Highlights of Brazil

HIGHLIGHTS OF BRAZIL ( 9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS )

DAY 1 RIO DE JANEIRO

Arrival in Rio and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon our guide will pick you up for a visit to the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain. Starting at the hotel, we will drive along Rio's most famous beaches, such as Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, until we reach "Praia Vermelha" or Red Beach, in the Urca district. There, we will take the cable car, which will take us to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. It will take us three minutes to reach the first stage, the Urca Mountain, where we will make a short stop to admire the gardens and take some pictures. Then we will continue to the peak of Sugar Loaf from where we can enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay and the city. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight at the beachfront Miramar Hotel or similar.

DAY 2 RIO DE JANEIRO

Today we will take a half-day tour of Corcovado Mountain featuring the amazing Christ the Redeemer, a construction of 120 feet of concrete and soapstone built at the top of Corcovado Mountain (2.300 feet above the sea level). To get there we will board a cogwheel train for a 15-minute ride crossing Tijuca forest, the largest urban forest in the world. Once on top of the mountain you will be amazed with the spectacular 360-degree view over the city. Evening at leisure. Overnight. (B)

DAY 3 RIO DE JANEIRO

Day at leisure in Rio to enjoy the world-renowned beaches or take some optional tours (at additional cost). We recommend the excursion to the tropical islands that dot the bay, the nearby colonial city of Petropolis, or a Rio by night tour showcasing typical Brazilian barbecue and a Samba show. Overnight. (B)

DAY 4 RIO DE JANEIRO – IGUASSU FALLS

Transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Iguassu. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel Tropical Cataratas located next to the famous falls. In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the famous falls. The Brazilian side offers the best views of this unique spectacle from different vantage points. Free evening. Overnight. (B)

DAY 5 IGUASSU FALLS

Travel to Puerto Iguassu to enjoy a tour of the falls from the Argentinean side. During this comprehensive tour you will get to appreciate the falls from different points: First we head for the lower path where we experience the closest contact with the falls. Then we board small motorboats and cross the river up to San Martin Islands. Finally we will walk through the upper path that stretches along the highest part of the falls until we reach the belvedere at the famous Devil's Throat. We will also visit the Interpretation Center and the National Park Museum. Return to Tropical Cataratas for overnight accommodations. (B)

DAY 6 IGUASSU FALLS – SALVADOR

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Salvador. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Tropical Bahia hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight.

DAY 7 SALVADOR

During the colonial period, Salvador was an enormously wealthy city due to the riches generated by the cultivation of sugarcane and cacao. The legacy of this period can be nowadays appreciated not only in buildings and monuments but also in the cultural heritage left by the African slaves who were brought to work the plantations. Our tour starts driving to the lower city, where we will visit the famous Bonfim church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil and a good example of religious syncretism. Then we continue to the Monserrat district where we can enjoy excellent views of this colonial jewel. The tour wraps up with a visit to the Mercado Modelo, a thriving market famous for its wide display of handcrafts and local artifacts. Evening at leisure. Overnight. (B)

DAY 8 SALVADOR

Day at leisure to enjoy the cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings, interact with the local artists, and try the delicious Bahian cuisine. At night we will take you for a very special farewell dinner and show. You will visit the Solar do Unhao, an 18th-century colonial complex with its perfectly preserved sugar refinery, church, manor house, and slaves quarters. The show takes place in the old stockrooms and is a showcase of the different African traditions, cultural myths, music, and dances that are still so alive in Bahia. Dinner consists of an array of different Bahian dishes. (B, D)

DAY 9 SALVADOR – OUT

At the appointed time transfer to the airport for your flight back home. (B)

Rates

From USD930.00 ***Note: Domestic flights are not included.