Description

Day 01 – Sunday  Rio de Janeiro
Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro transfer from the airport to the hotel.

Rio de Janeiro founded in 1556, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Colony of Brazil in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic centre of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country’s capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colourful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country.

Moderate: Hotel Mirador Rio Copacabana or similar
Superior: Hotel Windsor Excelsior or similar

Day 02 – Monday  Rio de Janeiro (B)
Full day tour of Rio de Janeiro.
Leaving the hotel and proceeding as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train(*) for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain at 748 m (2.454 ft) high. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and the city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, passengers will descend by train. The tour proceeds passing by Rio’s world-famous beaches as far as Urca District to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain at 390 m (1.280 ft) high. Then coming down and proceeding along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park as far as downtown. Visit downtown area, passing by the financial and business centre and by other attractions such as the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum. Stop at Confeitaria Colombo, a restaurant opened in 1894 and part of the Brazilian history*. Then drive till the Sambadrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade.
*Subject to change. Alternatively, another restaurant of equal value will be visited, such as Casa Cavé or Amarelinho.
**Remark: (*) In the unusual case that the train does not operate, the drive will instead take place with vans certified by the city’s administration from/to the Largo do Machado parking.

Day 03 – Tuesday Rio de Janeiro (B)
Full day at leisure to explore Rio de Janeiro on your own or to take an optional tour.
1) Full day tour to Petropolis
2) Half day Tour to Olympic Boulevard including Museum of Tomorrow & Rio Art Museum (6 hrs)
3) Rio by night

Day 04 – Wednesday Rio de Janeiro – Iguassu (B)
Transfer to the airport Rio de Janeiro and flight to Iguassu.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Iguassu – one of the biggest wonders of nature in South America: located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls goes down into the river Iguassu.

Later in the day visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The tour leaves from the hotel by coach and crossing Iguassu National Park as far as the Brazilian Falls. It follows a walk along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road, and there board the coach to get back to the hotel.

Moderate: Hotel Viale Cataratas or similar
Superior: Hotel Bourbon Cataratas or similar

Day 05 – Thursday Iguassu (B)
Today visit the Argentinean side of the falls. Leaving from the hotel on the Brazilian side for a drive and a quick customs check, crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River, which forms the border between Argentina & Brazil. Once in Argentina, tour takes a scenic highway up the Argentinean Iguassu National Park. Stopping at the Visitors’ Centre and proceeding from there the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades, to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls and then takes the Ecological Jungle Train that leads visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls – The Devil’s Throat . Return to the hotel.
Afternoon at leisure.
**Remark: For the border crossing, travelers need their passports and visas (if necessary).

Day 06 – Friday Iguassu – Manaus (B)
In the morning leave Iguassu and take a flight to Manaus.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Manaus is the capital of Amazonas State and the hub of the whole Amazon Region. It lies on the shore of the Negro River, 6 km (4 mi) far from the point where the Negro meets the Solimoes River to form the Brazilian Amazon River. The city underwent a great development in the 2nd half of the 19th century when it became rubber boomtown, in part because of the invention of the process of vulcanization. Swiftly transformed into a European-like capital, it was the first Brazilian city to have trolley buses and the second to have electric illumination on the streets. In the beginning of the 20th century, Manaus rubber market collapsed and the city declined into poverty. Nowadays Manaus is a busy commercial center, after having been transformed into a Free Trade Zone in 1966.

Afternoon is at leisure or to join an optional tour to see the flora and fauna in the Amazon.

Moderate: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus (superior room) or similar
Superior: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus (deluxe room) or similar

Day 07 – Saturday Manaus – Amazon (B/L/D)
Transfer to the pier to start the Amazon Ecopark Lodge experience. Continue to the lodge where you will be welcomed with local juices.

The Amazon Ecopark Lodge is located in Rio Tarumã – a tributary of Rio Negro – approximately one hour from Manaus airport (30 minutes by boat from the Tropical Hotel pier), in the middle of the Amazon Forest. Over 6 miles of jungle trails enable the client to explore the jungle, orchids and giant trees. Amazon Ecopark Lodge offers 60 apartments in 20 bungalows (3 each), made of wood. The apartments entrance, porch and bathroom are completely independent, are all air conditioned, with hot shower and screened windows. Rustic, but also charming decorated.

**Remark: The Lodge Package is shared with international travelers and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

Explore the variety of the flora and fauna of the Amazon region during various excursions on foot or with a canoe such as Jungle Trekking, visit to the Orchid Garden and the Lake of the “Quelônios” turtles, visit to a “Caboclo´s” house, fishing or a canoe tour at night.
**Remark: Activities according to Lodge’s schedule to be defined on the spot. All tours include bilingual guide assistance. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions as well as availability.

Moderate: Amazon Ecopark (standard room) or similar
Superior: Amazon Ecopark(superior room) or similar

Day 08 – Sunday Amazon Package (B/L/D)
Depart from the lodge on board of a regional double deck boat; the boat will go down the Negro River navigating along the shore of the City of Manaus, allowing you to enjoy view of the Amazonas Theatre, the Port of Manaus, the Customs and the interesting aspects of the local life – the stilt houses for instance.
Arrival at The Meeting of the Waters, a spectacular merge of Negro and Solimões Rivers. From this point on, both rivers form the famous Amazon River that runs all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Their waters run together for about 12km, side by side, without mingling. The phenomenon happens due to differences in temperature, density and speed of the waters from both rivers.

Moderate: Hotel Presidente or similar
Superior: Hotel Ritz Apart or similar

Day 09 – Monday Amazon – Manaus (B)
After breakfast transfer back to Manaus.

During a panoramic city tour you will see the main sights of Manaus, such as the old part of Manaus that is a reminder from the rubber boom of the end of the last century, the São Sebastião Square, the customs office pre-fabricated in Liverpool and shipped to Manaus almost 100 years ago, the clock tower (called little Big Ben), the Matriz Square, Cathedral and the Municipal Market. You will also make a photo stop at the Opera House built almost entirely from European materials during the rubber boom and inaugurated in 1896.

Moderate: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus (superior room) or similar
Superior: Hotel Blue Tree Premium Manaus (deluxe room) or similar

Day 10 – Tuesday Manaus – Salvador de Bahia(B)
In the morning leave Manaus and take a flight to Salvador da Bahia.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Salvador da Bahia is called by Brazilians “Land Of Happiness” because life there is a constant celebration of happiness. It is also called “The Land of All Saints”, not only for its location by the All Saints Bay, but also for the deep and extensive mysticism of its people. Salvador is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet, a world of beauty, magic, traditions and warm hospitality. It has its own special identity, almost a country within itself. The city is bounded by the ocean to the East and by All Saints Bay to the South.

Moderate: Novotel Rio Vermelho or similar
Superior: Hotel Fera Palace or similar

Day 11 – Wednesday Salvador de Bahia (B)
The focus of the historical city tour will be on the city sites related to the colonial Brazil and Afro-Brazilian history, taking advantage of Pelourinho being the greatest baroque neighborhood outside Europe, declared by UNESCO a world heritage site. If you’re a history buff, there are lots of centuries-old buildings churches and even museums to tour. You will have the chance to see a little of the new and the old city.
Beginning in the Barra neighborhood, with the Atlantic Ocean view and the first lighthouse of the American continent, at the Saint Antony Fort. Continue through the traditional neighborhoods of Corredor da Vitória, Campo Grande (big outdoor scene for Salvador’s carnival). Then, stop at the Municipal Square, and from there, you will have a view of the lower city and the Bay of All Saints. Then, towards Pelourinho, you walk along the narrow and stone-paved streets, seeing all this important site of Brazil colonial roots.
In addition to many beautiful churches, and buildings, the promenade will have its end at Terreiro de Jesus square, by visiting the San Francisco church – with its gold leafed interior and Jacaranda wood furniture.

The afternoon is free for leisure.

In the enjoy, you may choose to join an optional Bahia by night dinner and show.

Day 12 – Thursday Salvador de Bahia (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

GROUP DEPARTURE CALENDAR 2025