Depart Miami via NON Stop jet service to Salvador Da Bahia Upon arrival in Salvador, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
DAY 02:
UPPERCITY
Pelourinho in the Upper City
Morning embark on your tour of the Upper City. The city of Salvador is divided into two parts; The "Lower City" is at sea level and contains the old port and commercial district The "Upper City" is reached by stone steps, alleyways or more efficiently, by the Lacerda Elevator. In this part of the city will be found the old government buildings, residential districts, visit the most important Baroque Churches, the Old Town, Afro-Brazilian Museum, Museum of the Sacred Art and the Market Place. Return to the hotel for the balance of the day at leisure.
Transfer to Solar do Unhao for a CULTURAL SHOW and typical Bahian Dinner.
Bahian folklore is very rich, the main legacy is samba de roda, capoeira, reisados (epiphany), and bumba-meu-boi. Capoeira is a distinctive dance style which features bodily self defense techniques that are performed to the accompanying music of the berimbau and African type drums. The folklore show includes Candomble, which while taking on a folkloric form, Candomble is a religion brought over by African Slaves. It is believed that a supreme God, Olorum, created Obatala (the Sky) and Odudua (the Earth) who were united to give birth to Iemanja (the waters) and Aganju (the firm ground). Iemanja and Aganju had a son, Orunga (the air) - beginning of life in the universe. Orixas (saints) usually associated with catholic saints, govern natural phenomena and things on Earth. Thus, Iansa is the goddess of storms and is identified with St. Barbara. Xango, god of thunder, is St. Jerome. Oxossi, god of hunting is St. George. Oxum, goddess of fountains and beauty, is Our Lady of Candeias. Ogun, god of iron, is St. Anthony. Each god or goddess is associated also with a color and a day of the week. Thus, Iansa's color is red and her day is Wednesday, Xango dresses in red and white and his day is also Wednesday. Ogun dresses in blue on his day, Tuesday, Oxossi dresses in green or blue on Thursday. Iemanha dresses in transparent clothes on Saturday and Oxala to whom the people show the greatest devotion due to his identification to Senhor do Bonfim, dresses in white on Friday. After the dinner and show, return to your hotel.
DAY 03:
LOWERCITY
Candomble
Today visit the Lower City. Visit a Candomble "Terreiro", a public place where people pay homage to the Orixas (African Sacred Entities). Visit Casa Branca, the oldest terreiro in Brazil where you will hear a lecture on the rites and festivals. Visit sacred places like trees, fountains and stones, explaining the meaning for the African religion. Inside Casa Branca, see the sacred rooms and the kitchen of the Orixas, and the part of the house where the community lives - as they do in Africa. Continue to Rio Vermelho Beach for a visit to the house dedicated to Yemanja (Queen of the Sea), where festivities take place on January 01 and February 02. Continue to Mercado Modelo where visitors will find the most complete and astounding assemblage of Brazilian arts and crafts. Enjoy a lunch of Fajouada, a typical Brazilian food. Return to your hotel for the balance of the day at leisure.
DAY 04:
CACHOEIRA (MUST BE AUGUST 15th)
Cachoeira
Morning departure from Salvador to Cachoeira, 66 miles away by paved roads. Due to its great cultural and architectural value, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, Cachoeira has been designated as a national monument. During the drive, the guide will give a lecture on the history of the Boa Morte, a sorority of Black women, all descendants of African slaves. Upon arrival in Cachoeira, participate and enjoy the Festival of Boa Morte. There will be an opportunity for group members to personally interact and socialize with some of the sisters. During the day you will have the opportunity to observe, the distinctive samba-de-roda dance which will be performed on the streets during the Festival. This form of samba is, unlike others, a group dance with soloists. At the center of the circle, the soloist moves gracefully to the insinuating rhythm of the percussion ensemble. Lunch is included.
DAY 05:
Complete day at leisure
DAY 06:
BAY CRUISE
Today take a cruise on All Saints Bay or Baia de Todos os Santos which bounds Salvador on the south. The great Bay covers 1100 square kilometers and has 55 islands, many in their original natural state, rich with tropical vegetation. Visit Frades Island and Itaparica Island. Return to your hotel for overnight. Lunch is included.
DAY 07:
Complete day at leisure
DAY 08:
SALVADOR/MIAMI
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Miami, Arrival in the afternoon local time.
