Three thousand hours of sunlight per year and the constant ocean breeze make Fortaleza an appealing tourist attraction. The capital of the state of Ceará is best known for its beaches: glorious long stretches of sand interrupted by impressive red cliffs, palm trees, dunes, and lagoons that offer a true tropical playground.

To know Fortaleza is also to go on a trip on its history. The city got modernized, but still keeps signs from the past in museums, churches, fortresses, squares, stations, theaters and historic buildings. The city center is filled with those memories, such as the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, built on the same place where the city originated, and the Luz Palace, a beautiful construction in classic style from the end of the 18th century, which used to be the State Government headquarters.

Now about 2 million strong, the city's major industry is tourism, as Dutch, Portuguese, and other foreigners land en masse on the beaches, armed with cameras and bathing suits and a fierce will to enjoy the sun and ocean. What sets Fortaleza's beaches apart from Brazil's other 8.000 km (4.960 miles) of coastline is the combination of colorful cliffs and huge sand dunes, best displayed in nearby communities such as Morro Branco, Canoa Quebrada, and Jericoacora. Going to the beaches is, without doubt, one of the best activities for those coming to Fortaleza. Iracema, Meireles and Futuro beaches are among the most popular options within the city. To walk on the Beira Mar Avenue promenade from the start, at Mucuripe, up to the Ingleses Bridge, at Iracema Beach, is a must-do walk, and quite reinvigorating.

The scenery is complemented by the jangadas (small and rustic rafts used by the fishermen), always bearing seafood for Ceará's cuisine. The Praia do Futuro (Beach of the Future) is a popular meeting place for bathers, with many beachside restaurants, built in local style using carnauba straw. The local population calls them Barracas de Praia. On Thursday nights, the beach becomes the focus of the city's nightlife, with live music, forró and crab, a popular choice to eat. The nightlife is full of festivities, and the city is known for having the "wildest Monday nights in the world".

1- Arrival in Fortaleza
Meet and greet at the airport in Fortaleza and arrival transfer to your hotel. Your room will be ready by noontime, if you prefer we can also arrange you an early check-in (at a surcharge) and you will have your room ready upon arrival, so you can freshen up and rest before exploring Fortaleza.

2- Fortaleza
Half Day City Tour through Fortaleza with guide. Highlights of this tour passes are: Beira Mar Avenue, Mucuripe port, Futuro beach, District of Aldeota, Portugal Square, Castelo Branco House (with a 10-minute stop), Iracema beach, Central Market, Our Lady of Assunção Fort, Sé Cathedral, Mártires Square, Handicraft Center (with a 30-minute stop), Leste-Oeste Avenue, Dragão do Mar Cultural Center and Monsenhor Tabosa Avenue. There is also a visit to the Tourism Center. In the past the building was the former state prison and now it is a center for handicraft stores with a variety of laceworks of the region, hammocks, the famous sand-bottles, and a selection of local art products. You will also have time and chance to buy beautiful souvenirs from one of the richest regions of Brazil as far as lacemaking and handicraft in general are concerned. You may change the date of this tour at your convenience.

3- Fortaleza
At leisure in Fortaleza. Enjoy the surroundings of your hotel or as an optional tour, depart early in the morning to discover the wonderful beaches surrounding Fortaleza, famous for its falesias (eroded cliffs), dunes and blue to jaded water. Coming back, we suggest experiencing Fortaleza's nightlife in one of the many bars and restaurants.

4- Depart Fortaleza - Next City
Check-out at noon. Transfer to the airport in Fortaleza. Homebound flight or proceed to your next destination.

Land-Only prices in US-Dollars per person in double occupancy (single supplement available), including:

• Private roundtrip transfer Airport FOR in Fortaleza/Hotel/Airport FOR in Fortaleza featuring air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide.

• Half Day City Tour through Fortaleza (private, approximately 3 hours) with English speaking guide.

• Accommodation in the hotel of your choice.

• Daily Brazilian buffet breakfast, unless indicated above.

• Meals as per description (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).

• Hotel taxes.

-> To reduce or extend number of nights in this package, simply click on the hotel of your choice and check the desired period.

To receive more information, please email us at office@opcotours.com.