Cobblestones, Culture and Copacabana: Brazil via Lisbon Honeymoon

Over the next two days, get to grips with Lisbon like a local. Included in your itinerary is a three-hour walking tour around the city with a Lisbon resident. They’ll share their city secrets, favourite places and incredible stories as you wind through the cobblestone streets decorated in colourful azulejos (ceramic tiles). Discover art galleries, flea markets (such as Feria de Ladra) and small churches that are usually closed to the public, all at your own pace. In addition to your three-hour private tour, we recommend stopping for a picnic lunch or an alfresco drink at Monsanto Park, which is three times the size of New York’s Central Park, or a visit to the National Museum of Ancient Art. Lisbon is also home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, and our local Concierge will book you into the best; think local dishes like bacalhau a bras (shredded salted cod, potato and eggs) or ameijoas a bulhao pato (clams coated with a garlic and lemon sauce).

Today’s flight isn’t until the late afternoon, so you have the morning to explore. Fill your bellies with the perennially popular Portuguese pastel de natas (custard tarts) along with an espresso to keep you going. Grab your bags and take a quick private transfer back to the airport, where you’ll board the eight-and-a-half-hour flight to Salvador. This marks the start of the second leg of your trip, in tropical Brazil. Upon arrival in the evening, you’ll once again be privately transferred to your hotel, set in a traditional colonial house in Salvador’s historical centre. Soak in the night-time views over the city before hitting the hay ready for the following fun-filled days.

Salvador is often referred to as the ‘African soul’ of Brazil, as descendants of the first African slaves have held on tightly to their traditions here. These cultural roots have mingled with colonial influences to create a compelling effect, particularly in the historic centre of Pelourinho. Take a private guided tour through this district and be charmed by the Afro-Brazilian shops, colonial Baroque architecture and squares buzzing with musicians and dancers. Also visit a range of creative studios dedicated to art, design and music during this three-and-a-half-hour cultural walk.

While in Salvador, the rest of your time can be spent visiting more of the cities highlights. Mercado Modelo, for example, is Salvador’s oldest and largest market, housed inside a lemon-yellow, 19th- century customs house. Behind its walls, you’ll find around 200 stalls decked with arts, crafts and souvenirs to bring home to friends and family (or to keep for yourself). As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, head to the west-facing Porto da Barra beach for stunning sunset views. With cocktail in hand and partner by your side, it’s a blissfully romantic way to begin the South American stretch of your honeymoon.

It’s time to take to the sky for flight number three, bound for the beachside town of Trancoso via Porto Seguro airport. You’ll be privately transferred to the airport in good time to board the hour-long flight to Porto Seguro, before being privately transferred Trancoso in around an hour (30 miles), straight to the doorstep of your hotel in Trancoso’s historic centre. With the rest of the afternoon to spare, slip on your swimsuits, flip flops and linen shirts and head to the nearby palm-fringed beach. Trancoso’s laid-back vibe is ideal for winding down after a morning of travel – simply listen to the waves crash and locals chatter as you relax under the tropical sun.

The next three days are all about living the life of the hippies who moved into Trancoso’s sleepy fishing town in the 70s. A must-see is the Quadrado, a grassy town square that was carved out of the rainforest by the Jesuits in 1586. It has no car access, and people gather to sip caipirinhas (Brazil’s national cocktail) and look around the antique shops, boutiques and local stalls.

After a morning of browsing, we can arrange for you to go horseback riding along Trancoso’s beaches, including Rio Verde, Itapororoca and Itaquena. It’s a great way to explore these tranquil sandy stretches while doing something a little more exhilarating than just sunbathing. Plus it makes for some epic photos. For more adventure, you could also kayak down the Trancoso river or take a scenic boat ride around the cliffs and hidden beaches.

After a day’s excitement, dine outside beneath the starry sky and trees laced with lanterns. Expect to be greeted with light and healthy seafood dishes, sourced entirely from the very waters you spent the day beside. Raise a glass to Trancoso and give a toast to the start of your married lives on your fourth and final night here, before you head back to the hotel get some rest ahead of tomorrow’s travel day

Pack your bags and get ready to be privately transferred to Port Seguro airport, because today you’re off to Rio De Janeiro. Soak in the sights of Brazil’s lush landscape during your two-hour flight before landing in the city of sun, sea and samba. The final stretch of today’s journey is an hour-long private transfer to your hotel in the Santa Teresa district, close to Rio’s centre. Now’s the time to freshen up, because the remaining afternoon and evening are yours to spend how you choose. Whether you see Christ the Redeemer statue illuminated against the nights sky or stroll along the iconic Copacabana beach, the bouncy beats of bossa nova music are sure to soundtrack your night.

Start your mornings in Rio De Janeiro with a Brazilian breakfast – think fresh papaya and passion fruit – before heading out for the day’s adventure. Included in your itinerary is a bike tour of the city’s white sand beaches, accompanied by a private English-speaking guide. Depart from your hotel’s doorstep for three hours of gorgeous scenery, insightful commentary and fabulous photo opportunities. Afterwards, fill your day with visits to hot spots like the Museum of Tomorrow, which does a deep dive into everything from geology to the design of smart cities, or Jardim Botânico, a 140-hectare garden filled with orchids, palm trees and lily ponds.

Rio comes alive at night, and you’ll get to dive into its excitement like a local on a private tour. Head into the heart of Rio’s nightlife with an English-speaking guide to explore secret spots and rooftop bars (complete with exotic cocktails). Or follow the sound of music to Leblon Beach, known for its irresistible salsa, hip-hop and rock music – whatever you feel like seeing or doing, your guide will be happy to help. On your final night in Rio, we recommend taking a cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain. Although wonderful during the day, riding above the panoramic views of beaches, skyscrapers and hills is extra special at sunset. As the city’s lights blink into life, reminisce with your loved one over the unforgettable past 12 days of your honeymoon.

Wake up and seize your final morning in Brazil with one last hearty breakfast. You’ll then be privately transferred from your hotel to the airport to catch your ten-hour flight back to Lisbon, where your honeymoon started. You’ll be in the air overnight, so cosy up and fall into sweet dreams of your adventure.