SALVADOR, BRAZIL

Discover the many faces of Salvador da Bahia during this excursion. Get a glimpse of the city’s intriguing cultural mix of African and European heritage. From the ship we will be transferred by coach directly to the bus park and take the lift to reach the Historical Centre.

Discover the many faces of Salvador da Bahia during this excursion. Get a glimpse of the city’s intriguing cultural mix of African and European heritage. From the ship we will be transferred by coach directly to the bus park and take the lift to reach the Historical Centre. Our walking tour begins here, visiting the Pelourinho district, one of the oldest areas in town. We will stroll throughout its narrow cobbled streets lined with old buildings which now house art galleries, jewellery and souvenir shops. The “Largo do Pelourinho” is a colonial square and pillory, where slaves and prisoners were punished in full view of the approaching gentry. We will then take a walk to “Terreiro de Jesus Square”, where we will be able to see the town of Salvador’s most important church, unfortunately closed due to the Carnival Period. Facing Terreiro de Jesus Square is the Baroque Cathedral, formerly the chapel of the largest Jesuit seminary outside Rome. The plain exterior masks one of the most beautiful churches in the city. The stunning interior includes a panelled ceiling of carved and gilded wood which gives the church a light airy feel, contrasting sharply to the overwrought Rococo altar and side chapels. From there, we can continue walking to the Municipal Square, where we can see the Lacerda’s Elevator, linking the upper and lower city, and take an overview of Baia de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay). Walking back through the Historical Centre, we will see the Sao Francisco Church. The opulent interior features cedar woodcarvings covered in gold leaf that took 28 years to complete. Back to the coach, we will travel around the Dique do Tororo, where we will be able to see the “Orixas Sculptures” by the Bahian artist Tati Moreno and drive to Bonfim Church to make a visit. Leaving Bonfim to go to Maercado Modelo (handicraft market), we will see different kinds of souvenir shops with musical instruments, T-shirts, tapestries, paintings and small jewels, leather articles and more. Please note that due to heavy carnival traffic congestion on the roads may be encountered. There is also a lot of walking involved in this tour and sometimes over cobbled streets, therefore not recommended for those with walking difficulties. External visits only to the churches will be made.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE