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DAY 1: ARRIVE RIO DE JANEIRO Upon arrival in Rio, you will be met and transferred to the Copacabana Palace for three nights. Known as the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro is a place of sun, mountains, world-famous beaches and friendly people. Rio lies between the mountains and the ocean and is one of the most photographed cities in the world. The capital of Brazil from 1763 to 1960, this city of 7 million is now the center of Brazilian style and is the most popular tourist destination in the country. The cariocas (the name for the residents of Rio) are always glad to give you a taste of their rich culture. Considered by many to be Rio’s finest hotel, the Copacabana Palace is situated in the middle of Copacabana Beach and has been a symbol of Brazilian luxury since 1923. This afternoon is at leisure to rest or to do some exploring on your own. DAY 2: RIO DE JANEIRO Today set out with your private guide for a full day tour of Rio de Janeiro, beginning with a visit to the Christ Statue at Corcovado Mountain, arriving by cog train through the lush Atlantic rainforest. This gigantic concrete statue of Christ is 98 feet tall and was completed in 1931. Spend some time enjoying the astonishing views of Rio and the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, relax and have lunch at a typical Brazilian churrascaria, a barbecue restaurant. This afternoon, visit Sugar Loaf Mountain. You will take a short tour of Rio’s downtown, with its fine colonial-style Portuguese buildings, before arriving at Praia Vermelha (red beach). Here you will take a cable car to the top of the peak. Probably the most recognizable natural attraction of Rio, Sugar Loaf gives you yet another extraordinary view of the city nestled between the mountains and the sea. Don’t forget your camera! (B,L) DAY 3: RIO DE JANEIRO This morning join a small group for a jeep tour of the Tijuca Atlantic Forest, the world’s largest forest within an urban region. En route, stop at the Chinese View Belvedere for a panoramic view of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the Guanabara Bay and Sugar Loaf Mountain. In the forest, you will have the opportunity to walk along the luxuriant forest paths and breathe the fresh air. Keep an eye out for some of the local tropical creatures that abound in these parts, such as monkeys, sloths and brightly colored birds. Return to the hotel for a short rest. This afternoon you will begin your walking tour of Rio’s historical district. Visit the São Bento Monastery, Praca XV (square), Candelaria Church, França-Brasil House, old Market Street and the Imperial Palace. Finally, stop at the celebrated delicatessen Confeitaria Colombo before returning to your hotel. (B) DAY 4: RIO DE JANEIRO – IGUASSU FALLS This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Here you will find the breathtaking cataracts of Iguassu. A brilliant range of waterfalls with a power and beauty unmatched anywhere else in the world, Iguassu Falls is 2.7 kilometers long and is comprised of 275 falls, some over 70 meters high. Visitors quickly discover why UNESCO declared this unforgettable natural wonder a World Heritage Area in 1984. Iguassu Falls are split by Argentina and Brazil, and Paraguay is nearby. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Bourbon Foz do Iguassu Hotel for two nights. This afternoon you will walk some of the excellent circuits that line the Argentine side of the falls, enjoying the thunder-like noise and inescapable shower-like mists. (B) DAY 5: IGUASSU FALLS Today enjoy a tour of the Brazilian side of the falls. You will take the path along the canyon that offers a stunning panoramic view of the falls, taking you above and below the waterfalls. This afternoon, join a small group for a cruise that takes you right up to the very base of the falls. Enjoy the falls from very close -- the roar of the Parana River crashing into the water below magnifies the intensity of these magnificent waterfalls. Make sure to wear a bathing suit, as it will be impossible to stay dry! Later this afternoon return to your hotel. (B) DAY 6: IGUASSU FALLS – RECIFE – OLINDA This morning you will be transferred to your flight to Recife. Sometimes referred to as the "Brazilian Venice," Recife is the second largest city in northeast Brazil. It has undergone much renovation in the past few decades, energizing its colonial downtown into a lively area. Upon arrival in Recife, you will be transferred to the nearby town of Olinda. This recently restored 17th-century colonial town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Founded by the Portuguese in 1530, Olinda has maintained its original charm over the centuries, with its many colonial churches and mansions still kept in good order. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Pousada do Amparo for one night. (B) DAY 7: OLINDA – PORTO DE GALINHAS This morning take a city tour of Recife and Olinda. Start the day with a visit to the Boa Viagem's beach. Next stop at Olinda’s city center to see its colonial districts, old churches, rivers and bridges. Pass by the "Humanity Cultural Monument" with its convents and colored houses before stopping at "Alto da Sé" for a lovely panoramic view of Recife and the surrounding bay. Later this afternoon, travel by road to Porto de Galinhas beach, one of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches, passing sugar cane groves and palm trees along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to the Nannai Beach Resort for four nights. The Nannai is one of the most famous beach resorts in Brazil because of its location on Muro Alto Beach and its excellent service. (B) DAYS 8-10: PORTO DE GALINHAS Porto de Galinhas is one of the finest beach destinations in Brazil. It is a small town that has developed slowly, allowing the beach to retain much of its charm. Spend these days at leisure enjoying the sun, ocean, and beautiful beaches. (B) DAY 11: PORTO DE GALINHAS – RECIFE – SALVADOR This morning return to Recife for your flight to Salvador. Salvador served as Brazil's first capital until 1763, a time when northeast Brazil was producing plenty of sugar, one of Portugal’s most valuable products. Due to the labor demands of the wealthy sugar plantations, it is estimated that some 5 million African slaves entered Brazil through Salvador. Today it is the third largest city in Brazil, and 80% of its 2 million residents are of Afro-Brazilian ancestry. Salvador has become one of the region’s historical gems as well as a source of cultural inspiration for the rest of the country. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Pestana Convento do Carmo for three nights. Inaugurated on October 2005, this hotel is located in the heart of the Pelourinho district. The building dates from 1586 and is a former convent of the order of the sisters of Carmelita. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace. This evening enjoy a performance of Samba, Brazil’s most authentic dance, including a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) DAY 12: SALVADOR Today enjoy a full day tour of Salvador. Begin the day with a stop in the suburb of Barra to see the famous lighthouse. Next visit the historic section of the city, Pelourinho (designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985). Here you will find some of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in all of the Americas. Walk through the narrow streets and visit the church of Sao Francisco and Pelourinho Square before having lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue your touring with a visit to Itapagipe Peninsula, a more relaxed, peaceful area where you will see local fisherman in their dug out canoes. See the remarkable Bonfim Church, one of the most important in Brazil for pilgrims. Stop for a panoramic view of the city at the Monserrat district, before finishing the day at the flourishing market of Mercado Modelo. (B,L) DAY 13: PRAIA DO FORTE EXCURSION Today you will take an excursion to Praia do Forte, a small fishing village 80 kilometers north of Salvador that has some of the finest beaches in the region. The road to Praia do Forte is called the Coconut Highway, and it winds through small villages and along the uninhabited beaches of the North Coast. Praia do Forte is located in a protected environmental area that includes 12 kilometers of semi-deserted beach surrounded by groves of coconut palms. Visit the Sapiranga Reserve, a fragile ecosystem that has adapted to salty and sandy soils and is famous for its restinga vegetation. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then, in the afternoon, stop at the ruins of the defensive castle that gives the area its name. Return to Salvador this afternoon. (B,L) DAY 14: DEPART SALVADOR Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight departing Salvador. (B) |