Brazil Sambas, Sunsets & Beaches
9 Days
from
$4,965*
Highlights:
Brazil
(Rio de Janeiro, Foz do Iguaçu, Salvador)
Trip Start/End:
Rio de Janeiro
/
Salvador
Explore the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro and admire the modern and historical areas of the city. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the famous Christ the Redeemer statue at Corcovado mountain after experiencing the lush jungle landscapes of Sugar Loaf Mountain area. Relax on your domestic flight to Iguaçu Falls before being met at the airport and transferred to your comfortable accommodation in this stunningly beautiful part of the world. Enjoy a guided tour of the Brazilian and Argentinean Waterfalls and take part in any number of optional activities. Next travel the tropical beaches of Bahia in Salvador, spend time at leisure to soak up the sun or experience a plethora of optional activities offered in the area. With local 24/7 support, private guided tours with expert English speaking Guides, this is sure to be a vacation you will treasure...
Note: A valid passport is required for all American or Canadians citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country. For other nationalities it is the traveler's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Federative Republic of Brazil and its consulates for up-to-date information.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Rio de Janeiro
| - Meet and Greet
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- NOTE: Brazilian Visa is mandatory (not included)
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Sofitel Copacabana Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Rio de Janeiro
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - Sugarloaf & Corcovado (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Sofitel Copacabana Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Rio de Janeiro
| - Breakfast (included)
- Rio de Janeiro day at leisure
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Sofitel Copacabana Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu [Direct (2 hr) ] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - 1/2 d Iguazu Falls: Brazilian Side - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel Das Cataratas Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Foz do Iguaçu
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - Argentine Side (Cataratas hotel) (6 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Hotel Das Cataratas Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Foz do Iguaçu - Salvador
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Foz do Iguaçu - Salvador [via Brasilia or Rio (5 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Pestana Convento do Carmo Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Salvador
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - City Tour (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Pestana Convento do Carmo Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Salvador
| - Breakfast (included)
- Private - 1/2d Bahia cuisine class (with Lunch) - Vehicle/Driver/Chef
- Dinner (not included)
| Pestana Convento do Carmo Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Salvador
| - Breakfast (included)
- Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Christ the Redeemer
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro
Day 1: Rio de Janeiro
Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.
Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro.
A valid passport is required for all American or Canadian citizens, including children, intending to visit Brazil. It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. There have been cases where citizens were refused entry for not having the six-month validity. In addition, all Americans & Canadians are required to have a valid Brazilian Visa prior to their arrival in Brazil, and the visa must be used within 90 days of issuance. Otherwise, they will be refused entry into the country.
Accommodation: Sofitel Copacabana Considered one of the top hotels in Rio de Janeiro, the Sofitel has a prime seat on Copacabana Beach. The 388 rooms are immaculately kept, each possessing a contemporary allure and sharp decor. Take advantage of the extensive room facilities, including plasma cable TV, DVD players, and high speed Internet. Feast on an endless choice of cuisine and dining styles, from bar settings to French gourmet cuisine. Fusions of flavors will keep you coming back for more. Later, stop by any of the bars and mingle with other guests, or make use of the 2 pools, gym, and 2 saunas on site.
Famous Christ Statue
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy a full day private excursion with your own vehicle, professional driver and English speaking guide visiting Corcovado and Sugarloaf. After being picked up from your hotel, you can enjoy a Panoramic city tour by car, passing by the main monuments such as Sambódromo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cinelandia Square with its Municipal Theatre, National Library and the Fine Art Museum, to name but a few. Arriving at the Sugar Loaf, you can take a cable car to get to the summit where you will have one of the most fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. From here, the stop on the tour is Cosme Velho district, a traditional neighborhood in the Southern part of Rio de Janeiro which houses the picturesque Largo do Boticário - a small square enclosed by several neo-colonial style houses, built in the 1920s. (The houses were constructed using materials from much older buildings in the city's Centro district which had been demolished). Here, you can take a train up to the Corcovado Mountain, through the Atlantic rainforests of Tijuca to see the famous Christ The Redeemer statue and admire the fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro below. Before returning to the hotel, you will be taken for a visit to São Conrado beach to observe the famous hang gliders flying over the beach. You will no doubt enjoy the hosted lunch during the day and at day's end, having seen all of the sights; you will be brought back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Sofitel Copacabana Day 3: Rio de Janeiro
Today take the time to enjoy the city of Rio de Janeiro by maybe spending time at the beach, sipping on fruit juices or walking along its streets.
There are also plenty of options for half and full day tours in and around Rio de Janeiro. Consider tours focusing on the modern and historical aspects of the city, the botanical gardens or a visit to one of the biggest slums in the world with approximately 150.000 inhabitants.
If you prefer to be outdoors, enjoy a half day zodiac boat ride of the Guanabara Bay to Cagarras Archipel passing in front of all the famous beaches like Botafogo where Sugar Loaf, Copacabana and Ipanema are located. A day spent cruising on the Azure waters is another option. For a more cultural experience, consider a guided tour of Petrópolis, located on the mountains of the Atlantic Mountain Range where you can visit the Imperial Museum, residence of the Imperator D. Pedro II. Additionaly, you can visit the Cathedral, and the Christal Palace. All of these options are available on a private basis, and some are offered on a shared basis. Please contact one your Sales Consultant if any of these are of interest to you.
Accommodation: Sofitel Copacabana
Iquazu Falls - Brazilian Side
Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
Hotel das Cataratas Exterior
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguaçu
Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro.
Relax on your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu. Flight time is typically 2 hours and prices are subject to changes based on availability.
Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.
Enjoy a private half day guided tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. After being picked up from your hotel, a scenic drive takes you through Iguazu National Park along the Cataratas Highway that leads to the border between Brazil and Argentina. Here, the river drops into a breathtaking canyon. You can descend a walkway and gaze at both sides of the falls and stop at the elevator to ride to the Brazilian side lookout point. Fantastic scenic and photographic opportunities abound, and your expert English speaking Guide will provide an educational and fun tour. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel in Iguazu.
Accommodation: Hotel Das Cataratas Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park, and just a two minute stroll from the world famous Iguassu Falls. As the only hotel within the national park, guests are able to enjoy exclusive access to the falls each morning before the park opens. The hotel has 193 rooms with 15 suites. The rooms and suites are divided where there are 52 bedrooms and 10 suites in the main building, and 64 bedrooms and a junior suite in the garden wing house. This natural paradise offers a spa, swimming pools and tennis courts. The hotel also features a variety of restaurants and bars that has a blend of Brazilian-international fuison dishes.
Argentine Side of Iguassu Park
Day 5: Foz do Iguaçu
Enjoy a fun packed full day shared tour exploring the Argentine side of Iguazu falls. After being picked up at your hotel, you will be transferred into the subtropical jungle in the company of your Guide and Driver to view one of the seven Wonders of the World: the Iguassu Falls, formed by the spectacular fall of more than two hundred cascades. The falls are protected within the Iguassu National Park, an expanse of 67,500 hectares and which was created with the objective of conserving the splendid frame of the surrounding subtropical jungle. There is plenty of walking throughout the day as you explore the area as well as a chance to see the handmade products of the Maca Paraguayan ethnic tribe. Take the Jungle Ecological Train to Devil’s throat station and enjoy the 15 minute train ride going by the shore of the fabulous Iguazú River and discover the silent inhabitants such as the majestic yacarés. Disembarking the train, your Guide will accompany you on the footbridge of 1,100mts over the Iguazú River while they explain the bird diversity found in these parts such as condors and other wildlife as well as the Garganta del Diablo waterfall. Enjoy the wonderful views as you continue on your hike through the jungle passing other waterfalls. This is where the Mission movie was filmed.
Enjoy a wonderful Argentine barbeque lunch (not included), before continuing walking to see an incredibly panoramic view of the lower area of this wonderful stage. At the end of the day you will be returned to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Das Cataratas
Salvador
Convento do Carmo, Salvador, Brasil
Day 6: Foz do Iguaçu - Salvador
Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.
Fly from Foz do Iguacu to Salvador. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately 5 hours.
Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Pestana Convento do Carmo The Convento do Carmo is considered one of the most charming of accommodations in Salvador, Brazil, as it is located right in the old town of Pelourinho, not far from the city centre. The 79 rooms are clean, with light, attractive decor to match the aged wisdom of the former convent building. Now renovated, it still retains its Renaissance appeal even in its traditional Portuguese menus and wines. Although the 5-star Convento do Carmo's amenities (fitness center, swimming pool, LCD televisions, sauna, and Japanese spa) are indeed impressive, it's this luxury hotel's style and care that draw visitors from all over the world. Built in the 1500s, Convento was originally a convent in the historic Pelourinho district, and is close to the Bay of All Saints.
Pelourinho Street
Day 7: Salvador
Enjoy a full day private city tour of Salvador in the company of an English speaking Guide, with your own vehicle and driver. Discover the essential sights of the city tracing the development of the city from its simple beginnings to the what is now the third largest city in Brazil. After your hotel pick up, you will be taken to the mouth of the immense bay and then via elegant tree-lined avenues and bustling city streets to the Pelourinho, a Unesco Heritage site and the largest complex of colonial architecture in South America. After leaving the vehicle at the Muncipal Square, by the towering Lacerda Elevator, with great views of the bay stretching out to the lower city, enjoy a stroll with your Guide through the narrow, bustling streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Enjoy a visit of the church of São Francisco with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior and the Pelourinho square, the heart of the old town. Sample some of the local dishes at a great spot for lunch (included) before continuing oto the lower part of the city. This area offers another perspective of the sprawling city, taking you to the quiet waters of the Itapagipe Peninsula where life moves at a slower pace than the bustling upper city. Fishermen fish from dugout canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, schooners lie at anchor, all protected by the famous Bonfim church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil and deeply syncretised with the Candomblé (visit). The tour continues on to the Monserrat district with its panoramic view of the city and on to the Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local artefacts and souvenirs. This is also where you can test your bargaining talents! (Please note: Church of Bonfim is closed on Mondays). At day's end, you will be dropped back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Pestana Convento do Carmo
Bahia Cooking
Day 8: Salvador
Add a dash of Afro-Bahia cuisine to your vacation!
The Bahia dishes have the influence of Portuguese, African and Indian cultures with a predominance of local exotic ingredients. At our class you’ll learn how to cook this distinctive culinary composing for example a Moqueca, made of shrimp or fish, cooked in coconut milk, palm oil, herbs and spices. To drink, we’ll choose from the variety of savory fruits that yield to a number of different tropical cocktail combinations, such as the caipirinha. Departure from hotels at 7:30am we head (assisted by the local cooker) to the main open air market in Salvador – feira de São Joaquin. There you will get an introduction to the most important components of the Bahia and Afro-Brazilian cuisine. Every morning, wind boats come from the surrounded areas of the All Saints Bay bringing people to this market, some of them come to sell their products and some to look for buying products (all kind of fresh and original products). After getting a sense of this very busy area, we begin learning all about the ingredients, pottery, and stuff used in our gastronomy. After finishing our experience at the market, we drive to our experimental kitchen either in a typical Bahia family house or in a local restaurant. With the supervision of a local cooker, we will prepare 2 or 3 of the most popular dishes in Bahia, such us: Moqueca, Vatapá, Caruru, bobó, Acarajé, etc. At the end of this lesson, it’ll be lunch time to try what you have learned together with the chef and our local guide, enjoying a genuine Bahia meal. Then transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Pestana Convento do Carmo Day 9: Salvador
Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro
Sofitel Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro
Considered one of the top hotels in Rio de Janeiro, the Sofitel has a prime seat on Copacabana Beach. The 388 rooms are immaculately kept, each possessing a contemporary allure and sharp decor. Take advantage of the extensive room facilities, including plasma cable TV, DVD players, and high speed Internet. Feast on an endless choice of cuisine and dining styles, from bar settings to French gourmet cuisine. Fusions of flavors will keep you coming back for more. Later, stop by any of the bars and mingle with other guests, or make use of the 2 pools, gym, and 2 saunas on site.
Hotel das Cataratas Exterior
Hotel Das Cataratas - Foz do Iguaçu
Hotel das Cataratas is the only hotel located within the Iguassu National Park, and just a two minute stroll from the world famous Iguassu Falls. As the only hotel within the national park, guests are able to enjoy exclusive access to the falls each morning before the park opens. The hotel has 193 rooms with 15 suites. The rooms and suites are divided where there are 52 bedrooms and 10 suites in the main building, and 64 bedrooms and a junior suite in the garden wing house. This natural paradise offers a spa, swimming pools and tennis courts. The hotel also features a variety of restaurants and bars that has a blend of Brazilian-international fuison dishes.
Convento do Carmo, Salvador, Brasil
Room at Convento do Carmo, Salvador, Brasil
Pestana Convento do Carmo - Salvador
The Convento do Carmo is considered one of the most charming of accommodations in Salvador, Brazil, as it is located right in the old town of Pelourinho, not far from the city centre. The 79 rooms are clean, with light, attractive decor to match the aged wisdom of the former convent building. Now renovated, it still retains its Renaissance appeal even in its traditional Portuguese menus and wines. Although the 5-star Convento do Carmo's amenities (fitness center, swimming pool, LCD televisions, sauna, and Japanese spa) are indeed impressive, it's this luxury hotel's style and care that draw visitors from all over the world. Built in the 1500s, Convento was originally a convent in the historic Pelourinho district, and is close to the Bay of All Saints.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Brazil
VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and visa are required for both Canadian and U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil for any purpose. Brazilian visas MUST be obtained in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to the traveler's place of residence. There are no "airport visas" and immigration authorities will refuse entry to Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. Processing generally takes 10-15 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately $106.25. All Brazilian visas, regardless of the length of validity, must initially be used within 90 days of the issuance date or will no longer be valid. Americans reentering Brazil must be able to show an entry stamp in their passport proving that the visa was issued within 90 days; otherwise they will not be allowed reentry. Immigration authorities will not allow entry into Brazil without a valid visa. The U.S. Government cannot assist travelers who arrive in Brazil without proper documentation. For remote, jungle or Amazon a Yellow Fever Certificate is required.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Brazil for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are poor quality and not widespread. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/brazil.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Brasília.
Government: Federal Republic. Language: The official language is Portuguese. Spanish, English, Italian, French and German are also spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Four linguistic roots survive in the indigenous areas: Gê, Tupi-guarani, Aruak and Karib. Religion: There is no official religion, but approximately 74% of the population are Roman Catholics. A number of diverse evangelical cults are also represented, as are animist beliefs (particularly the Afro-Brazilian religion of candomblé). Time: Brazil spans several time zones: Eastern Standard Time: GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March). Western Standard Time: GMT - 4 (GMT - 3 from third Sunday in October to third Saturday in March). North East States and East Parà: GMT - 3. Amapa and West Parà: GMT - 4. Acre State: GMT - 5. Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: GMT - 2.
Electricity: Brasília and Recife, 220 volts AC; Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, 127 volts AC or 220 volts in larger hotels. Plugs are of the two-pin type. Most hotels provide 110-volt and 220-volt outlets, transformers and adaptors.
Telephone: Country code +55. Mobile Telephone: Mobile coverage is generally very good. Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies, but travelers should check with their service providers. Internet: Many hotels provide Internet access to guests. Internet cafes can be found in main towns and cities, and there are often Internet booths at airports. In smaller towns, public access is sometimes available at post offices.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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