Spend a half day today on a great historical tour of Rio de Janeiro in the company of a professional guide and transportation. On your tour you will be lead through the colonial avenues, squares and back streets of the city, and your guide will explain the important historical, political and social events that shaped Rio into South America's most exciting city. Focusing on the period or architectural style, fine examples of Baroque constructions would be the "São Bento" and "Santo Antonio" Monasteries, which recall the times when Brazil was a colony of Portugal. The French influence can be seen from buildings that were built as early as the 19th century and examples include the Municipal Theater and the Fine Art museum. The city's cultural and artistic diversity is showcased on various cultural institutions such as the Cultural Centre Bank of Brasil and the Brazil-France House. Some other features of this tour are "Candelária" Church, "Praça XV" and "Arco dos Telles".