Top Recife Day Trips

Compare past and present with a tour of modern Recife and colonial-era Olinda. Take a panoramic ride through Recife, crossing graceful bridges in the old town areas and on the way, you will drive along the scenic shoreline through Boa Viagem, passing the imposing colonial-era Governor’s Mansion and Santa Isabel Theater. Arrive in charming Olinda and begin exploring. Founded in 1534 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, historic Olinda retains many fine examples of colonial-era architecture, despite the Dutch burning down much of the city in the early 17th century. Visit Sé Cathedral and admire its Portuguese tiles and gilded carvings. Stop for a photo of the picturesque views of Recife and Boa Viagem, and enjoy a refreshing beverage before returning to your Hotel.

Visit the southern shores of Pernambuco on this private day trip from Recife to Porto de Galinhas, famous for its natural pools. On arrival, it’s just a 10-minute boat ride to the pools where you can use provided snorkel equipment during a 40-minute swim. Afterward, enjoy three hours at leisure to shop, eat, partake in water activities (each your own expense), or simply relax. Enjoy convenient round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan from hotels in Boa Viagem, Pina or Piedade.

City Tour: Recife and Olinda (Pernambuco State – Brazil) Enjoy a wonderful tour visiting one of the oldest cities in the Americas (founded in 1535). On this tour, you will visit the highlights of Recife, a city colonized by the Portuguese and the Dutch, also known as the "Brazilian Venice" due to its vast number of canals and bridges. We will visit old Dutch sites such as the Dutch Walls and walk along the historic Jewish Street (with the option to visit the oldest synagogue in the Americas). Next we will visit OLINDA, a beautiful Portuguese-style town built over seven hills with breathtaking views, old Baroque colonial churches, historical houses, local craft shops, and cachaçarias, where you can try the famous local drink made from sugar cane. Optional: Stop for lunch to sample local dishes prepared with international flair (at Restaurante Oficina do Sabor or Beijupirá). It will be a pleasure to help you discover these cities! Join me on this beautiful experience! Best regards, Leo

Shalom ve baruch haba! The Jewish tour of Recife and Olinda is a very special experience for those interested in learning more about the presence of Jews and new Christians in Recife – in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Guide historian will take you to know the main milestones of the Jewish presence in Brazil and about the Brazilian colonial economy, the religious culture of the Brazilian people and about the European wars that brought Portuguese Jews from the Netherlands during the 17th century. In Olinda we will visit some of the main churches, markets and streets of the colonial period and main vestiges of the Marrana presence in Brazil in the 16th century, in addition to the house of Branca Dias, and a mikveh (purification tank) that is representing the "marrana" cultural resistance in the colonial era. . In Recife the tour will be in the historic center where concentrated most of the Jewish community during the Dutch period of the 17th century we will visit the first public synagogue of the Americas.

Sink your toes into the sand of 4 different spectacular beaches in Pernambuco during this 6-hour tour from Recife. With your local guide, stop at 2 viewpoints along your journey for photo ops and views over the surrounding beaches. Learn about the history and culture of the area through engaging commentary from your guide. Explore Suape Beach, among others, and take an optional boat ride up the river.

Explore Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city known as the 'Venice of Brazil', on a 5-hour guided tour from Recife. With your knowledgeable local guide, see the highlights and landmarks of the city, including Instituto Ricardo Brennand, San Francisco Convent, and the city's local markets. Listen to engaging commentary during your journey in a comfortable van with Wi-Fi. All entrance fees and round-trip transportation from Recife are included; gratuities are not included.