Shore Excursion Details

Recife, Olinda & Ricardo Brennand Institute

Recife, Brazil

Recife, Olinda & Ricardo Brennand Institute

DETAILS

  • 8
    hrs Estimate Duration
  • Meal

OVERVIEW

Experience the landmark sights of downtown Recife and its 16th-century colonial neighbor, Olinda, then visit the out-of-place medieval castle of an eccentric artist. You’ll start out heading north along the coast to Olinda, a Portuguese hillside town founded in 1530. The streets of its UNESCO-listed historic center are so narrow and winding, you’ll need to switch to minivan to reach the main square, Alto da Sé. After a tour of the Sé Cathedral, take some time to explore on your own and savor the expansive views from up here. The return to Recife is via gorgeous Boa Viagem beach, with a stop at the Golden Chapel. Incredibly intricate baroque detail, much of it covered in gold leaf, distinguishes this as one of the most iconic religious buildings in all of Brazil. A traditional Brazilian buffet luncheon follows, served for your pleasure at a local restaurant. Afterwards, travel inland to the remarkable estate and workshop – now a museum – of Recife’s famous ceramic artist/collector, Francisco Brennand. The imposing faux castle was prefabricated in England, then shipped to this thickly forested setting. The exhibition hall showcases some 2,000 sculptures, tiles and other artworks. Outside, significant statues spruce up the sprawling gardens.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour the winding, picturesque lanes of Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage colonial city, by minivan.
• Step off to visit the city’s main cathedral and enjoy the panoramic views from hilltop Alto da Sé square.
• Survey the top landmarks of Recife – and its scenic bridges – by motor coach and examine the unabashedly gleaming woodwork of the Golden Chapel.
• Enjoy a buffet luncheon of traditional Brazilian dishes at a local restaurant.
• Tour the estate of Ricardo Brennand, an unexpected English-style castle housing the workshop and works assembled by this renowned Recife ceramicist.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Need to Know:

Note: Walking on this tour is mainly at the guests’ discretion during free time at Casa da Cultura. Guests must be able to enter and exit the catamaran with limited assistance. The catamaran has no covered areas. Light-weight clothing; sun cap; sunglasses; sunscreen; and flat, comfortable walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Adventure
Scenic & City Tours
Historical Landmarks
Shopping

Activity Level:

Image Title
  • 1
    Easy
  • 2
    Moderate
  • 3
    Challenging
Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.
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