Brazil Ouro Preto

Founded in 1711 this famous former state capital effortlessly preserves its 18th century atmosphere with cobbled streets that wind up and down steep hills, crowned by baroque churches. Mansions, fountains, terraced gardens, bridges, plazas, ruins and towers with coloured tiles all blend together to maintain a delightful 18th century atmosphere. This picturesque and well preserved town is a Unesco world cultural monument and is best explored on foot.

Ouro Preto 4 days / 3 nights

Day 1 - Arrive Ouro Preto
On arrival at Belo Horizonte airport you will be met and transferred to the charming town of Ouro Preto. The journey time is approximately 2 hours. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You will stay at the charming Pousada do Mondego which is a renovated colonial mansion built in 1747. The pousada is located in the heart of the Villa Rica, home to many of the city’s fine mansions and churches.

Day 2 - Walking tour of Ouro Preto
With its cobbled streets, Ouro Preto is a perfectly preserved colonial town. The baroque churches and mansions are testimony to the town’s riches when it was the main centre for gold mining in Brazil. Enjoy a full-day walking tour of this town including a visit to the Sao Francisco de Assis church which was designed by Brazilian architect and sculptor Aleijadinho. He overcame a disability by strapping his hammer and chisel to his wrists to create amazing soapstone and wood sculptures. The tour also includes a visit to the Mining School Museum and the Nossa Senhora do Pilar church. Lunch is included at a traditional restaurant.

Day 3 - Ouro Preto - Tiradentes
Today travel to the beautiful colonial city of Sao Joao del Rei. Its winding streets are filled with the sounds of the bells from five 18th century churches some of which contain sculptures by Aleijadinho. After lunch continue onto the charming town of Tiradentes. Tonight you will stay at the lovely Pousada Villa Allegra set in fine gardens and perfect for relaxing after your day’s tours. Although Tiradentes has only nine streets, it has eight baroque churches and many small cottages housing pousadas, restaurants and galleries.

Day 4 - Tiradentes - Belo Horizonte
Today you will travel to the city of Congonhas known for Aleijadinho’s soapstone sculptures of the twelve prophets and the six chapels with their cedar wood life-size passion figures. After lunch continue onto Belo Horizonte for your departure.