Tour Overview
This tour will take you through and around the beautiful city of Florianopolis, nestled mostly on Santa Catarina Island in the state of the same name. On Santa Catarina island you will explore relaxing beaches, as well as a wealth of places influenced by Azorean and German immigrants following Portuguese colonisation. Quaint, colourful fishing villages, rich with colonial architecture, sandy beaches are protected by the long standing Santa Cruz Fortress on Anhatomirim Island, overlooking the stunning cityscape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Your will start your discovery of the city and its historical roots right after your breakfast.
You will visit the Santa Cruz Fortress located on Anhatomirim Island. The visit to the fortress will be done in a vessel departing at 10:30 am returning at 02:30 pm.
After returning from Anhatomirim island you will go on a city tour of Florianopolis, visiting key locations such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and Governors Palace. Explore places in the south of the city, like the beautiful Hercilio Luz bridge and Federal University Campus.
Today you will continue your discovery of Florianopolis historical pass as you visit the town of Laguna.
Leaving from Florianopolis, passing through the Colombo Salles Bridge and passing by Garopaba and Imbituba we will reach the town of Santo Antônio dos Anjos da Laguna.
The tour proceeds with a visit to the church of Santo Antonio dos Anjos, a baroque construction located downtown. Inside we can see the famous painting by Victor Meirelles (one of Brazil’s famous painters) called Imaculada Conceição. Continue visiting some of the most famous beaches in the south of Santa Catarina like Mar Grosso, Gi and Itapirubá.
Overnight in Florianopolis.
Today you will discover the influence of yet another ethnic group, that of the Germans, on the region’s past.
After lunch, drive through Blumenau and see the Biergarten where Oktoberfest is held as well as the Mausoleum Dr. Blumenau before a visit to the Crystal Museum. Then proceed to the downtown area where most of the typical shops are located – from there is a short walk to the City Hall, built in typical Bavarian architecture, standing out in the the Brazilian environment.
You will say goodbye to Florianopolis for a few days as we travel northwards to explore its northern beaches and Santo Antonio de Lisboa.
Santo Antônio de Lisboa was one of the first communities funded by Azorean immigrants that arrived on the island in the second half of the 18th century.
We will visit the Centro Histórico, the Nossa Senhora das Necessidades’ church and the old houses which are an attraction as they are built in colonial Portuguese style. You will then have the opportunity to taste the best oysters in the whole world (lunch not included).
Overnight in Jurere.
You will leave Jurere and travel southward to Barra de Lagoas, from where you will start your morning trek.
We will then walk along the Fortaleza da Barra Archaeological Trail, also known as the Prayer Trail, learning about its importance as an archaeological astronomical sanctuary. The trail contains a set of strategically positioned megalithic stone monuments, showing exactly when the equinox and solstice phenomenon.
Stay overnight at Praia Mole.
Departure from your hotel towards the South of the Island where you will find not only beautiful beaches and but a wealth of local Azorean cultural heritage.
Explore and relax on a number of different beaches, such as the beautiful natural preserve of Costa Sul Beach, or the surfing paradise of Campeche beach. Enjoy the panoramic view of Morro das Pedras Beach and go fishing. Armação Beach is a beautiful and calm beach, where you can see the native fisherman and where you will find typical restaurants.
And last but not least, the Ribeirão da Ilha – the oldest district in the Island. Here you will be able to appreciate a strong Azorian influence and its strong connection to local fishing and oyster farming. You will find preserved houses with the typical architecture from the Azores Island.
After we conclude the exploration of the main south beaches, its attractions and history we will head back to Florianopolis city for one last night
Overnight Florianopolis.
Tour Inclusions
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