Your guide will pick you up from the port of Santos and drive you to downtown So Paulo (about 1 hour) for a brief historical walking tour. See the sight where the city was founded in 1554 at the Ptio do Colgio, a historical Jesuit mission church and school. Stop at the famous Catedral da S (Cathedral of S), a neo-gothic building from the 20th century, which holds up to 8,000 people. Afterwards, continue your scenic tour of So Paulo by private vehicle passing by the Monastery of Sao Bento, a historical sight belonging to the Benedictines, who have sung Gregorian chants at masses there since the 16th century, the 30-story Martinelli building So Paulos first skyscraper and the Banespa Tower that looks similar to New Yorks Empire State building. Pass the churches of St Francis that were built during the 18th century, and the Municipal Theater of So Paulo, the citys oldest theater and a venue for renowned concerts and operas. Learn from your guide about So Paulo Law School, the citys first established university, admire the Tea Bridge, the 42-story Italian Tower and City Hall, an imposing building made entirely of travertine marble. Keep an eye out for Brazils largest residential building the Copan building, designed by the famous architect, Oscar Niemeyer. In addition to these city landmarks, youll drive through several interesting areas including: Liberdade: The Japanese district of So Paulo, where Japanese immigrants settled at the beginning of the 20th century Paulista Avenue: A financial district created at the end of the 19th century, then home to wealthy coffee farmers Ibirapuera Park: So Paulos main park, including a peaceful garden landscape designed by Roberto Burle Marx The Municipal market: A vibrant building, inaugurated in So Paulo in 1932. Besides coming in contact with the Brazil great gastronomical variety. You will be able to try the famous pastel de bacalhau (a fried pastry with salt-cod filling) or a sandwich with more than 400 grams of mortadela (meals not included in price). Vila Madalena neighborhood and Sunset Square a bohemian area full of artist studios and home to the best murals in town. At the Sunset Square, enjoy great views of the city.
Your local guide will be keen to make the tour as personal as possible. He will assist you with his expertise and recall interesting anecdotes for you before bringing you back to your cruise ship.