What you do Board the legendary Serra Verde Express in a private Gold-Class cabin and descend the Serra do Mar escarpment — one of the world's great rail journeys — through Atlantic Forest, waterfalls, and sheer canyon walls to the cosmopolitan city of Curitiba.

What to expect The 3-hour descent from Paranaguá hugs the cliffs of the Serra do Mar, crossing 13 tunnels and 30 bridges through UNESCO-listed Atlantic Forest. Gold Class passengers enjoy priority boarding, curated Brazilian snacks, and a private viewing platform at the most dramatic viaducts. Arriving in Curitiba, the afternoon is yours to explore the Oscar Niemeyer Museum or the Botanical Garden before the return journey. The return leg at golden hour, with mist rolling through the gorges, is utterly unforgettable.

Good to know Book Gold Class directly on the Serra Verde Express website well in advance — it sells out weeks ahead. The full round-trip is roughly 8–9 hours; confirm your ship's all-aboard time before booking. Departures are from Paranaguá station, a short taxi ride from the cruise pier.

Versus the ship tour Gold Class carriages offer panoramic windows, table service, and dedicated attendants — a level of intimacy and comfort that transforms a scenic railway into a true luxury event. Only a handful of seats exist per departure.

the full guide →

What you do Escape to Ilha do Mel — a car-free Atlantic paradise — by private chartered vessel from Paranaguá Bay. Explore the mystical Gruta das Encantadas sea caves and climb to the 19th-century Lighthouse of the Shells for panoramic views over the Paraná coast.

What to expect Your private launch crosses Paranaguá Bay, dolphins often riding the bow wave en route to this protected island reserve. At the Gruta das Encantadas, your guide leads you into glittering sea caverns carved into basalt — legend says mermaids still dwell here. The walk to the Lighthouse of the Shells (Farol das Conchas, 1872) rewards with sweeping views across the bay and open Atlantic. A leisurely lunch of fresh grilled fish at a beachside shack on Praia da Fortaleza rounds out the morning before your private return transfer.

Good to know Boat crossing is approximately 90 minutes each way; coordinate departure with your all-aboard time (allow a 90-min buffer). The island has no cars — only walking trails — so wear comfortable shoes. Pre-book your private boat charter directly with Gregtur to secure the vessel and guide.

Versus the ship tour A private boat means you set the pace — linger inside the enchanted sea caves at low tide when the light turns jade, and reach the lighthouse trail before day-trippers arrive. No queues, no crowds, just the raw Atlantic Forest island as it should be experienced.

book direct with Gregtur Private Tours → · the full guide →

What you do Uncover one of Brazil's best-preserved colonial waterfronts on a private expert-led walking tour of Paranaguá's 17th-century centro histórico — from baroque churches and gold-rush merchants' mansions to the legendary Municipal Coffee Market on the waterfront.

What to expect Begin at the 1746 Igreja de São Benedito, one of the few churches in Brazil built by and for enslaved Africans, its interior glowing with azulejo tiles. Stroll the cobbled Rua da Praia past Portuguese colonial townhouses to the Mercado Municipal do Café — a stunning 1909 Art Nouveau building where you'll taste freshly roasted Paraná coffee. The Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (Federal University of Paraná) reveals 5,000 years of coastal indigenous culture. End at the 17th-century fountain — the oldest in Brazil still in its original location — for a private caipirinha toast.

Good to know The historic quarter is walkable from the cruise pier in under 10 minutes. A private half-day tour (3–4 hours) fits comfortably within a typical port call. Book Gregtur directly and request an English-speaking historian-guide. Wear light breathable clothing; the waterfront can be humid.

Versus the ship tour A certified local historian-guide unlocks stories that no audio guide can replicate — the slave trade that built these mansions, the Jesuit smuggling routes, the coffee barons who shaped Brazil's economy — all in the unhurried intimacy of a private tour.

book direct with Gregtur Private Tours → · the full guide →

What you do Journey inland to Vila Velha State Park — Paraná's most dramatic natural wonder — where 300-million-year-old sandstone towers sculpted by wind and rain rise above the plateau, and emerald-green Furnas sinkholes plunge 100 metres into the earth.

What to expect A 90-minute private transfer through Paraná's highland plateau brings you to the park entrance at first light. The Arenitos (sandstone towers) trail winds past formations that resemble a camel, a map of Brazil, and a sleeping giant — your guide reveals the folklore of each. The Furnas sinkholes are jaw-dropping: descend by cable car or staircase to floating pontoons on their glassy floors. A packed gourmet picnic lunch amid the formations, arranged by Gregtur, elevates the experience before your scenic return to the port.

Good to know Vila Velha is approximately 130 km from Paranaguá (90 min each way). This is a full-day excursion (8–9 hours) — confirm your all-aboard time carefully. The park trail involves moderate walking on uneven terrain; bring sturdy walking shoes and sun protection. Pre-book Gregtur well in advance for private vehicle and licensed guide.

Versus the ship tour A private vehicle and expert guide means you reach the Furnas at sunrise, when the light transforms the lagoon water to liquid turquoise, hours before independent visitors arrive. Your guide interprets the geological and indigenous history of these formations with a depth impossible in a group setting.

book direct with Gregtur Private Tours → · the full guide →

What you do Dive deep into the soul of Paranaguá's food culture with a private culinary guide — from the bustling Mercado Municipal do Café to a back-street restaurant serving barreado, the slow-cooked beef stew that is Paraná's greatest gastronomic secret.

What to expect Your morning begins at the Art Nouveau Mercado Municipal do Café, sampling single-origin Paraná espresso alongside traders who've worked the stalls for generations. Your guide then leads you through the waterfront fish market — prawns, robalo, and tainha fresh off the bay boats. The centrepiece is a private table at a renowned local restaurant for barreado: meltingly tender beef, banana-farinha, and rice, eaten as it has been for three centuries. Pair with a chilled Paraná craft beer or a classic caipirinha of local cachaça.

Good to know The market and restaurants are within easy walking distance of the cruise pier. A half-day (3–4 hours) is sufficient for the full experience. Barreado restaurants fill quickly at lunch — have your Gregtur guide pre-reserve the table when booking. Inform the operator of any dietary restrictions at time of booking.

Versus the ship tour A private local culinary guide takes you to family-run establishments and market stalls that cater exclusively to Paranaguenses — no tourist menus, no rushed buffets. Barreado is traditionally sealed in clay and slow-cooked for 24 hours; your guide knows exactly which kitchen does it best.

book direct with Gregtur Private Tours → · the full guide →

What you do Visit the most revered Marian shrine in southern Brazil — the 17th-century Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Rocio — on a private guided excursion combining spiritual heritage, baroque art, and sweeping panoramic views over Paranaguá Bay and the Atlantic Forest.

What to expect A short private transfer (8 km) brings you to the hilltop sanctuary, a striking white baroque basilica whose twin towers preside over the Paraná coast. Inside, your guide reveals ex-voto rooms lined with thousands of offerings — painted canvases, model ships, crutches — each a story of miraculous intervention. The collection dates to the 1600s and rivals any museum of popular faith in South America. The esplanade viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the bay, the islands, and the Serra do Mar in the distance — a perfect photography moment in the golden morning light.

Good to know The sanctuary is 8 km from the cruise pier; a private transfer is included with Gregtur. Half-day (2.5–3 hours) including travel fits well within a standard port call. Dress modestly for entry (shoulders and knees covered). The sanctuary is busiest on Sundays and feast days — a private guide navigates access smoothly regardless.

Versus the ship tour A private guide provides rich context on the 400-year pilgrimage tradition, the indigenous and Afro-Brazilian syncretic history woven into the shrine's devotion, and access to the less-visited upper esplanade viewpoint — a perspective over the bay that few visitors ever find.

book direct with Gregtur Private Tours → · the full guide →

What you do Praia Brava — Itajaí's most celebrated beach — rewards with crashing Atlantic surf, lush green headlands, and the region's most stylish beach clubs. Claim a private sunbed, sip caipirinhas, and let the drama of Brazil's coast wash over you.

What to expect A short 10-minute taxi from the port drops you directly at Praia Brava's golden shore. Check in at Marambaia for your reserved sunbed on the well-tended beach deck. The Atlantic rollers here are impressive — ideal for watching surfers or taking a bracing dip. Lunch from the club's kitchen — think fresh grilled fish, ceviche, and tropical cocktails — is served to your lounger. The natural backdrop of forested hills meeting the sea is simply spectacular.

Good to know Taxis from port to Praia Brava cost approx. BRL 30–40. Pre-book day-use via Marambaia's website or WhatsApp to guarantee a sunbed in prime season (Dec–Mar). Leave 30 min buffer for the return taxi to ensure punctual all-aboard.

Versus the ship tour Marambaia is Praia Brava's premier day-club — a curated, design-forward space with attentive service, a full à la carte menu, and direct beach access that transforms a port day into a genuine Riviera experience.

the full guide →

What you do A bespoke, private full-day immersion into Santos — its gilded Coffee Exchange, the panoramic peak of Monte Serrat, and the world's longest beachfront garden — at your own pace with a vetted local expert.

What to expect Your private guide meets you at the pier and whisks you through Santos in a chauffeured vehicle. The Museu do Café dazzles with its original 1922 trading floor — stained glass, gilded balconies, and rich espresso tastings. You ascend Monte Serrat by funicular for sweeping coastal panoramas, then stroll the 5.3 km beachfront garden at Orla e Jardins da Praia. The day closes with fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant of your guide's choosing.

Good to know Santos port is compact; your guide meets you dockside. Pre-book well in advance — private guides fill up fast on busy port days. Confirm all-aboard time with your guide to build in comfortable return buffer.

Versus the ship tour Completely bespoke itinerary shaped around your interests — skip what doesn't excite you, linger where it does. Your private guide holds insider knowledge no group tour can replicate, and the pace is entirely yours.

book direct with Tours by Locals – Santos Private Guides → · the full guide →

What you do Step inside the breathtaking 1922 Bolsa Oficial do Café — Brazil's legendary coffee exchange — for a private guided tour of its stained-glass masterpiece and an expert cupping of Santos's finest single-origin coffees.

What to expect You enter a Belle Époque palace where fortunes were once made in minutes — the trading floor's vaulted ceiling and painted glass panels glow with filtered light. Your private guide narrates the rise of Santos as the world's largest coffee export port while you stand at the original mahogany desks. The tasting session that follows pairs single-origin Santos coffees with traditional Brazilian sweets. A visit to the rooftop terrace reveals the old port warehouses stretching to the waterfront.

Good to know The museum is a 10-minute taxi or rideshare from the cruise terminal. Open Tuesday–Sunday; confirm hours ahead. The tasting bar serves coffee continuously — arrive before the midday tour bus rush for a quieter experience.

Versus the ship tour Access to one of South America's most spectacular interiors — the original trading floor with soaring stained-glass panels is genuinely jaw-dropping. A private guide unlocks the stories behind the murals, the commodity traders, and Brazil's coffee-fuelled golden age in ways a group tour never can.

book direct with Museu do Café (official) → · the full guide →

What you do Ride the century-old funicular railway to the summit of Monte Serrat for breathtaking 360° views over Santos, the Atlantic, and the Serra do Mar — crowned by a historic hilltop sanctuary that has watched over sailors for centuries.

What to expect The antique funicular creaks and sways as it hauls you up the forested hillside, revealing tantalising glimpses of Santos's terracotta rooftops and the blue Atlantic below. At the summit, the whitewashed Nossa Senhora do Monte Serrat sanctuary offers a moment of quiet reflection amid stunning scenery. The 360° panorama takes in the port, Guarujá island, and the Serra do Mar. Pair the ascent with a ride on the historic Linha Turística de Bonde tram through the city centre below.

Good to know The funicular operates daily; aim for mid-morning to avoid midday heat and haze. It's a short taxi ride from the port. Combining this with the Coffee Museum makes for a perfect half-day independently, leaving afternoons free for the beach garden or seafood lunch.

Versus the ship tour The funicular itself is a living piece of Brazilian history — one of the oldest cable railways in South America. The summit sanctuary and the sheer sweep of coast and jungle-clad Serra behind you is one of the most photographed views in all of São Paulo state.

book direct with Linha Turística de Bonde & Monte Serrat (official Santos city service) → · the full guide →

What you do Enter the world's only museum dedicated to Pelé — the greatest footballer of all time — in the city where he made his legend, with a private guide to bring every trophy, jersey, and photograph to vivid life.

What to expect You walk through a beautifully curated space tracing Pelé's journey from barefoot child in Bauru to three-time World Cup winner and global ambassador. Original match jerseys, golden boots, and personal correspondence fill glass cases while rare footage plays on looping screens. Your guide draws connections between Santos FC's golden era and Brazilian cultural identity. A short walk or taxi brings you to the historic Vila Belmiro stadium for an optional stadium tour.

Good to know The museum is centrally located in downtown Santos, a short taxi from the pier. Open Tuesday–Sunday. Combine with a stop at the Coffee Museum — they are within easy walking distance of each other — to make the most of your port day downtown.

Versus the ship tour Santos FC was Pelé's home for 18 seasons and the club's stadium is steps away. A private guide contextualises every artefact — the 1,000th goal ball, the World Cup medals, the handwritten notes — with stories that no audio guide can match.

the full guide →

What you do Wander through one of Brazil's finest botanical collections at the Orquidário Municipal — over 600 orchid species, native Atlantic Forest fauna, and resident parrots — a serene, fragrant escape from the city.

What to expect You enter a lush canopy of palms and bromeliads, the air thick with fragrance, as orchids in every conceivable colour cascade from trellises and tree trunks. A resident botanist guide points out rare Cattleya and Laelia hybrids alongside Atlantic Forest natives that took decades to cultivate. Resident parrots, tortoises, and occasional monkeys move freely through the grounds. The garden's tranquil interior is a world away from the port bustle — a genuinely restorative hour or two.

Good to know A 15-minute taxi from the pier. Best visited in the morning when light filters through the canopy and wildlife is most active. Combine with the adjacent beachfront garden for a relaxed, nature-focused port day. Open daily.

Versus the ship tour The garden is home to rescued wildlife — toucans, capuchin monkeys, and free-roaming parrots — alongside its world-class orchid collection. A private botanist guide reveals species found nowhere else and explains the fragile Atlantic Forest ecosystem in a deeply personal way.

book direct with Orquidário Municipal de Santos (official) → · the full guide →

What you do Escape to the gorgeous beaches of Guarujá island — Santos's glamorous neighbour — for a private chauffeured day of powder-white sand, crystalline Atlantic water, and a long seafood lunch at a renowned beachfront restaurant.

What to expect Your private vehicle and guide collect you at the pier and head to the Guarujá ferry crossing — a scenic 10-minute water passage with views of the Santos port channel. Praia de Enseada stretches before you in a wide arc of golden sand lapped by warm Atlantic water. After swimming and sunbathing, your guide escorts you to a handpicked beachfront restaurant for grilled fish, moqueca, and chilled caipirinhas. A scenic coastal drive back through Santos rounds out the afternoon before your return to the ship.

Good to know The ferry to Guarujá runs frequently and takes around 10 minutes. Pre-book your private guide to ensure a vehicle meets you at the pier. Confirm all-aboard time carefully — build in at least 90 minutes' return buffer given ferry and traffic variables.

Versus the ship tour Guarujá's beaches — Enseada, Pitangueiras, and Perequê — are a significant step up from Santos's city beaches in terms of clarity and seclusion. A private guide handles all logistics including the ferry crossing, freeing you to simply arrive, recline, and savour Brazil's coast in complete comfort.

book direct with TourHQ Santos – Private Local Guides → · the full guide →