GT-417 – EXPLORING IN DEPTH THE CONTRASTS OF BRAZIL
Fourteen Days/Thirteen Nights
Valid for travel between January 1 and December 20, 2015
2015 Guaranteed fixed departure dates: (Minimum 2 passengers)
(Arrival in Rio Date/Departure from Salvador Date)
January 10 / January 23; March 7 / March 20; April 4 / April 17; May 9 / May 22;
June 13 / June 26; July 11 / July 24; August 15 / August 28; October 10 / October 23;
November 14 / November 27 & December 12 / December 25
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Private transfer from airport to hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro (B)
Morning visit to Sugar Loaf for a welcoming caipirinha toast on top of Urca Hill
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Over a million tourists each year visit the world famous ‘Pão de Açúcar’ (Sugar Loaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Guanabara Bay, its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a concentrated, refined sugar loaf. The journey to the top is made in glass cable-cars.
The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level. On this first stage, you will have time to admire spectacular views of the entire bay and its surrounding islands sipping a refreshing “caipirinha”, our special treat to welcome you to the
Wonderful City!
From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a second cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level and offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo and Copacabana Beaches, Corcovado and downtown Rio. Before returning to the hotel, we will go on a panoramic tour by downtown area, stopping by the Municipal Theater and the Cathedral for a glance of the most well kept secrets of Old Rio. Balance of the day at leisure.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 3: Rio de Janeiro (B)
Buffet breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure to continue enjoying the city and its people and beaches on your own.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 4: Rio de Janeiro / Iguazu Falls (Brazilian side) (B)
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer out from hotel to airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Upon arrival, transfer from Brazilian airport to the selected hotel. Our bilingual guide will meet you right after the disembarking gate. The transfer time will take approximately 30 minutes depending on the traffic conditions of this arrival day. En-route, our guide will brief you about the city and the hotel.
Afternoon visit to the Brazilian side of the falls. The trip begins at the Iguaçu National Park with a drive through the lush subtropical vegetation of the park on the way to the falls. Take a stroll on the trail that descends down the canyon, to offer panoramic views of more than 240 falls. Embark on the glass elevator up the cliff face for an exquisite view from the upper deck.
The Iguassu National Park along with its “sister” park in Argentina form the most significant remaining rainforest in the southern cone of South America which along with the waterfalls, have been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. We will end the tour with a visit to the artisans fair.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 5: Iguazu Falls (B)
Morning visit to the Argentinean side of the falls
Buffet breakfast at hotel. We will cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge heading towards the Iguazu National Park in Argentina. At the entrance, a small train takes visitors on a tour through the park, making 2 stops. Follow the pathways to the top of the waterfalls that provide spectacularly unique views of the ‘Cataratas’, amidst the abundant nature filled with orchids, colorful birds and
other wildlife. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the suspended platform at the very
brink of the ‘Garganta del Diablo’ waterfall (Devil’s Throat) – the largest fall in the park.
Return to hotel rest of day at leisure.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 6: Iguazu Falls / Manaus / Amazonia (B/D)
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer from hotel to the airport to take the flight to Manaus. Upon arrival in Manaus and transfer to lodge in shared basis.
Evening Alligator Spotting
After enjoying a delicious dinner guests will embark in motorized canoes on a unique
adventure deep within the Amazon jungle in search of alligators which are also known as
“caimans” by the locals. Equipped with flashlights and accompanied by knowledgeable
guides, guests will be provided with all important information before we begin our quest
for these semi-aquatic carnivorous reptiles. We will glide down the river under the
moonlight, to the soothing sounds of the waters and animals of the forest. Upon spotting
the “caimans”, we will use our flashlights to temporarily paralyze them, enabling the
guides to draw the canoe near the creatures for an up close and personal view of these
beautiful animals. Buffer Dinner at Ecopark restaurant
Overnight accommdations at Amazon Ecopark
Note: during “high water level” season (from April to August) and on full moon evenings,
it might be difficult to find alligators.
DAY 7: Amazon Ecopark (B/L/D)
Morning Nature Hike
Buffet Breakfast . The Amazon jungle is home to thousands of species of plants and animals waiting to be observed and discovered. On this tour guests will be accompanied by a specialized guide who will lead visitors on a trek through the forest where he will point out and explain the
various species of flora and fauna that coexist within the rainforest. Lace up your shoes
and get ready to explore the allure and mystery of the Amazon Jungle! Buffet Lunch at Ecopark restaurant
Visit to the Monkey’s Jungle
A rehabilitation center for primates brought to this local by IBAMA when confiscated from
illegal sales and exports. At this location primates are initially kept in quarantine in order
to be evaluated and treated by veterinarians and biologists. After a period of time
primates are reintroduced to the jungle. During the years that this project has been in action, a twice a day food program was developed feed the primates, (always at 11:00 a/m and 05:00 p/m). During the feeding process, this area is opened to visitors under the supervision of guides and specialized staff, guests of Ecopark Jungle Lodge can observe film and photograph the animals in a total and safe environment. Morning Nature Hike. Buffet Dinner at Ecopark.
Overnight accommodations at Amazon Ecopark
DAY 8: Amazon Ecopark (B/D)
Full day excursion – Meeting of the waters
Buffet Breakfast. On this guided tour by motorized canoe guests will be able to witness one of the Amazon’s most fascinating natural wonders. We will depart to the “meeting of the
waters” where the Solimões River and the Rio Negro converge to create the enormous
Amazonas River. The two rivers flow side by side for several kilometers and each maintains
its own individual coloring before mixing. The crystal-clear blue waters of the Solimões
River contrasts with the muddy waters of the Rio Negro and create a unique and gorgeous
natural spectacle. Lunch is not included. Buffer Dinner at Ecopark restaurant.
Overnight accommodations at Amazon Ecopark
DAY 9: Manaus / Belo Horizonte (B)
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel’s Restaurant. Private transfer to the airport to take the flight to Belo Horizonte. Arrival in Belo Horizonte and private transfer to selected hotel.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 10: Ouro Preto (B/L)
Full day tour in Ouro Preto with lunch
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to Ouro Preto.
Ouro Preto was founded in 1711 and soon became the center of the gold diamond and
semi-precious stone trading in the colonial-era. The town has managed to preserve across
the years its 18th century architecture which offers visitors a first-hand look of its historical
heritages. The city is considered today by UNESCO as a Historical and Cultural Patrimony of
Mankind.
Sightseeing:
* São Francisco de Assis Church
* Museum of the School of Mines
* Church of Our Lady of the Pilar
* Opera House
Plus taste the typical dishes of the region: Feijão Tropeiro and Tutu a Mineira. Lunch will be served at Casa dos Deguste Restaurant (Regional buffet food).
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
(This tour is offered daily except on Mondays, Jan. 1st, Apr. 21st, Dec. 25th, and Ash Wednesday.)
DAY 11: Ouro Preto (B)
Day at leisure
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel’s Restaurant. Continue exploring on your own this city rich in history and traditions.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 12: Ouro Preto / Belo Horizonte (B)
Buffet Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from Ouro Preto to Belo Horizonte airport to take the flight to Salvador. Arrival in Salvador and private Transfer in from airport to selected hotel. Arrival meet and greet by local guide at the Airport for our transfer to the Hotel
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 13: Salvador
Morning visit to Lower Salvador (B)
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel’s Restaurant. The Lower City tour offers another perspective of the sprawling city taking us 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 syncretized with the Candomblé. (visit). We continue to the Monserrat district with its panoramic view of the city and on to the Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local goods and souvenirs. This is also where you can test your bargaining talents! This tour is a complement to the Historical city tour.
Stop for Acarajé tasting. During the tour we will stop at a well-known food stand to taste one of the most famous Bahian street food the Acaraje: deep fried rolls prepared with shrimp, black-eyed peas, red chilli pepper, onion and garlic. Please note that the Church of Bonfim is closed on Mondays.
Overnight accommodations at selected hotel
DAY 14: Depart Salvador (B)
Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel’s Restaurant. Private transfer to the airport to take the flight back home or your next destination.
Based on Superior Category Hotels: From $3,290.00
PARTICIPATING HOTELS BASED ON STANDARD ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS:
RIO DE JANEIRO: Majestic Rio
IGUAZU FALLS: Carima
MANAUS: Amazon Ecopark Lodge
BELO HORIZONTE: Bahia Othon
OURO PRETO: Pousada Clasica
SALVADOR: Via Gale Salvador
RATE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: FROM: $3,110.00 (*)
(*) Minimum two participants
PARTICIPATING HOTELS BASED ON SUPERIOR ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS:
RIO DE JANEIRO: Rio Othon Palace
IGUAZU FALLS: Recanto Park Thermas and Resort
MANAUS: Amazon Ecopark Lodge
BELO HORIZONTE: Bahia Othon
OURO PRETO: Pousada Clasica
SALVADOR: Via Gale Salvador
RATE PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: FROM: $3,290.00 (*)
(*) Minimum two participants
INCLUDES:
Three nights in Rio de Janeiro, two nights in Iguazu Falls, three nights in Manaus, one night in Belo Horizonte, two nights in Ouro Preto and two nights in Salvador based on Standard or Superior Category hotels, double occupancy. Daily breakfast. Half day city tour and Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro. Half day tour of Iguazu Falls Brazilian side. Half day tour of Iguazu Falls Argentine side. Four day tour program at the Amazon Ecopark lodge includes daily escorted tours and meals as indicated in itinerary. Day tour in Ouro Preto. Half day city tour in Salvador. All transfers between airports and hotels in Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu, Manaus, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. Entrance fees to all sites and attractions listed in the itinerary. Services and meals indicated in the itinerary. Taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
International air and local flights within Brazil quoted separately. Land services, tours and meals not indicated in the itinerary. Passport fees, visas and reciprocity fees to enter Brazil and Argentina. Expenses of personal nature.
