Catamaran & Casa da Cultura

OVERVIEW

Sail a catamaran along a river through downtown Recife and do some shopping in a mall that was once a prison. Cruising on twin hulls through the arteries of the Capibaribe River, you’ll get a firsthand understanding of why Recife is sometimes referred to as “Brazil’s Venice.” The sprawling city covers three islands filled with everything from soaring skyscrapers to colorful colonial mansions. Some 40 bridges tie it all together, and they too vary widely in age and architectural style. The exact sights on the cruise will depend on what route your captain chooses this day, but you can expect to see ample evidence of every chapter of Recife’s long history – from its earliest Dutch colonization to its vibrant contemporary scene. After about 90 minutes on the water, trade your catamaran for a coach and head for Casa da Cultura, a 19th-century jail transformed into a wonderfully diverse handicrafts market. What were once the cells are now showrooms offering carved wood, leather goods, lace and ceramics. Lest you forget the building’s historic roots, one rather grim cell has been left intact. After about 40 minutes of free time here, you’ll bust out of prison and return to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through central Recife by catamaran, taking in the sights of this unique island-city.
• Pass by soaring modern glass skyscrapers and 18th-century Dutch colonial mansions.
• Admire some of the 40 bridges – reflecting nearly every architectural style – that crisscross the city.
• Disembark for a visit to the Casa da Cultura, a historic prison building converted into a unique artisanal mall.
• Enjoy free time to browse the fabulous handicrafts here before the return trip to the pier by coach.

HELPFUL HINTS

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