Days 1-4
Depart for Rio de Janeiro, arriving the following morning. Transfer to our hotel for 3 nights. Tour of the city including Rio's famous landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, perched high on Corcovado mountain, for dramatic views of the city, Guanabara Bay and its famed beaches. (B)

Days 5-6
Fly to Iguassu Falls, to stay for 2 nights at a hotel overlooking the falls, surrounded by tropical rainforest. (B)

Day 7
Early morning flight to Manaus for 1 night. Our half day city tour includes a visit to the grandiose Opera House, a monument to the sheer extravagance and highbrow European tastes of the late nineteenth century. (B)

Days 8-10
Boat trip via the Meeting of the Waters, where the River Solimões and River Negro join, to Dolphin Lodge (see page 56) for Groups and in Tourist class or EcoLodge in First class. Expert local guides take us on a variety of excursions into the rainforest, including a night boat trip to spot caiman by torchlight, a piranha fishing trip, jungle treks and a visit to a local community.(B,L,D)

Days 11-13
Returning to Manaus we take a flight to Salvador da Bahia, a city where Catholicism and Candomblé live side by side, and whose exotic cuisine and the unique rhythms of the Northeast reflect the strong African influence. Full day tour exploring the markets, churches and colourful colonial district of Pelourinho district, a World Heritage Site, with cobbled streets, bordered by brightly painted houses and street cafés. Return flight overnight on Day 14, arriving on Day 15 (B) or stay on the Beach