Classic Brazil

Day 1 - Day of arrival

Arrive at Rio de Janeiro international airport.

Private transfer on arrival to the four star PortoBay Rio Internacional Hotel in a Limited Ocean View Room (upgrades available) for 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel is opposite the famous Copacabana Beach and boasts a rooftop pool and restaurant with panoramic sea views.

Overnight at the Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel.

Rooftop pool, PortoBay Rio Internacional Hotel

Day 2 - In Rio de Janeiro (private full day guided tour)

After breakfast, a full day private guided tour of Rio including lunch and all entrance fees. Tour highlights include the Selaron Steps, Rio Cathedral, the Corcovado mountain and statue of Christ The Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain (cable car), the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana and an outside look at the Maracana Stadium. The tour will also visit the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa (yes Rio had a colonial influence too) on a hillside overlooking the city with its colonial buildings and cobblestone streets.

Overnight at the Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel.

Cable car to Sugarloaf mountain

Day 3 - In Rio de Janeiro

A day at leisure in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Stroll on Copacabana Beach, relax by the hotel’s rooftop pool or visit the famous Rio Botanical Gardens. Founded by King John VI of Portugal in 1808 and originally intended for the cultivation of spices such as nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon, the gardens were opened to the public in 1822. The gardens, covering 140 hectares are located at the foot of Corcovado Mountain and show the diversity of Brazilian and foreign flora. 6,500 species are to be found within an area of 54 hectares (40% of the park is cultivated, the rest being Atlantic Forest rising up the slopes of Corcovado) and numerous greenhouses are also to be found. There are also 140 species of birds which, having become accustomed to humans, are easier to spot than in the wild. Capuchin monkeys and tuft-eared marmosets can also be spotted.

Overnight at the Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel.

Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro

Day 4 - Transfer to Iguazu

Private transfer to Rio international airport (approximately 50 minutes) to fly to Foz do Iguazu (approximately 2 hours). On arrival private transfer to Belmond das Cataratas Hotel (approximately 1 hour) for 2 nights in a superior room on a bed and breakfast basis. The Belmond, the only hotel within the Iguazu National Park (on the Brazilian side), is one of Brazil’s most famous and iconic hotels with true five star facilities, beautiful gardens and a heavenly pool. The Brazilian side of the falls can be reached by a winding trail which starts just across the road from the hotel.

Overnight at Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel.

Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Day 5 - Iguazu Falls

Private guided full day tour with lunch on the Argentinian side of the falls. Set in the Misiones Province of Argentina and the Brazilian state of Parana, these falls are one of the greatest spectacles on earth. The Iguazu Falls defy description - they simply have to be visited. This is the largest waterfall system in the world. The longest waterfall drop is 82 metres. There are 275 individual waterfalls over a total width of 1.7 miles. For those who are interested in the fate of the 16th century Jesuit missions in the Misiones province of Argentina, there is an excellent film called ‘The Mission’ starring Jeremy Irons, Robert De Niro and the Iguazu Falls of course, with a magnificent soundtrack by Ennio Morricone of ‘The Good The Bad and The Ugly’ fame.

Overnight at Belmond Das Cataratas Hotel.

Iguazu Falls

Day 6 - Transfer to Manaus

Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Manaus via Sao Paulo (approximately 6 hours 30 minutes). On arrival in Manaus private transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to Villa Amazonia Hotel for 1 night on a bed and breakfast basis. The Villa Amazonia is a 4 star hotel located in the historic centre of Manaus and just a few steps from the famous opera house (if time allows this should be visited). The renovated restaurant, reception and facade are faithful to the design of the historic mansion building which dates from the golden age when rubber made Manaus one of the wealthiest cities in the world. There are 30 modern rooms which face the indoor garden and natural stone pool. You will not have much time in Manaus which is set on the banks of the Negro River, 1,400 km from the Atlantic Ocean and is the capital of the state of Amazonas in the north of Brazil. This is from where all boats depart for Amazon cruises and for access to all the Amazon lodges. A short distance from Manaus, the Negro River merges with the muddy Solimoes river to give a two colour effect (Meeting of the waters). Many believe that Manaus is a small jungle settlement. In fact it is an enormous city with a population of 2 million, accessible primarily by boat or plane. The city was founded in 1669 but came to prominence and enormous wealth during the late 1800s when Brazil had a monopoly on rubber extraction from the Amazon forest. Manaus is now a very successful duty free zone.

Overnight at the Villa Amazonia Hotel.

Villa Amazonia, Manaus

Day 7 - Transfer to Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge

Group boat transfer to the Amazon Ecopark jungle lodge for 3 nights on a full board basis (Superior Plus Room) with guided activities and tours included. The Ecopark Lodge is only a 30 minute launch ride from Manaus but in a privileged position surrounded by pristine forest. The lodge has beautiful gardens and uniquely has disabled access. The white sandy beach, equipped with sun loungers is available between December and July when the waters are high. The wooden cabins which are dotted around the garden have air conditioned rooms and large windows. The lodge offers a good choice of guided tours.

Overnight at Amazon Ecopark jungle lodge.

Amazon Ecopark Jungle Lodge

Day 8 & 9 - At Amazon Ecopark jungle lodge

A choice of group tours will occupy your two days here including; a nature hike to learn about the local flora and fauna, where to find edible fruits and how to navigate the forest ; night canoe tour to listen to the sounds of the jungle and the possibility to spot alligators; and the meeting of the waters formed by the merging waters of the River Negro and Solimoes. The waters of the rivers run alongside each other (not mixing) for about 12 km. The phenomenon happens due to differences in temperature, density and speed of the two rivers.

Overnight at Amazon Ecopark jungle lodge.

Brazilian Amazon

Day 10 - Transfer to Salvador

Group transfer to Manaus Airport (1 hour 15 minutes) and then fly to Sao Paulo or Brasilia to connect with a flight to Salvador (approximately 5 hours 50 minutes). On arrival in Salvador private transfer to Villa Bahia Hotel (approximately 45 minutes) for 2 nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Villa Bahia is a charming 17th century renovated colonial house that overlooks the main square in Salvador’s historic Pelourinho district. With 17 air conditioned rooms decorated in rustic style, this is the perfect base from which to explore Salvador.

Overnight at Villa Bahia.

Villa Bahia, Salvador

Day 11 - In Salvador

After breakfast a guided half day tour of Salvador. Salvador, with a population of almost 3 million, is a truly atmospheric city, the capital of the northeastern state of Bahia and a cultural melting point where African and Portuguese influences collide. It is known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture and a tropical coastline. The city was the first major port (the busiest till 1815) in Brazil and the capital of colonial Brazil for almost 200 years. Much of the sugar cane from the northeast and gold and diamonds from the mines in the southeast passed through Salvador, a time when magnificent buildings were constructed as wealth poured into the city. Slaves from Africa (some still wear traditional dress) arrived in Salvador and, more than anywhere else in Brazil, the African influence in the makeup of Brazilian culture is clearly visible. The dishes are spicy and still called by their African names, ceremonies honour both African deities and Catholic holidays and capoeira schools teach a unique African form of ritualistic fighting with demonstrations in many of the city squares. Explore further in the afternoon but make sure, like any major city, that you do not flaunt valuables!

Overnight at Villa Bahia.

Capoeira (part martial art and part dance), Salvador

Day 12 - Transfer to Praia do Forte

Transfer to the resort of Praia do Forte (1 hour 15 minutes) to the Tivoli Ecoresort in a premium room for 3 nights on a half board basis. This smart resort hotel is a 20 minute walk from Praia do Forte and stands in 30,000 hectares of tropical forest and is surrounded by protected areas. There are 287 air conditioned rooms over 2 floors (all are with balcony or terrace). The resort never seems busy as there is so much space. This is an ideal place to relax, with several swimming pools, a large spa, four restaurants, three bars, tennis courts, a watersports centre and kids club - and of course a fabulous sandy beach in front of you, much praised by Sunvil’s chairman ! All the restaurants, bars, beaches and activities of Praia do Forte village are only a 20 minute walk away. There are tours to see Humpback whales between July and November.

Overnight at Tivoli Ecoresort

Tivoli Ecoresort in Praia do Forte

Day 13 &14 - In Praia do Forte

Just relax but don't forget to visit the delicate, sand based ecosystem of Sapiranga and the TAMAR sea turtle preservation project. It is also an ideal place for families, windsurfing and sailing.

Overnight at Tivoli Ecoresort

Praia do Forte

Day 15 - Day of departure

Transfer to Salvador Airport (1 hour 30 minutes) to fly either to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes) to connect with your return international flight to the UK.