Exploring Minas Gerais: 3-Day Historical Gold Route Tour from Rio
Exploring Minas Gerais: 3-Day Historical Gold Route Tour from Rio
Embark on a spellbinding 3-day trip that transports you to the golden age of Brazil, beginning in Rio and venturing into the heart of Minas Gerais. Witness the historic charm of São João Del Rei and Tiradentes, with their colonial-era splendors, and take a magical steam train ride through these towns. Delve deeper into history with a visit to Ouro Preto, a UNESCO site celebrated for its Baroque architecture and gold rush legacy. The adventure concludes in the historic Mariana, where despite its modest size, it's packed with tales of Brazil's luminous past. Culminate your journey with a picturesque return to Rio, carrying memories of Brazil's rich cultural tapestry.
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Embark on a spectacular 3-day tour that takes you from the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro to the heart of Minas Gerais, tracing the golden footsteps of Brazil's rich history. This adventure begins in the bustling city of Rio and transports you to the colonial elegance of São João Del Rei and Tiradentes. Here, the 18th-century comes alive through their preserved architecture and cultural heritage, offering a peek into a bygone era. The highlight of this leg is a memorable steam train ride linking these charming towns, providing a rare chance to travel through time.
The journey deepens as you explore Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, renowned for its stunning Baroque buildings, intricate cobblestone pathways, and echoes of the once-lucrative gold rush. It's a place where history is etched into every corner, presenting a maze of marvels to uncover.
As the tour concludes, we visit the small yet significant town of Mariana. Its compact size belies the wealth of historical gems it houses, serving as a perfect endnote to our exploration of Brazil's golden age. A delightful lunch in Mariana caps off the experience, followed by a picturesque ride back to Rio.
This journey is an invitation to step into Brazil's splendid past, experiencing the stories and landscapes that shaped its history. Join us for an unforgettable voyage through time, where each destination tells a fascinating tale of glory and gold.
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Itinerary
Discover Brazil's Golden Era: A 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro -> São João Del Rei -> Tiradentes
Embark on a historical journey, leaving Rio early in the morning to explore São João Del Rei's colonial architecture. Following this, enjoy a scenic steam train ride to Tiradentes, delve into its rustic charm, and stay overnight at a local inn.
Day 2: Tiradentes -> Ouro Preto
Continue to Ouro Preto, once the epicentre of Brazil's Gold Rush, to marvel at Baroque architecture and historic sites. The day ends with a leisurely evening and overnight stay in Ouro Preto.
Day 3: Ouro Preto -> Mariana -> Rio de Janeiro
The final day takes us to Mariana, offering a glimpse into Brazil's golden past, followed by a scenic journey back to Rio, ending the tour with a wealth of historical insights and memories.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Breakfast
- Transport by fully-equipped vehicles
- Professional bilingual private tour guide
- Any address pick-up & drop-off are included like hotel and airport
- VAT, all taxes, handling charges, and airport Greet & Meet service
- Tolls, vehicle, fuel, and parking fees during stops
- 2 nights at a local inn in the cities of Tiradentes and Ouro Preto
- All tours & entrances to attractions described in the program
- Travel insurance for every tourist
Exclusions
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
Important Notes
Discover the allure of Brazil's bygone era of gold and glory in this immersive 3-day journey, starting from the city of Rio and venturing into the heart of Minas Gerais.
- Experience the charm of colonial-era towns, São João Del Rei and Tiradentes, with their 18th-century architecture and rich cultural history.
- Enjoy a scenic steam locomotive ride connecting these enchanting towns.
- Visit Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and gold rush era remnants.
- Explore the quaint town of Mariana, rich in historical attractions, on the final day.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch in Mariana before returning to Rio.
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- AIRPORTS ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS: A staff member will wait for you at the airport arrivals area with a sign bearing your name, then escort you to your private vehicle. Please provide flight info for airport pickups.
- HOTEL PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS: The driver or tour guide will have the hotel front desk call you in your room upon arrival if you are not in the lobby.
- In case you cannot locate our driver, call the emergency contact numbers: 55 (11) 21571629, 55 (11) 9 9311-9144, 55 (11) 9 4738-2606.
- PICK-UP INFORMATION: Specify your desired pick-up location within Rio de Janeiro city limits at booking. No countryside or far from city pick-ups.
- DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS: Specify your desired drop-off location within Rio de Janeiro city limits at booking. No countryside or far from city drop-offs.