Join us as we journey to the most African city in the world—Salvador da a soul-stirring celebration of culture, identity, and Diaspora connection. Then experience the breathtaking energy of Rio de Janeiro—perhaps the most beautiful city on Earth. This cultural trip is rich in Black history, joy, and the full vibrancy of Brazil. This 8-day, 7-night guided journey is not your average tour. We’re taking you to the places not shown in brochures—where the real stories, real food, real people, and real rhythm of Brazil live and thrive.
Salvador, often called the "Black Rome" of the Americas, is the most representative city of Africa outside the continent, home to the largest Afro-descendant population in the world beyond Africa. With over 80% of its people proudly identifying as of African descent, Bahia is a living, breathing archive of Yoruba heritage, ancestral memory, and spiritual resilience. You’ll walk the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho, taste acarajé made by Baianas in white, and visit a Candomblé terreiro (temple) to witness the preserved roots of West African spirituality.
In Rio de Janeiro, you’ll experience iconic sites like Christ the Redeemer and the Selarón Steps—but you’ll also explore Little Africa, a lesser-known historic district that holds the buried and celebrated truths of Brazil’s Black past. Here, we embrace Brazil’s Afro-Brazilian culture through music, dance, food, and joy. From samba nights and beach parties to Afro-Brazilian cooking classes and cultural ceremonies, this trip offers a balance of education, elevation, and pure celebration.
You’ll explore the beauty of Brazil through the lens of the Diaspora immersing in Afro-Brazilian culture, cuisine, spirituality, and resistance. This is about connection, reclamation, and soul travel.
This is not a surface-level tour—it’s a return to rhythm, joy, and ancestral memory.
Designed for Black travelers, Diaspora dreamers, and culturally curious global citizens.
Visits both major cities and local, often-overlooked spaces that reflect our legacy.
Balances education with elevation, and history with healing.
Infused with fun: samba dancing, catamaran parties, beach days, and caipirinhas.
We look forward to hosting your trip to Brazil!!!
Experience Brazil through the lens of culture, joy, and Diaspora reconnection—with a curated balance of history, movement, restoration, and celebration.
Guided tours of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador da Bahia
Welcome event to kick off the journey
Guided visit to Christ the Redeemer and Rio’s iconic monuments
Walking tour of the Selarón Steps
African Heritage tour through Little Africa in Rio
Private Afro-Brazilian cooking class in Copacabana
Samba dance class with a local instructor
Cultural walking tour of Salvador’s Historic Center (Pelourinho)
Meet a Baiana and taste traditional acarajé
Body painting and Afro-Brazilian photoshoot experience
Visit to a Candomblé temple with optional group cleansing ritual
Rio Beach Day Party
Catamaran boat party and beach celebration at Maré Island (Bahia)
Dialogue with a local griot to learn ancestral stories
And many more surprise moments
Your journey will be personally guided by Her Excellency, Queen Zosimli Naa Kennedy S. Johnson, MHA, M.Ed (UN-AMBP) — founder of Green Book Travel and a recognized leader in cultural diplomacy, heritage tourism, and transformational travel experiences.
A proud native of Detroit, Michigan, she was enskinned as Queen in Northern Ghana’s Tamale Traditional Region, a role through which she preserves the cultural heritage and traditions of the Dagbon Kingdom while advancing social and economic development.
Her visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit extend beyond royalty. She is the founder of One Afrika, Green Book Travel, Jaunt, and Social Fabrik, creating transformative travel experiences, educational initiatives, and investment opportunities in Africa. She is also the author of Melanin Monarchs and serves as a UN Ambassador for World Peace, amplifying her mission for global cultural awareness and community empowerment.
Queen Zosimli Naa’s achievements have been recognized internationally:
Forbes Next 1000
Essence Top Trusted Brand
President’s Lifetime Achievement Award
MIPAD Most Influential People of African Descent
Featured in CNN, UN Press, British Herald, PBS Flybrother and more
When you travel to Brazil with Green Book Travel, you are walking into an immersive legacy experience—one rooted in spiritual power, ancestral joy, and cultural renaissance.
You’re not just visiting Rio or Bahia.
You’re returning to rhythms that remember you.
You're dancing on soil that echoes your origins.
You're guided by a Queen who understands the depth of your story—because she’s living it, too.
We can’t wait to welcome you to this royal journey through Brazil—where history is honored, joy is sacred, and every detail has been designed to awaken your soul.
Merging cultural experiences with bucket list World Wonders. Our Brazil experience brings you to a part of that's seldom explored.
This isn’t just travel—it’s a deep dive into the Afro-Brazilian spirit. You’ll dance through the streets of Bahia, walk the historic port of Little Africa in Rio, and feast on flavors rooted in West African ancestry. From sacred rituals and Black heritage sites, every experience is curated to bring you closer to culture, community, and connection.
Expect the best of both worlds—bucket list sights like Christ the Redeemer and local-only gems not found on mainstream tours. This is Diaspora travel done right: intimate, immersive, and soul-restoring.
Trip Type: Cultural
Take part in colorful festivals and lively traditions, explore bustling markets, and sample the local cuisine. Our culture trips include destination highlights, local experiences, featuring exploration designed around cultural immersion & ancestry, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments -all at a great price.
Trip Size: Small Group
Average Group Size: 10 travelers
Max Capacity: 20
Minimum to Depart: 5 confirmed bookings
This journey is intentionally small and community-based. You'll travel with like-minded adventurers from across the globe—creating real friendships, meaningful moments, and plenty of joy along the way.
Physical Rating: Light Moderate
This is a movement-forward itinerary designed to engage the body and spirit—not exhaust you. Expect walking tours, beach days, light hikes, dance classes, and immersive visits that require comfortable shoes and open energy. Perfect for most fitness levels.
We will be commuting via van, airplane and walking.
Age requirement: 18+
All travelers must be 18+ or accompanied by an adult. Per person rate and registration applies.
Traveler Type: Good attitude
We journey to regions rich in history but light on tourism infrastructure. Roads may be bumpy. Schedules may shift. WiFi may fade. But in its place? You'll gain access to authentic connection, and community-based knowledge.
You're seeking a Black-centered, immersive travel experience
You want to experience Brazil's African roots beyond Carnival
You value local connection and personal joy
You’re ready for samba, soul food, spirituality, and seaside celebration
• You’re looking for luxury without culture.
This journey centers Black history—not just pretty photos and beach lounging.
• You expect everything to operate like the West.
We move with flexibility and respect. There may be delays, language gaps, or moments that challenge your norm—but that’s the soul of the experience.
• You’re not interested in Black history or heritage.
Our itinerary honors the African legacy in Brazil, including Candomblé, Little Africa, and conversations that go deep. This trip is rooted in meaning.
• You don’t thrive in group dynamics.
This is a small group journey built on fellowship and community, shared experience, and open-hearted exchange. If you prefer isolation or luxury solo travel, this may not be for you.
• You need every moment planned for you.
There will be free time for you to explore, rest, or reconnect with yourself. If unguided moments outside of the itinerary offerings make you anxious, consider whether you’re ready for this style of travel.
If you have any questions about our trip offerings or would like to learn more about our cultural immersive experiences in Ghana, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way and provide you with the information you need to create unforgettable memories.
Website: www.greenbooktravel.com
Phone: 1-800-966-2101
Email: info@greenbooktravel.com
Subscribe to our mailing list to stay updated on our latest trips, special offers, and exciting travel opportunities. Be the first to know about our upcoming adventures and cultural experiences by subscribing today! Join our community of travel enthusiasts and let us inspire you to explore the beauty of Africa and the rich heritage of its people. Sign up now and embark on a journey that will leave a lasting impact on your life.
By booking travel with Green Book Travel, you agree to the terms and conditions of our travel agreement. It is important to review and understand these terms before confirming your booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. You can access our detailed travel terms on our website at www.greenbooktravel.com/travelagreement
We provide extensive services throughout the trip planning process which includes: a pre-trip call, email, visa, travel insurance & immunization support. Digital trip guide
Accommodations are standard, Double & Single Supplements are available. Hotel accommodation provided at 4 Star properties. Check-in at 2pm & Check out at 12pm
Your domestic flight between Rio & Bahia is included
Our package includes round trip airport transfer service for your arrival in Rio and departure from Bahia
Private Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
All entrance and excursion fees are included in the total trip price for itinerary listed activities
Daily breakfast is provided & bottled water during all of tours. Welcome and Farewell Event Meals are included as well as 2 lunches
Arrive in Rio–Antonio Carlos Jobim (IATA: GIG) Depart from Salvador Bahia-Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (IATA: SSA)
Requirements: PASSPORT VALIDITY: 6 months BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page for stamp
Brazil tourist visa are required. Visit https://brazil.vfsevisa.com site for the most current requirements and your visa processing.
Check https://www.cdc.gov/travel for detailed recommendations and requirements for Brazil travel
Travel Insurance is Required. We are licensed providers. Policies can be purchased at http://bit.ly/Greenbooktravel
Are you looking to arrive early or stay later? Pre and Post Trip extensions are available. Please inquire via email info@greenbooktravel.com
Your soft and alcoholic beverages are not included
Gratuity for your tour guides, tour directors, and drivers are not included
Anything not mentioned is not included. Optional add-in tours may become available for purchase after booking However, please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Your journey begins as you arrive in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro—where mountains, music, and ancestral memory meet the sea.
Our team will greet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodations, where you can settle in, unwind, and take in your new surroundings. Whether you want to nap, walk the beach, or sip something refreshing poolside, this is your time to breathe and arrive fully.
As night falls, we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner at one of Rio’s locally loved restaurants. Expect bold flavors, warm introductions, and your first taste of the soul of Brazil. This is more than a meal—it’s your entry into a journey rooted in connection, joy, and cultural return.
Welcome to the real Brazil. We’re just getting started.
Wake up to your first full day in Rio with awe on the horizon. After breakfast, we’ll ascend to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)—standing high above the city on Corcovado Mountain. This isn’t just a photo op; it’s a breathtaking moment of stillness, elevation, and panoramic beauty that sets the tone for your journey.
From there, we’ll take in more of Rio’s iconic sights as we make our way to Copacabana, where the rhythms of the city meet the Atlantic breeze.
In the afternoon, you’ll step into the kitchen for a private Afro-Brazilian cooking experience with a warm, English-speaking local chef. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes rooted in African heritage—complete with hands-on techniques, storytelling, and a caipirinha-making session that turns the experience into a flavorful celebration.
Expect good music, lots of laughter, and the taste of Brazil in every bite.
Today we step into the powerful pulse of Rio’s Black legacy with a walking tour through Little Africa, a deeply sacred and historic district often hidden from mainstream travel narratives. Located in the Port Zone, this was once the main landing site for nearly 4 million enslaved Africans—the highest number in the Americas. The stories that echo through this ground are not relics of the past; they are the foundation of Brazil’s spirit.
As we move through key cultural landmarks, you’ll learn about Valongo Wharf (Cais do Valongo), the spiritual significance of Pedra do Sal, and the resilience of the African communities that resisted, rebuilt, and redefined Brazil from the inside out.
By the 18th century, Africans formed the majority of Rio’s population, and their customs, music, beliefs, and food shaped the very identity of the city. Unlike other colonial powers, Brazil’s colonizers allowed many African traditions to remain—making Rio one of the most African cities in the Western world.
After absorbing the depth of history, we’ll transition into a joyful embodiment of that legacy with a Samba dance class led by a local instructor. Samba is not just a dance—it’s a declaration of resilience, rhythm, and joy passed down through generations. This is your chance to move your body in honor of those who came before you, and to fully feel Brazil's living beat.
Our time in Rio is coming to a close—but the magic isn’t over just yet.
Today is yours to explore the city at your own pace. In Brazil, locals take pride in soaking up every ounce of sunshine, rhythm, and beauty life has to offer—and we invite you to do the same. Whether you choose to spend the day relaxing on the iconic shores of Copacabana or Ipanema, sipping fresh coconut water, or people-watching along the vibrant boardwalks, you’ll understand why Rio is called the “Marvelous City.”
Today we take flight to Salvador da Bahia, the cultural heart of Brazil and the former capital of the country for over 200 years. With more African influence than any city outside the continent, Salvador is an ancestral oasis—a vibrant intersection of resistance, rhythm, and reclamation.
From the moment you land, you’ll feel the shift in energy. The streets pulse with color, the air carries the scent of spices and sea, and the culture here runs soul-deep. We’ll ease into Bahia’s magic with a body painting and Afro-Brazilian photoshoot experience—a joyful, expressive moment that allows you to embody the spirit of Salvador and take home memories that are more than just digital. This is your time to shine, adorned in symbols of cultural pride.
Later, for those who feel called, there will be an optional visit to a Candomblé temple, where you may participate in a spiritual cleansing ritual. This sacred experience honors Afro-Brazilian spiritual traditions and offers space for energetic release and ancestral alignment. Participation is completely optional—come as you are, and move as you feel.
Tonight, we celebrate new ground, new energy, and the soulful legacy that lives here in Bahia.
After breakfast, we step into the historic soul of Salvador—Pelourinho, also known simply as "Pelo." A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this district is a living, breathing archive of Brazil’s colonial past and Afro-Brazilian resilience.
Recognized globally from the streetscape in Michael Jackson’s “They Don’t Care About Us” video, Pelourinho is a maze of colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone roads, and centuries-old churches. But beyond the pastel facades and architectural charm lies a sacred story: this plaza was once the center of the Portuguese colonial empire in Brazil, and home to the city’s whipping post—where enslaved Africans were publicly punished. The very stones beneath your feet hold the blood memory of resistance, survival, and spiritual power.
Today, we explore this district not just as tourists, but as witnesses. As descendants. As returners.
Our guided walk will take us through historic monuments, churches, vibrant artisan shops, and cafes serving Afro-Brazilian cuisine—a delicious blend of West African and Bahian flavors. You'll have time to enjoy the music echoing through alleyways, shop for local handmade goods, and sit for a meal that tells a story in every bite.
Pelourinho is more than an old town—it is a living altar. Every building, every drumbeat, every color is layered with legacy.
Our final full day in Brazil is all about joy, water, and rhythm—an embodied return to self through community and celebration.
We’ll set out for a catamaran tour across the Bay of All Saints, one of the largest and most culturally significant bays in Brazil. As we sail, take in panoramic views of Salvador’s coastline, soak up the sun, and ease into the flow of island time.
Our journey brings us to the beach where the vibe shifts into full celebration mode.
You’ll enjoy a curated beach party experience—with music, dancing, swimming, and space to just be. There will be light bites, games, and lounge time to relax, connect, and commemorate the journey.
This is a day to celebrate everything you’ve absorbed, released, and reclaimed. From movement to memory, this closing day is designed to let your spirit stretch and shine.
Our time in Brazil comes to a close, but the transformation continues.
After breakfast, guests will prepare for departure with private transfers arranged to the airport. This is a soft landing moment—one last chance to savor the ocean air, exchange farewells, and reflect on the beauty, history, and spirit you've encountered over the past week.
You've walked the ancestral streets, tasted the roots of a continent, danced in joy, and stood in sacred places that hold stories older than empire.
Leave with more than memories. Leave with clarity, connection, and a renewed sense of belonging.
Axé and safe travels until we meet again.
