The sheer beauty of Rio
is breathtaking. The city has a glorious backdrop of wooded mountains,
expanses of bare rock, golden sands and a deep blue sea dotted with
many islands. From the Statue of Christ or from the top of Sugarloaf
Mountain you can appreciate the beauty of this expansive city. Rio
is best known for the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema which curve
around the bay lined with hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Copacabana
beach attracts tourists and locals alike, while Ipanema beach has
a more chic and relaxed reputation, complemented by some of the city’s
finest restaurants and bars. In Rio you can take in a football game
at the famous Macarana stadium, try hand-gliding off one of the peaks
or go surfing. Carnival in Rio is spectacular and takes place each
February. The many samba schools all take part in the final parade
at the Sambodromo which lasts approximately 12 hours.
Suggested Itinerary Rio de Janeiro : 5 days / 4
nights (including Paraty)
Day 1
- Arrive Rio de Janeiro
Arrive Rio de Janeiro where you will be met and transferred to your
hotel. Afternoon visit to the historic points of interest in downtown
Rio before continuing onto Sugarloaf Mountain using a two-stage
cable car. Enjoy the spectacular view of the city and beaches from
the mountain top.
Day 2
- Rio de Janeiro
Ride by train through the Tijuaca Forest to the top of Corcovado
peak. This lookout point is 709 meters above sea level and is the
site of the famous statue of Christ. Return to your hotel via Rio’s
southern beaches. Dinner at a typical Brazilian barbecue restaurant,
followed by a lively samba and folklore show.
Day 3 - Paraty Transfer to your hotel in Paraty. There
are several charming pousadas in Paraty, all are colonial houses
elegantly restored to retain their former atmosphere and character.
Recommended pousadas include the Porto Imperial and Pousada do Ouro.
An afternoon city tour through the old part of the town tells you
all bout Paraty’s history and legends. This peaceful and picturesque
town is a historic national monument and practically unaltered since
it was the principle port for the gold trade in the colonial era.
The cobbled street centre is compact and easy to explore. Paraty
has many ornate churches, art galleries, boutiques, bars and restaurants.
There are also many beaches on the bay which can be reached by boat.
Day 4
- Paraty
Today you will take a schooner cruise. Paraty is surrounded by exuberant
vegetation with 65 islands and many beautiful beaches. Several stops
are made so you can enjoy snorkelling in the clear and warm water.
Day 5
- Depart Paraty / Rio de Janeiro
Depart Paraty / Rio de Janeiro for your onward journey.
Rio de Janeiro Tours . Overview Full and half day tours available from Rio de Janeiro
To read more about featured tours, please follow the link in the
"Tours" box, below right
Sugar Loaf and
City Tour A half day tour of Rio, taking in the famous beaches, the
centre of town and a thrilling cable car ride to the top of Sugar
Loaf mountain for breathtaking views...
Corcovado with Beaches Take a train ride up into the forest to the statue of Christ
the Redeemer, winding back to the hotel via a scenic route past
Rio's famous beaches...
Petrópolis Imperial Tour Visit the small old fashioned town of Petrópolis with
cobbled streets and horse-drawn buggies. Tour the town's main attractions
centered around Brazil's last emperor, Dom Pedro II. Lunch is included.
Tijuca Forest Jeep Tour A half day excursion by convertible jeep to the Tijuca forest
- a tropical paradise in the heart of the city. Visit waterfalls,
experience amazing views of the city and take a short guided walk
through the forest. Return via the beaches of Rio..
Tropical Islands A leisurely full day aboard a luxurious schooner, sailing
through wooded islets. Enjoy a swim and water sports, plus a lunch
under the palm trees...
Rio by night: BBQ Dinner & Samba Show Experience a typical Brazillian "Churrascaria"
(steak house) and sample some of the delicious food, before moving
on to one of the famous samba show houses in Rio for a spectacular
show of carnival...
Corcovado & Sugar Loaf A full day tour, taking a train from Corcovado, up to Christ
the Redeemer, followd by a look at the famous Copacabana, Ipanema
and Leblon beaches, through the city and on to experience the cable
car ride to the summit of Sugar Loaf mountain...
Cultural Tour
A half day tour of Old Rio, taking in the many interesting historical
sites such as the Royal Palace and São Bento Monastery...
