In the past, Petrópolis was the place where the Brazilian imperial family, as well as many other important people from high society, used to spend their summer vacations. Nowadays, people come from all over the world to see the well-preserved villas and palaces where they stayed.   Your tour begins with pick-up from your accommodation between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. You’ll then take the approximately 1-hour drive to Petrópolis on a comfortable air-conditioned bus. On the way, you’ll catch beautiful views of the mountains and the green spaces of the National Park of Serra dos Orgãos. Once at the city, start your visit with Quitandinha Palace, which used to be the biggest casino hotel in Latin America. Take some pictures at the palace, and then continue with a tour of the Imperial Museum, once the summer house of Emperor Pedro II. There, you’ll be able to see many important artifacts from the imperial family, such as jewels and the Emperor’s diamond crown. Your guide will teach you about the history of the Brazilian Empire and about the everyday life of the imperial family.     After a break for lunch, you’ll visit São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral, a marvelous Gothic building which is the mausoleum of the imperial family. Afterward, explore the city and see its German-engineered architecture. Stop in at the Crystal Palace, an erstwhile events venue for the imperial family. Finally, you’ll visit the Flowers Watch and see the Santos Dumont house. Arrive back in Rio at approximately 7:00 PM. Upgrade your tour to include a visit to a beer factory which makes the oldest beer in Brazil. Learn about the history of beer during a 1-hour tour with tastings included.

After pick up from Rio, relax on the 2-hour drive as you ascend into the hills towards Petrópolis, located 823 meters above sea level. Historic Petrópolis is famous for the period that Brazil was a monarchy, ruled by Dom Pedro II. Start the tour with a stop at the Casa do Alemão. Located at the entrance to the city, the diner is famous for German sausage and croquettes. Next, marvel at the gardens outside the Quitandinha Palace. Continue the tour at the Imperial Palace. Explore the interior of the palace, and see the original furniture, paintings, clothes, and jewelry used by the Royal Family in their former summer house. Next, revel at the neo-gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara. Take photos at the Crystal Palace, once used as the princess’s private garden. After this, take a break and enjoy lunch at a buffet restaurant (if option selected). Otherwise, use your free time to wander. See the Santos-Dumont House, the former home of the famous Brazilian inventor and aviator, from the outside. Finally, visit the Bohemia Brewery (if option selected) and learn the techniques of beer making in the region. Stop at the Casa de Chocolate Katz before returning to Rio de Janeiro.

Sightsee around Petrópolis, The Imperial City, on this tour with a professional guide. As you explore palaces and other iconic sights of Petrópolis, learn about the history and culture of the city. This tour includes an entry ticket to Petrópolis’ Imperial Museum. After pickup, the first stop will be at Palacio Quintadinha and the second at the Cathedral of Petrópolis, the mother church of Petrópolis. Along the tour, visit the Imperial Museum of Petrópolis, one of the places seen as mandatory to visit to get to know everything about the Brazilian monarchy. The museum is housed in the Petrópolis Imperial Palace, the former summer residence of Emperor Pedro II. As the tour continues, visit the house of Santos Dumont, a picturesque residence that’s now a museum. Learn Dumont’s story before heading to the Crystal Palace. At the Crystal Palace, marvel at the pre-assembled structure that was commissioned by Count d'Eu, being built in the workshops of the Saint-Souver Lés Arras Corporation in France. The structure is inspired by the Crystal Palace in London and the Crystal Palace of Oporto. See these sights and much more on this tour of Petrópolis.

Explore Petrópolis, also known as the Imperial City, which is located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy the city’s mild climate and quiet, charming streets. See many historic buildings and the Atlantic forest on your tour. Located among the forested mountains of Serra dos Orgaos, Petrópolis is a very well-known and popular place to visit in Rio with numerous tourist attractions. Enjoy the mild climate, memorable architecture, and preserved forest. Along your tour, stop at some of Petrópolis’ most iconic locations: • Quitandinha Palace: originally the largest hotel-casino in South America • Sao Pedro de Alcantara Cathedral: a cathedral featuring Gothic architecture • Imperial Museum: a historical thematic of the Brazilian monarchy • Santos Dumont’s House: the house of one of the pioneers of aviation • Crystal Palace: a palace built in 1884 • Bohemia Brewery: the first beer factory ever established in Brazil

Begin the experience in Rio de Janeiro with hotel pickup, followed by an expedition briefing. Discover the wonderful mountainous region surrounding Rio on a three-day, 32-kilometer trek with an overnight camping experience.  Day 1: Rio de Janeiro City - Petrópolis Headquarters - Açu Castles Camp (8 kilometers) After meeting the Guide at the entrance to the Park, where you will start your trekking journey in the Serra dos Órgãos Mountains. The first day of Petrópolis Teresópolis crossing is the most demanding. During the 7-kilometer ascent to Castelos do Açu mountain shelter, you’ll gain approximately 1,100 meters of altitude.  The trail to Açu Mountain passes through a dense forest with a strong ascent to Pedra do Queijo viewpoint. Then the trail gets a little less steep until arriving at Ajax viewpoint, which has a natural water supply. After Ajax, face the section considered the most difficult of the ascent to the Açu castles: the Isabeloca Mountain.  This ascent is named after an alleged passage of Princess Isabel at the location. The view from the top of the Açu castles provides a magical conclusion to the first day. From there it is possible to see all Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara Bay, in addition to the entire mountain range of Serra dos Órgãos an Tijucas Forest. Day 2: Açu Castles Camp - Pedra do Sino Camp (10 kilometers) The second day is undoubtedly the most beautiful of the Petrópolis Teresópolis trekking experience. The entire course ascends an altitude of 2,000 meters. After leaving the Açu castles, cross a valley and then climb to the top of Morro do Marco. After descending this hill, arrive in Luva valley and then ascend to the summit of Morro da Luva.  The trail follows another section of rock summits, where navigation is complicated until reaching the section called The Elevator. The Elevator is a ladder made of steel rebar stuck to a steep stone that gives access to the summit of Morro do Dinossauro. Once at the top of Morro do Dinossauro, get the first great view of the Pedra do Garrafão and Pedra do Sino stones.  From there, start the descent to Vale das Antas as the trail continues to the summit of Morro da Baleia, where you can see the rock wall of Pedra do Sino, Garrafão and the trail channel where The 'Cavalinho' passage is located. At Pedra do Sino, Serra dos Órgãos summit, there is an incredible 360-degree view over several mountain ranges of the region and Rio de Janeiro city. Day 3: Pedra do Sino Camp - Teresópolis Headquarters - Rio de Janeiro City drop-off (12 kilometers) The third day is the least demanding of the trekking. The trail runs for about 9 kilometers to the end of the trek. During the descent, cross two waterfalls where the highlight is the 16-meter-high Véu da Noiva of Teresopolis, which is dry at certain times of the year. Then, discover the beauty and charm of Teresópolis Park.

Welcome to Paradise! Leave from Rio de Janeiro with a private and safe transfer service to Petrópolis by private car. Choose from daily departures. Relax during your trip! With a driver exclusively for you, hop on a private vehicle leaving directly from your hotel, accommodation, or airport in Rio de Janeiro. After the driver exits the city, take the 1.5 hours drive to your address in Petrópolis.

Sit back and unwind during a pleasant two-hour drive from Rio de Janeiro as you ascend into the scenic hills leading to Petrópolis, perched at an elevation of 823 meters above sea level. This historic city holds significance for its association with Brazil's monarchy under the rule of Dom Pedro II. Commence your tour by making a delightful stop at Casa do Alemão, a renowned eatery situated at the city's entrance, famous for its delectable German sausages and croquettes. Then, be captivated by the picturesque gardens surrounding Quitandinha Palace. Continue your exploration at the Imperial Palace, once a summer residence for the Royal Family. Step inside and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the palace's interiors, marveling at the original furniture, paintings, clothing, and jewelry that were once cherished by the royal occupants. Delight in the stunning neo-gothic architecture of the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara. Capture memorable photographs at the Crystal Palace, which served as the princess's private garden. Take a well-deserved break and indulge in a delicious lunch at a buffet restaurant (if this option is selected), or use your free time to wander and discover the city at your own pace. Glimpse the Santos-Dumont House, the former residence of the renowned Brazilian inventor and aviator, from the exterior. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Bohemia Brewery (if this option is selected), where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the beer-making techniques specific to the region. Before returning to Rio de Janeiro, make a final stop at Casa de Chocolate Katz, a delightful chocolate shop to satisfy your sweet cravings. This comprehensive city tour of Petrópolis promises a delightful blend of history, gastronomy, and cultural exploration, providing a memorable experience for all.