Highlights:

  • Explore Rio’s colonial streets, baroque and neoclassical churches, and the dazzling Metropolitan Cathedral
  • Capture the colour of the Selarón Steps and discover the city’s cultural treasures along the way
  • Visit a samba school, try on costumes, sip a caipirinha, and feel the rhythm in a percussion and dance workshop

Uncover the many faces of Rio on a Private Walking Tour that brings history, culture, and celebration to life. Begin your journey in the old city, where the timeless charm of Praça XV and the Arco do Teles sets the scene. Stroll past colonial façades that seem to hold centuries of stories, and step inside the exquisite Nossa Senhora da Lapa dos Mercadores, where gilded Rococo detail dazzles the eye. A short walk away, the Candelária Church rises in neoclassical grandeur, while the Monastery of St. Benedict, built in 1590, whispers of Rio’s deep spiritual roots. From here, step into the modern era at the Metropolitan Cathedral, a bold architectural wonder shaped like a soaring cylinder and illuminated by radiant stained glass. Soon after, colour explodes at the world-famous Selarón Steps, where thousands of tiles create a mosaic masterpiece and a symbol of Rio’s vibrant creativity. In the afternoon, feel the rhythm of Rio in the lively Gamboa district. Go behind the scenes at Samba City, where Carnival comes to life year-round. At the Acadêmicos da Grande Rio warehouse, see floats in the making, try on vibrant costumes, and enjoy a refreshing caipirinha. Then, join a percussion and dance workshop to learn Afro-Brazilian beats and Samba steps — the perfect finale to a day filled with history, culture, and celebration.

Please note: this tour is subject to a minimum of 4 passengers to operate. Rates are available on request for fewer than 4 passengers.

What's Included:

  • Transportation
  • Guide
  • Entrance fee

Please note: All Freedom Day descriptions represent a typical itinerary and may not operate exactly as described. Local operators may vary from time to time.


Rio Historical Tour with Samba Experience is featured in the following itineraries:
The Very Best of South America