Introduction to Sao Paulo (8 hours)

This full day tour provides the opportunity to see the most interesting parts of this dynamic city. São Paulo is the price of the Brazilians and nothing happens in the country that doesn't begin here. This is Brazil's center of trade and industry, supplying half of the nation's coffee, cotton, fruit and vegetables. As Paulista are fond of saying; "São Paulo works so the rest of Brazil can play."

Departing the port at Santos you will leave the coastal area and follow the Anchieta Highway for 45 miles to São Paulo. The city is located on a plateau, 2,200 feet above sea level, which is reached by crossing the Serra do Mar mountain pass. The alpine-like, winding road offers some stunning scenery. After reaching the plateau, you will drive through a major industrial area before seeing some of the city's highlights.

Here, your first stop will be at the Paulista Museum. Inaugurated on September 7, 1895 as a museum of Natural History representative of Independence, History of Brazil and Sao Paulo.
Currenty, the Museum houses a collection of over 125,000 units, between objects, iconography and textual documentation from the 17th Century to the mid 20th Century.
Next, your drive will take you to the Pinacoteca do Estado Art Museum, passing by the Japanese district of Liberdade.
The Pinacoteca do Estado is a museum of visual arts, with emphasis on Brazilian production of the nineteenth century until today. Founded in 1905 by the State of Sao Paulo, it is the oldest art museum in the city.

Following our visit, proceed with a sightseeing drive through the downtown area for panoramic views and historic sites including the Municipal Theater, the Metropolitan Casthedral and the Patio do Colegio, where the Jesuitas founded the city in 1554.

You're sure to enjoy your authentic churrascaria, Brazilian barbecue, with an endless selection of barbecued meats, salads and dessert.

After lunch, continue with your sightseeing drive through São Paulo's main thoroughfare, Paulista Avenue, locating into the enormous Ibirapuera Park. Architect Oscar Niemeyer and landscape artist Roberto Burle Marx designed it for the city's fourth centenary in 1954. The park features such attractions as the Pioneer's Monument, the Obelisk and the Legislative Assembly building.

From here begin the return journey to Santos and the ship.

Please note:
The drive to São Paulo is approximately 75-minutes and while the tour

includes some moderate walking at the stops, it is mainly a panoramic coach

tour of the city's main points of interest. The tour is available to wheelchair

guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and

off the coach and have a companion to assist them.  Those with mobility

concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability.

Lightweight clothing and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Please

be advised that the quality of the guides and equipment in this destination may

not be of the same quality as that found in other more progressive areas. While

the city of São Paulo has some interesting features that world-travelers will

find of interest, the tourist infrastructure is limited and may not appeal to

all of our guests