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Salvador Private Tour: Authentic Local Experiences in Upper & Lower City
4.9
16 Ratings
Salvador
Experience the authentic and local side of Salvador with a private tour that takes you off the beaten path. Discover hidden gems, try delicious street food, and capture stunning photos with a knowledgeable guide.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia - Begin your journey at the iconic Lighthouse of Barra, situated in Santo Antônio Fort. Stroll around, capture stunning photos, and enjoy the refreshing breeze. This spot marks the entrance to the Bay of All Saints.
- Praia do Porto da Barra - The birthplace of Salvador, founded by the Portuguese Thomé de Souza! Known as the city’s most inclusive beach, it features warm, calm waters and a diverse crowd. Highly recommended for a morning visit or a sunset return.
- Forte de Santa Maria - This fort now houses the Espaço Pierre Verger of Baian Photography.
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vitoria - One of Brazil’s oldest churches, offering a fantastic view of the Bay of All Saints and vistas from the Community Vila Brandão.
- Sao Bento monastery - Experience beautiful Gregorian music in this church on Sundays.
- Largo do Campo Grande (Praca 2 de Julho) - This significant square commemorates Baian Independence.
- Igreja Matriz Nossa Senhora da Piedade - Located right in front of the Portuguese Library and across from Saint Peter Church.
- Praca Castro Alves - A landmark with fascinating buildings.
- Cathedral Basilica of Salvador - Considered one of Brazil’s most important churches, this 17th-century cathedral was the fourth temple built by the Jesuits in Salvador and boasts a magnificent collection of Sacred Art.
- Praca Thome de Souza - Situated atop the hill where Brazil’s first capital was established. This square features the famous 19th-century Lacerda Elevator connecting the Lower and High City, the Rio Branco Palace (former headquarters of Brazil’s first Governor, Thomé de Souza), the City Hall, and the Casa de Camara, which still serves as the municipal administration. Begin exploring the Historical Center Pelourinho on foot, visiting the Cathedral and São Francisco of Assis Convent & Church. Enjoy street food or a restaurant meal and interact with locals to experience daily life.
- Sao Francisco Church and Convent - Built in the early 18th century, this church and convent are among the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. The complex features beautiful tiles, jacaranda wood, gold accents, and paintings by local artists.
- Pelourinho - This famous square is home to the Foundation Casa Jorge Amado, dedicated to one of my favorite writers, and the site where Michael Jackson performed “They Don’t Really Care About Us” with Olodum.
- Afro Brasileiro Museum - A fantastic place to learn about our history.
- Dique de Tororo - Features Orixas sculptures by Baian artist Tati Moreno.
- Sorveteria da Ribeira - A recommended stop to try the ice cream.
- Senhor Do Bonfim - Immerse yourself in Baian faith.
- Forte de Nossa Senhora de Monte Serrat - Offers another great view of the Upper City.
- Ponta de Humaita - Provides a spectacular view of the city and Monteserrat Church, perfect for photos.
What's Included
- Climate-controlled vehicle interior
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Tickets for churches & Museums
- Ticket to Cathedral; São Francisco and museums
Additional Information
Get to know Salvador from an authentic and local point of view and at your own pace; without wasting precious time, in this MUST DO itinerary . We will always go out of the traditional route to discover the real city and all the possibilities that has to offer. Trying street food is always part of the fun and we will have plenty of opportunities to do it. I will suggest the best photography spots and you will be able to do it safely with me. Also, I provide you valuable information about all the activities you can do on your own during your stay in the city. If you like to interact with the local community this is also the tour for you.
Location
Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia
Largo do Farol da Barra s/n, Barra
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(16 Ratings)
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Abel
Aug 6, 2024
Magical day in Salvador!! - Tour of historic Salvador, starting at the Faro da Barra and ending in Monserrat, passing through the upper city in the morning and lower in the afternoon. Excellent. Everything wonderful with our guide Gabriela, gave us the best information showing that she enjoys doing it, that is, the best combination!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H1374aaadrianac
Aug 5, 2024
Excellent - We had a lovely day. We knew a lot about the history of the place and its customs.Gabriela a genius. A well prepared , predisposed and loving Guide who very much enjoys your work.Thankss
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jewel_m
Jul 30, 2024
Highly recommend - Gabriela was prompt and friendly upon pickup. She's very knowledgeable and tailors the tour to things you're more or less interested in. We felt very safe with her and it's clear she knows everyone around town. The tour gave us a great lay of the land and we felt we hit all the famous spots we wanted to see. She even answered some follow up questions we had which was very helpful in planning our remaining time. I would highly recommend Gabriela for any tour.
Review provided by Viator
Dymond
Jul 26, 2024
Will Return Again! - Gabriela is such a gem! She is very personable,funny, and knowledgeable about the African history in Brazil. I only had time to tour one day due to my short time frame but wished I'd booked a 3 day tour with her so we could explore Salvador and go deeper into the African history!!
I will definitely contact her again and I will definitely return to Salvador de Bahia again!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Zahra_a
May 23, 2024
Great way to learn about this impressive city - We had a delightful time with Gabriella on our first day in the city. Gabriella is incredibly knowledgable and welcoming. We learnt about the history of the city with lots of interseting facts about the churches, buildings and people. She was also very accomodating of our plans and was happy to take a quick detour for us. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Paradise153117
Mar 13, 2024
Salvador tour - Very happy with the tour. It covers all key spots and places Gabriela is full of energy, knowledge, dicas (tips) Definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alexfeliciano70
Mar 5, 2024
Joy in Salvador - Carnival in Salvador is a mix of colors, flavors and a lot of human and cultural diversity.
Wherever you go, you see a little bit of Brazil on every corner.
And at Carnival it couldn't be any different. A mix of axé, samba, Africanity and Brazilianness wherever you look.
Approved
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mike_a
Mar 4, 2024
Knowledgeable Guide Who Loves the City - Gabriela was an amazing tour guide. It was clear from the beginning that we would experience a unique type of tour. Not only was she knowledgeable about the city and had answers to all our questions, her love for the city and the people were evident. She showed us all the city had to offer, the good, the bad, and the beautiful.
Review provided by Viator
Lajos
Feb 29, 2024
All you need to know about Bahia - Gabriela is a professional guide with full enthusiams for arts, literature and african roots and culrure of Bahia. You should select her if you like a perfect approach of Salvador’s present and past within a limited time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gabrielroro
Feb 5, 2024
The best way to see the most notable places in Salvador - A very complete tour thanks to Gabriela our guide with her charm around the city. Very well planned, covering Bahian history, its culture and its traditional places. We were very grateful for the dedication and enriching details that Gabriela gave us. Super recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
