Begin your journey in Rio de Janeiro, inhaling the untamed, windswept majesty of this gleaming seaside city and its abundant coastline. From the disorganized swarms of favelas (shanty towns) to the yearly carnivals and parades, this city is full of contrasts and personality – a true melting pot of cultures and communities.
The beaches of Rio, such as Copacabana and Ipanema, are bordered by sun loungers and are renowned worldwide for their lively atmosphere and azure waters. The city is also home to the awe-inspiring Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado, a Brazilian icon depicted on postcards all over the globe.
Corcovado is a 710-meter granite peak that protrudes from the Tijuca Forest. Its `twin`, Sugarloaf Mountain, is situated at the mouth of Guanabara Bay and is renowned for its cable car and unparalleled city vistas. During your three-night stay, you will be taken on an envious tour of both of these mountains.
The Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders will be your next stop after leaving Rio for Foz do Iguacu. The Falls, which comprise the world`s greatest waterfall system and span both Brazil and Argentina, require no introduction.
During a guided tour, you will hear the thunderous roar of Iguazu from the Argentinian side, an area divided into the Upper and Lower Circuit and home to the Devil`s Throat, a narrow (and slightly horrifying) chasm that is 70 to 80 meters deep. Bring waterproof apparel; you will undoubtedly need it.
The final four nights of your vacation will be spent in Armaco dos Bzios (or simply Bzios), unwinding at this luxury seaside resort. And because there is no set itinerary, you can explore sun-drenched Bzios at your own pace, whether that involves relaxing on tranquil Ferradura Beach or exploring the cobblestoned Rua das Pedras in search of delectable Brazilian cuisine.
Before arriving in Rio de Janeiro, you may select this Amazon pre-tour extension.
Today, you`ll enjoy a full day exploring the Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountains via shared van, including a delicious lunch and entrance fees. You can also visit these two scenic titans by train for an additional £50 per person.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE WINDSOR EXCELSIOR HOTEL
Before transferring to Rio`s GIG Airport for your flight to Foz do Iguaçu, enjoy a delectable breakfast at the hotel. You will be escorted to your hotel upon arrival.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE GOLDEN PARK INTERNATIONAL FOZ
Today, you`ll spend an entire day exploring Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side (tickets and an expert guide are included in the programme).
These magnificent and entrancing cascades straddle both Brazil and Argentina and make up the world`s largest waterfall system. The three-kilometer-long Falls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, are, to say the least, awe-inspiring.
On the Argentinian side, there are numerous pathways and paths, and this area is accessible from Puerto Iguazu. You can walk along the Lower and Upper Circuits; the Lower Circuit is a 2km walk with 8 designated lookout locations, while the Upper Circuit is home to the spectacular Devil`s Throat – a 1km walkway that brings you to the top of the thundering Falls.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT GOLDEN PARK INTERNATIONAL FOZ
Spend the morning at your hotel, or take an optional early-morning excursion (£55pp) to the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls, which offers spectacular panoramic vistas.
Afternoon conveyance to the airport and return flight to Rio. One of our representatives will be waiting to transport you to Armaco dos Bzios (or Bzios) upon your arrival. Here, you will be lodging in a Junior Suite at the PortoBay Hotel. The remainder of the day is at your discretion.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT PORTOBAY HOTEL
Today you`re free to explore Búzios! Within this region, there is an abundance of beaches, all of which feature azure waters.
The west-facing beaches have calm waters, while the east-facing beaches are suitable for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers as well. Visit Praia Rosa Beach, an idyllic paradise, or travel to Praia de Manguinhos Beach, which features calm, shallow waters, in the downtown area.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT PORTOBAY HOTEL
You may once more spend the day at your leisure. Wander Rua das Pedras, a street with restaurants, boutiques, and bars, admire the Brigitte Bardot statue on the seafront (she popularised the peninsula in the 1960s), or visit one of the numerous mirantes (viewpoints) that offer unparalleled vistas.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT PORTOBAY HOTEL
Today you`re free to explore Búzios! Within this region, there is an abundance of beaches, all of which feature azure waters.
The west-facing beaches have calm waters, while the east-facing beaches are suitable for surfers, windsurfers, and kitesurfers as well. Visit Praia Rosa Beach, an idyllic paradise, or travel to Praia de Manguinhos Beach, which features calm, shallow waters, in the downtown area.
We suggest taking a boat tour around the various shores or out to the islands off the northern coast. Typically, these boat excursions last about two and a half hours and include several stops for swimming in the ocean before reaching the beaches.
Optional Schooner excursion (approximately two and a half hours). £25 per person (does not include hotel transfers to/from).
Taking a schooner around the most beautiful beaches of Bzios is the most traditional method to discover its splendour. The excursion also visits two islands on the northern side of the peninsula, with swimming and relaxation breaks included.
The tour takes guests to the following sites: Armacão Beach – Caboclo Island - Orla Bardot – Ossos` Beach – Azeda Beach – Azedinha Beach - João Fernandes Beach (First Stop) - João Fernandinho Beach – Branca Island – Feia Island (Secound Stop) – Tartaruga Beach - Tartaruguinha Beach (Thrid Stop) – Virgens` Beach – Amores Beach and Canto`s Beach.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT PORTOBAY HOTEL
After breakfast, a transfer will take you from Buzios to your Rio De Janeiriro hotel. There is no itinerary for today, so please feel free to explore the area at your leisure.
OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE WINDSOR EXCELSIOR HOTEL
Enjoy a substantial breakfast at the hotel. Evening conveyance from Rio to airport; return flight to the United Kingdom. OR before your evening flight, you may choose one of the optional excursions listed below:
A 4-hour shared jeep tour of Santa Theresa and a 4-hour shared jeep tour of the Tijuca forest. £50 pp
We trust your stay will be enjoyable!
