Brazil Sambas, Sunsets & Beaches In Style

Itinerary

• Brazil

  Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America. It is the fifth largest country by geographical area, and the fifth most populous country in the world. Its population comprises the majority of the world's Portuguese speakers. Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east, Brazil has a coastline of over 7,491 kilometers (4,655 mi). It has a border with almost every other South American country. Brazil was a colony of Portugal from 1500 until its independence in 1822. Initially independent as the Empire of Brazil, the country has been a republic since 1889. Brazil is the world's tenth largest economy. Brazil is also home to a diversity of wildlife, natural environments, and extensive natural resources in a variety of protected habitats. The capitol is Brasilia, however, most international flights go into Sao Paulo, the country's largest city. Top sights include Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia, Manaus, Iguazu Falls, and the Patanal.

• Foz do Iguaçu

  Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu) is one of the top attractions in Brazil. The city of the same name is beside the river, with over 100 hotels. The falls have a water flow equal to three Niagara Falls. Part of the falls are in the Brazilian side, others (including the "Garganta do Diabo" (Devil's Throat in Portuguese), the tallest of the falls, 97 m, 318 ft high) are in the Argentinean side, which can be done in a day tour across the border.

• Rio de Janeiro

  Rio de Janeiro is the second major city of Brazil, behind São Paulo. The city delights people with its scenery, hospitality and infectious cheerfulness. The "Wonderful City" famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches, curvaceous geography and the way of life of its people - welcomes visitors with open arms and offers an infinite number of attractions throughout the year. Known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, beaches, Rio de Janeiro is a perfect destination for relaxation and entertainment.

• Salvador

  Salvador, a city on the northeast coast of Brazil, is also known as Brazil's capital of happiness due to its easygoing population and countless popular outdoor parties. The first colonial capital of Brazil, the city is one of the oldest in the country and in the New World; for a long time, it was also known as Bahia (or Salvador da Bahia). The city is notable for its cuisine, music and architecture. Over 80% of the population is of Black African origin, and it is the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

• • Rio de Janeiro
  • Sofitel Rio de Janeiro

  Day 1: Rio de Janeiro

  Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.

  Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer.

  A valid passport is required for all American or Canadian citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country.

  Accommodation: Sofitel Copacabana

  Considered one of the top hotels in Rio de Janeiro, the Sofitel has a prime seat on Copacabana Beach. The 388 rooms are immaculately kept, each possessing a contemporary allure and sharp decor. Take advantage of the extensive room facilities, including plasma cable TV, DVD players, and high speed Internet. Feast on an endless choice of cuisine and dining styles, from bar settings to French gourmet cuisine. Fusions of flavors will keep you coming back for more. Later, stop by any of the bars and mingle with other guests, or make use of the 2 pools, gym, and 2 saunas on site.

• • Famous Christ Statue

  Day 2: Rio de Janeiro

  Enjoy a full day private excursion with your own vehicle, professional driver and English speaking guide visiting Corcovado and Sugarloaf. After being picked up from your hotel, you can enjoy a Panoramic city tour by car, passing by the main monuments such as Sambódromo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cinelandia Square with its Municipal Theatre, National Library and the Fine Art Museum, to name but a few. Arriving at the Sugar Loaf, you can take a cable car to get to the summit where you will have one of the most fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. From here, the stop on the tour is Cosme Velho district, a traditional neighborhood in the Southern part of Rio de Janeiro which houses the picturesque Largo do Boticário - a small square enclosed by several neo-colonial style houses, built in the 1920s. (The houses were constructed using materials from much older buildings in the city's Centro district which had been demolished). Here, you can take a train up to the Corcovado Mountain, through the Atlantic rainforests of Tijuca to see the famous Christ The Redeemer statue and admire the fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro below. Before returning to the hotel, you will be taken for a visit to São Conrado beach to observe the famous hang gliders flying over the beach. You will no doubt enjoy the hosted lunch during the day and at day's end, having seen all of the sights; you will be brought back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Sofitel Copacabana
• • Imperial Museum
  • Samba Dancers

  Day 3: Rio de Janeiro

  There are plenty of options for half and full day tours in and around Rio de Janeiro. Consider a city tour focusing on the modern and historical aspects of the city, a guided tour of the botanical gardens, a guided visit to one of the biggest slums in the world with approximately 150.000 inhabitants, where you can have the opportunity to experience a street fair with local handcrafts and regional foods, as well as a visit to a School of Samba. Alternatively, enjoy a half day zodiac boat ride of the Guanabara Bay to Cagarras Archipel passing in front of all the famous beaches like Botafogo where Sugar Loaf, Copacabana and Ipanema are located. A day spent cruising on the Azure waters is another option. For a more cultural experience, consider a guided tour of Petrópolis, located on the mountains of the Atlantic Mountain Range where you can visit the Imperial Museum, residence of the Imperator D. Pedro II. Additionaly, you can visit the Cathedral, and the Christal Palace. All of these options are available on a private basis, and some are offered on a shared basis. Please contact one of our Sales Advisor if any of these are of interest to you.

  Come and enjoy the greatest and the most famous spectacle of the authentic Brazilian folklore; a Samba show! Enjoy the spectacle of thirty beautiful dancers together with a competent male cast as they take you on a cultural journey of popular Brazilian music. Enjoy a traditional barbeque dinner before being returned to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

  Accommodation: Sofitel Copacabana
• • Iquazu Falls - Brazilian Side
  • Hotel das Cataratas

  Day 4: Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu

  Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer.

  Relax on your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu. Flight time is typically 2 hours and prices are subject to changes based on availability.

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.

  Enjoy a private half day guided tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. After being picked up from your hotel, a scenic drive takes you through Iguazu National Park along the Cataratas Highway that leads to the border between Brazil and Argentina. Here, the river drops into a breathtaking canyon. You can descend a walkway and gaze at both sides of the falls and stop at the elevator to ride to the Brazilian side lookout point. Fantastic scenic and photographic opportunities abound, and your expert English speaking Guide will provide an educational and fun tour. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel in Iguazu.

  Accommodation: Hotel Das Cataratas

  Hotel das Cataratas by Orient-Express is the only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park, with the world famous Iguassu Falls just a two minute stroll away. As the only hotel within the national park, guests are able to enjoy exclusive access to the falls each morning before the park opens. The Iguassu Falls are a breathtaking collection of 275 waterfalls, extending over almost 3km in an enormous canyon on the Iguassu River. They are pleased to be able to offer a range of experiences within this spectacular region including helicopter flights, rafting, nature walks, jeep safaris and a visit to the bird park.

• • Argentine Side of Iguassu Park
  • Gran Aventura Safari

  Day 5: Foz do Iguaçu - Iguazu Falls

  Enjoy a fun packed full day shared tour exploring the Argentine side of Iguazu falls. After being picked up at your hotel, you will be transferred into the subtropical jungle in the company of your Guide and Driver to view one of the seven Wonders of the World: the Iguassu Falls, formed by the spectacular fall of more than two hundred cascades. The falls are protected within the Iguassu National Park, an expanse of 67,500 hectares and which was created with the objective of conserving the splendid frame of the surrounding subtropical jungle. There is plenty of walking throughout the day as you explore the area as well as a chance to see the handmade products of the Maca Paraguayan ethnic tribe. Take the Jungle Ecological Train to Devil’s throat station and enjoy the 15 minute train ride going by the shore of the fabulous Iguazú River and discover the silent inhabitants such as the majestic yacarés. Disembarking the train, your Guide will accompany you on the footbridge of 1,100mts over the Iguazú River while they explain the bird diversity found in these parts such as condors and other wildlife as well as the Garganta del Diablo waterfall. Enjoy the wonderful views as you continue on your hike through the jungle passing other waterfalls. This is where the Mission movie was filmed.

  Enjoy a wonderful Argentine barbeque lunch (not included), before continuing walking to see an incredibly panoramic view of the lower area of this wonderful stage. At the end of the day you will be returned to your hotel.

  This tour offers an exciting adventure within Iguazú National Park and in Lower Iguazú River. It is divided into 2 parts: firstly, the sailing on the semi-rigid boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Cañon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (3 kms from the Waterfalls); secondly, an 8 km ride in a special truck along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. Feel and experience the Waterfalls in this tour! You can start this tour by boat and then walk, or the other way around.

  Accommodation: Hotel Das Cataratas
• • Salvador
  • Convento do Carmo, Salvador, Brasil

  Day 6: Foz do Iguaçu - Salvador

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.

  Fly from Foz do Iguacu to Salvador. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately 5 hours.

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Convento do Carmo (City)

  The Convento do Carmo is considered one of the most charming of accommodations in Salvador, Brazil, as it is located right in the old town of Pelourinho, not far from the city centre. Its 79 rooms are clean, with light, attractive decor to match the aged wisdom of the former convent building. Now renovated, it still retains its Renaissance appeal even in its traditional Portuguese menus and wines. Although the 5-star Convento do Carmo's amenities (fitness center, swimming pool, LCD televisions, sauna, and Japanese spa) are indeed impressive, it's this luxury hotel's style and care that draw visitors from all over the world. Built in the 1500s, Convento was originally a convent in the historic Pelourinho district, and is close to the Bay of All Saints.

• • Pelourinho Street

  Day 7: Salvador

  Enjoy a full day private city tour of Salvador in the company of an English speaking Guide, with your own vehicle and driver. Discover the essential sights of the city tracing the development of the city from its simple beginnings to the what is now the third largest city in Brazil. After your hotel pick up, you will be taken to the mouth of the immense bay and then via elegant tree-lined avenues and bustling city streets to the Pelourinho, a Unesco Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in South America. After leaving the vehicle at the Muncipal Square, by the towering Lacerda Elevator, with great views of the bay stretching out to the lower city, enjoy a stroll with your Guide through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Enjoy a visit of the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town. Sample some of the local dishes at a great spot for lunch (included) before continuing oto the lower part of the city. This area offers another perspective of the sprawling city, taking you to the quiet waters of the Itapagipe Peninsula where life moves at a slower pace than the bustling upper city. Fishermen fish from dugout canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners lie at anchor, all protected by the famous Bonfim church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil and deeply syncretised with the Candomblé (visit). The tour continues on to the Monserrat district with its panoramic view of the city and on to the Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local artefacts and souvenirs. This is also where you can test your bargaining talents! (Please note: Church of Bonfim is closed on Mondays). At day's end, you will be dropped back to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Convento do Carmo (City)
• • Bahia Cooking

  Day 8: Salvador

  Add a dash of Afro-Bahia cuisine to your vacation!

  The Bahia dishes have the influence of Portuguese, African and Indian cultures with a predominance of local exotic ingredients. At our class you’ll learn how to cook this distinctive culinary composing for example a Moqueca, made of shrimp or fish, cooked in coconut milk, palm oil, herbs and spices. To drink, we’ll choose from the variety of savory fruits that yield to a number of different tropical cocktail combinations, such as the caipirinha. Departure from hotels at 7:30am we head (assisted by the local cooker) to the main open air market in Salvador – feira de São Joaquin. There you will get an introduction to the most important components of the Bahia and Afro-Brazilian cuisine. Every morning, wind boats come from the surrounded areas of the All Saints Bay bringing people to this market, some of them come to sell their products and some to look for buying products (all kind of fresh and original products). After getting a sense of this very busy area, we begin learning all about the ingredients, pottery, and stuff used in our gastronomy. After finishing our experience at the market, we drive to our experimental kitchen either in a typical Bahia family house or in a local restaurant. With the supervision of a local cooker, we will prepare 2 or 3 of the most popular dishes in Bahia, such us: Moqueca, Vatapá, Caruru, bobó, Acarajé, etc. At the end of this lesson, it’ll be lunch time to try what you have learned together with the chef and our local guide, enjoying a genuine Bahia meal. Then transfer back to your hotel.

  Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

  Accommodation: Convento do Carmo (City)
• • Jardin de Alah Beach

  Day 9: Salvador

  Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach! Salvador's immense sandy coastline is one of the longest in the country, with over 30 miles of beaches. They run from Inema to the Praia do Flamengo, with all sorts of spots in between for families, young people, single travellers, and everyone in between. Or try a visit to the lovely rural village of Morro de São Paulo across the Bay of All Saints; only a short ferry ride away.

  Accommodation: Convento do Carmo (City)

• Day 10: Salvador

  Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Sofitel Rio de Janeiro

  Sofitel Copacabana

  Considered one of the top hotels in Rio de Janeiro, the Sofitel has a prime seat on Copacabana Beach. The 388 rooms are immaculately kept, each possessing a contemporary allure and sharp decor. Take advantage of the extensive room facilities, including plasma cable TV, DVD players, and high speed Internet. Feast on an endless choice of cuisine and dining styles, from bar settings to French gourmet cuisine. Fusions of flavors will keep you coming back for more. Later, stop by any of the bars and mingle with other guests, or make use of the 2 pools, gym, and 2 saunas on site.

  • More information
• • Hotel das Cataratas

  Hotel Das Cataratas

  Hotel das Cataratas by Orient-Express is the only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park, with the world famous Iguassu Falls just a two minute stroll away. As the only hotel within the national park, guests are able to enjoy exclusive access to the falls each morning before the park opens. The Iguassu Falls are a breathtaking collection of 275 waterfalls, extending over almost 3km in an enormous canyon on the Iguassu River. They are pleased to be able to offer a range of experiences within this spectacular region including helicopter flights, rafting, nature walks, jeep safaris and a visit to the bird park.

  • More information
• • Convento do Carmo, Salvador, Brasil
  • Room at Convento do Carmo, Salvador, Brasil

  Convento do Carmo (City)

  The Convento do Carmo is considered one of the most charming of accommodations in Salvador, Brazil, as it is located right in the old town of Pelourinho, not far from the city centre. Its 79 rooms are clean, with light, attractive decor to match the aged wisdom of the former convent building. Now renovated, it still retains its Renaissance appeal even in its traditional Portuguese menus and wines. Although the 5-star Convento do Carmo's amenities (fitness center, swimming pool, LCD televisions, sauna, and Japanese spa) are indeed impressive, it's this luxury hotel's style and care that draw visitors from all over the world. Built in the 1500s, Convento was originally a convent in the historic Pelourinho district, and is close to the Bay of All Saints.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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