This former summer retreat of Brazil’s royal family offers excellent day trips from Rio, typically running 8-10 hours at €51-£34 per person. The standout tours combine visits to the magnificent Quitandinha Palace and Imperial Museum, with comfortable air-conditioned transport and included buffet lunches. I’m particularly fond of tours that include both the historic sites and local brewery stops – they give you a perfect mix of culture and contemporary Brazilian life. While most tours are well-organized, keep in mind some have limited shopping time.
Recommended packages include experienced bilingual guides who bring the imperial history to life, though accessibility can be challenging at some sites.
Let’s explore the best tours Petrópolis has to offer.
Key Points
- Explore the former summer retreat of the Brazilian royal family with guided tours ranging from 8 to 10 hours and prices between €51.91 to £33.81 per person.
- Experience immersive cultural and historical insights through visits to iconic attractions like the Quitandinha Palace and Imperial Museum.
- Enjoy customizable private tour itineraries with optional stops at local breweries and cafes, along with insightful commentary from bilingual or trilingual guides.
- Benefit from air-conditioned transportation, buffet lunch, and limited group sizes for personalized experiences, with high overall satisfaction ratings around 4.9/5.
- Discover architectural marvels such as the St. Peter of Alcântara Cathedral, Palácio de Cristal, and the House of Santos Dumont during your Petrópolis tours.
Rio De Janeiro: Tour of Petrópolis, Imperial City.
Why not explore the history and beauty of Petrópolis, the former summer retreat of the Brazilian royal family, on this tour from Rio de Janeiro? Priced at €5191 per person, this 9.5-hour tour offers a comprehensive look at the “Imperial City.”
You’ll visit the Quitandinha Palace, Imperial Museum, and St. Peter of Alcântara Cathedral, plus get an inside look at the House of Santos Dumont. An optional stop at the Bohemia Brewery is also included.
The tour includes air-conditioned transport, a bilingual guide, and a buffet lunch, though drinks and dessert cost extra. Pickup is available from select areas in Rio, with an additional charge for Barra da Tijuca.
While the tour company is highly rated, some past travelers have complained about limited shopping time and an annoying guide. This tour offers an immersive experience in Petrópolis’ imperial history and natural beauty.
Read our full review: Rio De Janeiro: Tour of Petrópolis, Imperial City. Review
Book now: Check availability
Liberty Square: Guided Walking Tour
Liberty Square in Petrópolis beckons visitors with its rich history and impressive architecture. This guided walking tour provides an in-depth exploration of this iconic destination.
Participants will discover the Imperial Museum, a grand 19th-century palace that once housed Brazil’s emperors. They’ll also visit the magnificent Neo-Gothic Cathedral, admiring its ornate interiors and learning about its significance in the city’s religious history.
The tour then leads guests through the picturesque streets, showcasing Petrópolis’ unique blend of European and Brazilian influences. Highlights include the former Imperial Summer Palace and the charming shops and cafes that line the square.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares fascinating insights into the city’s role as the former summer capital of the Brazilian Empire.
This 8-hour excursion, available with pickup from Rio de Janeiro, offers a comprehensive introduction to Petrópolis’ cultural and historical treasures. Priced at $5,452 per person, it’s an immersive experience not to be missed by those seeking to explore the city’s captivating past.
Read our full review: Liberty Square: Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Petropolis Tour Departing From Rio De Janeiro
Although Petrópolis is often overshadowed by the allure of Rio de Janeiro, this former summer capital of the Brazilian Empire offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich history.
The Petrópolis Tour from Rio de Janeiro is a 9-hour excursion that takes visitors to historical sites like Quitandinha, Palácio de Cristal, and Santos Dumont’s house. Priced at £33.81 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, entry to the Imperial Museum, a bilingual guide, and a free buffet lunch with a drink and dessert.
The tour is designed to provide an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to learn about 19th-century Brazil. The highly qualified agency ensures safe transportation, while the live tour guide is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
However, some limitations exist, as the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and the trilingual commentary may be tiring for some.
With an overall rating of 3.8/5 based on 6 reviews, the Petrópolis Tour offers a compelling opportunity to explore Brazil’s imperial past.
Read our full review: Petropolis Tour Departing From Rio De Janeiro Review
Book now: Check availability
Petrópolis: Escape to the Imperial City Private Tour
Priced from Kč 4,483 per person, the Petrópolis: Escape to the Imperial City Private Tour offers an immersive 8-hour experience showcasing the captivating history and architectural wonders of this former summer capital of the Brazilian Empire.
Departing from 17 pickup locations, including Urca and Copacabana, the tour takes visitors on a scenic drive to Petrópolis, where they can explore the Quitandinha Palace, the Imperial Museum, and the São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral.
The highlight is the House of 7 Errors, an architectural gem with hidden design quirks. The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle, a knowledgeable guide, and admission tickets.
Customers can customize the itinerary on the fly and enjoy complimentary bottled water. While lunch isn’t included, local delicacies are available for tasting.
With a high satisfaction rating and convenient pickup and drop-off options, this private tour offers a memorable escape to Petrópolis’s imperial legacy.
Read our full review: Petrópolis: Escape to the Imperial City Private Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Rio De Janeiro: Petropolis City Tour
Explore the captivating history and architectural marvels of Petrópolis, the former summer capital of the Brazilian Empire, on the Rio De Janeiro: Petropolis City Tour.
This comprehensive 10-hour tour allows you to learn about the city’s imperial past, with guided visits to the Quitandinha Palace, São Pedro de Alcântara Cathedral, and the Imperial Museum.
Discover the legacy of Emperor Dom Pedro I and the Royal family, who frequented this charming mountain retreat.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Rio’s South Zone and a limited group size of 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
Along the way, you’ll have the option to visit additional attractions like Santos Dumont’s House and the Palácio de Cristal, for an additional fee.
With the freedom to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers unparalleled flexibility and value at $134 per person.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Petrópolis, a city that seamlessly blends history, architecture, and natural beauty.
Read our full review: Rio De Janeiro: Petropolis City Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Petrópolis: Private Tour With Museum Ticket
Discover the opulent history and architectural marvels of Petrópolis on this private tour with museum admission. Priced at £136.17 per person, this 8-hour experience allows you to explore the city’s key attractions, including the Palacio Quintadinha, Cathedral of Petrópolis, and the Imperial Museum.
Enjoy the flexibility of a private tour with a knowledgeable guide, Ederson, who’ll share insights into Brazilian history and culture. The tour includes entry to the Imperial Museum, housed in the former summer residence of Emperor Pedro II, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.
With a 4.9/5 rating based on 7 reviews, this tour has received praise for its customized itinerary and Ederson’s expertise. Travelers have highlighted his passion, kind demeanor, and excellent English skills.
For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Petrópolis, this private tour is an excellent choice, with the option to add on Bohemia beer tickets or Quitandinha Palace tickets.
Read our full review: Petrópolis: Private Tour With Museum Ticket Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Petrópolis offers visitors a diverse range of tours to explore its imperial history and architectural gems. From guided walking tours of Liberty Square to private excursions with museum tickets, there’s something to suit all interests and budgets. Whether you’re seeking to escape the hustle of Rio or learn about the city’s regal past, Petrópolis’ tours provide an enriching and convenient way to discover this captivating destination.