Panoramic Salvador

Depart from the pier and begin driving along the picturesque shoreline of Salvador, the first colonial capital of Brazil and one of the oldest cities in the Americas. After approximately ninety minutes, you will arrive at Sacred Hill, atop which sits the 18th-century Bonfim (meaning “good ending”) Church, a pilgrimage site because of its reputation for granting miracles. Be sure to notice that parts of the façade are covered with Portuguese majolica earthenware.

Continuing on, you will be treated to a panoramic view of the artificial lagoon in Dique do Tororo Park. The eight enormous sculptures of deities floating on the water’s surface are a rather unexpected and enthralling sight. More revealing aspects of Salvador will be seen driving through the bohemian beach district of Rio Vermelho and the beautiful Ondina district. Eventually, you will stop for photos at the imposing Farol da Barra lighthouse, built on top of a 16th-century fortification that is now a museum.

Then, after admiring a sweeping view of All Saints Bay, it’s on to Mercado Modelo. This sprawling marketplace offers more than 250 shops, most of them filled with arts and crafts that are characteristic of the region. You will have approximately fifty minutes of free time here in which to browse the shops. Some of the items available here are lacework, jewelry, leather goods, paintings and religious objects, some relating to Catholicism, others to the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomblé. Following your market stop, you will rejoin your coach and return to the pier.