Epic Brazil & Rio Carnival 

Day Three: Journey to Sugarloaf Mountain

After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy cultural tour of Rio and visit iconic sites like Olympic Boulevard, Tomorrow Museum (outside), Metropolitan Cathedral, Selaron Steps, Municipal Theater (external). We continue via Flamengo Park, with its beautiful landscape by Burle Marx, until reaching the traditional and residential Urca neighbourhood and Praia Vermelha cable car station. Here, we board a glass cable car to travel up the Urca mountain (mid-way station/first stage) to see its gardens and look-out points. The second part of the ride takes us to the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain, 1300 ft. above sea level (second stage). At the top, majestic views of Rio de Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay await us. Olympic Boulevard, Tomorrow Museum (outside), Metropolitan Cathedral, Selaron Steps, Municipal Theater (external). Maybe it's more interesting. What do you say?

Day Four: Christ The Redeemer & Maracana Football Stadium

This morning, we enjoy a half day (4 hr) tour to Corcovado Mountain Statue of Christ. It is Rio’s second world-famous landmark. The ‘Corcovado-Mountain’ with the statue of Christ The Redeemer, is a must for visitors of this city. It is set right in the ‘Tijuca Rainforest National Park’, the largest urban park in the world, found in the heart of the city of Rio, being considered by locals as the ‘lung of the city’. From Copacabana, the bus takes the route through tunnel ‘Rebouças’, which intersects the surrounding mountain range, reaching the 'Laranjeiras District'. 

Day Five: Carnival Winners' Parade

Today we have busy day and night ahead! After breakfast, we board a schooner for a cruise around Guanabara Bay. We enjoy views of the Villegaignon Island and its fortress, the beach districts that surround the bay; 'Flamengo' - a result of the largest urban project in Brazil, 'Botafogo' - which features the Monument to Estácio de Sá who founded Rio de Janeiro city, and Urca - a district where one of the most important symbols of the city can be seen – the Sugarloaf. View São João Fortress, which marks the entrance of Guanabara Bay and the Santa Cruz Fortress, built in 1555. These two fortresses were built to protect the harbour of the city from eventual invaders. 

Day Six: Day at Leisure - Rio de Janeiro

After our fabulous evening, we enjoy a full day at leisure in Rio de Janeiro.

• Breakfast Included
• Hotel B&B Forte de Copacabana

Day Seven: A scenic drive to Paraty

Today we transfer to Paraty. We can enjoy the drive from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty (approx. 4 hrs), experiencing scenic landscapes, nature and history along the way. Paraty, a stunning colonial city, is revered as both a National and World Historical Monument, preserving a myriad of natural and architectural wonders. After check-in, we will have lunch at local restaurant (no drinks included).

Day Eight: Boat Tour through Paraty Bay & Cotia Island

After breakfast, we walk from our hotel to the pier to embark on a schooner boat tour at Paraty Bay and Cotia Island (approx 5 hrs). The tour through the Bay of Paraty and its surroundings allows us to appreciate the natural beauty and exuberant vegetation. The waters behind the island are so well protected, it feels like a swimming pool. We stop at the best places for snorkelling and see the best beaches in the region. We enjoy lunch on board the boat which includes a mineral water. A float, mask and snorkel are also provided. Important: Wear comfortable clothes, swimsuit, hat, towel, sunglasses, repellent and sunscreen.

Day Nine: Paraty

Today we take part in a fantastic jeep tour (approx. 4 hrs). We travel inside the National Park of Serra da Bocaina - also known as the ‘trekking paradise in Brazil’ - visiting several waterfalls, distilleries of cachaça and the beginning of the famous Gold trail. Lunch will be served at Engenho D’Ouro Restaurant, with local cuisine. The evening can be enjoyed at leisure in Paraty.

• Breakfast & Lunch Included
• Hotel Pousada Condessa

Day Ten: Paraty - Iguazu Falls via Rio de Janeiro

Today we transfer from Paraty (Approx. 4 hours) to Rio de Janeiro Airport for our internal flight to Iguazu Falls - our next destination. Upon arrival, we meet our local guide and transfer to the hotel to relax. In the evening we have a dinner at the hotel (drinks not included)

• Breakfast & Dinner Included
• JL Hotel by Bourbon

Day Eleven: Iguazu Falls

After breakfast at our hotel, we have a private half- day guided tour (4 hrs) of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls - considered one of the 'Wonders of the World'. Here we will see the waters of the Paraná River plunge through 32 individual falls into a 2.5-mile-wide, 200-foot precipice. We can admire the jaw-dropping series of waterfalls and enjoy unforgettable scenery. In the evening, we have dinner at the hotel (drinks not included)

• Breakfast & Dinner Included
• JL Hotel by Bourbon

Day Twelve: Iguazu Falls

Today we cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge, encountering incredible views of the Iguazu Canyon en-route to the Iguazu National Park in Argentina. We visit the upper and lower walkways which allow a different perspective and more intimate contact with the falls adjoining rainforest, filled with orchids, bromeliads, birds and other wildlife. The highlight of the trip is a visit to the suspended platform at the very brink of the Devil’s Throat – the largest of the waterfalls.

Day Thirteen: Departure Day

After breakfast, we will get ready to head to the Iguazú Falls Airport for our flight back to the UK.

• Breakfast Included

Day Fourteen: Arrive back into the UK

We arrive back into the UK after a connecting flight from Iguazu, Brazil via Sao Paulo.