Ancient Rio and Santa Teresa Tour with Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Description
We invite you to join us in a journey back in time though Ancient Rio and Santa Teresa! Let’s visit the historical center of Rio and go to the Mosteiro de São Bento, walk through the Praça XV, Arcos dos Teles, Cinelandia (and take the opportunity to visit Colombo’s bakery) and the Arcos da Lapa. We will also visit the bucolic neighborhood of Santa Teresa with the beautiful houses of the early 20th century. Santa Teresa is famous for its traditional tram from 1897 and for being the nest of several painters that open their houses so that you can check their work.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Bucolic neighborhood, home to several painters. Admire the wonderful mansions which date back to the 20th century and be amazed at its history. The neighborhood still has the tram which was built back in 1897.
Former home to a preeminent female art supporter, Laurinda Santos Lobo, the Parque das Ruínas is now a cultural center that keeps her legacy of supporting artists everywhere.
It used to transport water, but now is a popular means of transportation for residents of Santa Teresa.
The square is located in the historical centre of Rio de Janeiro and is surrounded by the Palácio Tiradentes, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro; and the Paço Imperial. The Praça XV Station is a ferry terminal servicing a number of destinations in the city of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi
Located in what was once the downtown market of the city, it has small streets and alleys full of bars and small restaurants.
Famous square in downtown Rio, surrounded by historical buildings with great places to take a picture.
Designed in 1908 by architect Adolfo Morales de los Rios to host the National School of Fine Arts, heir to the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts, this building was built during the urban modernization carried out by mayor Pereira Passos in the then Federal Capital. We do not enter, but we take time enjoying the architecture aspects of this building.
Inaugurated in 1909, the Theatro Municipal is one of the most importante theaters of Brazil and Latin America. The Theatro Municipal has drawn international artists and important names from Brazilian culture, including dancers, musicians, opera singers, and performing artists. Since the 1930s, the Theatro Municipal of Rio de Janeiro has maintained its artistic independence, and is the only Brazilian institution to have its own choir, a symphony orchestra, and ballet company. We do not enter, but we take time enjoying the architecture aspects of this building.
The biggest library in Latin America was founded in 1810 by D. João VI, the King of Portugal. It is an imponent building with an archive of almost 9 millions items in downtown Rio that holds rare books, manuscripts, original letters written by Princess Isabel, the first newspapers printed in the country, and two copies of the precious Mainz Psalter Bible, printed in 1492. We do not enter, but we take time enjoying the architecture aspects of this building.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is available from most hotels in the areas of Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Flamengo and Downtown (Centro). Contact us back to adjust the pickup time. For Barra da Tijuca/ Recreio we provide pick-up for an additional rate.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We contact you back in order to provide proper pickup time. Check your emails and/or cell phone.
- If requested, you must present a copy of your ID.
- Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travelers per Minivan.
- Minimum of 2 people are required for this activity to take place.
- Contact us to confirm the pickup time according to hotel location.
Reviews(187)
This your was very informative and just a good way to learn about Rio. A must do tour. I have been to Rio many times and had never seen some of the places on this tour. Monica really knows her history.
We spent a wonderful half-day with Monica. She accompanied us through historic Rio and the Santa Teresa neighborhood, telling us about and showing us curiosities and details... making us appreciate this city not only for the famous and imposing Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain but also for its baroque, bohemian, and even slightly European glimpses... impeccable organization... hours of culture and joy...
Monica was a fantastic guide; she introduced us to the historical and cultural aspects of Rio with a focus on the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa with competence and passion; her willingness to help us understand this beautiful city made our visit unforgettable.
An outstanding introduction to Rio’s history and character I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of Rio and its most historically significant neighbourhoods. Monica is an exceptional guide: in many years of travelling, I have rarely encountered someone so knowledgeable, articulate and genuinely pleasant to spend time with. Her understanding of Rio’s history, architecture and culture brought the city to life, while her relaxed and engaging manner made the experience particularly enjoyable. A truly insightful and memorable way to discover Rio beyond its most obvious landmarks.
We visited Santa Teresa and the historic center of Rio with Monica and it was a fantastic experience. She speaks perfect Italian and English and is a very well-prepared, nice, and very helpful guide. She accompanied us through Santa Teresa and the Selarón Steps with a small tour within the tour among murals and alleys with old houses, the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, and the historic Café Colombo, also helping us discover a typical bakery with excellent pão de queijo. Thanks to her explanations and her advice, we got to know an authentic Rio. We highly recommend her to anyone who wants to visit the city with a professional and passionate guide.
Monica was super helpful, a fantastic guide who helped us discover the most hidden and colorful corners of Rio. A unique experience that I recommend😊
Monica was an excellent guide: she told us a lot of anecdotes, answering all our questions and curiosities with enthusiasm. Highly recommended!
Beautiful tour, full of wonderful things to see to savor all the beauty of the city! Santa Teresa is truly a must-visit neighborhood! We were fortunate to have the guide Monica, who was truly UNIQUE! Don't miss this tour; you won't regret it... after visiting the usual crowded sites!
Beautiful experience! Monica is a knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging guide. She made us discover Rio with passion, sharing many interesting facts and making the tour truly special. Highly recommended!
Marcela was an amazing guide! She is charming, incredibly knowledgeable, and made the tour enjoyable from start to finish. She guided the group seamlessly in both English and Portuguese and handled Rio’s traffic like a true professional. Thanks to her, we learned so much about the city’s history and culture. Highly recommended!
