Essential Brazil (7 Days)

Introduction

Iguazu Falls, Luxury Brazil Vacations

The Crystal Palace, Petropolis, Brazil

Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro

Palacio Imperial, Petropolis

Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro

Iguazu Falls, Brazil, & Argentina

Iguassu Falls, Walkway Brazil Side

Copacabana & Ipanema Beaches

Catedral de Petrópolis, near Rio de Janeiro

Boat Ride Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, Luxury Brazil Vacations

The Crystal Palace, Petropolis, Brazil

Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro

Palacio Imperial, Petropolis

Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro

Iguazu Falls, Brazil, & Argentina

Iguassu Falls, Walkway Brazil Side

Copacabana & Ipanema Beaches

Catedral de Petrópolis, near Rio de Janeiro

Boat Ride Iguazu Falls

• 1

  Day 1

  Arrive Rio de Janeiro

  Arrival to Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG). Upon arrival our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to downtown Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1565 by the colonial Portuguese, this city is a beacon to the world, this radiance shines from the passionate hearts of its gregarious people, their samba dance showcased in Rio Carnaval and a host of globally renowned must-see landmarks. Your first night in Rio is assured to be one to remember.

• 2

  Day 2

  Morning Tour of Rio de Janeiro, Sugar Loaf and Corcovado with Samba

  We begin with an idyllic coastal drive aside the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to the base of Corcovado Hill. Then board the train which will carry you to the infamous Christ the Redeemer statue. Witnessing the all-encompassing view of Rio de Janeiro is a once in lifetime moment etched on your memory. Onward to the Sugarloaf Mountain where we can enjoy the spectacular glass cable-car rides. Firstly, with a view from Urca peak across the panoramic bay. Secondly, onward and upward to the crest of the Sugar Loaf with vistas of metropolitan Rio, Corcovado with Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches. Your evening is made complete with dinner as you witness a mesmerizing samba show of colorful Brazilian dancers replete with their decadent costumes and hypnotic Latin rhythms.

• 3

  Day 3

  Morning Sail Boat Cruise on Guanabara Bay, Free Afternoon

  The idyllic Guanabara Bay is nestled beneath Papagaio and Sugarloaf Mountains and truly is a picture postcard scene. This tour offers a host of views of the neighborhoods of Botafogo, Flamengo and Urca with the Fortress of Saint John of the Harbor. Through these very waters the colonial Portuguese navigated in January 1502 under the stewardship of Amerigo Vespucci and André Gonçalves, thus giving rise to the name Rio de Janeiro (January River). Today your luxury Brazil vacation will allow you sail and navigate the many attractions including Fundão and Governor’s Island before meandering west to view Rio de Janeiro. Along the eastern seaboard we also encounter the district of Niteroi. This is a quintessential journey aboard a beautiful schooner vessel into the heartland of Rio de Janeiro and her neighboring islet attractions.

• 4

  Day 4

  Petropolis Imperial Palace, Serra dos Orgaos

  Our journey today sees us venture an hour outside Rio to the Imperial City of Petropolis. The city lies in the Fluminese Mountain region, bordering the beautiful national park of Serra dos Orgaos. Commencing in the mid to latter half of the 19th century this city was the home to Brazilian aristocrats and the governing heart of the state of Rio de Janeiro. The city takes its name from Emperor Don Pedro II and today you will have the pleasure of visiting the royal summer residence at the Imperial Palace of Petropolis. The museum visit here showcases the emperors crown jewels and scepter, the priceless art collections and concludes with a visit to the Crystal Palace and the São Pedro de Alcantara Neolithic Cathedral. Rest assured this is not a standard museum visit but an opportunity to learn and unearth Brazilian life in years gone by from a palace set in a stunning natural location. You will not be disappointed.

• 5

  Day 5

  Morning Flight to Foz de Iguazu, Explore Iguazu Falls Brazilian Side

  UNESCO declared the Iguazu Falls as a “Natural Heritage of Humanity” back in 1986 and the region is a gem of any luxury Brazil vacation. A flight of two hours from Rio de Janeiro airport (GIG) will take you to Foz do Iguazu Airport (IGU) on the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls. Our guide will meet you and escort you to the Iguazu National Park along a route that allows you see that you are now in vast sub-tropical lands. On arrival we begin the trail and meander down the valley which opens out to reveal a spectacular vista of in excess of two-hundred and forty waterfalls. You will have time to ride in a glass elevator to get the most spectacular views possible. The Brazilian side offers the best panoramic views of the falls. The park is an astounding 418 kms (260 miles) long and holds an area in excess of 185,000 hectares (458,000 acres), with the falls alone spanning 2,700 meters (8,900 ft). Your tour also includes a short journey to join a motor boat ride directly out to the falls. Bring a poncho and still be prepared to get wet under the heavenly roar of the torrential waters cascading down from above. Your senses will be awakened!

• 6

  Day 6

  Explore Iguazu Falls Argentine Side

  The indigenous Guarani people told a story of their deity and his bride to be called Naipí. The beautiful Naipí eloped with her true love Tarobá in a canoe. In a fit of tempest, the deity severed the waters; Iguazu Falls were born and the entwined lovers plummeted to their mortal eternity. Today we explore the Argentinean Falls via the Tancredo Neves Bridge route to the Iguazu National Park in Argentina. We board the tren de la selva (jungle train) through the park until the second stop. Here we alight and begin the walking trail to reach the upper walkways. These upper reaches afford the best views and interaction with the rainforest environment. Our ultimate goal culminates in a visit to the suspended viewing platform at the abyss that is known locally as the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) – the largest fall at 269 feet (82 meters). Your day on the Argentinian side of the falls is sure to live long in your memory.

• 7

  Day 7

  Flight Foz de Iguazu to Rio de Janeiro, Depart

  Following breakfast our guide will escort you to Foz do Iguazu Airport (IGU) for connection to your flights to Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG). You can reminisce on your wonderful adventures and share your stories of the wonders of your luxury Brazil vacation for many years to come.