2. From Recife: Recife Old Town and Olinda City Tour
Explore Old Recife where the city has its origins. Begin at Armory Square, and take a pleasant walk through the neighborhood. Next, you can choose to visit one of 3 historical places. See the Paço do Frevo, featuring classes, multimedia and rotating exhibitions dedicated to local dance and frevo music. Explore the Pernambuco Embassy of the Giant Dolls, a cultural space dedicated to the Giant Dolls of carnival season. Visit the Cais do Sertão Museum that offers temporary exhibitions and permanent collections highlighting Northeastern Brazilian culture, with sensory experiences and innovative architecture.
Afterwards, head to the Bom Jesus Street, where you will visit Kahal-Zur Israel Synagogue, the first American synagogue. Next, stop at the Pernambuco Handicraft Center, with its extensive variety of works of art produced by master artisans, and walk through streets of this charming neighborhood taking in its architecture and old buildings.
Next discover the city of Olinda to the north of the city, surrounded by palm trees, tall coconut trees, the Atlantic Forest, and the ocean. Amidst uneven cobbled streets and hillsides adorned with countless colorful houses, visit secular churches such as the São Bento Monastery, whose high altar is an important example of Brazilian baroque. Stroll down the beautiful Rua do Amparo with its artisan workshops. Travel to Largo da Misericórdia and Alto da Sé, with their numerous viewpoints. You will have the opportunity to taste delicious tapioca with cheese and learn about the famous giant carnival dolls of Olinda, as well as the significant cultural heritage of the city.