VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS
This is a tropical sun-soaked journey that lets you combine excursions into the Amazon rainforest and visits to tropical beaches with the experience of bustling city life. We set sail from Uruguay’s capital city, Montevideo and travel north along the coastline of Brazil to the sprawling city of Fortaleza.
Tropical paradise and total relaxation
Our first stop is Rio Grande do Sul. Brazil’s southernmost state is not only a paradise for bird lovers, with the forest-covered canyons of its national parks and cascading river valleys, it is also the most culturally distinct. Experiencing the 'cowboy culture' of the region’s gaúchos (cattle herders) is the perfect way to start your Brazilian adventure. Then, take the opportunity to venture into the rainforest to see amazing plant and bird-life, and bathe in crystal-clear streams in Paranagua. In the coastal paradise town of Paraty, you will have time to relax on white beaches, go windsurfing and diving, or learn more about ecology in the Atlantic forest. Two days at sea is followed by a visit to Ilhéus, where you can visit cacao plantations or enjoy a birdwatching excursion.
Stimulate Your Senses
Salvador will stimulate your senses: Churches with gold-encrusted panels, the exotic and inviting scent and taste of the African-influenced food and the shouts of street vendors, all to the tune of roaring traffic and the distinctive music of Bahia.
Departs From
Montevideo
The journey begins
Location: Montevideo, Uruguay
The adventure starts with an overnight stay in a hotel in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, providing you with the opportunity to experience the nightlife and explore the city.
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Location: Montevideo, Uruguay
Located at the mouth of the river Rio de la Plata, with a harbour located close to the city centre, Montevideo is ideal to explore further in the morning before setting sail on MS Midnatsol in the afternoon.
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Location: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
With jaw-dropping forest-covered canyons in the national parks and cascading river valleys, Rio Grande do Sul is a paradise for bird lovers. Brazil’s southernmost state is the country’s most culturally distinct, with its gaúchos (cattle herders) and 'cowboy culture'.
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Location: Sailing the Atlantic Ocean
A day at sea in tropical temperatures is the ultimate way to get acquainted with MS Midnatsol and the like-minded passengers on board. Take the time to relax on deck or engage in interesting lectures from the expedition team.
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Location: Paranagua, Brazil
Experience true wilderness in Paranagua. Enjoy excursions such as taking the Serra Verde Express train to Morretes, which travels through the spectacular mountainside terrain and past the Atlantic forest, visit the rainforest in Salto Morato for birdwatching, bathe in crystal clear streams, and see impressive waterfalls.
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Location: Paraty, Brazil
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Paraty is remarkably beautiful. The town, with its old colonial houses and cobblestone streets, is surrounded by islands, sheltered beaches, and a backdrop of steep, jungled mountains. Paraty had its first boom during the gold rush in Brazil, in the 17th century. It was the final point of the 'Gold Trail'. Originally used by the Guaianazes Indians, the 745-mile road connected the gold mines with the Atlantic Ocean through the rough terrain of the rainforest. At the beginning of the 19th century, Paraty became renowned once again due to the coffee trade and the production of Cachaça, a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice. The coastline, with its intact forests, attracts hikers, botanists and ornithologists from all over the world and a visit here is an unforgettable one.
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Location: Sailing the Atlantic Ocean
Perhaps you start your day a bit later and take your time enjoying a longer breakfast. With two days at sea, it is the perfect time for birdwatching from the deck, attending fascinating lectures or simply relaxing with a good book. The expedition team will be active and you should not hestitate to come with all your questions.
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Location: Ilhéus, Brazil
We arrive in the relaxed town of Ilhéus, which offers many attractions including a botanical garden, several museums and churches, a sloth sanctuary, old sugar mills, cocoa plantations and 15 superb beaches. Join a bird-watching excursion, visit one of the many cacao plantations, take a guided tour around the town, enjoy snorkelling, or spend the day relaxing on a sandy beach.
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Location: Salvador, Brazil
Salvador is said to be a treat for your senses with its churches boasting gold-encrusted panels, the exotic and inviting scent and taste of the African-influenced food, and the sounds of the street vendors selling their wares to the background tune of roaring traffic and distinctive Bahian music. The city is divided into upper and lower towns connected by an art deco elevator (Elevador Lacerda). The marketplace at the bottom of Elevador Lacerda is well known for its local art. The historic centre of Salvador, 'The Pelourinho', was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 and is a famous example of the impressive Portuguese colonial architecture. The city also has an amazing amount of churches. Salvador was a significant centre for the Atlantic slave trade between the 16th and 18th century. Today, nearly 80% of the city's inhabitants have African roots and the influence of African culture can be seen in the city's music and cuisine.
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Location: Sailing the Atlantic Ocean
Another peaceful day at sea awaits. Spend your time bird watching, savouring the meals on board, reading books, listening to intriguing lectures or chatting with new friends.
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Location: Recife, Brazil
If you like your cities gutsy, gritty and proud, this is the place for you! Recife is known as the 'Brazilian Venice' as several rivers divide the city into smaller islands, which are connected by more than 50 bridges. The old centre has several historical buildings, churches and cathedrals to visit. We offer an excursion to the remarkable city of Olinda, which was founded by the Portuguese in the 16 century and was rebuilt in the 18 century after it was looted by the Dutch. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features old houses, and more than 20 baroque churches, convents and smaller chapels that will leave a lasting impression. You can also enjoy exploring the historic city centre of Recife with its beautiful architecture and bustling market areas on your own.
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Location: Sailing the Atlantic Ocean
Another peaceful day at sea awaits. Spend your time bird watching, savouring the meals on board, reading books, listening to intriguing lectures or chatting with new friends.
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Location: Fortaleza
This expedition ends in Fortaleza but before you leave, we recommend visiting Centro, the oldest part of town. This is a lively area to explore by day, with many busy streets full of small shops. Here, you can sample typical Brazilian food in one of the barracas (rustic restaurants) next to the beach, and visit the old fortress built by the Dutch captain Matias Beck in 1649 as well as Fortaleza's cathedral, the third-biggest church in Brazil.
Location
Fortaleza, Brazil
Pricing Info
Price includes
- Hurtigruten Expedition Voyage in cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- One hotel night in Montevideo before the voyage including breakfast
- Transfer hotel to ship in Montevideo including orientation Tour
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking Expedition Team that gives lectures as well as accompany landings and activities
- Free tea and coffee
Price does not include
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional Excursions and Gratuities
Note
- Prices are in EURO per person
- All planned landings are subject to weather conditions
- All itineraries are subject to change
