Stunning Setting, Lifestyle and Royal Heritage

Saturday, 09 December 2023

Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Take an overnight flight from the UK to Rio de Janeiro, arriving the following morning.

Sunday, 10 December 2023

Walking introduction to Rio de Janeiro

Our guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your chosen hotel for a 6 night stay. On arrival at the hotel, our guide take you on a walk to introduce you to the area surroundings your hotel so that you can get your bearings. You will walk along the promenade of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in order to gain a feeling of Rio de Janeiro's city life - the people, the beach culture, the apartments of the city's affluent, all that makes up the typical "Carioca" life. This short introduction to Rio (up to one hour) will help with your orientation.

Monday, 11 December 2023

City Tour of Rio de Janeiro

We start our full day tour by visiting the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado Mountain from where you can admire the magnificent 360 degree view of Rio de Janeiro - the beautiful bay, the lagoon, the famous Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches and the massive granite peaks that dwarf the tall buildings. We will drive through the Tijuca Forest and past the Maracana Stadium (a stop there is optional) to the Sambodromo, the site of the famous carnival parades, and visit the museum.

We continue to the Bohemian Santa Teresa district once home to the rich and famous but where now the majestic views draw writers, musicians, artists with galleries. Its hillside location affords stunning views of Rio and its cobbled streets add to its charming atmosphere. We stop for a lunch break (lunch is not included so that you can choose your own preference). In the old days, when Copacabana was but a swamp, the higher ground of Santa Teresa was the preferred area to live due to the cooler, fresh air so magnificent mansions were built, later to be out of favour, but many are now being renovated. 

We continue to the historic city centre of Rio, where the Royal Family lived, and walk (2 to 3 hours) through the bustling streets and stop at the Confeitaria Colombo, one of the oldest coffee shops in Rio. Visit the cathedral, Imperial Palace, Church of Sao Jose and Cultural Centre on Praca XV admiring the unique colonial architecture. Later in the afternoon we drive back to your hotel.

Tuesday, 12 December 2023

At leisure in Rio de Janeiro

For the remainder of your time in Rio you have the flexibility to pursue your own interests, take optional excursions and relax. Our guide is able to book a wide range of optional tours and excursions, depending on your specific requirements.

- Historic Tour of Rio's Royal Palaces, churches, monastery and heritage

- Statue of Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado Mountain

- Botanical Gardens, Lagoon and Sugar Loaf Mountain

- Walking in the forest tot eh summit of Gavea, Urca or Sugar Loaf Mountains

- Football at the Maracana Stadium

- Private museums and art galleries

- Laura Alvim Teatre and Cultural Centre

- Horse racing at the Jockey Club

- Petropolis: summer residence of the Emperor and Royal Family

- Guanabara Bay and Tropical Islands by Schooner

- Shopping for clothes, paintings, pottery, woodwork and interior decorations

- Craftsmanship of Brazilian precious stones and jewellery

- Music of Brazil: Bossa-Nova, Samba, Forro, Pagode, MPB and others

- Classical Music, Gregorian choir and opera

- Three Eco-systems: atlantic forest, mangroves and the botanic gardens

- Carnival Parade at the Sambadrome

- National history, fine arts, modern art, folklore and republic museums

- Landscape Gardens and Niemeyer architecture

Hiking in Rio de Janeiro:

- Trek to the top of Sugar Loaf (5 Hours)

- Trek to the top of Pedra da Gavea (8 hours)

- Adventure Park "da Catacumba"

- Hiking on Ilha Grande (Full Day or 1 or 2 Nights)

- Hiking on the Parati Peninsula (1 Night) 

Wednesday, 13 December 2023

At leisure

Thursday, 14 December 2023

At leisure

Friday, 15 December 2023

At leisure

Saturday, 16 December 2023

Return flight to the UK

Enjoy your morning and afternoon in Rio, before taking a return overnight flight home in the early evening.

Sunday, 17 December 2023

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning.