South America trip highligh ts Enjoy the worlds biggest party in Rio at the time of Carnival Visit the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue at Corcovado Ascending Sugar Loaf Mountain for spectacular views of Rio Explore Rio s historic neighbourhoods, colonial architecture, museums, and natural sights Time to relax and indulge in Rio s vibrant restaurants, beaches, nightlife, and shopping Taking in the spectacle of Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian and Brazillian viewpoints Explore the lush rain forest, that form the background to the cascades Accommodation right on the Iguazu Falls (Argentinian side) Trip escorted by entertaining Fairfax columnist and blogger, Ben Groundwater welcome to World Expeditions Thank you for your interest in our Rio Carnival with Ben Groundwater trip. At World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the enjoyment of small groups or individuals philosophies that have been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience, designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for a life changing experience!! 1 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25/07/2013 9:57:52 AM Trip Duration 8 days Grade Discovery and Cruising Activities Festival and Discovery Accommodation 8 day trip and 7 nights hotel Trip Code: BGR why travel with World Expeditions? World Expeditions has been operating in South America for over 25 years. Over the years we have learnt what is most important about delivering trips to a high standard. These trips offer exceptional value for money, using good quality, centrally located hotels, good quality transport, all your entrance fees and permit fees, expert leadership and much more. Compare our prices and all our inclusions and we feel that few trips can compare in terms of value for money. Given our local knowledge, experience and excellent leadership, we are quite sure that this trip will be the trip of a lifetime.
2014 25 Feb - 04 Mar trip dates trip cost Joining Buenos Aires: $5890 options & supplements Single Supplement: $2310 World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we can not match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. The cost of the single supplement is listed above. For competitive airfares to Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro and stopover ideas, contact our expert staff today to receive a detailed quote. the trip On this exceptional short itinerary we take in the colour and spectacle of the world s biggest party Carnival in Rio! We will soak up this electric atmosphere from our seats in the Sambadrome, as the best of the best Samba schools parade past, dressed in their own unique outfits, and vie for the prestigious winners title. A must on anyone s bucket list! While in Rio we will also visit the Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain. Rio is one of the most spectacular and vibrant cities in the world and from our hotel situated right on Copacabana, there will also be ample free time to enjoy Rio s nightlife, restaurants, beaches, shopping in this cosmopolitan metropolis. En route to Rio we will visit Buenos Aires, take in a tango show and visit the world s most spectacular waterfalls at Iguazu. We hope you can join us! about your escort Fairfax Travel blogger and columnist Ben Groundwater (AKA The Global Roamer) is one of Australia s most widely read travel writers. He is a regular contributor to Fairfax newspapers and websites, and is also the author of Five Ways to Carry a Goat, a memoir of his time touring the globe while staying with his readers. During his 10 years as a professional travel writer Ben has schlepped through more than 70 countries. He still gets lost sometimes. at a glance Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Tuesday 25 February - Join Buenos Aires (Argentina) Wednesday 26 February - In Buenos Aires Thursday 27 February 2014 - Fly to Iguazu Falls. Tour Argentinian side of Falls Friday 28 February 2014 - Brazillian side of Falls. Fly to Rio de Janeiro Saturday 1 March - In Rio. Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain Sunday 2nd March - In Rio - Half day Corcovado & evening Carnivale! Monday 3rd March - At leisure in Rio Tuesday 4th March - Trip concludes additional deposits required Due to the high demand for hotels and services in Rio at the time of Carnival, we require additional, non refundable deposits to be paid to secure these services. These will be invoiced to you at the time, however, as a guideline will be as follows: Friday 11 October $1000 due Friday 22 November $1000 due what s included 7 breakfasts Dinner & tango show, Buenos Aires 7 nights accommodation in good quality 3.5/4 star hotels Grandstand seats in Sambadrome for Samba Parade Half day tour of Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls Half day tour Brazillian side of Iguazu Falls Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary National park entrance fees Airport transfers as outlined in attached itinerary Trip escorted by Fairfax Travel blogger and columnist Ben Groundwater 2 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25/07/2013 9:57:52 AM
No local payments policy: Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have chosen a policy not to ask for such payments. Day 1 Tuesday 25 February - Join Buenos Aires (Argentina) On arrival to Buenos Aires you ll be met at the airport and transferred (one group transfer provided) to your hotel in the center of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Buenos Aires. meals: NIL Day 2 Wednesday 26 February - In Buenos Aires In the morning we will take a tour of Buenos Aires taking in a walk in the Recoleta area where we visit the Cemetery where Eva Peron is buried. In the afternoon you are free to enjoy Buenos Aires and you may choose to visit La Boca, take a cruise on the Rio Plata or visit one of the city s museums. This evening for a real treat we shall enjoy a Tango show for dinner and an authentic performance. Return to hotel. Overnight Buenos Aires.,D Day 3 Thursday 27 February 2014 - Fly to Iguazu Falls. Tour Argentinian side of Falls Today we leave early for the domestic airport to take a flight north to Iguazu Falls, set in lush rainforest on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Though they are not the highest or largest falls in the world, they are without a doubt one of the most spectacular. The area contains more than twenty-five different cataracts some small, some absolutely massive. The largest of all is the Boca or Garganta del Diablo (Devil s Throat). This afternoon we will take a tour of the Argentine side of the falls. Overnight on the Argentinean side of the Falls at the Sheraton. Day 4 Friday 28 February 2014 - Brazillian side of Falls. Fly to Rio de Janeiro This morning we will explore the Brazilian side of the falls (some nationalities, including Australians, require a pre-organized visa to visit Brazil). In the afternoon we transfer to the airport (Brazillian side) for our flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival at Rio de Janeiro Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on Copacabana Beach for twin share accommodation including breakfast for the next 4 nights. Day 5 Saturday 1 March - In Rio. Half Day Sugar Loaf Mountain Over a million tourists every 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 concentrated refined sugar loaf. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Urca Hill, which rises 215 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the entire bay and its islands. 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. Day 6 Sunday 2nd March - In Rio - Half day Corcovado & evening Carnivale! Depart from the hotel to visit the Christ Statue recently elected as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The statue sits 2 300 ft. above sea level atop Corcovado Hill. Following a scenic drive along the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, we will arrive at the foot of the hill, where we embark on a small train which climbs the beautiful mountainside. Upon reaching the top, visitors will experience 3 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25/07/2013 9:57:52 AM
fast facts Countries Visited: Brazil and Argentina Visas: Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant* Vaccinations: Please consult a travel vaccination specialist for up to date information Singles: A single supplement is available for this trip* Escort: Expert Local Leader & Escort Brochure Reference: Journeys of Discovery *Ask our staff for more information. a panoramic view of Rio de Janeiro and discover why it is known as the Marvelous City! The tour also includes a drive along Rio s famous beaches. In the evening you will be transferred from your hotel to the Sambodromo to witness the great spectacle of Rio Carnival! Day 7 Monday 3rd March - At leisure in Rio Full day at leisure in Rio to relax and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city. Day 8 Tuesday 4th March - Trip concludes Your trip concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred (one group transfer provided) to the airport for your onward journey. suggested extensions We have a range of options including short customised itineraries and group departures to Brazil, Argentina, Patagonia, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and more Ask our office, or refer to our website, www.worldexpeditions.com for more details country information Argentina s population of around 40 million was formerly boosted by European immigrants, mostly from Spain and Italy, who arrived in large numbers at the beginning of the century. With an area of 2,807,500sqkm, Argentina is the second largest country in South America after Brazil. The official language is Spanish (Castellano). Geographically, Argentina is made up of four main areas: the Andes, the North, the Pampas, and Patagonia. The Argentine republic is a triangle, which rests on the Andes to the west and the tropical jungle in the north, narrowing down to a finishing point beyond the strait that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in Tierra Del Fuego. Its capital, Buenos Aires, has a population of approximately 13 million and is a very sophisticated city. Parts of the city will remind you of Paris, while some of the gardens resemble the severe Victorian English style and, to the south, colonial patios evoke the old Lima. Even though it embraces all these styles, Buenos Aires has a personality of its own that totally captures newcomers. Sprawling across half of South America, Brazil conjures up romantic visions of sun drenched afternoons, bikini beach culture, music filled cities, and the intoxicating atmosphere of Carnaval. Brazil also offers dazzling natural beauty and some of the greatest biodiversity and wildlife watching in the world with the Amazon and the Pantanal, powdery white sand beaches, tropical islands, stunning waterfalls, canyons, and crystal clear rivers. Brazil s high season runs from December to March. Prices rise over this period (NOTE during Carnaval and holiday seasons, supplements apply) and there will be more crowds and hot weather, however this is also the most festive time in Brazil. The low season runs from May to September (except school holidays in July), and is usually the cheapest and least crowded time to visit. climate Owing to generally temperate weather year round, there s no bad time to visit Brazil. During the summer (December to February), Rio de Janeiro has temperatures of 30 C and above. For the rest of the year, temperatures generally range between 25 C to 30 C. The best time to visit Rio in terms of crowds and weather is from April to November. The South has wider temperature variations, ranging from 15 C in the winter (June to August), to 35 C in the summer. The Amazon region rarely gets hotter than 27 C, but it is subject to humidity and considerable rainfall. Trips into the Amazon and the Pantanal are best during the winter months (June to August), when it s drier. 4 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25/07/2013 9:57:52 AM
responsible travel The environments we travel through are fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to minimise the impact of our presence. World Expeditions were the proud recipients of the inaugural Australian National Travel Industry s Environmental Achievement award for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This detailed guide to responsible & sustainable travel is provided to all World Expeditions clients before they travel. Please ask your consultant if you have not received your copy of our award winning book. Alternatively, you may like to download a copy from our website www.worldexpeditions.com trip grading These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery involve little or no extended activity and are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. adventure travel By its very nature adventure travel involves an element of the unexpected. In remote and developing countries do not expect standards you are used to at home. Remote areas are sometimes unpredictable and itineraries may be altered. To get the most out of your adventure it is important that you are flexible, positive and eager to take on all the challenges that arise. If you are uncertain about your suitability for this trip we recommend that you speak with your consultant of travel agent. important note These trip notes represent the most current information for this itinerary, and may supersede any information in the current brochure, including but not limited to the itinerary and price. equipment required A recommended clothing list is provided in the pre departure information provided on booking. non exclusive trips A note about Carnival: Our service to the Carnival is non exclusive. Our bus passes by the hotels located on the beaches to pick up passengers and take them to the entrance for Sectors 7/9/11. If your hotel is not located along the beach, our staff will coordinate the pick up service in vans or having guests meet at the closest hotel on the beach. Pick Up times will be advised on your arrival to your hotel. Transfer from Sambodromo to Hotel From midnight at the end of the samba schools parade a full bus leaves the Sambodrome with those passengers who are ready to get back to their hotels. Our staff will be at the Sambodrome to orient the passengers. The bus makes stops at most of the beach hotels with the Sheraton being the final stop. Carnival Parade Tickets will be in Sector 9 and will be numbered seats at the grandstands what s not included International airfares Internal airfares Buenos Aires/Iguazu Falls, Iguazu/Rio Visa costs Passport and vaccination charges, reciprocity fees and airport departure taxes Meals or beverages not mentioned in the itinerary Optional tours or sightseeing Personal expenses laundry, telephones, beverages, tips, etc Travel Insurance info nights World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! subscribe to our e-newsletter Subscribe to our enewsletter! To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly enewsletter! You can do this online through our website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office. trip availability If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability as we operate strictly small group adventures. Many of our adventures require us to secure services on your behalf; such as permits, hotels and flights to name but a few. The demand for these services is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our team at your earliest convenience. 5 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25/07/2013 9:57:52 AM
how to book To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function, or if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office. We can also help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that you wish to take in conjunction with the Rio Carnival with Ben Groundwater trip. 6 Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Kate Harper 25/07/2013 9:57:52 AM