South America

Soul, Samba and Sea – Journey to Heart of Brazil

7 Days aboard SH Vega. Contact for pricing.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details

Overview

The “Soul, Samba and Sea: Journey to Heart of Brazil” luxury cruise embarks on an unforgettable journey starting in Salvador de Bahia, a city rich in Afro-Brazilian culture, and culminating in the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro. This itinerary takes you through Brazil’s enchanting blend of lively cities and serene beach towns, each offering unique experiences along the way. Explore the historic Pelourinho in Salvador, renowned for its lively atmosphere and colonial architecture. In Itacaré, enjoy the rhythms of local capoeira dancers. Relax in Trancoso’s boho-chic setting, with its iconic quadrado surrounded by lush rainforest. Venture to the Abrolhos Archipelago, where you can witness the thriving marine life and breathtaking biodiversity. As you travel, engage with local cultures and partake in diverse activities. Dive into the clear waters of natural pools in Abrolhos while snorkeling, or simply enjoy the ship’s observation decks. Absorb expert insights during onboard lectures or refine photography skills with guidance from professional photographers. Delight in the vibrant nightlife in Buzios and Rio, savoring iconic caipirinha cocktails and the exuberant carnival vibe.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Witness lively capoeira dance performances showcasing this Brazilian martial art.
  • See stunning coral reefs and spot humpback whales or turtles among the incredible biodiversity of Abrolhos Archipelago.
  • Sip a famous caipirinha cocktail on one of Buzios' 23 beaches.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1: Salvador de Bahia
  • Day 2: Itacare
  • Day 3: Trancoso
  • Day 4: Abrolhos Archipelago
  • Day 5: Day at sea
  • Day 6: Buzios - Arraial do Cabo
  • Day 7: Rio de Janeiro

Ship Information

For more information on the SH Vega please view the ship page.

View SH Vega

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1: Salvador de Bahia

With a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where African and South American cultures blend. Salvador served as Brazil's first capital from 1549 to 1763, and its UNESCO-listed historic centre, Pelourinho, bursts with cobblestone streets and colourful colonial buildings. Jorge Amado, a beloved literary figure, is celebrated at his former home, now the museum A Casa do Rio Vermelho.

Dinner included.

Day 2: Itacare

Itacaré, a charming coastal town in southern Bahia, has miles of pristine white sand beaches luring surfers and bodyboarders. The town's laidback charm is evident in its vibrant cobblestone streets which resonate with lively Afro-Brazilian beats pouring from local bars, complemented by the rhythmic movements of capoeira dancers showcasing their martial art skills. Artisan shops and eateries serving up diverse cuisines complete the scene.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Trancoso

Trancoso, a tiny beach town, once a quaint fishing village near Praia do Espelho on Bahia's south coast, has transformed into a boho chic destination. Amid the lush Atlantic rainforest, eco-friendly pousadas and bohemian hotels now line its pristine beaches offering an idyllic retreat to relax and embrace the natural beauty of Brazil's northeastern coast surrounded by local flora and fauna.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Abrolhos Archipelago

The Abrolhos Archipelago, comprises five islands within the Abrolhos Marine National Park, off Bahia. Only one island, Siriba, is open to visitors, offering rich biodiversity, extensive coral reefs and serving as a humpback whale breeding ground. It's also a habitat for leatherback and loggerhead sea turtles, as well as threatened bird species, such as masked and brown boobies, frigatebirds, red-billed tropicbirds, sooty terns and brown noddies.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Day at sea

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 6: Buzios - Arraial do Cabo

Known as the St. Tropez of Brazil, this fashionable resort town attracts Rio's wealthy with its 23 breathtaking beaches tucked into coves along the coastline. Once a quaint fishing village, it now boasts fancy shops, boutiques, excellent restaurants and a European vibe. Don't miss trying some of the signature caipirinha cocktails!

Arraial do Cabo, in the Lakes region of Rio de Janeiro, is one of Brazil's most spectacular destinations. With white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, the region's unique natural phenomenon of resurgence brings nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface, attracting abundant marine life - ideal for snorkelling. Nearby, the Portuguese built the 17th-century Fort of Saint Matthew on Cabo Frio Island to defend the coast against pirates.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 7: Rio de Janeiro

Pulsating with energy, Rio de Janeiro wows with sensational beaches and a dazzling mountain backdrop cloaked in tropical forest. A cable car glides up Sugarloaf Mountain, while a cog train heads to Corcovado's peak and the towering Christ statue overlooking the city. Copacabana and Ipanema are perfect for lounging on the sand and people-watching. No visit is complete without a caipirinha cocktail amid Rio's lively bars with a carnival vibe.

Breakfast included.

Please contact us for dates

Cabin Details

Oceanview D4

20 m2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview D4
Oceanview D4
Oceanview M4

20 m2
Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4
Oceanview M4
Balcony D5

25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.

Balcony D5
Balcony D5
Balcony M5

25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.

Balcony M5
Balcony M5
Balcony D6

25 m2
Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m2 (54ft2) private balcony.

Balcony D6
Balcony D6
Suite

40 m2
Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m2 (108ft2) private balcony.

Suite
Suite
Premium Suite

47 m2
Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m2 (129ft2) private balcony.

Premium Suite
Premium Suite
Triple Oceanview M4

19 m2
Located on Deck 4 at the bow. Light, bright and crafted from natural materials Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, a bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1860 X 1230 mm
This cabin can also be converted into Quad on request.

Triple Oceanview M4
Triple Oceanview M4
Triple Balcony M5

28 m2
Balcony stateroom is a Swan Hellenic guest favorite. Located on Deck 5 at the centre of the ship, staterooms features 2 single beds or a double bed, bedroom, living room, luxurious bathroom and your own 6 m2 balcony.
To make it a Triple room, the third guest will sleep on a Single Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm
This cabin can also be converted into Quad on request.

Triple Balcony M5
Triple Balcony M5
Quadruple Suite

44 m2
Located on Deck 5 and 6 at the centre of the ship, our spacious Suites with a 12 sq.m. private balconies are a favorite with discerning guests, and those that prefer a little more space and comfort.
To make it a Quad room, the third and fourth guests will sleep on a Double Sofa bed – Dimensions of the Sofa: 1900 X 1380 mm

Quadruple Suite
Quadruple Suite

SH Vega Deckplan

SH Vega deck plan

Specifications

CREW: 120
GUESTS: 152
DECKS: 9
LENGTH: 337 ft (115 m)
DRAFT: 18 ft (5.5 m)
BREADTH: 75 ft (23 m)
REGISTERED: Panama
CRUISING SPEED: 15.5 knots in open water
LIFEBOATS: 2 fully enclosed
PROPULSION DIESEL-ELECTRIC ENGINES: 4x Medium speed, Polar code Cat A

What's included?

  • All meals onboard
  • Complimentary hot & cold beverages, beer, wine & spirits any time throughout your cruise
  • 24-hour room service
  • Lecture programs by expedition team and guest speakers
  • One selected shore excursion per port of call
  • All expedition landings
  • Entry level WIFI (Free upgrade to Gold WIFI)
  • Gym, sauna, pool
  • 24/7 self-service laundry
  • Waterproof backpack and refillable water bottle, yours to keep
  • Onboard gratuities & port taxes

What's not?

  • Any items not mentioned as included.

Important notes and additional information

  • Please note that cabins Balcony D6, Premium Suite and some Balcony D5 can also be converted into Triples. The Third person will pay only 50% off fare.
  • Triple Cabins can also be converted into Quads for 2 children.
  • When sharing a cabin, children up to the age of 16 pay only 35% of the fare. Those aged 17 and above will pay 50% of the fare.

Ask us for specific pricing.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: South America

The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!

Downloadable travel guide

Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.

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Soul, Samba and Sea – Journey to Heart of Brazil

7 Days aboard SH Vega. Contact for pricing.