Excursion Discover contemporary salvador de bahia tour at Salvador

Discover the modern sites of Salvador.

Salvador de Bahia

Experience the social contrasts of Salvador de Bahia during a scenic and informative sightseeing tour. Founded in 1549, Salvador was the capital during the height of the slave trade. Its legacy endures today, and in many ways, the culture of Salvador outshines the rest of Brazil.

Explore the lower city, visiting coastal suburbs and parts of the newer city, gaining insights into the social and cultural aspects of Salvador. As you head toward the lower city, you will pass through one of the poorer areas for about 15 minutes. Along the way, you will also see the work of renowned local artist Bel Borba and his magnificent sculpture of Irmã Dulce, Brazil’s first saint.

Sorveteria da Ribeira  

The iconic Sorveteria da Ribeira (established in 1936) offers an incredible selection of tropical ice creams and sorbets. Make a brief stop here to enjoy a refreshing treat and experience this local flavor of Brazil.

Bonfim Church

View a touchstone of Brazilian Catholicism and undoubtedly the country’s most famous pilgrimage church, deeply connected with Oxalá, the African deity of creation. Built in 1745, this holy structure sits on a peninsula outside the city center and is now renowned for its power to effect miraculous healing cures—transforming it from a rather ordinary church into a popular shrine.

Orixás Pond

Now, we head to our next city landmark, the Tororó Lagoon (driving through the Américo Simas Tunnel), where stunning sculptures of the Candomblé pantheon by renowned artist Tati Moreno are suspended in midair. Just next to the lagoon, you will see the Fonte Nova Soccer Stadium.

Continuing to Rio Vermelho, the city’s bohemian district, we visit Casa de Yemanjá, a shrine dedicated to the African sea deity, one of the most revered figures in the Candomblé pantheon.

Barra Lighthouse

Our next stop is the Barra Lighthouse, the city’s most famous landmark, where the bay and ocean meet. We will have a brief time here for photos. Then, we'll drive up Ladeira da Barra, passing Porto da Barra Cove (the site of the landing of the first governor-general in 1549), the Bahia Yacht Club, and then continue through the Vitoria neighborhood and Campo Grande Square—both historic and traditional areas of the city.

Modelo Market

The tour concludes with a stop at Modelo Market for browsing and shopping. The market offers a wide variety of shops selling everything from local souvenirs, ingredients of regional cuisine, props, and musical instruments to balangandãs, cachaça, religious images, and the traditional ribbons of Senhor do Bonfim. Surrounding the market, you can enjoy views of the Bay of All Saints, the Lacerda Elevator, the Music City Museum with its distinctive blue-tiled façade, and the Cathedral. Historically, the area was a hub for the commercialization of diverse products during the 19th and 20th centuries. The building itself is a city landmark listed by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN).

Afterward, reboard the coach for a very short drive to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Barra Lighthouse, Ceasinha Market, Bonfim Church, Ice Cream Parlour

Note

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, approximately 200 metres (218 yards) in total. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility; however please note that there are approximately 12 steps at the church. This tour does not involve a visit to the Upper City. We recommend wearing lightweight clothing, walking shoes and sun protection as the climate is usually hot and humid.