Petrópolis Imperial City
Chauffeur-driven private car excursion from Rio de Janeiro
The city of Petrópolis was originally a farm where the imperial family of Brazil built its summer residence during the 19th century. Even after the abdication of Emperor D. Pedro II of Brazil, the city retained its glory, maintaining the status of the summer residence of the President of the Republic. Petrópolis is a fine mountain resort city, famous for its museum, with a good selection of imperial times memorabilia and many cultural activities. It is also well-known for the manufacture of sports and knitwear at reasonable prices.
Petrópolis is a 90-minute drive from most of Rio’s hotels and takes you through the Atlantic forest.
After visiting the Cathedral, other monuments and historic sites dating back from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you will stop for lunch at Chale Manaka restaurant. This restaurant is a private residence built in Baroque style where the owners of the house welcome you. Here, enjoy a Brazilian buffet lunch. After lunch, visit the Imperial Museum and Quitandinha which was built to be the largest casino hotel in South America. Nowadays it is a place for conventions and events. Its ballrooms in Hollywood style from the 40’s are open to the public. The Imperial Museum displays the crown jewels as well as antiques and documents from Emperor Pedro II’s period. Here you will have time for shopping and bargain hunting. Return to Rio after exploring the museum.