NORTHEAST BREAKAWAY

Day 1 : Arrival in Recife, onward to Olinda (- / - / -)

On landing in Recife, a driver and guide will be waiting to make the journey to the neighbouring town of Olinda. Founded in 1535, Olinda is one of Brazil’s best preserved colonial towns and a UNESCO world heritage site. With its steep cobbled streets winding through the hillside, and views out to Recife and out to the emerald sea; Olinda is surely one of Brazil’s most charming and picturesque attractions.

Check in at your characterful pousada, located right in the heart of Olinda’s historic centre. After settling in, the rest of the day is free to explore the handicraft boutiques or simply walk the cobblestone streets, mixing with the brightly coloured houses, painted façades, or modern-day art/music scene; a real life lesson in the historical roots and contemporary culture of the town, and indeed of Brazil.

Day 2 : Exploring Recife and Olinda (B / L / -)

Set out on a full day tour of Olinda and Recife. After breakfast, your local guide will meet you at the hotel and take you on a walking tour of Olinda’s historic centre. Apart from its multicoloured colonial houses and exuberant Carnival celebrations, Olinda is famous for its steep cobbled streets – so make sure to wear comfortable footwear! The highlights of this morning include unique sights such as the lavishly decorated 1582 São Bento Monastery, Brazil’s first law school, the Igreja da Sé, the Convent of Saint Francis and the former slave market.

After a regional-style lunch, your driver will take you to Recife´s historic city centre, with its islands, rivers and bridges. The city’s historic centre is characterised by its Dutch heritage and quaint townhouses.

Day 3 : Onwards to Fernando de Noronha (B / - / -)

After a leisurely breakfast, a vehicle will be on hand for the transfer to Recife airport in time for a short flight to the heavenly Fernando de Noronha islands. On arrival, a private car will be ready and waiting to take you to check in at the comfortable hotel inn that will be your home for the next four nights.

Towards the end of the afternoon, you will be picked up and taken to one of the most magical spots on the island. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while watching an unforgettable sunset – the perfect way to celebrate your arrival on the archipelago! Instead of heading right back to the pousada, ask your driver to drop you off at one of Fernando de Noronha’s superb restaurants and treat yourself to a romantic dinner.

Domestic flight from Recife to Fernando de Noronha

Day 4 : Full day tour of the island in an off-road 4x4 (B / - / -)

What better way to discover the idyllic main island of Fernando de Noronha than in an off-road?! The tour will take in some of the best beaches and historical points of interest, with plenty of opportunities to cool off in the crystal clear sea, snorkel, or enjoy some locally prepared delicacies. Having explored some of the most iconic and scenic parts of the island, the tour finishes at dusk, stopping in one of the best lookout points to watch the sun set over the ocean.

Day 5 : Relaxing on Fernando de Noronha (B / - / -)

Today, enjoy a full day at leisure further exploring Fernando de Noronha. Called ‘The Emerald of The Atlantic’, the archipelago breathes nature through every pore, having been declared a National Marine Park in 1989. Home to unspoilt beaches such as Praia da Quixaba, Praia do Leão and Praia do Bode, this piece of paradise on Earth is the perfect place to kick back and relax. With a little bit of luck, dolphins can be spotted from the beach – the archipelago is home to the Atlantic Ocean’s only school of Spinner Dolphins!

If you’re in a more active mood, a number of hiking trails show the island from a completely different angle and offer an introduction to its endemic species and unique vegetation. One of the most popular trails leads up Morro do Piquinho, the main island’s highest peak. At 321 m above sea level, the view from the top is simply spectacular, specially at sunrise and sunset.

Day 6 : Boat trip to ‘Two Brothers Hill’ (B / - / -)

An absolute must-visit location surrounding Fernando de Noronha is the untouched Bay overlooking the famous ‘Two Brothers Hill’, so-called as the name refers to two almost identical giant rock formations which proudly stand side-by-side in the middle of the ocean, just a few metres from the beach.

In the early afternoon, you will be collected from the hotel and taken to a nearby jetty, to board a waiting yacht. The vessel will depart off into the pristine waters which surround the island, making stops along the way, with ample opportunities to snorkel or swim in the dazzingly blue water. On board; freshly caught fish will be prepared and served until the main highlight of the day comes in the form of the sublime beach adjacent to The Two Brothers rocks.

As the day draws to a close, you will stop for a truly memorable sunset at Praia da Conceição, before you gradually cruise back to the jetty, where a support vehicle will be ready for the transfer back to the hotel.

Day 7 : From Fernando de Noronha to Natal and on to Pipa Beach (B / - / -)

This morning a car will be ready and waiting for the transfer back to Fernando de Noronha airport, and an onward flight to Natal, capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Norte. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and taken to the lively cliff-lined beach resort of Pipa, where people of all ages and nationalities congregate to enjoy the nature and nightlife of one of the Northeast’s main attractions.

Domestic flight from Fernando de Noronha to Natal

Journey time from Natal Airport to Pipa Beach: approx. 1.5 h by car (100 km)

Day 8 : Exploring Pipa at your own pace (B / - / -)

Today, set out to explore Pipa’s idyllic beaches at your own pace. The wide open bays of Praia do Madeiro and Baía dos Golfinhos are perfect for long walks in the sand, and the smooth waters offer excellent conditions for both experienced surfers and newcomers. By the way, Baía dos Golfinhos translates as ‘Dolphin Bay’, so keep your eyes peeled!

At the opposite end of Pipa, Praia do Amor offers a completely different setting: While the big waves attract more experienced surfers, the windswept stretch of sand with only a few beach bars and an imposing red cliff as backdrop create a wildly romantic atmosphere. At the end of the day, enjoy an unforgettable sunset at the nearby Chapadão viewpoint, before you head to the lively village centre for dinner, drinks and live music.

Day 9 : Bike tour and lunch by the river (B / L / -)

To make the most of the last full day of your trip, today you will set out early to explore Pipa’s surroundings – by bike! Leaving the lively village centre behind, the tour heads south along a trail that fringes the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Depending on the tide, the route then continues either via the beach or along the cliff route for about 7 km towards Sibaúma village.

After a brief stop and a plunge in Sibaúma‘s tidal rock pools, the tour pedals its way further inland to “Vila Flor”, a cosy little restaurant set in a lush environment. While you sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, the Spanish chef, Sra. Concha, will prepare a scrumptious three-course meal based on organic ingredients from local produce.

After lunch, there will be time for a refreshing dive in the Rio Catu. If you haven’t had enough adventure yet, you can also take a short kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding trip down the river. Towards the end of the afternoon, it’s back on the bikes again. Take in the amazing ocean views as you pedal the cliff route back to Pipa.

Day 10 : Homeward bound (B / - / -)

On the last day of the tour, a driver will be on hand at the required time for a transfer from the hotel to the airport, in preparation for onward flights.

Journey time from Pipa Beach to Natal Airport: approx. 1.5 h by car (100 km).

End of the Tour