Uncover Rio’s history with a guided tour of its historic center, exploring iconic landmarks and savoring a traditional Brazilian lunch.
Uncover Rio’s history with a guided tour of its historic center, exploring iconic landmarks and savoring a traditional Brazilian lunch.
- Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro - Discover the history of Cinelândia and the main theater, and learn why this neighborhood is known as cinema land.
- Convent of St. Anthony (Convento do Santo Antonio) - Located in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil, the Convent and Church of Saint Anthony is a former Franciscan church and convent. Likely completed in…
- Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro - Discover the history of Cinelândia and the main theater, and learn why this neighborhood is known as cinema land.
- Convent of St. Anthony (Convento do Santo Antonio) - Located in Cachoeira, Bahia, Brazil, the Convent and Church of Saint Anthony is a former Franciscan church and convent. Likely completed in 1658, the church is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and showcases Baroque architecture with a Rococo frontispiece.
- Real Gabinete Portugues Da Leitura - Established in Rio de Janeiro in 1837 by Portuguese immigrants, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room (Real Gabinete Português de Leitura) aimed to be a cultural and literary hub. Its Neo-Manueline headquarters, built between 1880 and 1887, was inspired by Portuguese discoveries and inaugurated by the Brazilian imperial family. Today, it stands as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, offering a vast collection of Portuguese literature and is open to the public.
- Arco do Teles - Constructed in 1743 by Portuguese judge Francisco Telles de Menezes, the Telles Arch in Rio de Janeiro served as a passageway between Praça XV and Travessa do Comércio. Declared a Historic Heritage Site by IPHAN in 1938, it survived a major fire in 1790 and is now a renowned historic and tourist landmark, celebrated for its bohemian and cultural ambiance.
- Paco Imperial - The Paço Imperial in Rio de Janeiro is a building of great historical and cultural significance. It has been the residence of governors, the Portuguese Royal Family, and the Imperial family, and the site of key events such as Brazil’s declaration of independence and the abolition of slavery. Initially the residence of colonial governors, it became the Royal Palace for the Portuguese court in 1808 and later the Imperial Palace, playing a central role in governmental affairs and pivotal moments in Brazilian history, including the signing of the Lei Aurea in 1888. Today, it serves as a cultural center with exhibitions, concerts, restaurants, and a specialized library, maintaining its legacy as a symbol of Brazil’s rich history.
- Tiradentes Palace - Named after the revolutionary Tiradentes, the Tiradentes Palace in Rio de Janeiro was the former seat of the Brazilian National Congress (1926-1960) and now houses the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Inaugurated in 1926, the building is an architectural landmark representing Eclecticism and Brazil’s historical memory, with its history linked to the Cadeia Velha, the city’s old jail where Tiradentes was imprisoned. Its significance lies in its past as the center of Brazilian federal power and its current role as a symbol of the state’s democracy and a venue for political history exhibitions.
- Church of Our Lady of the Candelaria - Explore the fascinating history of how this church came to be.
- Pedra do Sal - Known as the birthplace of samba and a symbol of Afro-Brazilian culture, Pedra do Sal (Salt Stone) in Rio de Janeiro is a historically significant site. It was once a salt trading post and later a point for loading stones for port construction during Brazil’s colonial and slave periods. Its importance is rooted in its role as a center for African-Brazilian communities, religious practices, and the development of samba. Today, it remains a vibrant cultural hub with a weekly samba circle and growing recognition as a significant heritage site.
- Cais do Valongo - The Cais do Valongo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is an archaeological site that served as the main entry point for enslaved Africans in the Americas. Discovered in 2011, the site features multiple layers of historical cobblestones, with the oldest dating back to 1811 when the wharf was constructed to concentrate slave disembarkations. Its significance lies in being the most comprehensive physical remnant of the Atlantic slave trade, a site of conscience that evokes collective memory, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017, symbolizing the suffering and resilience of African descendants and celebrating Afro-Brazilian heritage.

- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Lunch
Delve into the vibrant history of downtown Rio de Janeiro, the birthplace of the city in 1565. Explore significant landmarks like the Imperial Palace, National Library, and breathtaking neo-gothic architecture while unraveling tales of Brazil’s past, including imperialism and local uprisings. This engaging tour offers a deep dive into Rio’s cultural…
Delve into the vibrant history of downtown Rio de Janeiro, the birthplace of the city in 1565. Explore significant landmarks like the Imperial Palace, National Library, and breathtaking neo-gothic architecture while unraveling tales of Brazil’s past, including imperialism and local uprisings. This engaging tour offers a deep dive into Rio’s cultural legacy through visits to historic sites such as Paço Imperial and the Municipal Theater, concluding with a traditional Brazilian meal at Beco das Sardinhas.
- Explore prominent historical locations including Praça XV, Real Convento de Santo Antônio, and the Tiradentes Palace.
- Savor a local Brazilian meal at a beloved neighborhood eatery
- Gain insights into Brazil’s history and architecture from passionate guides who adore the city.
- Tour runs from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, with all entrance fees included
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.