Being very much aware most Cruise Ships only stay moored a limited numbers of hours in our city I developed a flexible (adaptable to your time limits and wishes) tour with a private car (or van, if there would be more than 4 participants) in which you will be able to see the best of Salvador's cultural heritage whilst also getting in touch with the local population.
When I collect you at the harbour in the morning we will have a briefing to sound for your desires and wishes. On base of that briefing we will build the day's program. You mail also mail me your wishes ahead so I can already prepare your days program upfront.
For a start I could take you back in time down to the Barra-region. About 5 centuries ago the Portuguese conquerors first set foot on the grounds in this area, when Pedro Álvares Cabral discovered the entrance of All Saints Bay on November 1st 1501, on behalf of the Portuguese Crown. We could eventually take a look at the Marine museum in the Barra lighthouse. It shows some typical history artefacts from the naval experiences by the different colonisators that tried to get their piece of Brazil.
Walking and driving through the city we will see some interesting historical spots (often overseen by the 'classic tourist industry').
Having this guided tour we could also visit a selection of the much coveted fortresses that have been targeted by so many foreign powers the last 500 years.
During this daytrip we will also have a peek in some popular areas like in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood where you will perceive the influence of the mysterious Candomblé-religion or have a peep in the most famous (at least by locals but, mostly overseen by the tourist-industry) Mercado São Joachim, a huge market where one can buy everything needed for home, starting from food (all possible kinds of fruits, vegetalbes, fish, dried shrimp, beans, etc) over all kinds of things like as for interior decoration and even hand-made cigars.
So, we can offer you a tailor-made tour of Salvador where you will visit / see the things YOU want to see. If you have some more time you could also consider a visit to a typical small colonial town inlands which is the city of Cachoeira. Take a look at this tour HERE.
Some call it "social tourism", others just "socialising" ... It does not matter. It is nice if you want to learn about local habits. We could do that with you in different ways. Maybe you'd fancy a walk in an easygoing favela ? Or take the favela-train along the Bay of All Saints ? Get a close feel with the fisherman in Rio Vermelho and visit their cosy little temple of Iemanja ? Have a walk in the most famous Mercado São Joachim. This market is so large you could wander around for half a day before finding your way back out BUT, you will have flavoured a lot of tropical fruits and vegetables that are so typical for Bahia.
Another interesting possibility of social turism is a favela-walk (rest assured always in safe conditions) or a ride with the favela-train along the Bay of All Saints.
Bahia, the Black Pearl of Brazil, is probably the most colored state in this immense country and, most certainly worth your visit. Here you will encounter several hundred years of cultural blending in the most imaginable ways. A feast for your eyes, ears, pallet, ...
The interesting of our typical local etno-gastronomy here is the huge African influence in almost every aspect of cuisine.
I you would wish so we can take you to a local little restaurant to eat 'Comida Caseira' home-made food or go to the most famous SENAC Culinairy Institute where you could savour a buffet of over 60 local specialties at will.