Historic Petrópolis Tour: Uncover Brazil's Imperial past through Palaces, Architecture and Culture
4.9
32 Ratings
Petropolis
Uncover Brazil's imperial past in Petrópolis, a charming historic city known for its palaces, architecture, culture, and gastronomy. Explore the city's rich heritage and learn about the Brazilian royal family's fascinating history.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Quitandinha Palace Congress and Convention Center - “Quitandinha Palace”

Visit Quitandinha Palace, a building built in 1944 to be the “Gambling Capital of Brazil”. Marble bathrooms, chandeliers with crystal pendants, a lighting system that would be enough to light up a city of 60,000 inhabitants and a lake is shaped like a map of Brazil. Its halls can accommodate up to 10,000 people simultaneously. It’s really worth the visit!

  • Imperial Museum - We will also enter the Imperial Museum to admire the relics which is preserves, taking us closer to the charismatic figure of Pedro II, who made this marvellous building his summer residence. Today, it is the most visited museum in Brazil.

Visit its beautiful garden and interior, where objects of the royal family and several other historical pieces are located.

  • Catedral de Sao Pedro de Alcantara - “Cathedral of São Pedro de Alcântara”

One of the main sights of Petrópolis, the São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral enchants tourists from all over the world with its new-gothic French style, marble sculptures in Carrara, stained glass and the imperial mausoleum. Not to mention the interesting stories and some curiosities.

The Imperial Mausoleum is one of the cathedral’s great historical attractions. In the center there is a double sarcophagus with the remains of the Emperor D. Pedro II and Empress Tereza Cristina.

  • Museu Casa de Santos Dumont - Visit the Santos Dumont’s House. Known as the father of aviation for being the first to fly on board a motor plane, without the need for launch ramps. Alberto Santos Dumont is one of the main names in Brazilian history and his achievements are considered national pride.

The house was designed by Santos Dumont for his summer residence in the city. The Santos Dumont’s house preserves and disseminates the memory of the father of the Brazilian aviation, an engineering genius who revolutionized the world.

  • Crystal Palace - Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace is one of the most touristic spots in Petrópolis. The precast structure, in cast iron, was ordered in France by Conde D’Eu, Princess Isabel’s husband, and took five years to be ready. It was set up in Petrópolis and opened in 1884 to house exhibitions of flowers, birds and agricultural products. Currently the space hosts cultural events and exhibitions.

  • Cervejaria Bohemia - Brewery Bohemia

Whoever enters Brewery Bohemia, immediately falls in love with the universe of beer. The visit offers the most complete brewing experience in Latin America. The tour presents the history of beer, its production process and ingredients that lead visitors to unique sensory experiences with exclusive tastings.

It’s certainly an unmissable attraction to take a complete tour at it with tastings.

  • Rua Teresa - It’s worthwhile paying a visit to one of the largest open-air malls in Latin America. On Tereza st., there are more than 1200 stores with a lot of variety of products for all tastes and styles.
What's Included
  • All-inclusive pricing with VAT, taxes, and handling charges.
  • Complimentary airport Greet & Meet service.
  • Professional licensed private tour guide.
  • Pick-up and drop-off at any location in Rio, including hotels and airports.
  • Entrance fees included for all attractions on the tour.
  • Transport in fully-equipped vehicles.
  • Private driver provided for groups of 5 or more.
What's Not Included
  • Meals and drinks.
  • Tips. (optional)
Additional Information

Discover the initial tales that define Brazil’s royal history by exploring the picturesque historic city of Petrópolis.

Known as the Imperial City, Petrópolis is a treasure trove of Brazilian heritage—boasting historic palaces, traditional architecture, cultural richness, gastronomic delights, and historical exhibits.

Established in 1843 by Emperor Dom Pedro II, the city remains a fusion of historical grandeur and contemporary tourist facilities. Today, it draws visitors to its unique streets, museums, gardens, shops, restaurants, and exhibits.

Under the guidance of an expert, delve into the intriguing history of the Brazilian royal family that governed Brazil for 67 years—uncovering why Brazil was among the few monarchies in Latin America for nearly the entire 19th century.

Petrópolis, with its rich blend of diverse ethnic influences, also strikes a high note with its distinctive culinary scene that fuses various flavors and recipes catering to all palates —ranging from eclectic bars to upscale restaurants, and numerous breweries.

Location
Quitandinha Palace Congress and Convention Center
Avenida Estados Unidos 2
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(32 Ratings)
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Lindadk3296gv
May 26, 2024
Petropolis Guide by Eva 24 May 2024 - The Petrópolis tour was nothing what I thought it was going to be, Ms Eva was very knowledgeable spoked 3 languages, very informed step by steps. Know her history. I felt it was a little overate the Museum. The Crystal Palace was a joke, just a empty building. The Quintandinha Palace was should a long drive just to only see the outside from across the lake. Didn’t walk down Teresa Street, but did go inside the Mall. NeiGotic Cathedral was very nice. The Chocolate Factory was very nice. The Domonts house seem from distance. The lunch meal was amazing, drinks not inclue. Dessert not included. But it was nice, what make nice was Eva the guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
449rebecao
May 12, 2024
Best tour! - I discovered incredible places! Guide Camila answers all questions, super patient, high spirits. It makes the trip light and enjoyable! An AMAZING professional and woman! I already want to go on more trips with her because she is super agile, smart, quick and intelligent. Driver guide Vagner, I have no words to describe his education and impeccable work! Excellent professionals and great human beings.
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I637chjoser
May 11, 2024
Petropolis everything in one day - The best private tour to Petropolis. I saw everything, had a great lunch. The tour guide was excellent. You have the opportunity to see the history, the shopping. Eat, laugh and have fun.
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901mariaizabelv
Feb 17, 2022
An great historical tour - Mas a amazing tour, beautifull and historical city, and many details about de Royal family by Camila, ouro show and lovely guide
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Dvnthkr
Feb 5, 2022
Excellent Tour of Petropolis - We wanted to have one major historical day trip from Rio and found this great tour. Camila & Michel were our guides and they were both excellent. Both showed great knowledge and passion for the Petropolis history and area which made the tour that much better. The highlight was the former palace of Dom Pedro II, as well as learning all the history of the city. Highly recommend this tour to anybody.
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Marceloo4
May 26, 2021
Amazing city - “Our last tour when visiting Brazil was to the city of Petrópolis and Gregtur made great arrangements for us. Camila was our guide and friend throughout the tour. As it was during the pandemic, we had the entire city to ourselves and a had wonderful time exploring multiple historical sights. Glad to have had this experience and wish I had more time...."
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Kellycw8539xb
May 26, 2021
The Tour in Petrópolis - What can I say? Words just don’t do an experience like we had any justice. It was a breathtaking tour in the city of Petrópolis. Camila, our guide took us on the trip of a lifetime. With Covid, they were super flexible and accommodating and fixed our tour without any issues. We went to Quitandinha Palace, Petrópolis Imperial Museum, Cathedral of São Pedro, Brewery Bohemia, just to mention a few. We ate amazing local food and experienced life like it is for the locals. We drove the whole way having Camila sharing so much information about Rio, culture and history. If you choose to go to Brazil, you have to go with Gregtur. A trustworthy company that will make your trip exactly what you want and need. Thank you guys
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C8187utluiza
May 25, 2021
Petrô city - This tour to Petrópolis was truly perfect and well planned. Safe, secure and incredibly tailor made just for us. The customer service was exemplary and our guide was a master in Rio and Petrópolis, Camila. She has a true passion for history and an incredible educational background as well. Petropólis is very clean, well appointed and lots and lots of food! We were able to see the main city’s highlights. Camila thoughtfully showed us the important aspects of the city. We went to Santos Dumont's House, Crystal Palace and enjoy the vibrant gardens and museums . It was an absolute pleasure. We have a friend for life in Rio now. Loved this trip with all our hearts! ❤️❤️ Thank you Camila, Rodrigo (driver) and Beyond, Gregtur and all the people that served us with the utmost care in this trip.
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B9525qdcarlosalberto
May 25, 2021
History fantastic - Gregtur was wonderful to work with! They were extremely helpful with planning everything and made a tour to Petrópolis in the budget I was working with. Our guide was very patient and answered all the questions my group had along the way. The times in Petrópolis was amazing, with great weather, beautiful views and contemplating beautiful landscapes of Petrópolis. Thank you again to Gregtur for all your work in helping to make it happen!!
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Niamho352
Feb 15, 2022
Fascinating day trip from Rio - Petropolis is a fascinating place if you are interested in history. The drive there is also very scenic. There are two guides who are very knowledgeable about the different places we visited and could answer any questions. Claudia did a great job of translating and her English is very good.
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July 2024
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