BRAZIL | EXPLORING OTHER REALITIES

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We begin our 8-day trip in Brazil’s Northeastern region, in the beautiful coastal city of Salvador and wind our way down the Eastern coast to the capital city of Rio de Janeiro where Brazil's iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer stands at its peak, a symbol of peace to the world and a theme running throughout this itinerary. Spend your 8-days greeting healers from around the country and coming to know the foundation of their faith. It is our privilege and pleasure to directly connect you to a diverse spectrum of extraordinary people practicing spiritual and mystical traditions that evolve and thrive at Brazil’s cultural and spiritual crossroads.

Over the course of your 8-days in Brazil, meet some of the many Afro-Brazilians in Salvador who practice Candomblé, the worship of ancestral spirits. Share and learn about their practices and rituals. Fly to the capital city of Brasília to meet with leaders of spiritual centers that promote research in science, technology, mysticism and education. (A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city was carved from a desolate plateau in the middle of Brazil in 1960). For contrast, stay overnight in the rural Abadiânia, joining pilgrims en route to the healing place of Joao de Deus, (John of God) a well-known medium and psychic surgeon. We will also visit a spiritual hospital complex in Rio to learn how diseases and ailments are treated through alternative, mystical practices.

For as long as humans have existed, we have been called to celebrate and explore our essential interconnectedness with each other and the earth. We invite you to participate in an intimate, dynamic encounter with the rituals, philosophies, communities and beliefs of Brazil’s many peoples.  Encounter this enchanting country full of color and power and absorb its blend of European, African and early tribal people’s world views and daily practices. We hope it will give you new insights into the way you see things, yourself and the world.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 | Salvador, Bahia Morning arrival in Salvador, in the Brazilian state of Bahia. Brazil´s first capital, Salvador, was the entry point for the majority of slaves brought to Brazil. Because of this, it is renowned for its rich history and African influence on the regional cuisine, music and religion. This afternoon we visit a traditional Candomblé house of worship. Our visit will focus on the religious and social traditions of the temple. Then visit the spiritual center Cidade de Luz to learn about their facility and programs. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant for our first opportunity to try typical Bahian cuisine. Overnight in Salvador at Villa Bahia or similar. (D)

Day 2 | Salvador, Bahia Today we begin our city tour with observing a service at the church of Rosario dos Pretosa, important to Afro-Brazilian religion and unique to Salvador. A small choir and group of musicians will sing and play African rhythms during the mass. Following lunch, depart on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Pelourinho neighborhood, one of the most colorful and best-preserved areas for colonial architecture in the Americas. We will stand before the ornate gold interior of the São Francisco Church, walk the cobblestone streets and see the Elevator Lacerda, with its spectacular views of the bay carrying locals to the lower part of the city. Overnight in Salvador at Villa Bahia or similar. (B/L)

Day 3 | Salvador / Cachoeira / Salvador, Bahia Today take a day excursion to the colonial town of Cachoeira, driving through some of the oldest farmland in Brazil. En route visit the bustling market in the town of Santo Amaro where locals sell fresh fruits, vegetables and produce. Upon arrival in Cachoeira enjoy a home-cooked meal at a small ranch overlooking the river and valley below. This afternoon we take a walking tour of the town to learn about its history. Known for its master wood sculptors, we will stop to meet a local artist at his workshop. Next meet with a member of the Irmandade da Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte (Sisterhood of Our Lady of the Good Death), one of the oldest and most respected worship groups for Candomblé. Cachoeira is where an exhibit area with photos and artifacts of the religion´s history in Bahia can be visited. Founded in the early 19th century as a church-sponsored sisterhood for female African slaves and former slaves, the Sisterhood is well respected throughout Brazil. Return to Salvador in the afternoon.  Tonight attend a performance at the Miguel Santana Theater to watch the Folklore Bahia Dance Company. The show presents various African traditions that are a part of the traditions of Bahia. Overnight in Salvador at Villa Bahia or similar (B/L)

Day 4 | Salvador /Bahia / Brasilia / Abadiania Travel by plane from Salvador to Brasilia, the capital of Brazil (approx. 2 hours). In 1955, Brazilian president Juscelino Kubitschek was elected with the motto “Fifty years in Five” for his ambitious idea to improve Brazil in that short time. His greatest known project was the creation of the capital, Brasilia. Developed in a desolate plateau in the middle of the country, work started in 1956 and was completed in 1960. Today, Brasilia is a UNESCO World Heritage site known to have some of Brazil´s most unique architecture. Upon arrival, we visit the City of Peace Foundation (pending confirmation), which administers the International Holistic University. The foundation was created by the Federal District government in 1986 and is privately operated. It promotes courses and funds research in areas such as science, technology, mysticism and education. From there, we drop off our luggage at our hotel and take hand luggage to stay overnight in Abadiania, the village of Joao de Deus. Dinner and overnight at the Pousada Catarinense Inn. (B/D)

Day 5 | Abadiania / Brasilia Wake early in the morning and move with the pilgrims, all dressed in white, to the healing place of João de Deus, a well-known medium and ¨psychic surgeon¨. Learn about the healing practices and talk to pilgrims. Lunch at the pousada and in the afternoon we return to Brasilia. Visit the Temple of the Legion of Good Will, known as the center of spirituality in Brasilia. It is the headquarters for a spiritual society in Brazil called LBV, or the Legion of Good Will. Meet with a leader of the temple to learn about the role of spirituality in their life (pending confirmation). Overnight in Windsor Plaza Brasilia Hotel or similar. (B/L)

Day 6 | Brasilia / Rio de Janeiro Transfer to the Brasilia Airport and fly from Brasilia to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio, transfer to the hotel. During the afternoon hours, visit the International Institute of Projectology and Conscientiology (pending confirmation). The IIPC is a non-profit center dedicated to the scientific study of consciousness through out-of-body experience whose primary studies aims to expand and improve the full understanding of human nature and the broad scope of human abilities. After such an experience, enjoy dinner of typical Brazilian BBQ. Overnight at Pestana Rio Hotel or similar. (B/D)

Day 7 | Rio de Janeiro Enjoy a full day in Rio starting with a visit to wander a typical Rio street market seeing where locals purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and daily supplies. During our excursion today, our guide will discuss Chico Xavier, the most well-known and beloved medium in Brazil´s Spiritist movement. The Spiritist Movement has gained national attention with more than 3.8 million members throughout Brazil, growing rapidly each day. Then we visit the House of Father Luiz on the outskirts of the city. This is a ¨spiritual hospital complex¨ where no physical surgeries are performed, but diseases and ailments are treated through spiritual practices. There is a farewell dinner tonight. Overnight at Pestana Rio Hotel or similar. (B/D)

Day 8 | Rio de Janeiro / USA What greeted us on our first day in Rio will be thoroughly enjoyed on our final day in Brazil. This morning visit Corcovado Mountain and the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue. With his outstretched arms spanning a total of 92-feet across, the French designed sculpture is one of the world’s most known urban icons overlooking the city and people of Rio de Janeiro daily. After taking a 25-minute cogwheel train ride to the top of the mountain, we will culminate our experience in Brazil with a stunning 360-degree view of its most beloved city. Lunch is on your own and there is free time this afternoon for any last minute shopping, a bike-ride through the Botanical Gardens or relax at the beach. Transfer to the Rio International Airport for the overnight flight back to the United States arriving home on Sunday morning. (B)