Brazil
Rio de Janeiro in-depth, colonial Parati, idyllic beaches and tropical forest
Rio de Janeiro, History & Green Coast - Verde Tour - 12 Night Itinerary
Explore Rio de Janeiro in-depth then journey to Parati colonial village with its pedestrian, cobbled streets, old houses and nearby Ilha Grande.
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Travel Highlights
- Explore Rio de Janeiro and Brazil's Green Coast travelling by road and boat
- Experience our special in-depth tour of Rio's colonial history and local life
- Enjoy time at leisure in Rio or choose from our wide range of excursions
- Stroll the pedestrian cobbled streets of Parati, an atmospheric colonial town
- Savour local cuisine and tropical ingredients in excellent restaurants and cafes
- Hike through Atlantic rainforest to ancient forts or explore remote tropical islands
- Relax on Ilha Grande island and enjoy its virgin rainforest and idyllic beaches
- Add a two night optional extension to visit the breathtaking Iguassu Falls
- Change the number of nights at each destination according to your preferences
Tour Route
- Rio de Janeiro - 4 Nights
- Parati & Costa Verde - 4 Nights
- Ilha Grande, Costa Verde - 4 Nights
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
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Tour Itinerary
Rio de Janeiro
4 NightsDay 1 - Fly to Rio de Janeiro
Day 2 - Special in-depth Rio de Janeiro tour
Days 3-4 - Rio at leisure or optional tours/excursions
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Flight to Rio de Janeiro
Depart from London Heathrow or UK Regional Airport on your flight to Rio de Janeiro. It is possible to take a daytime flight, departing early in the morning and arriving in the evening; or to take an overnight flight departing the day before in the evening and arriving early in the morning of Day 1. We can book any airline according to your preference and the best airfares at the time of making reservations.
Upon arrival your guide will meet you at the airport to welcome you to the city and take you to your chosen hotel for a 4-night stay. You guide will be on hand to assist with any questions you may have.
Sunday, 21 June 2026
Special in-depth Rio de Janeiro tour
Today you will enjoy our special Veloso Tours in-depth tour of Rio de Janeiro, taking you to the biggest sights, but also to some of the lesser-visited areas where you will gain a more detailed and authentic perspective on the city.
The tour starts with a trip up Corcovado Mountain to the Christ the Redeemer statue. From here you can see Rio's most emblematic figure up-close, as well as enjoying panoramic 360 degree views of the city. As well as the iconic view across Guanabara Bay, you can also see the lagoon, beaches, favelas and huge granite outcrops. From up here the Maracana Stadium is also visible and it is towards here that we head next, driving through the Tijuca Forest and stopping briefly at the stadium, en-route to the Sambadromo - the spiritual home of the Rio Carnival.
We continue to the bohemian hillside district of Santa Teresa, where the cobbled streets and colonial mansions lend a timeless air to this attractive area. It is then on to the historic city centre of Rio de Janeiro, where the Royal Family once lived.
After a stop at one of the oldest and most atmospheric cafes in Rio, you will visit several important monuments, including the cathedral, Imperial Palace, Sao Jose Church and the Cultural Centre. Together these tell the story of Rio's past to give us a greater understanding of the story of Rio de Janeiro.
Monday, 22 June 2026
Rio at leisure or optional tours/excursions
You will now have two days at leisure to relax, enjoy the city and pursue your own interests. We have a number of optional tours and excursions that could enhance your trip and give you further perspective on different aspects of Rio de Janeiro.
- Historic Tour of Rio's Royal Palaces, churches, monastery and heritage Botanical Gardens, the lagoon and Sugar Loaf Mountain
- Walking in the forest up Gavea, Urca or Sugar Loaf Mountains
- Football at the Maracana Stadium
- Private museums and art galleries
- Laura Alvim Theatre and Cultural Centre
- Horse Racing at the Jockey Club
- Petropolis - the summer residence of the Emperor and Royal Family
- Shopping for paintings, pottery, woodwork and interior decorations
- Craftsmanship of Brazilian precious stones and jewellery
- Music of Brazil: Bossa-Nova, Samba, Forro, Pagode and others
- Classical Music, Gregorian choir and opera
- Three Eco-systems: Atlantic Forest, mangroves and the Botanical Gardens
- Carnival Parade at the Sambadrome, a show at Samba City and a Samba rehearsal
- National history, fine arts, modern art, folklore and republic museums
- Landscape gardens and Niemeyer architecture
We also have the following options for hiking in Rio de Janeiro:
- Trek to the top of Sugar Loaf (5 Hours)
- Trek to the top of Pedra da Gavea (8 hours)
- The Adventure Park "da Catacumba"
Tuesday, 23 June 2026
At leisure
A day to explore independently or take an optional excursion.
Eugenio Souza
Ipanema Inn Hotel
The Ipanema Inn has a wonderful location in the trendy residential district of Ipanema with numerous shops, bars and restaurant and only 300 meters from the beach.
All the rooms have private facilities, free WiFi, air conditioning, cable TV and minibar. Some have private balconies. The restaurant and bar serve Brazilian specialties and exotic local…
Windsor Martinique Hotel
Located close to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and other nearby attractions, the Windsor Martinique is a comfortable, cosy base to explore.
The 124 double or twin air-conditioned rooms have double or single beds, cable TV, minibar, and electronic safe. The private bathroom offers a shower, hairdryer and amenities kit.
The hotel has a breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi,…
Arena Copacabana
The Arena Copacabana is in a wonderful location overlooking Copacabana Beach.
The decoration is light and modern, with 135 comfortable and spacious rooms, fully equipped with WiFi, air-conditioning and sound proof windows.
The top floor terrace, pool and sauna have a panoramic view of the beach and the ground floor restaurant serves international cuisine.
Windsor Palace Copacabana
Located one block from Copacabana beach in a central area, the Windsor Palace Copacabana offers a comfortable base to explore Rio de Janeiro.
The 85 air-conditioned rooms have private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, TV, telephone, minibar, safe, bathrobe, slippers, hair dryer, desk and luxury amenities. The executive rooms have a small balcony facing the beach, whilst…
Fairmont Copacabana
Located by Copacabana Beach with views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana is one of the top luxury hotels in Rio. The hotel has been inspired by the glamour carioca in the 1950's, with elegant and stylish public areas and guest rooms.
The hotel has two swimming pools, a spa, sauna, fitness…
Santa Teresa Hotel
The Hotel Santa Teresa is located at the heart of the historic Santa Teresa District on a hill in the centre of the city and also famous for the tram "bonde" that winds up way through the streets. The hotel is under government trust for historic preservation of the City of Rio de Janeiro and…
Parati & Costa Verde
4 NightsDay 5 - Transfer to Paraty
Day 6 - Guided tour of Paraty
Day 7 - Boat trip including lunch
Day 8 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Transfer to Parati
You will today take a shared transfer by coach to the town of Parati, around 150 miles from Rio, travelling past verdant tree-covered mountains, the Atlantic ocean coastline and through small towns and villages. You will stay for 4-nights in a charming pousada, including breakfast. Our experts will be able to advise you on the best options.
The atmospheric cobbled streets of Parati are lined with small art galleries and handicraft shops and white-washed colonial buildings with brightly painted windows and doors. The town is backed by mountains blanketed with lush shady forests. Tranquil idyllic beaches invite leisurely strolls, or you can head into the dense Atlantic Rainforest to reach ancient Portuguese forts and isolated waterfalls. Relaxing boat trips head out to the tropical islands and remote beaches of the bay and provide ideal opportunities for snorkelling and swimming in the clear waters.
Thursday, 25 June 2026
Guided tour of Parati
This morning take a half-day walking tour of Parati with a local guide, discovering the history and colonial architecture of this charming town.
Friday, 26 June 2026
Boat trip including lunch
Today head to the port and join a schooner for a 5-hour boat trip exploring Parati Bay. Stop in remote coves for snorkelling and relaxing on an unspoilt beach.
Saturday, 27 June 2026
At leisure
Your final day enjoying the charms of Parati.
Pousada Literaria
Located in the historical centre of Parati on the edge of the pedestrian area, Pousada Literária occupies a large colonial house, fully restored in the original style with modern touches and fittings. The atmosphere reflects the tradition of Parati in the arts and culture.
The 22 well-decorated and comfortable suites, apartments and villas are equipped…
Ilha Grande, Costa Verde
4 NightsDay 9 - Transfer to Ilha Grande
Day 10 - At leisure or take an optional tour
Day 11 - At leisure or take an optional tour
Day 12 - At leisure
Day 13 - Transfer to airport for return flight
Day 14 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Transfer to Ilha Grande
Travel from Parati to Ilha Grande via private car and a shared boat crossing, where you will again stay for 4-nights in another welcoming pousada, including breakfast.
Monday, 29 June 2026
At leisure or take an optional tour
Once a former pirate hideaway, slaving centre and prison, unspoilt Ilha Grande is now a welcoming retreat for Cariocas and visitors alike, attracted by the prospect of unexplored virgin forest and deserted beaches. You can spend your time here hiking the well-kept trails to panoramic lookout points, swimming, snorkelling or kayaking or just relaxing on the island's beautiful beaches.
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
At leisure or take an optional tour
A day to relax on this beautiful island, or explore on an optional tour.
Wednesday, 01 July 2026
At leisure
Your final day in Brazil.
Thursday, 02 July 2026
Transfer to airport for return flight
You will today return to Rio de Janeiro for your flight back to the UK. Or extend your stay for 2-nights at the spectacular Iguassu Falls.
Friday, 03 July 2026
Arrive back in the UK
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
Caicara Pousada
This charming Pousada has a priviledged location on the sea front only a few minutes walk away from the centre of the village and the best restaurants in Villa do Abraao. Opened in January 2006, Caicara is a small, tranquil and friendly pousada, offering nine rooms all with their own veranda, air conditioning, a ceiling…
Corsario Pousada
Located in the Costa Verde region, between the green of Atlantic Forest and the blue sea, the colonial style of Pousada do Corsário offer many leisure options, such as swimming pool, game room, sauna, gymnasium and tropical gardens. Accommodations equipped with cable TV, minibar, air conditioning, telephone and safe.
The Place, Ilha Grande
Located on Illa Grande, an island accessible by a 30 minute boat trip from the mainland to the small village of Abraao. The island has no cars, is covered in forest, rich in biodiversity, trails, beautiful scenery and a stunning beaches.
The hotel "O Sitio" is a private house, well decorated, boutique property, set within…
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | March - June & September - November | July -August & December - February | ||||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Deluxe | Tourist | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £3,292 | £3,736 | £4,534 | £3,888 | £4,452 | £5,150 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 14 Days / 12 Nights Tour
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Rio de Janeiro in-depth city tour in English with expert guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Breakfast every day
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Travellers Guide for your journey including money, clothing, health and restaurant suggestions
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
Specialist Knowledge
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HIGHLIGHTS - 20 June 2026
BEACH RESORTS - Superb: Idyllic Setting, Remote Islands
PERU - Machu Picchu, Andean Landscapes, Historic Heritage
GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR - Friendly Wildlife on the Islands
BRAZIL NATURE - NEW Atlantic Forest Birdwatching Trails
BRAZIL IMPERIAL - NEW Brazil Royal Family Heritage
HONEYMOONS & CELEBRATIONS - "en Tete-a-Tete"
TRAVEL INSURANCE essential comprehensive cover