Tours/Salvador da Bahia/Private Full-Day African Oriented Salvador Upper & Lower City
Viator · Private tour

Private Full-Day African Oriented Salvador Upper & Lower City

5.0(46)Salvador da Bahia1 hour
VIATOR5.0(14)TRIPADVISOR5.0(32)

Description

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.

Tour Options

Private Full-Day African Oriented Salvador Upper & Lower City
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

20 min

We will start our learning &discovering experience at the iconic Lighthouse of Barra, located in Santo Antônio Fort, where we will walk around the place taking great pictures and enjoying the breeze. This is the entrance of the Bay of All Saints.

15 min

This is where the Portuguese Thomé de Souza founded Salvador! The most democratic beach of the city, warm and calm waters, where you find all kinds of people. I strongly recommend to spend a morning or come back during the sunset.

Pass by

The Fort now holds the Espaço Pierre Verger of Baian Photography

15 min

One of the oldest churches in Brazil and a great view of the Bay of All Saints+ views from the Community Vila Brandão

Pass by

In this church we have beautiful Gregorian music during Sundays

Pass by

This important square celebrates Baian Independence

Pass by

Right in front of the Portuguese Library and across from Saint Peter Church

Pass by

Iconic place with interesting buildings

Admission not included20 min

The Cathedral is consider one of the most important churches of Brazil and it was the 4th temple done by the jesuits in Salvador on the 17th Century and has a magnificent collection of Sacred Art.

Admission included240 min

Here we are at the top of the hill, were the first Capital of Brazil was built. In this square we have the famous Lacerda Elevator from the 19th Century that connects the Lower and the High City. Rio Branco Palace that was the headquarters of the first Governor of Brazil, Thomé de Souza, the City Hall and the Casa de Camara where the municipal administration still works. We will start to explore the Historical Center Pelourinho by foot, visiting the Cathedral and São Francisco of Assis Convent & Church. We have time for street food or a restaurant. This is the chance to interact with local people diving into our daily life.

Admission not included20 min

Built in the beginning of the 18th Century, the Church & Convent of São Francisco is one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the Word . Beautiful tiles and jacaranda wood plus lots of gold and paintings from local artists makes part of this outstanding complex.

15 min

The famous Square where nowadays lays the Foundation Casa Jorge Amado, one of my favorites writers and also where Michael Jackson performed with Olodum the song “They don’t really care about us”

Admission not included20 min

Great place to lear about our history

Pass by

Orixas by baian artist Tati Moreno

20 min

I suggest to stop here to try the ice cream.

20 min

Time to dive into the baian feith

15 min

Another great view of the Upper City

15 min

Spectacular view of the city & Monteserrat Church. Great place for pictures.

Highlights

Air-conditioned vehicle

What's included

Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Lunch
Tickets for churches & Museums
Ticket to Cathedral; São Francisco and museums

Pickup Locations & Times

I will pick you at your hotel or place of your choice with an executive car.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
46 reviews
5
45
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(46)

R
rohing66
April 30, 2026
Best walking tour!

Highly recommend this private tour with Gabriela. She showed us the favorite haunts of locals and even took us to the best ice cream shop. She was very knowledgeable about the local history as we walked Pelirunho area. She was especially attentive to our needs as one of our party was unwell.

Operator response

Thanks for the lovely day! I wish you a marvelous trip around Brazil!

M
Maurice_W
April 18, 2026
Getting to know Salvador de Bahia with Gabriela

Gabriela is a great ambassador for Salvador de Bahia. I learned about the fascinating history of Salvador and the festivals. During the tour I saw sights such as Iglesia de Nuestro Señor de Bonfim, Museu da Gastronomia Baiana, Casa de Yemanja and much more. Gabriela, thank you for providing me a wonderful introduction to this beautiful region. I hope to return soon.

Operator response

Thanks Maurice for your feedback! I enjoyed our conversation very much. Come back with your family!

A
Anthony_C
March 26, 2026
Salvador da Bahia,the Real Deal.

Gabriela has a broad and deep understanding of the history and culture of the city.During the day we exchanged views on a wide range of subjects making the day even more enjoyable.

Operator response

What a great day Anthony! I really enjoyed it!

D
danicap861
March 12, 2026
Fun and educational

My 15 year old and I spent a wonderful day together with Gabi. Gabi showed us many interesting parts of Salvador and taught us about the history and culture. She made it interesting for a teenager too! There was some walking but a lot was by car. I highly recommend Gabi for a tour in Salvador!

Operator response

Thank you too beautiful girls! Have fun in Bahia !

4
460mgw
February 12, 2026
First time in Brazil

Excellent knowledgeable guide, Gabriela, leading a very informative tour of the city. Very observant of our interests & needs, catering to them accordingly. Great lunch stop, Cuco....local cuisine. City sights by car & walking.. just a shame the public buildings were covered in boarding due to carnival! Recommended

Operator response

It was my pleasure! Have a great trip and thanks for the review!

A
alisonj333
February 10, 2026
Brilliant tour

We had the wonderful João take us around Salvador. He was perfect. Very interesting, funny and great company all day.

Operator response

Thank you Alisson! It was our pleasure!

M
Mark_H
January 31, 2026
Great Tour of Salvador

Gabriela met us near the cruise ship at about 8:15am and from there, we had a lovely 6 hour tour of the city, with a lunch stop, (our expense) in the touristy, (but a must see), area of upper old town. Gabriela’s English is excellent and her knowledge of the city is superb. Although there are countless churches in Salvador, we limited our visits to the Bonfim Basilica. Had we seen more, the tour would have extended another hour. Book this tour without concern. It’s massively better value than any cruise ship excursion.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your review and for booking my tour!

D
Denise_R
December 13, 2025
Best City Tour Ever!

Our guide Ana took us on a full day adventure seeing the very best of Salvador. She was informative, helpful, very nice—we lived her! Don’t hesitate to book with this company. Service was top-notch all the way. Anything you’d like to see in Salvador, Ana will make it happen.

Operator response

Thank you very much Denise! It was our pleasure!

U
UWSadventurer
December 1, 2025
Touring Salvador Bahia

We loved touring Sqlvador with Gabriella. We booked an all day tour that started at 10 am from our hotel. She took us around the city’s most significant neighborhood by car and on foot. She knows the local history real well and she clearly loves telling others about it. Gabriella who is originally from Argentina also speaks very good English which we found was rare in the north east. We highly recommend her!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you very much for choosing my tour! It was very pleasant guiding you around the city!

D
Donald_M
November 18, 2025
A Great Introduction to a Fascinating City

Gabriela is an excellent tour guide! She seems to know everything about a complex and fascinating city. Her love of the food, culture and history of the place is impressive, and she communicates very well.

Operator response

Thanks Donald for your kind words! It was very nice to meet you and your friends. Wish you a great trip 🤗

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