Tour Overview
Brazil is definitely one of the most attractive, enticing and exciting travel destinations in the world. It is a country delicately shaped by Mother Nature, known for its good-tempered and hospitable people, for the beauty and truly positive outlook on life of its inhabitants. Larger than Europe and covering almost half of South America, just its Atlantic coastline is over 7,000km (4,500 miles) long, Brazil is a huge country of contrasting superlatives. Stretching from the Tropical Rain Forests of the Amazon in the North to the "Pampas" in the South, the natural wonders of this land are clearly spectacular. From the awesome Iguassu Waterfalls to the Amazon basin, Brazil's natural beauty and magic continually overwhelm the traveler. Brazil is not only filled with rich natural abundance, it is also a country of great cultural plenitude and its people are a joyous, exuberant mixture of all races and origins. In the capital Brasilia, ultra modern architecture dazzles the eye, while the baroque classics Salvador da Bahia , Recife, Olinda and the historical Ouro Preto are a link to past glory. The modern metropolis of Brazil often seems like islands in a huge sea of almost untouched natural beauty. Especially Rio de Janeiro, this pulsating international melting pot of cultures which provides a spectacular contrast to the surrounding natural beauty.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Rio De Janeiro Arrive Rio de Janeiro. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. This afternoon depart the hotel and drive through the residential areas of Rio to reach the Urca district, where a cable car ascent is made in two stages to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. The first stage of the ride goes to Urca Hill, where there are gardens and lookout points; for those who wish to venture even higher, the second cable car goes to the very top of Sugar Loaf itself – 1200 feet above the sea level – for breathtaking views of the sunset, city, harbor, and beaches. Proceed to a barbecue restaurant (churrascaria – Brazilian steakhouse) for dinner.Dinner
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro- Superior Room Day 02: Rio De Janeiro
Drive through residential areas to Cosme Velho to board the funicular railway for a 20-minute climb through Tijuca Forest. As the train climbs Corcovado (hunchback) Mountain, enjoy spectacular views of Rio and the Bay peeking through the dense vegetation. At the top of Corcovado, 2400 feet above sea level, is the majestic, 120-foot high statue of Christ with outstretched arms. The panoramic view is breathtaking. Descend by train and return to the hotel via Rio’s famous beaches.
Breakfast
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro- Superior Room Day 03: Rio de Janeiro
A trip to the imperial town of Petrópolis offers a nice respite from hectic Rio. Drive 40 miles north into the Organ Mountains along a winding road through dramatic scenery, with forested slopes and cloud-shrouded mountains; the drive itself is an experience. Arrive Petrópolis, enjoy an introduction to this pretty resort town with its mansions and alpine chalets and visit the neo-Gothic Cathedral São Pedro de Alcântara. Inside are the tombs of Dom Pedro, the Princess Regent Dona Isabel and several other royal personages. Also visit the Imperial Museum, which is housed in the former royal residence and stands in beautifully maintained gardens. The exhibits are on two levels and include a fascinating collection of the royal family’s odds and ends. Lunch will be at the Chalé Manaká Restaurant (or similar), a Portuguese Colonial style house, dated from the end of the 19th century. Note: The Imperial museum is closed on Mondays. This evening, depart the hotel to the Ipanema District and enjoy a three-course dinner at Mio Restaurant (or similar). Following dinner continue to Plataforma nightclub, for an exciting samba and folkloric show. If you have never experienced Carnival in Rio, this show will offer a glimpse of what the excitement is all about. The hypnotic sounds, along with the lavish, feathered and sequined gowns, are the very essence of a samba show. During the approx. 1 ½ hour performance, feel the exuberance of Brazilian joie de vivre. Return to the hotel shortly after midnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro- Superior Room Day 04: Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu Falls
Transfer to the airport for your flight (not included) to Iguassu Falls. You will be met outside baggage claim and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon enjoy a tour (non-exclusive) of the falls from the peaceful Brazilian side. Set back from the falls themselves, it offers a panoramic view of the immense gulf and its seemingly endless series of cascades. Once at the falls, the tour takes you over an easy walking path of approx. 1.200 meters. Take the trail through the subtropical rainforest that surrounds the falls within Iguassu National Park, as toucans and cobalt blue butterflies sail overhead and a sleek coatimundi may cross your path.
Breakfast, Dinner
Mabu Thermas & Resort- Premium Thermas Room Day 05: Iguassu - Salvador
The Argentine side of the falls is your destination today. Arriving at the Iguazú National Park, board an ecological train shuttle to the Cataratas Station where you will disembark to walk through paths that lead along and above the spectacular Falls. Beautiful flowers, ferns, tropical plants, butterflies and exotic birds add to the exciting experience of close contact with nature. You will then board another train shuttle to "Devil's Throat” station,” where you can walk onto a catwalk that extends 1100 meters over the lush tropical basin of Devil's Gorge. Enjoy a buffet lunch at La Selva Restaurant (or similar) located inside the Park. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight (not included) to Salvador via Manaus. You are met outside baggage claim and transferred to the hotel. This striking Colonial city, located on Bahia de Todos os Santos and Brazil's former capital, has a strong African influence derived from the slaves brought to work in the sugarcane fields.
Breakfast, Lunch
Sofitel Salvador Hotel- Superior Room Day 06: Salvador
Half-day city tour with private guide. This morning head towards the Cidade Alta (uptown.) On the way stop at the Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse) for a panoramic view of the entrance to Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay.) Continue along the Vitoria Corridor for a look at some imposingly large houses. Arrive in the historical section – the Pelourinho. From a lookout you can observe the lower city and port, the Mercado Modelo and the Lacerda Elevator, connecting the 2 parts of the city. From this point, the rest of the visit is on foot. Crossing Terreiro de Jesus square, visit the Church of Saint Francis (1713), considered to be the best example of Portuguese baroque style and the most magnificent in Brazil. Continue to the famous Mercado Modelo, considered to be the best handicraft market in the city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch
Sofitel Salvador Hotel- Superior Room Day 07: Salvador
Full-day Praia do Forte tour with private guide. This morning depart along the Estrada do Côco (“Coconut Highway.”) towards Praia do Forte. This region of the northern coast of Bahia is considered to be the country’s principal area for coconut trees. En route, stop for a swim at Praia de Guarajuba. Return to the road and arrive at the fishermen’s village of Praia do Forte. Visit the Tamar Project - the preservation center for marine turtles. With its 12km of beaches, this village is the ideal place for a sea swim in natural pools.
Enjoy a seafood lunch and time at leisure to look around the village or relax on the beach. Return to Salvador this afternoon. This evening dinner will be a typical dinner followed by a Bahian Folk show with an introduction to the Orixás, the principal divinities of Candomblé. Through the dances and chanting you can recognize the Yorubá Gods by their colorful costumes. The show continues with the songs of the fishermen and the maculelê, a warrior dance that came from Africa. Most of the show is devoted to a demonstration of capoeira, a fighting style introduced to Brazil by the African slaves as a means of defence. The “capoeira” is a kind of fight combined with acrobatic dance, whose rhythm is given by the “berimbau”, a stringed musical instrument with an incomparable sound. After the show, return to the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sofitel Salvador Hotel- Superior Room Day 08: Salvador – Rio de Janeiro – Depart
Transfer to the Salvador airport for flight (not included) to Rio de Janeiro International airport and onward connecting flights.
Breakfast *Flights are not included in the land price.
