Recife wins over its visitors' hearts with its multitude of attractions, making it a truly unique place. The city is a growing metropolis, which can be readily seen on a trip along Boa Viagem beach or to the sophisticated commerce. It is, at the same time, a place of historical and architectonic heritage, demonstrated by the several 17th and 18th Century constructions, an inheritance from Portuguese and Dutch colonizers. Within an area surrounded by the Capibaribe, Beberibe and Jordão rivers, the city reveals many different facets. The traffic is facilitated by the many bridges, which gave it the nickname of the Brazilian Venice. Just like Pernambuco, one of the richest States in culture, Recife presents several unique popular habits and traditions that can be found on every corner of the city, enchanting and entertaining its visitors.

But what really draws people to the area is nearby Olinda, a restored and preserved 17th-century colonial town that in 1982 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Portuguese founded Olinda in 1530 on a steep hill overlooking the harbor. The town's lovely colonial churches and proud mansions were paid for by the area's substantial sugar exports.

They say that the name Olinda originates from the words of a Portuguese Nobleman, Duarte Coelho, Pernambuco's High Commissioner, when he searched for a place to establish a settlement. Upon finding a hill with a magnificent sea view and a natural harbor protected by reefs, he said: "Oh, beautiful place to build a village". ("Oh, beautiful", translated from the Portuguese: "Oh, linda", thus the name "Olinda"). Truth or legend, what matter is that the city is really quite beautiful. From its foundation on, the village prospered in trade and became wealthy. However, the Dutch invaded it in 1630. After setting the city on fire, they abandoned it and moved to Recife, then just a seaport. Only after the invaders were driven out in 1654 did the village's reconstruction begin. Much was preserved from that time: part of the original urban layout, old baroque churches and houses. Together, they comprise an important architectural collection, making Olinda part of Humanity's Cultural Heritage. They also set the scenario of one of the most original carnivals of the country in street games, music and dance. It is quite rewarding to go out on the streets of the city and admire the landscape blending with the sea blue, vegetation green and the beauty of historical buildings. It is a pleasurable place also for lovers of good restaurants, authentic craftwork and art studios.

1- Arrival in Recife
Meet and greet at the airport in Recife 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 Recife.

2- Recife
Half Day City Tour through Recife and historical Olinda with guide. It's a pleasant panoramic tour, starting at Boa Viagem beach, with its reefs, natural swimming pools of warm waters and the beauty of the coconut trees. You will also see the historical center, with its eclectic architecture, old churches and centennial bridges that were a mark of the urbanization in Recife. Heading for Olinda, a humanity's cultural and natural patrimony, with its convents, monasteries and churches, built with art and with faith, the narrow streets with colonial houses, the exotic slopes that lead to the city highest point, the Alto da Sé, with a splendid view of Recife, of the surrounding islands and of the huge beach area. Olinda is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. You may change the date of this tour at your convenience.

3- Recife
At leisure in Recife. Enjoy the surroundings of your hotel or experience Recife by Night, taking part in a tour to the old downtown area near the harbor. There are lots of bars with live music and several restaurants serving the best typical cuisine, all located in remodeled old buildings.

4- Depart Recife - Next City
Check-out at noon. Transfer to the airport in Recife. 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 REC in Recife/Hotel/Airport REC in Recife featuring air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide.

• Half Day City Tour through Recife and Olinda (private, approximately 4 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.