Luxury small ship river cruises in Asia

Transfer from the ship to the airport and fly to Salvador (via Brasilia or Recife) arriving in the evening. On arrival in Salvador, you will be met by an English-speaking guide and transferred to the Convento do Carmo, located close to Salvador’s historic old city, for a 4-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Today we explore historic and delightful Salvador (including lunch in the old city). We visit the city’s nautical museum, Santa Maria and Sao Diogo forts and the historic centre, Pelourinho – now a UNESCO World Heritage site – with its exquisite 17th and 18th century architecture. After lunch, we observe panoramic views of the city and visit the famous Bonfim Church and the Mercado Modelo.

A full day discovering the nearby islands by schooner (including lunch). We first visit Frades Island, with its sad history where slaves from Africa were quarantined and prepared for sale on the mainland. Relax on one of the island's beautiful beaches. We continue to Itaparica, the largest island in the bay and an important historical site where we have lunch - the delicacies of Bahian cuisine. In the afternoon, explore this beautiful tropical island before rejoining the schooner for the trip back to Salvador.

Day at leisure – perhaps relax at your hotel or explore the old city in your own time. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant and a spectacular folklore show. The show features some of the major Afro-Bahian cultural traditions, such as samba de roda, maculelê, hauling of the fishnets, Candomblé and Capoeira.

Transfer to Salvador airport for your onward flight home.