Private Full-Day Tour - Salvador's Lower & Upper City
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
This full-day adventure will allow you to enjoy both the magnificent panoramic views Salvador offers, as well as discover its rich history, extraordinary architecture, and dynamic culture, result of the blend of Portuguese, African and Indigenous people. We will see the city from different angles, discovering the Lower City, with its bucolic interior atmosphere, around the calm waters of the All Saints Bay, and continuing to the tip of the Itapagipe Peninsula, the extreme west part of Salvador, and then the Upper City with its Historic Center – the cradle of our city’s history.
Inclusions
What's included
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Tour guide service
What's not
- Lunch
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Tickets to the Basilica Cathedral
Itinerary
Our journey will start at the Farol da Barra, where we will enjoy the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean and the entrance to the bay.
We will then head to Dique do Tororó, where we will appreciate the famous sculptures of the Orixás – African Dieties by the artist Tati Moreno, which reflect the African influence in the everyday lives of Bahians, and we will see the soccer stadium, Arena Fonte Nova.
While making our way down to the Lower City, we will drive through Salvador’s old financial center and the Port of Salvador towards Ribeira district.
We will have a chance to stop at the city’s most traditional ice cream shop, Sorveteria da Ribeira, where we will have a chance to enjoy some of the over 70 flavors available, many of which are made with the typical fruits of the region.
Next, we will arrive at the Bonfim Church, one of the most famous churches in all of Brazil and a great representation of the religious syncretism so present in our culture, where we can tie the traditional colored ribbons and ask all the saints for their protection. Moved by faith, the people of Bahia walk 8 km (5 mi) annually on the traditional Bonfim festival.
On the way, we will go to Ponta de Humaitá and make a stop at the Mont Serrat Fort, where we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Salvador.
We will then reach the top of the Upper City, where the Portuguese built the first capital of Brazil, similar to an acropolis. From the Municipal Square we will see the Rio Branco Palace, the City Council and the iconic Lacerda Elevator, from where we will enjoy a magnificent view of the bay with its islands, the old financial district and Mercado Modelo, a handicraft market.
WE will pass through the Sé Square, where the first cathedral of Brazil was built and we can still see its ruins.
The Terreiro de Jesus Square, home of the former Jesuit School and Church were originally built. Nowadays, it's the new Basilica Cathedral. At this point we will provide free time for lunch.
After lunch, we will visit one of the Brazil's most beautiful cathedrals.The Basilica Cathedral of Salvador is the mother of all Brazilian Catholic churches and houses one of the most important collections of Brazilian sacred art.
Saint Francis Square is in the hart of the old city, where we find bars, restaurants and handicraft shops. But, the landmark here is really the world's famous Saint Francis of Assisi Church, a true barroque gem (visit). Ticket not included.
This is one of the most beautiful squares of Salvador, where the Jorge Amado Foundation and the Church of Rosary of the Black Men are located.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 556
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Ratings come from 56 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5Great tour with an even...
Great tour with an even better guide! Carlos was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and made the experience memorable. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn about Salvador.
5The Ultimate Salvador Experience — Carlos is as Good as It Gets!
If you are visiting Salvador, booking a tour with Carlos is an absolute must—his deep mastery of Bahia’s history brought every cobblestone street of Pelourinho, historic cathedral, and military fort alive with fascinating context, while treating me to unforgettable panoramic views and photo stops. From curating incredible local shopping for Brazilian apparel, chocolates, and cigars to introducing me to an authentic, mouthwatering moqueca lunch at Cuco Bistro, Carlos delivered a seamless, world-class experience that made me fall in love with the city.
5A perfect day in Salvador!
Carlos led us on a fabulous trip around Salvador introducing us to the history and culture of his amazing city. His winsome enthusiasm for his city was contagious! He was kind and thoughtful with sharing umbrellas on our rainy day. He showed us all the highlights and found the perfect lunch spot for us to enjoy delicious Bahian cuisine! All in all it was a fabulous day and Carlos treated us well! Thank you so much, Carlos!!
5Carlos is amazing!
Carlos was an incredible guide! He is so knowledgeable about Salvador and the history, architecture, and culture of the city. The tour is fantastic - we really learned a lot and got to see so many special places and enjoy some incredible food. Carlos speaks perfect English and took care of all of the logistics for our group of 9 people with lots of luggage, and even arranged transportation for us unrelated to the tour. Highly recommend!
5Carlos was one of the...
Carlos was one of the best guides lve had, very personable, informative and guided us through and around all the stops seamlessly, highly recommended
5Carlos was an excellent, informative, and friendly guide
An excellent comprehensive tour covering the modern city and the older parts. Delicious ice cream along the way
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Carlos Eduardo Barbosa
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Salvador da Bahia
- Its from-price is close to the median of the 67 day trips we list in Salvador da Bahia.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 7 of 67.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Salvador da Bahia
Salvador is the capital of Bahia on Brazil's north-east coast, a city of Afro-Brazilian culture, colourful colonial streets, churches and Atlantic beaches.
Salvador was founded by the Portuguese in 1549 and was Brazil's first capital, later a major port of the sugar and slave trades, and the Afro-Brazilian heritage that resulted shapes its music, religion and food. The old centre, Pelourinho, is a UNESCO-listed hill of pastel colonial houses, cobbled squares and baroque churches. The Church of São Francisco is covered inside in gilded woodwork, and the Lacerda Elevator lifts people between the upper and lower towns.
Top-ranked sights in Salvador da Bahia: Pelourinho, Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda), Sao Francisco Church and Convent (Igreja e Convento de Sao Francisco).
Special offers in Salvador da Bahia
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
