The Ultimate Brazilian Food & Wine
Summary
Brazilian food is an incredible experience. So forget France and Italy, Brazil is the ultimate destination for delicious cuisine and excellent wine! Get a real taste for Brazil by traveling to four incredible Brazilian cities – Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, São Paulo and São Roque. Learn how to prepare traditional Brazilian meals from accomplished Brazilian chefs during cooking classes in Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte.
Explore the famous Central Market in Belo Horizonte, where you can taste amazing fruits and dishes from all over the country. Finish this tour sampling exquisite Brazilian wine during a wine tasting tour in “the land of wine,” São Roque. After this Brazil Food Tour, you will forever be craving Brazil’s wine and national delicacies.
Tour Highlights
- Rio de Janeiro
- Belo Horizonte
- São Paulo
- São Roque
Included
- All transfers and tours
- 3 wine tastings
- 2 cooking classes
- English-speaking guides
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Rio de Janeiro
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! Upon arrival in Rio, a local guide will transfer you from the airport to the hotel. Check into the hotel and get settled.
The rest of the day is to be spent freely. After a long flight, consider going for a leisurely stroll along Copacabana beach or simply relax in the comfort of the hotel.
Day 2 Sugarloaf Mountain & Brazilian Wine Tasting
In the morning transfer to Sugarloaf Mountain. Board a cable car up the Urca Hill and take in breathtaking views of the city and the bay along the way. Arrive at the first viewpoint, where the very first cable car in use for Sugarloaf Mountain is displayed. Then, board a second cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Here, enjoy panoramic views of beautiful Rio de Janeiro.
Later, taste some of the best Brazilian wines on an elegant, spacious veranda in the hills of Santa Tereza. Learn about famous Brazilian brands from a professional sommelier. Sample 6 to 7 wines, including white, sparkling, red and either a rose or an organic wine. A fine selection of artisanal Brazilian cheeses, not found in the local supermarkets, will be paired with each glass. Sit back, relax and enjoy breathtaking views of Rio during this tranquil afternoon of Brazilian wine and food.
Day 3 Brazil Food Tour
Today, experience more of the “Marvelous City” and its mouthwatering cuisine. On this Brazil Food Tour, explore the bustling street markets, little bars and restaurants, that have been favorites amongst the locals for generations. While walking, sample tasty street snacks, exotic Amazonian fruit and juices, Brazilian beers and cocktails and more! Throughout the tour, visit some of the highlights of Rio, including the Carioca Aqueduct and the Selaron Steps.
This is a great way to learn about the history of Rio, chat about life in the city today, gain insider tips and of course, indulge in some delicious treats.
Day 4 Corcovado Mountain & Rio Cooking Class
In the morning, board a train to the top of Corcovado Mountain. Admire parts of the Tijuca Forest as the train travels up a steep vertical to the standing spot of Christ the Redeemer. Upon arrival, admire the statues enormity, as well as the surrounding vistas of every region of Rio de Janeiro.
In the afternoon, head to Copacabana for a Rio de Janeiro cooking class! Learn a mix of Brazil’s favorite recipes in one 4-hour cooking class with a professional Brazilian chef!
During this class, discover the exotic ingredients, flavors and techniques that go into the making of traditional Brazilian cuisine. Don’t forget, these tricks and traits can be brought back to your dinner parties at home!
Day 5 Transfer to Belo Horizonte & Central Market Visit
Today, fly from Rio to Belo Horizonte. Upon arrival, tour the massive Central Market. Visit the “Bar da Lora” where you can taste traditional Brazilian dishes such as the “Pura Garra da Lora,” accompanied with a cold beer and excellent service. Then browse the aisles of the market, full of vegetable and fruit stands, chocolate shops, wine and liquor booths, etc. You can even stop by one of the tiny bars in the market, where locals go to converse after work. There’s plenty to experience in the Central Market.
Note: The Central Market is open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm. On Mondays and holidays, the market is open from 9am to 1pm.
Day 6 Belo Horizonte City Tour & Cooking Class
Begin the day with a complete city tour of Belo Horizonte. Visit the Pope’s Square, Liberdade Square, the Central Market, the Art Palace and the Pampulha region one can find a church that was designed and built by Oscar Niemeyer.
In the evening, return to the hotel for a cooking class held by a professional Brazilian chef. This cooking class offers basic culinary classes where participants learn how to make specific dishes as well as use and integrate condiments, herbs, and spices into their recipes, producing a variety of flavors that complement the dishes and showcase unique Brazilian cuisine. These workshops include a presentation and tasting.
Day 7 Transfer to São Paulo & Half Day City Tour
In the morning, fly from Belo Horizonte to São Paulo Brazil. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, check-in, and rest before heading out for a guided city tour. Today’s half-city tour takes guests on a historical route through São Paulo, covering the main highlights of the city. Visit Liberdade, Se Cathedral, Patio do Colegio, and Sao Bento Basilica. Then, get ready for the Mercado Municipal where the tasting tour begins!
Mercado Municipal is a neoclassical building, full of diverse aromas, colors and flavors. Here, sample exotic fruits native to Brazil such as Tamara, Pitaya and Goiaba. Next, continue through the market and taste either one of the famous Mortadella sandwiches or a codfish pastry. For something sweet, head to Casa Mathilde, a lovely cafe that has an assortment of authentic Portuguese pastries!
Day 8 Transfer to São Roque for Wine Tasting
Transfer from São Paulo to São Roque, known as “The Land of the Wine” or “Brazil Wine Country.” While here, visit two local wineries. Enjoy guided tastings of 4 different kinds of Brazilian wine, experiencing its aromas and flavors. Learn about the history of the vineyards, the Brazil wine industry and find out why these wineries stand out amongst other vineyards in the Brazil wine regions.
After the wine tastings, have lunch at a local restaurant. Choose from a selection of traditional dishes while overlooking the vineyard and the valley down to São Roque.
Day 9 Depart from Brazil
Today, say goodbye to Brazil as you transfer from the hotel to the airport. Board a flight back to Rio de Janeiro if you’d like to continue your travels in Brazil, or simply fly home.
