Explore Imperial Petrópolis: Grand Palaces, Architecture, and Culture from Rio

Discover the Imperial City of Petrópolis

Uncover the early stories that marked the imperial past history of Brazil and shaped its future visiting the charming historic city of Petrópolis.

Petrópolis is known as the imperial city, where Brazilian heritage is proudly preserved in the historical palaces, architecture, culture, food and historical displays.

It was founded in 1843 by the Emperor Dom Pedro II. It preserves historical past and the most modern touristic infrastructure, the city today receives visitors that crowd the quaint streets, museums, gardens, shops, restaurants, and exhibits.

Accompanied by a guide, learn about the curious history of the Brazilian royal family that ruled Brazil for 67 years, and why Brazil practically the entire 19th century was the only monarchy in a Latin America.

With a rich ethnic mix assimilated to its culture, Petrópolis also stands out with a unique gastronomy that combines flavors and recipes for all tastes. From funky bars to fine restaurants, and yet many breweries.

Itinerary: Day 1

• Visit Quitandinha Palace, a building built in 1944 to be the Gambling Capital of Brazil. Marble bathrooms, chandeliers with crystal pendants, a lighting system that would be enough to light up a city of 60,000 inhabitants and a lake is shaped like a map of Brazil. Its halls can accommodate up to 10,000 people simultaneously. It’s really worth the visit!
• We will also enter the Imperial Museum to admire the relics which is preserves, taking us closer to the charismatic figure of Pedro II, who made this marvellous building his summer residence. Today, it is the most visited museum in Brazil. Visit its beautiful garden and interior, where objects of the royal family and several other historical pieces are located.
• One of the main sights of Petrópolis, the São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral enchants tourists from all over the world with its new-gothic French style, marble sculptures in Carrara, stained glass and the imperial mausoleum. Not to mention the interesting stories and some curiosities. The Imperial Mausoleum is one of the cathedral's great historical attractions. In the center there is a double sarcophagus with the remains of the Emperor D. Pedro II and Empress Tereza Cristina.
• Visit the Santos Dumont's House. Known as the father of aviation for being the first to fly on board a motor plane, without the need for launch ramps. Alberto Santos Dumont is one of the main names in Brazilian history and his achievements are considered national pride. The house was designed by Santos Dumont for his summer residence in the city. The Santos Dumont's house preserves and disseminates the memory of the father of the Brazilian aviation, an engineering genius who revolutionized the world.
• The Crystal Palace is one of the most touristic spots in Petrópolis. The precast structure, in cast iron, was ordered in France by Conde D'Eu, Princess Isabel's husband, and took five years to be ready. It was set up in Petrópolis and opened in 1884 to house exhibitions of flowers, birds and agricultural products. Currently the space hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
• Brewery Bohemia - Whoever enters Brewery Bohemia, immediately falls in love with the universe of beer. The visit offers the most complete brewing experience in Latin America. The tour presents the history of beer, its production process and ingredients that lead visitors to unique sensory experiences with exclusive tastings. It’s certainly an unmissable attraction to take a complete tour at it with tastings.
• It's worthwhile paying a visit to one of the largest open-air malls in Latin America. On Tereza st., there are more than 1200 stores with a lot of variety of products for all tastes and styles.

Inclusions

• Transport by fully-equipped vehicles.
• Any address pick-up and drop-off are included like hotels and airports. (Within the city of Rio)
• Professional licensed private tour guide.
• Entrance fees for all attractions described in the program.
• Private driver for groups bigger than 4 people. Otherwise, the guide drives the vehicle themselves.
• VAT, all taxes, handling charges, parking fees during stops, airport Greet & Meet service.

Exclusions

• Meals and drinks.
• Tips. (optional)

Uncover the early stories that marked the imperial past history of Brazil and shaped its future visiting the charming historic city of Petrópolis. Petrópolis is known as the imperial city, where Brazilian heritage is proudly preserved in the historical palaces, architecture, culture, food and historical displays. It was founded in 1843 by the Emperor Dom Pedro II. It preserves historical past and the most modern touristic infrastructure, the city today receives visitors that crowd the quaint streets, museums, gardens, shops, restaurants, and exhibits. Accompanied by a guide, learn about the curious history of the Brazilian royal family that ruled Brazil for 67 years, and why Brazil practically the entire 19th century was the only monarchy in a Latin America. With a rich ethnic mix assimilated to its culture, Petrópolis also stands out with a unique gastronomy that combines flavors and recipes for all tastes. From funky bars to fine restaurants, and yet many breweries.

• Not wheelchair accessible
• Not stroller accessible
• Not suitable for pets
• No public transportation nearby
• Infants must not sit on laps
• AIRPORT OR PORT ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS: Once you have arrived at the airport or seaport there will be a member of our staff waiting for you at the arrivals area holding a clear sign with your name on it, they will then escort you to your waiting private vehicle. For tours starting at the airport or port, please send us the flight info or cruise ship name so that we can track it and be waiting for you at the right time and terminal.
• HOTEL PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS: As soon as the tour guide arrives at your hotel, they get the front desk to call you in the room in case you are not at the lobby.
• In the very unlikely situation that the client are not able to locate our guide, please call our emergency telephone numbers: ●55 (11) 21571629, ●55 (11) 9 9311-9144, ●55 (11) 9 4738-2606
• PICK-UP INFORMATION: Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As its a private tour, you choose the best pick-up point that suits your needs as long as its within the city of Rio.
• DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS: Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As its a private tour, you choose the best drop-off point that suits your needs as long as its within the city of Rio.