Private Tour
Recife & Olinda Highlights
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Compare past and present with a tour of modern Recife and colonial-era Olinda. Take a panoramic ride through Recife, crossing graceful bridges in the old town areas and on the way, you will drive along the scenic shoreline through Boa Viagem, passing the imposing colonial-era Governor’s Mansion and Santa Isabel Theater. Arrive in charming Olinda and begin exploring. Founded in 1534 and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, historic Olinda retains many fine examples of colonial-era architecture, despite the Dutch burning down much of the city in the early 17th century. Visit Sé Cathedral and admire its Portuguese tiles and gilded carvings. Stop for a photo of the picturesque views of Recife and Boa Viagem, and enjoy a refreshing beverage before returning to your Hotel.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Boa Viagem Beach
Coconut water to drink
Praca do Marco Zero
Walk around the old town area
What‘s Included
Guia Certificado
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Entrance fees
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Full day
Duration: 8 hours
FIAT DOBLÒ
Pickup included
Half Day
Duration: 4 hours
FIAT DOBLÒ
Pickup included
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding Private Olinda and Recife Tour with Leo
briandherr,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leo was a fantastic guide! Not only was he informative, helpful and engaging, he and his driver Moises were able to keep us ahead of the cruise ship tour buses so that our small group had all of the Olinda and Recife sites to ourselves. Highly recommended!
Most Excellent Guide - Leo
Katherine b,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Leonardo Rodrigues Ferreira (02426942410) was my guide for this tour. He is exceptional; 10/10. He picked me up at my hotel in a new vehicle and I was returned safely to my hotel. As I was traveling solo, it was especially good to feel safe and respected. He is very knowledgeable, shared many interesting stories and asked me what my preferences were. He offered to help me out during my stay in Recife. The tour is the best one I have been on in Brazil after 5 months of traveling here. Viator was not particularly helpful when there was a scheduling issue but Leo made time for me and responded promptly. You will be very happy with any tour with Leo.
Great Recife and Olinda tour with Leo
Cruiser62444171464,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour and an amazing time with Leo. He guided my family of four and my sister around Recife and Olinda. He knew the best spots in Recife to show us like the Avenue of Boa Viagem, Marco Zero, the first synagogue of America, the heads of Olinda dolls used for carnival along with a unique Pernambuco dance, frevo. Finally we headed up to Olinda and had a magnificent view of the city from high up the hill. We walked through the artisan shows and ate tapioca at the street vendor. Leo was so attentive and so engaging he really made each stop better because of his positive energy and love for what he was doing. He also spoke in English with us so we could better understand what we were seeing. He really made our tour special.
Amazing Experience!
LightPacker799724,Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience was amazing! Leo is a wonderful person and a very experienced tour guide that works with a lot of passion and goes beyond expectations to make your trip a memorable one! We highly recommend his services once you come to Pernambuco, Brazil.
We had a fantastic...
Svetlana M,Jul 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic experience exploring Recife and Olinda with our guide, Leo! The tour was well-paced, informative, and full of charm. We started in Olinda, Olinda was simply magical. Perched on seven hills, its colonial architecture and stunning views were unforgettable. Leo’s passion for the region and deep knowledge made the whole experience even more enriching. Rua do Bom Jesus was a highlight – not only the oldest street in the city but also home to the first synagogue in the Americas. Leo’s storytelling really brought the history to life. At Praça da República, we admired the beautiful architecture of the Government Palace, the Palace of Justice, and the Santa Isabel Theater. The massive Baobab tree was an unexpected and impressive sight! The Pernambuco House of Culture was also fascinating – a former prison turned into a vibrant marketplace with local crafts in every cell. Finally, Praça do Marco Zero, where Leo shared interesting historical context about the city’s origins. The walk through the old town was pleasant and scenic, giving us a feel for the colonial atmosphere. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Recife and wanting a deeper understanding of its culture and history. Thank you, Leo!
Great experience
Angelo B,Apr 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Paulo was a great guide. We learned so much. Half our group wasn't bilingual but his English was perfect and all of us enjoyed the tour.
Leo was a great guide, good English, good tour for the day
YSColumbus L,Jan 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked a group tour with Leo. It was a great day in Olina and Recife. Leo's English is quite good. He said his father was a professor and they had stayed in San Diego for 2 years. Leo took us to Olinda in the morning, explained the situation, and took us to a place to have tapioca dessert and coconut. Then went to Recife. Had lunch at a buffet restaurant (pretty good), then toured more of Recife, including at harbourfront where they had festival crowd and parade. We enjoyed the day. Would recommend.
Amazing guide and experience
Paula N,Jul 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Leo was amazing! Besides very friendly he was extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of the region. He easily transitioned from Portuguese to English and also did great explaining things to my seven year old. I will definitely recommend him to my friends and clients.
Leo made this tour even better!
donnab748,Apr 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Leo was one of the best guides that we have had. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his knowledge was superb. He pointed out so many details and relayed such interesting facts. I would love to have him as a guide on every tour.
Leo is the best
Donna B,Apr 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I cannot say enough about what a wonderful guide Leo was. He pointed out so many things that we would’ve never seen and was filled with interesting information. He was the most enthusiastic guide that I have ever had. If he were a teacher, every student would hang onto his every word I think. This was a fabulous tour.
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Operated by Recife Private Tours