consists of 2 floors is full of bars, camarotes, and an ample area for dancing. Things can for sure get hot, (or as Brazilians say esquenta!), during your night out at one of the most frequented gay clubs in Salvador.

Day 5 – Salvador
In the morning, you will have a transfer to Praia do Flamengo for a full day of fun in the sun! You will have this day to enjoy Praia do Flamengo, one of the nicest beaches in Salvador. Located farther away from the city center and main tourist hub in Salvador, Praia do Flamengo offers calm, less crowded, and beautiful beach setting combined with a relaxed atmosphere all around. You will also find the Barraca Pipa here, which is one of the most attended beach front restaurants in Salvador by the LGBT public during the summer months. Praia do Flamengo also offers higher quality restaurants and some of best beach bars in Salvador. The setting is ideal to meet new people and have some fun right on the edge of the ocean in this beach paradise.

Day 6 – Morro de Sao Paulo
On this last day in Salvador, you will be transferred from your hotel to the Salvador to Morro de Sao Paulo. There are 2 ways to arrive to Morro de Sao Paulo, by Catamaran or by Plane. You will either de driven to Port in Salvador or the airport depending on your chosen method. MORRO DE SAO PAULO: With this package, you will enjoy the incredible celebration of Carnival on the breathtaking island town of Morro de Sao Paulo. Situated on the island of Tinhare off the coast of Bahia, Morro de Sao Paulo truly feels like a tropical paradise. This vacation package is perfect for those who want to combine the tranquility of the island with exciting festivities. The beautiful beaches, amazing landscapes, and street parties make Morro de Sao Paulo an ideal destination growing in popularity for the Carnival. The town also offers many walking and horseback riding tours to explore the natural beauty of the island, while seeing the historical highlights of a lighthouse and ruins of a colonial fort. Whether you enjoy relaxing on the beach, participating in the ongoing parties of Carnival, or seeing the rich culture and history of the island, Morro de Sao Paulo includes everything one can imagine for an unforgettable Carnival experience. Many people flock to Morro for a Ressaca (hangover) post Carnaval where the parties still continue even after the Carnaval in Salvador comes to an end. You won’t find bands or big trucks but there will be parties on almost every corner and an atmosphere to enjoy the amazing scenery. The Carnaval of Gamboa is the biggest success and the closest to the Carnaval atmosphere of Salvador. The beach is a 30 minute walk from the Morro de Sao Paulo center but boats also leave that take about 15 minutes. There are 4 days of partying from Saturday to Tuesday and and mini electric trios along with a costume contest.

Day 7 – Morro de Sao Paulo
Feel free to take this day to enjoy some of the relaxing beaches and natural pools as well the Carnival parties throughout the island. Tours are also available including horse backing riding, hiking, snorkeling, and boat tours.

Day 8 – Morro de Sao Paulo
The Gamboa tour is a very interesting tour for those who want to enjoy more of this island paradise. The tour visits many of the islands surrounding points such as the Ponto Cultural, Ilha da Coroa de Areia (Coral and Sand Island), Praia da Gamboa, and the famous clay bath in natural pools, which is known to be great for the skin.

Day 9 – Morro de Sao Paulo
On your last day in Morro de Sao Paulo, you will either return by boat or plane to Salvador before catching your departure flight from the Salvador airport. ITS thanks you for choosing us and we hope to see you again soon!

Contact us for a Custom Salvador and Morro de Sao Paulo Carnival Vacation Package created just for you.

• 5 star – Deville Prime Salvador
• 5 star – Fera Palace Hotel
• 4 star – Golden Tulip Rio Vermelho
• 4 star – Hotel Fasano Salvador
• 4 star – Pestana Convento do Carmo
• 4 star – Vila Gale Salvador
• 3 star – Ibis Salvador Hotel

Morro de Sao Paulo Hotel Options

• 4 star – Hotel Portalo

Salvador Tour Options

• Private Airport transfers
• Full Day Salvador City Tour featuring Pelourinho
• Bahia Folkloric Ballet show
• Folkloric Dinner Show in a UNESCO World Heritage sea front Fort
• A typical Bahian lunch
• Mercado Modelo and other historical sites
• 4-Wheeler tour through Atlantic Forest with a river stop
• Canoe trip down the pristine Imbassai River
• Typical Bahian lunch at a fisherman village
• Complementary stress release massage

Morro de Sao Paulo Tour Options

• Private Plane transfers or Catamaran transfers to the island
• Boipeba Island Tour with snorkeling and swimming
• Gamboa Tour to principal points and beaches of Morro de Sao Paulo
• Horseback Riding Tour