SECRETS OF OLD RIO DE JANEIRO
Half day with or without lunch

Discover the secrets of the history of Rio de Janeiro during this tour. After pick up at your hotel the guide takes you to the historical city centre where you are invited into Rio de Janeiro's history, its colonial past, it's Kings and queens with their balls, their ceremonies and their churches.

As the Portuguese Cabral sailed South after discovering Brazil near Salvador-Bahia, he arrived in January (Janeiro in Portuguese) 1502 to what he thought was a big river (Rio in Portuguese). As a matter of fact this was the Guanabara Bay. That was the origin of the name of Rio de Janeiro, that as a city was only officially founded in 1565 by the Portuguese.


During the walking tour trough the historical centre we will see many monuments left from the past like the Candelaria church built in 1775. Some best examples of baroc art decorated with gold in Brazil united in the Sao Bento Monastery. The Lapa Arches built in 1732 used as an aqueduct to guide water from the Carioca river to the city centre. The City Theatre built with furniture and decoration brought from Europe's finest artists in 1905.The 15 de Novembro square where several most important monuments of the city are localized: The Imperial Palace from the balcony of which the abolishment of slavery was proclaimed, The Tiradentes Palace, The City Cathedral built in 1808 as the royal church, The 16th century Carmelite convent and church, Telles Arches. The Boticario Square, where the buildings have been untouched from the beginning of this century, with mosaics, old facades and century old trees. The Banco de Brasil cultural centre where expositions are held. And the modern San Sabastian Cathedral with the capacity of 20.000 people. Of course the tour has a delicious ending. We are visiting Confeitaria Colombo, where the elite of Rio goes for their afternoon tea and coffee. Try the cakes!

After the tour the guide will leave you at your hotel. (food and drinks at Colombo not included)