Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro to Crystal Palace (Palácio de Cristal)

Delve deeper into the history of Brazil on a day trip to the historic city of Petropolis, located high in the mountains. Letting someone else drive allows you to relax and focus on the mountain scenery, while a private guide gives you undivided attention and allows ample time for asking questions.

Explore the Imperial City of Petropolis, Brazil on a guided tour with an included lunch. During Brazil’s colonization, Petropolis was frequented by Dom Pedro II and features many remnants from the period including the Imperial Museum and Quintadinha Palace. Visit these places and more during your tour to learn about the city and then enjoy a traditional Brazilian buffet lunch.

Named after the last Emperor of Brazil, Pedro II, Petrópolis was the favored summer residence for Brazil’s emperors and elites in the 19th-century. A great way to delve deeper into Brazil’s history, this full-day group tour from Rio offers visitors the chance to discover this fascinating city for themselves, with guided sightseeing trips of the old imperial palace—which is now a museum—and many other historical sights, including a behind-the-scenes tour of Brazil’s first brewery.

Make your visit to Petropolis a simple one with this Petropolis full-day private tour that includes round-trip transport from Rio de Janeiro and the Imperial Museum admission tickets. A private guide takes you through the city to see main sights, such as Crystal Palace, Catedral de Sao Pedro de Alcantara, and Santos Dumont House Museum (Museu Casa de Santos Dumont). Plus, learn Petropolis’s history from your guide, too.

This tour is for those who enjoy mountainous regions with an always cool climate surrounded by green hills with unique silhouettes. The city of Petrópolis is located at the top of Serra da Estrela in the state of Rio de Janeiro, at an altitude of 845 meters. Turistando RJ takes you to discover several landmarks of the Imperial City, starting with its own route, going up the Serra de Petrópolis with a privileged view from above. Upon arrival in the city, we will visit Casa do Alemão, Palácio Quitandinha, Palácio Imperial, Catedral de São Pedro de Alcântara, Palácio de Cristal, Casa de Chocolate Katz, Casa de Santos Dumont, Cervejaria Bohemia (with free tasting) and Restaurante Soberano.

Petrópolis, a European-like mountain retreat where Dom Pedro II once moved his imperial court during the summer months, sits just north of Rio de Janeiro. Follow in the footsteps of Brazilian royalty during this tour, and visit the Crystal Palace, St. Peter of Alcantara Cathedral, and the Imperial Museum with your own private guide and driver. This leaves you free time to visit Rua Teresa shopping street or other attractions of your choosing.

Explore the mountain retreat of Petrópolis on this full-day guided tour. Once a summer holiday destination for the royalty of Brazil, Petrópolis features landmarks like the Crystal Palace, the Imperial Museum and the burial place of Dom Pedro II. Purchase a tour upgrade for a stop at Cervejaria Bohemia, where you'll taste one of Brazil's favorite lagers and learn about the history and science behind this brewery through a tour and interactive exhibits. Round-trip transportation from most Rio hotels is included.

Swap the beaches and bustle of Rio for a deep dive into the fascinating imperial history of Brazil on a small-group tour to Petrópolis from Rio de Janeiro. The summer residence of Brazil’s last emperor, Petrópolis is filled with historical treasures and this full-day tour allows you to check off the most-important landmarks,as well as a chocolate store and a 19th-century brewery.

Explore beyond Rio de Janeiro city limits—and discover one of the region's most striking destinations—on this full-day trip to Petrópolis, a city built as a summer residence for Brazil's emperors. You'll get to discover cultural highlights ranging from the Imperial Museum and Crystal Palace to the city's cathedral, with admission tickets all included. Then, cap off your excursions with lunch and a brewery visit and tasting tour.

Discover the Imperial City, on a private day tour from Rio. Perfect for history lovers and those seeking a peaceful mountain escape, this tour offers comfort, exclusivity, and a personalized experience. Travel in a modern car with an officially licensed guide who will share fascinating stories about Brazil’s royal past. Explore the Imperial Museum, the summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II, filled with stunning artifacts from the monarchy. Visit the breathtaking Cathedral of St. Peter of Alcantara, where the royal family is buried, and marvel at its neo-Gothic architecture. Stroll through Crystal Palace, a gift to Princess Isabel, and discover the bustling Rua Teresa, known for its local fashion and shopping. The itinerary is flexible and can include hidden gems, charming streets, or a stop for a delicious regional meal. With expert guidance and all the major highlights covered, this tour ensures an unforgettable day in Brazil’s history. Join us for an incredible journey to Petrópolis!

Leave the tourist crowds of Rio de Janeiro behind for the day on a private tour to the imperial city of Petropolis. This excursion is perfect for travelers who want to dig deeper into Brazil’s history and cultural roots. Itinerary highlights include the Imperial Museum, Quitandinha Palace, Cathedral of Sao Pedro de Alcantara, and Crystal Palace. Your guide will provide immersive and interactive commentary at each location for a more personalized experience.

Venture away from the busy city of Rio and take a tour of Petropolis with hotel pickup included. Visit key landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, St. Peter’s Cathedral, the house of Santos Dumont, Quitandinha Palace, and more. Choose to upgrade your city tour to include a Brazilian lunch or lunch plus a visit to the Bohemia Brewery to learn about beer making and sample the famous Brazilian beer.