Brazil · Castles & Palaces

Historic Petrópolis From Rio: The Imperial City –Palaces, Architecture & Culture

10 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Rio de Janeiro. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Discover the imperial heritage of Petrópolis on a day trip from Rio
  • 02 Visit landmarks including Quitandinha Palace and the Imperial Museum
  • 03 See the São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral and its imperial mausoleum
  • 04 Explore Santos Dumont’s House, dedicated to the aviation pioneer
  • 05 Admire the elegant iron-and-glass Crystal Palace
  • 06 Enjoy a guided cultural experience with private transport included

Step into Brazil’s imperial past on a full-day journey from Rio de Janeiro to Petrópolis, the historic mountain city founded by Emperor Dom Pedro II. Explore grand palaces, elegant architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks that reveal the story of the Brazilian royal family and the city’s lasting heritage.

Along the way, visit some of Petrópolis’ most iconic sights, including Quitandinha Palace, the Imperial Museum, São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral, Santos Dumont’s House, and the Crystal Palace. With time to experience the city’s atmosphere, history, and local character, this tour offers a rich introduction to one of Brazil’s most fascinating destinations.

Step into Brazil’s imperial past on a full-day journey from Rio de Janeiro to Petrópolis, the historic mountain city founded by Emperor Dom Pedro II.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis
Languages English, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

"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!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."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.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

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.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.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.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Rio de Janeiro. 2 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transport by fully-equipped vehicles.
  • Any address pick-up and drop-off are included like hotels and airports.(Within the city of Rio)
  • Professional licensed private tour guide.
  • Entrance fees for all attractions described in the program.
  • Private driver for groups bigger than 4 people. Otherwise, the guide drives the vehicle themselves.
  • VAT, all taxes, handling charges, parking fees during stops, airport Greet & Meet service.

What's Not Included

  • Meals and drinks.
  • Tips. (optional)

Know before you go

  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • AIRPORT OR PORT ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS:
    Once you have arrived at the airport or seaport there will be a member of our staff waiting for you at the arrivals area holding a clear sign with your name on it, they will then escort you to your waiting private vehicle.

    'For tours starting at the airport or port, please send us the flight info or cruise ship name so that we can track it and be waiting for you at the right time and terminal.'
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    HOTEL PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS:
    As soon as the tour guide arrives at your hotel, they get the front desk to call you in the room in case you are not at the lobby.
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    In the very unlikely situation that the client are not able to locate our guide, please call our emergency telephone number below.

    Contacts:

    ●55

    ●55

    ●55
  • PICK-UP INFORMATION:
    • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private tour, you choose the best pick-up point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of Rio.
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    DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS:
    • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private tour, you choose the best drop-off point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of Rio.
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    HOTEL PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS:
    • As soon as the tour guide arrives at your hotel, they get the front desk to call you in the room in case you are not at the lobby.
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    AIRPORTS / PORT ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS:
    • Once you have arrived at the airport or port there will be a member of our staff waiting for you at the arrivals area holding a clear sign with your name on it, they will then escort you to your waiting private transfer vehicle.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Rio de Janeiro.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Rio de Janeiro.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Rio de Janeiro..

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