Nestled away from international spotlights, Petropolis may not be a global sensation, yet its name echoes throughout Brazil’s heart. This quaint city’s intimate connection with the Imperial Family, serving as a sanctuary from Rio de Janeiro’s tumultuous politics, bestows upon it a singular significance.
While the Imperial Museum, once the illustrious Imperial Palace, stands as an iconic landmark, Petropolis’ charm runs deeper. It cradles the roots of the nation’s premier brewery, Bohemia, a nod to its Germanic heritage woven into the local cuisine. Few might realize that the visionary inventor Santos Dumont found solace here, crafting his own dwelling with innovation etched into every corner.
Petropolis, a haven of safety within Rio de Janeiro’s tumult, invites you to explore its historic heart on foot. Wander its cobbled streets, where well-marked signs share tales of the homes’ original inhabitants, immersing you in an imperial era.
Delve into the city’s more recent past, and you’ll uncover the grandeur of the Quitandinha Palace, once South America’s largest hotel-casino. This architectural marvel stands as a testament to an era gone by, while the whimsical House of Sever Errors beckons with its curious design and exquisite interiors.
Whether lured by history, architectural splendors, or the allure of exceptional brews, Petropolis stands as an indispensable chapter in your Rio journey.
Discover this hidden jewel and enrich your trip with an experience that unveils Brazil’s soul in every nook and cranny.
Places Visited:
- Quitandinha Palace
- Imperial Museum
- Metropolitan Cathedral
- Casa de Petropolis (House of 7 Errors)
- Crystal Palace
- Bohemia Brewery
- Stefan Zweig House
Duration: 8 Hours
Flexible Starting Time; we recommend 9:00 am
Languages: English, Portuguese and Spanish
We do not operate this tour on Mondays because all the attractions are closed.
Are you staying in Petropolis and want to do this tour with us? No problem! We will pick you up in the Imperial City hotels.
FROM: US$ 275.00
What is included
- Private Car with Driver
- Tour Guide
- Tickets to the Attractions
- Pickup and Drop-off within Rio de Janeiro and Petropolis (you say where!)
- Complimentary Bottled Water
What is not included
- Food and Drinks
What to Expect
Exquisite Petropolis Unveiled: Your Private Escapade
Embark on an exclusive journey to Petropolis that promises to immerse you in a realm of architectural marvels, rich history, and captivating flavors. Allow us to guide you through an enchanting day of exploration and indulgence.
Our adventure begins with a personalized pickup, tailored to your convenience. Nestled within the comfort of a private vehicle, we’ll traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Serra dos Órgãos National Park en route to the Imperial City.
Marvel at the grandeur of the Quitandinha Palace, a stunning relic of the 1930s. Its ornate architecture and exquisite décor stand as a testament to a bygone era. Venture deeper into history as we visit the Imperial Museum, where the Royal Family’s summerhouse beckons with tales of regal sojourns. Brace yourself for the whimsical allure of the Casa de Petropolis, fondly known as the House of 7 Errors, an architectural masterpiece that defies convention and captivates the imagination.
Delight in the opulence of the Metropolitan Cathedral and meander through charming city streets at your leisure. Catch a glimpse of the resplendent Crystal Palace, a dazzling testament to Petropolis’ allure. An encounter with history awaits at the Bohemia Brewery, where the country’s first brews were crafted. Indulge in delectable cuisine and sample a range of exquisite beers, a fitting prelude to a leisurely stroll through local chocolate factories/shops, where the sweet essence of Petropolis takes form.
As the sun sets on this remarkable day, a scenic drive will guide us back to Rio, where we’ll bid you farewell at a location of your choosing. Your private guided tour to Petropolis is an odyssey of opulence, culture, and flavors that promises to etch memories to last a lifetime.
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Payment Policies:
- Prepayment of 20% when booking (Credit cards, Apple Pay)
- Payment of 80% on the tour day by cash (US$ or BRL) or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express).
Cancellation Policies:
- Full refund of the prepayment if cancelled at least 48 hours before the tour date.
- No refund if cancelled 48 hours or less before the tour date.
frequently asked questions
What are the preventive measures against covid-19 adopted on the tours? If I'm already vaccinated, do I need to follow them?
We have been following the safety measures recommended by WHO and OMT along with the city laws. Wearing face masks is not mandatory anymore but we recommend using them. All our guides and drivers are fully vaccinated and our vehicles are sanitized after tours.
What are the things to do in Petropolis?
The main attractions are the Quitandinha Palace, a former hotel-casino built in the 1930s, and the Imperial Museum, the former summer residence of the Imperial family. But the Metropolitan Cathedral, the House of 7 Errors, the Crystal Palace (former winter garden), Santos Dumont House, and a stop in Bohemia, the first brewery in Brazil, are well worth a visit. There are several chocolate shops and many tourists like to buy clothes on ‘Rua Teresa’. Oh, and walking by the city streets, of course. But there is much more to do there. In the end, Petropolis itself is the biggest attraction.
What about the 'Castelo de Itaipava' (Itaipava Castle)?
It was built in 1920 by Baron J. Smith de Vasconcellos and is famous for being a replica of a Renaissance castle. It is an option for visiting and lunch, preferably on weekdays as it gets very crowded on the weekends. It is far away from the main Petropolis area so if you want to go there you might not be able to visit all the places listed in the itinerary.
I don't know if I want to visit the places listed on the tour. Can I change itinerary?
Definitely! This is perhaps the main advantage of private tours, especially ours: flexibility. And these changes can be made even during the tour!
Is lunch in Bohemia mandatory? Can I choose another place?
Nothing is mandatory in our tours. We give you suggestions and you choose what you want to do. You can also include places that are not listed at all. This, of course, includes the place for lunch. We can go to other restaurants in town. There are many options, trust me.
Is Serra dos Órgãos, on the way to Petropolis, very winding? How long is the trip? I'm afraid of getting motion sickness.
It’s not very winding, we never had cases of motion sickness on the tours to the Imperial City. Although the average drive time to Petropolis is near 1:30h, the ‘Serra dos Orgaos’ part takes about 30 minutes only. If you often feel nauseous, we recommend that you take the steps you normally take to avoid it.
After all, is it really worth visiting Petropolis?
It’s VERY worth it. The city has a totally different atmosphere from Rio, much more peaceful and welcoming. For those who like history, it is Paradise. The buildings from the Imperial times are extremely well preserved and walking by the city streets is a real journey back in time. And it’s extremely safe.
I am staying in Petropolis. Can I do the tour with you?
Yes, you can. Just let us know where in Petropolis you are staying and we will pick you up there!
Will the tour be cancelled in case of bad weather?
We do not usually cancel tours due to bad weather. What we do is to adapt the itinerary or, if possible, change the date. If you cancel the tour less than 48 hours in advance, except in extreme cases, there will be no refund, as per our cancellation policies.
My group has more than 4 people. How can I book?
In that case you can either book 2 or more gropus for the same day or contact us for a special quote.
I am not sure if I feel safe booking on your website. How can I be sure that it's not a fraud?
We have a TripAdvisor profile and we are registered in the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism. But we understand your concern. There is a lot of scams on the Internet so if you don’t feel safe and/or comfortable booking directly on our website, we strongly recommend that you do on TripAdvisor. You can follow this link or search for ‘be free rio’ on their website. No matter the source of your booking we guarantee that you will have an unforgettable experience!
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contact@befreetur.com.br
+55 21 97927-1637
