Santos Dumont’s House

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. In high season, tours can take longer due to traffic and the large volume of people in the city.

The tour of Petrópolis Imperial will make your trip to the region worthwhile. It takes 9 hours to visit several of the historical sites we mentioned, such as Quitandinha, Palácio de Cristal and Santos Dumont's house. The package includes transportation (round trip), entry to the Imperial Museum, a bilingual guide and a free lunch. When thinking about what to do in Petrópolis, just remember that it is a city planned during the Empire era with historical tourist attractions that represent a large part of what our country once was. It is ideal for connecting to an ancient Brazil and better understanding what the lives of these people were like in the 19th century. In other words, it is a trip full of learning and knowledge, as well as a lot of cultural enrichment.

Visit the legendary Petrópolis, home to Brazilian emperors and aristocrats, only 1 hour north of Rio de Janeiro! The tour begins with a visit to the Imperial Museum, once the summer home to Emperor Don Pedro II, the final ruler of the Empire of Brazil. Learn about his family's way of life and see the gold crown, pearls, and diamonds that belonged to Emporer Don Pedro I and Emporer Don Pedro II. Next you'll see the Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcântara, a beautiful neo-gothic cathedral and heritage site. See where Emporer Don Pedro II, his wife Teresa Cristina, Princess Isabel and her husband Prince Gaston, the Count of Eu are buried. Complete your day with the Crystal Palace. With architecture inspired by Crystal Palace in London, the building is made of glass and metal and once used by Princess Isabel for parties. The Crystal Palace is also the location where Princess Isabel made a preliminary move to abolish slavery in Brazil by freeing slaves a few months before she signed it into law.

Leave the bright beaches of Copacabana behind on a guided tour into the old imperial city of Petrópolis. Walk down the Rua Santa Teresa and visit a beer factory, after following your guide to Quitandinha Palace, Liberty Square, the Cathedral Saõ Pedro de Alcantara, and the Imperial Museum. Get picked up from your accommodations in the South area of Rio and drive into the mountains to discover the fascinating city of Petrópolis. Explore what is known as the "imperial city," the summer residence of the emperor in the 19th century. See the Quitandinha Palace, Liberty Square, the Cathedral Saõ Pedro de Alcantara, and the Imperial Museum. Make a visit to the beer factory and take a walk down Rua Santa Teresa, checking out the avenue of clothing stores. If you visit at Christmas, admire the decorative lights and festive shows that happen every day.

Petropolis city tour is a fascinating journey through the history, culture, and natural beauty The Imperial City of Petropolis is located in the Mountainous Region of Rio de Janeiro (68 km / 42 miles – around 1 hour drive). Frequented since the 19th century by the emperor Dom Pedro I, and the Royal family. Since then, during the summer, the city became the capital of the Empire of Brazil, with the entire court. Quiet and charming streets make the tour very pleasant! The mild climate, historic buildings and preserved Atlantic Forest are major tourist attractions. Located among the forested mountains of Serra dos Orgaos, the Imperial City, is a very well-known and visited winter vacation spot in the Mountainous region of Rio. The city has an excellent tourist and gastronomic structure. * Visiting places in Petropolis City tour: Quitandinha Palace (was the largest hotel casino in South America – optional inside tour); Sao Pedro de Alcantara Cathedral (Gothic style); Imperial Museum (historical-thematic of the Brazilian monarchy); Santos Dumont House (one of the pioneers of aviation); Cristal Palace (built in 1884); Bohemia Brewery (the first beer factory ever established in Brazil – optional Beer Tour).

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.