Private Customizable City Sightseeing tour of Petropolis – The Imperial City

The city of Petropolis is located 60 km away from Rio and has been called the Imperial City since the times of the Emperor Pedro II. Settled by the Germans, Petropolis keeps the memory of Brazilian history alive with its buildings and charming streets.



The town's name ("city of Peter") honors Emperor Pedro II, the nation's second monarch and son of Pedro I. The city was the summer residence of the Brazilian Emperors and aristocrats in the 19th century, and was the official capital of the state

... See more

The city of Petropolis is located 60 km away from Rio and has been called the Imperial City since the times of the Emperor Pedro II. Settled by the Germans, Petropolis keeps the memory of Brazilian history alive with its buildings and charming streets.

The town's name ("city of Peter") honors Emperor Pedro II, the nation's second monarch and son of Pedro I. The city was the summer residence of the Brazilian Emperors and aristocrats in the 19th century, and was the official capital of the state of Rio de Janeiro between 1894 and 1902.

Make your own way through this historical and charming city, nestled among the forested hills of the Serra dos Órgãos, in the valley of the Quitandinha and Piabanha rivers. After Hotel pick ups, the vehicle will take around 80 minutes to reach Petropolis city.

Suggestion of route:

As soon as you arrive, get a nice perspective outside of Quintandinha Palace. There will be a stop so you can take beautiful pictures of this beautiful building. Then, the tour will begin with a visit to the Imperial Museum, former summer residence of Emperor D. Pedro II, which today still has furniture and objects such as the golden crown, pearls and diamonds worn by D. Pedro I and D. Pedro II. You will also see the beautiful garden in front of the museum, as well as the royal wagon (horse carts) sector.

The museum was the Emperor's favorite residence, where he spent the best moments of his life. Its construction in neo classic style was started in 1845, by determination of the monarch. The original project by the German major and engineer Julio Frederico Koeler. The floor of the hall, in Carrara marble and black marble from Belgium, was laid in 1854, and the hardwood floors and frames such as rosewood, cedar, satinwood, rosewood and the vineyard, coming from the various provinces of the Empire.

After the visit to the Museum, you will continue to lunch (not included) in a restaurant indicated by the guide. You will have free time to have lunch and walk the streets to learn more about this charming and historic city. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations. But don't be late: the tour continues to the Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter of Alcantara, where Princess Isabel was buried along with the tombstones of D. Pedro II and his wife. From there, you will continue to 14 Bis Square and tourists will have the opportunity to visit the Santos Dumont House (tickets not included), a picturesque residence built in a steep part of the city, built in 1918. The Museum preserves and diffuses the memory of the father of Brazilian aviation, the engineering genius that revolutionized the world.

Then walk into a quiet park and admire the beautiful Crystal Palace, a glass and steel ballroom with chandeliers, all built and imported from France, as a gift to your husband's Princess Isabel. Hear about the exhibitions and royal parties that took place here.

Finally, you can choose to visit between Teresa Street or the Bohemia Brewery.

Teresa Street is an open-air mall with a wide variety of products, clothes at a very good price. Take your time and buy souvenirs for the whole family. Or if you like to discover local beers, visit Bohemia Beer Factory (tickets not included), the first of its kind in Brazil. The tour is an interactive journey through the history, art and science of brewing. Learn all about beer from ancient times to the present day. Taste Bohemia straight from the source and live the whole experience in a modern, interactive environment.

After, return to the vehicle that will take the tourists back to their respective hotels in Rio. See less