Arrival at Belo Horizonte and depart to Ouro Preto. On the way, visit the historical city of Sabara (25 km from Belo Horizonte), where gold was first found in Minas Gerais. Its remarkable artistic heritage is a good example of early baroque. Visit the Capela de Nossa Senhora de O, Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Museum of Gold and the theatre. We will then continue to Ouro Preto for overnight.
On day 2, we'll visit the most important historical city in Minas Gerais: Ouro Preto, which received UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity status, being also part of Brazil's Circuit of Gold. Ouro Preto also has the most valuable collection of baroque art, the biggest homogeneous complex of Brazilian's baroque architecture and the biggest baroque complex in the world. After this, our next destination is the enchanted city of Mariana, founded in 1696, and it was for a short time the capital of the state of Minas. A walk down the picturesque streets allows you to see houses which date from the beginning of the 18th century, with their woodenwood, iron and even soapstone balconies. We will return to Ouro Preto for overnight.
Morning departure for a full day tour and transfer to Tiradentes. On the way, we will visit the city of Congonhas, where we will find the masterpieces of Master Antonio Francisco Lisboa, known just as Master Aleijadinho (the little cripple); the twelve Prophets, carved in soapstone and his sculptural representation of the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross), done in polychromatic woodwork. His works in wood and stone were the 'trademark' that decidedly defined the Brazilian baroque style. The set of life-sized sculptures is Brazil's greatest artistic treasure. After that, we will continue our journey and visit São João del Rey, close to Tiradentes (about 14 km away). São João del Rey is a city from the 'golden era', combining modern and colonial. During the tour you will visit the Church of São Francisco de Assis, Regional Art Museum, Carmo Church, Rosario and Cadeia bridges. From Friday to Sunday, it is also possible to travel from São João del Rey to Tiradentes in an old and charming train (steam locomotives) in the same style as the people of the 19th century used to travel between these two cities (not included in rate). We will continue to the charming historical city of Tiradentes (about 20 km). The city has its name because of our first martyred hero: Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, nicknamed Tiradentes. Comfort, sophistication and style make Tiradentes one of the most alluring towns in Minas. Its shops are inviting, the craftworks of the finest quality, the inns and restaurants enchanting. After lunch (not included in rate), you will visit the Church of Santo Antonio, Rosario Church, Colonial fountain and the Museum. In Tiradentes, overnight at a selected pousada.
Day at leisure to get to know this charming city. Great shopping and nice restaurants. Overnight at a selected pousada.
At appropriate time transfer back to Confins Airport.
