Best of Brazil & The Amazon Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu - Manaus - Salvador da Bahia 11 days / 10 nights GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES * JANUARY UNTIL NOVEMBER 2017
Flight Details Itinerary Day 1 - Sunday - Rio de Janeiro Meals: None Transfer airport - hotel Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro transfer from the airport to the hotel. Rio de Janeiro founded in 1556, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Colony of Brazil in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic centre of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country s capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated in a 15-mile-strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colourful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of our country. Overnight at Hotel Mirasol Copacabana 3-4* or similar (standard room) Overnight at Hotel Rio Othon 4* or similar (superior room)
Itinerary Day 2 - Monday - Rio de Janeiro Full Day City Tour including Sugar Loaf & Corcovado (approximately 8 hours) Leave the hotel and proceed as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train (*) for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain at 748 m (2.454 ft.) high. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, passengers will descend by train. The tour proceeds passing by Rio s world-famous beaches as far as Urca District to board a cable car for a twostaged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain at 390 m (1.280 ft.) high. Then coming down and proceeding along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park as far as downtown. Visit downtown area, passing by the financial and business center and by other attractions such as the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum, and by the Sambadrome, site of Rio s famous Carnival parade. (*) or Vans certificated by the city s administration departure from Largo do Machado where the van stop is located and go to top of Corcovado. Overnight at Hotel Mirasol Copacabana 3-4* or similar (standard room) Overnight at Hotel Rio Othon 4* or similar (superior room) Day 3 - Tuesday - Rio de Janeiro Day at leisure Day at leisure the following optional tours can be booked with our representative: Optional: Full day tour to Petropolis Go on a scenic drive up Serra dos Orgaos Range across the Atlantic Forest s lush vegetation through mountains and valleys as far as 850m high Petropolis. Visit of the Summer Palace and the Cathedral, and touring along that charming city s highlights, such as the Crystal Palace, Santos Dumont s House, old mansions and charming squares. (Tour can also be booked including lunch) Optional: Rio by night Show in the evening Visit a folklore and Carnival show featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, samba bands and wonderful costumes in a wonderful display of Brazilian folklore and Carnival. : Overnight at Hotel Mirasol Copacabana 3-4* or similar (standard room) Overnight at Hotel Rio Othon 4* or similar (superior room)
Day 4 - Wednesday - Rio de Janeiro - Iguassu Transfer hotel- airport Flight Rio de Janeiro- Iguassu Transfer airport hotel visit Brazilian falls (approximately 2.5 hours) In the morning leave Rio de Janeiro and take a flight to Iguassu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Iguassu - one of the biggest wonders of nature in South America: located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, a gigantic row of waterfalls goes down into the river Iguassu. Later in the day visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The tour leaves from the hotel by coach and crossing Iguassu National Park as far as the Brazilian Falls. It follows a walk along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road, and there board the coach to get back to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Viale Cataratas 3* or similar (deluxe room) Overnight at Hotel Bourbon Cataratas 4* or similar (superior garden room) Day 5 - Thursday - Iguassu Visit Argentinean falls (4hours) Today visit the Argentinean side of the falls. Leaving from the hotel on the Brazilian side for a drive and a quick customs check, crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River, which forms the border between Argentina & Brazil. Once in Argentina, tour takes a scenic highway up the Argentinean Iguassu National Park. Stopping at the Visitors Centre and proceeding from there the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades, to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls and then takes the Ecological Jungle Train that leads visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls The Devil s Throat. Return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel Viale Cataratas 3* or similar (deluxe room) Overnight at Hotel Bourbon Cataratas 4* or similar (superior garden room)
Day 6 - Friday - Iguassu - Manaus - Amazon Transfer to Iguassu airport Flight Iguassu - Manaus Transfer airport hotel Transfer to the airport and flight to Manaus in the Amazon region. Manaus is the capital of Amazonas State and the hub of the whole Amazon Region. It lies on the shore of the Negro River, 6 km (4 mi) far from the point where the Negro meets the Solimoes River to form the Brazilian Amazon River. The city underwent a great development in the 2nd half of the 19th century when it became rubber boomtown, in part because of the invention of the process of vulcanization. Swiftly transformed into a European-like capital, it was the first Brazilian city to have trolley buses and the second to have electric illumination on the streets. In the beginning of the 20th century, Manaus rubber market collapsed and the city declined into poverty. Nowadays Manaus is a busy commercial center, after having been transformed into a Free Trade Zone in 1966. Upon arrival transfer to the pier to start the Amazon Ecopark Lodge experience. Continue to the lodge where you will be welcomed with local juices. The Amazon Ecopark Lodge is located in Rio Tarumã - a tributary of Rio Negro -approximately one hour from Manaus airport (30 minutes by boat from the Tropical Hotel pier), in the middle of the Amazon Forest. Over 6 miles of jungle trails enable the client to explore the jungle, orchids and giant trees. Amazon Ecopark Lodge offers 60 apartments in 20 bungalows (3 each), made of wood. The apartments entrance, porch and bathroom are completely independent, are all air conditioned, with hot shower and screened windows. Rustic, but also charming decorated. Rest of the day is at leisure for own activities. Dinner and overnight at Amazon Ecopark (standard room) Dinner and overnight at Amazon Ecopark (superior room) Day 7 - Saturday - Amazon Package, Lunch, Dinner Amazon Ecopark Lodge package 04 days / 03 nights (Seat-in) Full day excursion to explore the variety of the flora and fauna of the Amazon region. Lunch included. : Dinner and overnight at Amazon Ecopark (standard room) Dinner and overnight at Amazon Ecopark (superior room)
Day 8 - Sunday - Amazon Package, Lunch, Dinner Amazon Ecopark Lodge package 04 days / 03 nights (Seat-in) Today enjoy a full day excursion to the meeting of the waters including lunch. Dinner and overnight at Amazon Ecopark (standard room) Dinner and overnight at Amazon Ecopark (superior room) Day 9 - Monday - Amazon - Manaus - Salvador da Bahia Transfer to airport Manaus including city tour en route Flight Manaus Salvador da Bahia Transfer airport- hotel After breakfast and visit to the monkey jungle transfer back to Manaus. On the way to the airport explore Manaus on a city tour. Outside visit to the Opera House, a magnificent example of Neo-classical architecture, considered as one of the most beautiful theatres in the world; the market place and the busy harbour. Transfer to the airport for flight to Salvador da Bahia. Upon arrival pick-up and transfer to the hotel. Salvador da Bahia is called by Brazilians Land Of Happiness because life there is a constant celebration of happiness. It is also called The Land of All Saints, not only for its location by the All Saints Bay, but also for the deep and extensive mysticism of its people. Salvador is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet, a world of beauty, magic, traditions and warm hospitality. It has its own special identity, almost a country within itself. The city is bounded by the ocean to the East and by All Saints Bay to the South. Overnight at Hotel Golden Tulip Rio Vermelho 4* or similar (standard room) Overnight at Hotel Bahia Othon 4*+ or similar (superior room) Day 10 - Tuesday - Salvador da Bahia Half day city tour (4hours) In the morning starts a sightseeing tour. This tour will give a good overall impression of Salvador and its principal historical landmarks. Departing from the hotel directly to Farol da Barra (Lighthouse) at Barra district, continue to Municipal Square with a stop at the Lacerda Elevator for a breath-taking view of Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay). Walk through the cobblestone streets of the Pelourinho district, the city s historic old town, UNESCO world heritage. Visit the Baroque Cathedral, built by the Jesuits in 1672 and Sao Francisco Church, Brazil s most famous religious structure with its intricately carved gold-leafed rosewood interior, fine paintings and sculpture and valuable silver ornamentation. Visit also the Pelourinho Square and walk back to the bus parking. Return to the hotel. The afternoon is free for leisure. The afternoon is free for leisure. Overnight at Hotel Golden Tulip Rio Vermelho 4* or similar (standard room) Overnight at Hotel Bahia Othon 4*+ or similar (superior room)
Day 11 - Wednesday - Salvador da Bahia Transfer hotel airport Transfer from the hotel to the airport and flight back home. Rates & Conditions Our package includes Round trip ticket Beirut/Rio de Janeiro/Salvador/Beirut with Air France Domestic flights Rio de Janeiro/Iguassu/Manaus/Salvador with Aerolineas Argentinas including airport taxes All mentioned transfers and excursions with a local English speaking guide 10 nights accommodation at the chosen hotels with daily breakfast Entrance fees, tax & service charges in the hotels and the obligatory luggage fees at the airports and in the hotels Meet & Assist of our representative Our package excludes Airport taxes for International flight (around $625) Lunches & Dinners Travel insurance Visa charges Optional tours