Silversea Luxury Cruises A PARATY

Discover the verdant natural beauty and attractions of Serra da Bocaina National Park during this memorable half-day, off-road excursion.

Gold Trail

After tendering ashore, a short walk takes you to the parking area, from where you set out in a 4X4 vehicle for the scenic drive along the Gold Trail. En route, learn about its historic legacy.

Waterfalls

Your first stop is at the exquisite Pedra Branca Waterfall, the White Stones Waterfall, known as one of the most beautiful in Paraty. Have time for a swim if you wish.

Your drive continues on with a visit to the Pedra Branca Distillery. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the distillery; observe the artesian production process and sample organic 'cachaça', a typical Brazilian spirit made from sugar cane.

Next, re-board your 4X4 for the drive to visit Tobogao Waterfalls and the Gold Trail, the paved road built by African slaves in the 18^th Century to bring gold and precious stones out of the Brazilian interior and onto ships bound for Portugal.

Your tour concludes with approximate 30-minute return drive to the tender pier.

Discover the Colonial charm and sustainable farming lifestyle of Paraty during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Paraty, Bananal Farm

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the 17th-century Bananal Farm, located approximately five miles (about eight kilometres) from the historic centre of Paraty. The farm was restored after thorough historical and architectural research, following the IPHAN criteria, which was conducted from references in documentary research and interviews. Today, the farm remains a superb example of how its legacy is intertwined with the history of Paraty and Brazil.

Guided Farm Tour, History, Sustainable Farming, Livestock, Construction and Living Techniques

Upon arrival, your guided tour of Bananal Farm, led by Forest Engineers or Agronomists, offers a unique look into the farm's history and sustainable farming, livestock, construction and living techniques. The first stop on your tour is at the restored Bananal Farmhouse, which dates from 1820 and offers a unique insight into the history of the property. Afterward, take a guided tour of the rest of the farm. Learn about the farm's agroforestry and organic garden production, along with sustainable livestock, building and living techniques. Following your tour, proceed for refreshments and an organic snack.

Historical Downtown Paraty, Guided Walking Tour

Next, re-board your coach, return to Paraty and head to the historical downtown area. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. An UNESCO Historic National Monument and Historic Patrimony, Paraty is also renowned as a natural patrimony, as 65 percent of the town is located inside Serra da Bocaina National Park. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Internationally acclaimed Brazilian Chef Yara Roberts is well known in the arena of international chefs. Graduating from Boston University School of Culinary Arts, she also holds degrees from the Sorbonne and the École du Louvre. She was teaching at the Brazilian Academy of Cooking before moving to Paraty with her photographer husband, Richard Barclay Roberts.

She has been featured in UltraTravel and the New York Times. She is currently producing her own TV series with filmmaker Vivian Mester called Delicious Brazil, a show about culture and lifestyles utilising food as the medium.

Also the author of 'The Brazilian Table' a Julia Child First Book Award finalist and a finalist for the Gourmand International Cookbook Award, which is also featured on Amazon.com.

Cooking Demonstration

Meet your guide on the pier for the approximate one-hour walk and tour to Master Chef Yara Roberts's private home through the old historical district of Parati for this exciting hands-on cooking demonstration.

Being one of Brazil's most forthright advocates of its lifestyle and cuisine, during the demonstration you will be taking an intimate look at the regions of Minas Gerais, the Amazon and Bahia from a food perspective, providing a cultural lesson on the regions and their unique foods, along with learning cooking techniques and professional cooking tips.

Following the demonstration enjoy a special lunch and refreshments before returning to the pier.

Travel back in time through the historical and cultural wonders that of Paraty! Feel the atmosphere of the colonial period as you walk through the charming streets of the Historical Center, discovering its beautiful architecture, where every detail and symbol in the buildings carries a meaning and reports of important historical passages in Brazil. Irregular sidewalks, thick decorated walls, colonial houses with iron balconies and the symbols of Masonic culture represent its essence. We start the experience by walking through the Historical Center to learn a little about the history, churches and mansions of the city. In Historical House of the city, a Capoeira Presentation Surprise exclusive for the guests. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian expression developed since colonial times as a form of cultural resistance through dance, music, rhythm, history and tradition.

Continue the historic walk along the sidewalks of the center, following this journey through time. The special moment is yet to come. Be welcomed by Dom João de Orleans e Bragança, heir of the Brazilian Royal Family, at their Colonial Palace in Paraty. Dom João de Orleans e Bragança opens the doors of his charming château in Paraty, and presents his home and its history. The prince's house is the only one in the region that faces the sea, dating from the imperial period, approximately 1830, when the cycle of the gold trade had already ended. This unique visit will be toasted with the handmade Cachaça of Paraty-one of the finest in Brazil, a sensorial experience conducted by a sommelier specialized in the drink, in one of the halls of the Brazilian Royal Family House. And Guests will be amazed by another exclusive culture surprise right there, Ciranda'smusical performance will take place during the cachaça tasting. Ciranda of Paraty is the typical musical style from the coast of Rio de Janeiro, more specifically from the city of Paraty. The local Ciranda that enchants residents and visitors reflects the Caiçara cultural origin with expressive features of Brazilian colonization.

A delicious cocktail by the renowned Chef Ana Bueno will amuse our guests during the tasting and music presentation. The Chef is focuses on creative and contemporary cuisine, but always anchored in the strong roots of the local caiçara tradition. After visiting the Royal Family House, we finish the historic walk and return to the Paraty Pier.

Explore a few of the 65 beautiful islands and beaches of Paraty during this swimming and snorkelling excursion to Vermelha Beach and Comprida Island.

Vermelha Beach

Depart the pier aboard a partially-shaded, two-mast schooner for the approximate 45-minute ride to Vermelha Beach, an idyllic paradise brimming with lush vegetation. During your 40-minute visit, you can relax and sunbathe on the beach, take a stroll along the shore, or go swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters.

Comprida Island

Next, embark the boat and continue on to Comprida Island, or 'Ilha Comprida'. This lovely island is renowned as a natural aquarium, especially when the crew drops rice in the water besides the boat. This attracts an abundance of fish, which then surround the boat and the people diving; an ideal photo opportunity. Your visit to Comprida Island also offers excellent swimming and snorkelling.

The boat offers security and comfort, and is partially shaded. Tropical fruit is served during the tour. Following your 40-minute visit to Comprida Island, embark your boat for the approximate 45-minute return ride to the pier.

Explore the history, architecture and splendid landmarks of Paraty during this scenic and informative walking tour through the city.

Unlike other Colonial cities, a unique blend of 18th-century architecture has earned Paraty its status as a UNESCO Historic National Monument and Historic Patrimony. Paraty is also renowned as a natural patrimony, as 65 percent of the town is located inside Serra da Bocaina National Park.

Walking Tour

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour through Paraty. Along the way, your guides will inform you about the legends and history of the last century during visits to the city's churches, museum and old houses. The tour is ideal for pictures and videos. Refreshments are served during the tour.

Following your walking tour, return to the pier on-foot.