Half Day Historical Tour of Salvador

Explore Salvador, one of Brazil’s most striking cities steeped in history. Salvador is famous for its colonial architecture, its rich and unique local culture (which is particularly evident in the music, cuisine and religion) and wonderful coastline.

Area

Bahia

Type

Art & Architecture

History

Who

Adults

Older Kids

Difficulty

Leisurely

Duration

Half Day

With almost three million inhabitants, it is the third most populous city in Brazil and the biggest in the country’s northeast. Over the course of half a day, you’ll visit Salvador’s highlights with your guide including the Pelourinho, the historical and cultural heart of Salvador. You’ll stop to admire the view at the Municipal Square, by the historic Lacerda Elevator which connects the Upper and Lower parts of the City. The Pelourinho has been designated an area of outstanding cultural heritage by UNESCO. Wander through its narrow streets, admiring the sites and sounds of this vibrant area and its colourful Portuguese baroque style architecture.

One of the architectural highlights is the Sao Francisco Church, built in the 17th century, with its ornate gold-leafed interior which leads on to Pelourinho Square. Here you’ll find great craft shops, museums, restaurants and bars and you’re likely to see live performances of local dance and music which are so important to Salvador’s cultural heritage.

Tours Featuring This Experience

Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.

Family Fun in Brazil

Discover the highlights of Brazil from the colonial splendours of Salvador, the lush Amazon jungle and Bahia’s tranquil golden beaches. The whole family will love the varied experiences and lively atmosphere of the Eastern coast, as you soak in samba beats and cultural delights of Rio, taking in the famous sights of the iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain. Followed by the mesmerising Amazon rainforest and exciting coastline of Bahia, creating the ultimate family holiday.

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Recommended Hotels Nearby

A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.

Uxua Casa Hotel

Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa is a stunning, individual boutique hotel by fashion label Diesel’s former creative director Wilbert Das offering gorgeous 1,2 and 3 bedroom private houses in the cliff top fishing village of Trancoso on Brazil’s idyllic Bahian coast.

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Casa do Amarelindo

Casa do Amarelindo is a charming 10-room hotel with plenty of character, set within a restored 19th Century colonial townhouse in the heart of the historic Pelourinho district of Salvador, a cultural gem in the Brazilian state of Bahia.

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Villas de Trancoso

Villas de Trancoso is an intimate boutique hotel set back from the beach on miles of unspoilt Bahian coastline near Trancoso, one of the earliest settlements founded by the Portuguese and now one of Brazil's top beach destinations.

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Txai Resort

The ideal retreat for those seeking natural beauty, barefoot luxury, and soothing serenity, the eco-friendly Txai Itacaré resort sits on Bahia’s undeveloped Cocoa Coast amid lush coconut groves, backed by endless white sand beaches and fine ocean views.

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Villa Bahia

Villa Bahia is a beautiful boutique hotel with individual guest rooms and very attentive service in the heart of Salvador's historic Pelourinho district, with picturesque views of the city's rooftops, bell towers and colourful colonial facades.

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Hotel Canto das Aguas

Hotel Canto das Aguas is a charming refuge in colonial Lençóis, with a beautiful setting overlooking the river and perfect for those who want to visit and enjoy the exuberant Chapada Diamantina National Park in Brazil.

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Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte

The family friendly Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte is conveniently located one hour's drive north of Salvador on Brazil's stunning Bahian coastline and surrounded by palm fringed beaches. It offers an abundance of onsite facilities and activities.

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