A Touch of Brazil

Today, you will leave home via your chosen airport and head to Brazil with connecting flights along the way.

At the airport in Rio de Janeiro, you will be picked up by an English-speaking guide who drives you to your hotel, depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport to your hotel takes about an hour.

Rio is both wonderful and chaotic at the same time, and this can give even the most seasoned traveller butterflies in their stomach – in a good way.

To ensure that your visit to Brazil gets off to the best possible start, our partner will come to your hotel and hold a short welcome meeting of around 30–60 minutes. This is an opportunity for you to run through your tour together and get answers to any questions you may have about the tour or other practical questions about Brazil.

At midday, you will be picked up from the hotel and be taken on an exciting, guided tour of Rio’s major sights.

The tour starts by taking you up to the famous Christ the Redeemer statue on the 710-metre-high Mount Corcovado. The statue is one of the city’s landmarks and has been named one of the 7 new wonders of the world. There is an indescribable view from up here of Rio’s scenic bays, beaches, favelas and Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, as well as a glimpse of the famous Maracaña Stadium.

You’ll then visit the cosy neighbourhoods of Santa Teresa and Lapa, where you can admire the colourful Selarón steps, designed and built by the late Chilean-born artist, Jorge Selarón. Lunch is not included on this tour, but it is possible to buy a sandwich and other snacks along the way.

You will also experience Rio’s stunning location from Pão de Açúcar, also known as the Sugar Loaf. This 396-metre-high mountain is located by Guanabara Bay, and to get to the top, you have to take two different cable cars – a thrilling ride affording spectacular views of this magical city, coast and lush mountains in the background.

You’ll be back at your hotel at 7-8 pm and have the rest of the evening to yourself.

Rio is a veritable haven of experiences, and you have the next few days to venture out into this exciting city on your own. Perhaps you’re tempted by a relaxing day on the beach, soaking up the sun and the vibrant beach atmosphere. If more adventures await you, we offer a vast selection of exciting optional tours.

For those who wish to immerse themselves in Rio’s scenic surroundings, we offer “Rio’s Natural Gems” or “Tijuca National Park and Hike to Pedra Bonita,” both taking you to the most enchanting spots in the city. Despite the city’s high tempo, there is tranquillity in the many lovely oases.

If you’re a fervent foodie, you can acquaint yourself with the flavourful Brazilian cuisine on our “Cooking Class in Rio.”

Gain a deeper understanding of the vibrant carnival preparations on our “Behind the Scenes at the Carnival” tour or learn more about the city’s African roots on the “Rio’s African cultural Heritage” tour.
We also warmly recommend a bike ride through the city, where you can see the city’s landmarks from a different perspective.

Rio is a city that never sleeps, and in the evening, you can experience music and dance at a “Dinner Show in Rio,” or on our guided city tour “Discover Rio’s Nightlife.” Add plenty of fun with a combination of samba dancing and a city tour on our evening excursion “Samba Lesson and Tour of the City.”

Whatever excursions you choose, we promise experiences that bring Rio’s rich culture and astounding nature close to you.

In the morning, the tour heads to Paraty along the lush green coast of Rio de Janeiro. The drive takes around 4–5 hours.

There is a marked contrast when you come from the bustling city of Rio to the cosy little colonial gem of Paraty, where everything takes place at a sedate pace. The town is known for its beautiful, well-preserved buildings from the Portuguese empire. Paraty was an important port for the shipping of gold, sugar, coffee and slaves. The town’s former wealth is clear to see in its beautiful buildings and churches.

In the afternoon, you can look forward to strolling around the cobbled streets and admiring the beautiful churches and whitewashed houses with their colourful shutters over the windows and doors. A local guide takes you on a tour and gives you a good introduction to the town and an exciting insight into the history of the town – good and bad.

You have the day to yourself in Paraty. Perhaps you’re not yet done exploring the small streets and drinking coffee at the cosy cafés and restaurants.

You can also choose to go on a boat trip to the beautiful beaches and bounty islands in Paraty Bay or go on a trip out to the rain forest near Paraty where you will find beautiful waterfalls, learn about the famous and infamous “gold trail” and sample the famous Brazilian brandy cachaça, which is produced in this region and used in Brazil’s national cocktail, Caipirinhas.

Look forward to relaxing during the last few days on the lush and beautiful paradise island of Ilha Grande. Here, you’ll find an exquisite, unspoiled natural environment and over 100 breathtaking beaches. The island’s hilly terrain covers 193 km², and the highest peak, Pico da Pedra D’Água, rises 1,031 metres above sea level. Almost 90% of the island is either a protected reserve or a national park, safeguarding the extraordinary plant and wildlife found here.

After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven for about 1½–2 hours to a small harbour town, from where you’ll take a boat across to Ilha Grande. The crossing takes around 40 minutes.

Upon arrival in the island’s largest town, Vila do Abraão, you’ll be greeted by a representative from the hotel who will accompany you to your accommodation. The walk takes around 10–15 minutes, and your luggage will be transported for you. There are no proper roads on the island, so all transport is either on foot, by bicycle, or by boat.

You have the next few days free to spend as you wish.

There are many different hiking trails around the island, and you really shouldn’t miss the chance to explore this lush landscape and experience the stunning natural beauty. You might even be lucky enough to spot exotic birds, howler monkeys, and perhaps even a sloth.

A popular trek is to the island’s most beautiful and popular beach, Lopes Mendes. This white sand beach with its azure waters has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. It is accessible only by foot or by boat. This excursion can be booked in advance.

The island also offers a variety of water sports, such as kayaking trips, diving, and snorkelling.

You can also pre-book a boat tour to the stunning blue lagoon, where you can swim and snorkel with colourful fish in the crystal-clear waters.

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to this little piece of paradise. You will be sailed over to the mainland again, and from here, you will drive by minibus to Rio and on to the airport where your journey home begins. Travel time is approx. 3 hours

You will land at your chosen airport after a fantastic holiday in Brazil.