Cosmopolitan cities, natural wonders & colonial heritage

Day 1

Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Take the daytime flight from the UK to Rio de Janeiro, arriving the same day. Our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay. On arrival, your guide will take you on a walk to introduce you to the area surroundings your hotel so that you can get your bearings. This short introduction to Rio (up to one hour) will help with your orientation.

Day 2

In-depth Tour of Rio de Janeiro 

We begin our tour by visiting the famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado Mountain where you can admire spectacular 360° views of the city, tropical forest, granite peaks and bay. From here we visit the bohemian district of Santa Teresa, once home to the rich and famous it's now occupied by galleries, writers, musicians and artists. Our journey continues into the city centre for lunch at one of Rio's oldest coffee shops, after which you visit the Cathedral and the historical district to admire the strong colonial architecture and charming atmosphere.

Day 3

At Leisure in Rio de Janeiro

Today you have the flexibility to pursue your own interests and relax. Why not visit the Botanical Gardens and Sugar Loaf Mountain or visit the Royal Palaces to discover the imperial history of Rio.

Day 4

Travel to Iguassu Falls

Fly to Iguassu and transfer to your hotel for a 2 night stay. Depending on your budget, choose to stay in Iguassu Town, a friendly place with lots of restaurants and relaxed atmosphere. Or stay at the only hotel overlooking the Iguassu Falls, the iconic Hotel Das Cataratas, a wonderful luxury resort hotel with beautiful gardens and trails directly to the falls you can explore at your own leisure when you arrive.

The magnificent Iguassu Waterfalls thunder over a wide curve of the Iguassu river set on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The spectacle of the Falls is one of South America's most extraordinary sights; vast torrents of water flow over a myriad of small and large cascades over a length of 2.5 kilometres. 

Day 5

Tour of Iguassu Falls (Brazilian & Argentinian Sides)

Your Veloso Tour guide will escort you on the best trails and walkways to get the best possible photography and to experience the thunder of this natural wonder close up.  We will first explore the Brazilian side of the falls, offering spectacular panoramic views and the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife. Then cross over the border into Argentina to see the falls from another perspective, where you will have a closer view of the individual falls in their lush tropical setting, abundant in wildlife, especially butterflies. You can walk right out to the roaring Devil's Throat Waterfall along walkways that afford breathtaking views. This side of the falls is definitely well worth the visit. An invigorating and memorable day awaits.

Day 6

Manaus

Early morning flight to Manaus. In the afternoon enjoy a tour of Manaus including a visit to the Municipal Market where you can see the exotic fruit and freshwater fish of the Amazon rainforest. We stop by the port to view the bustling activity and the variety of goods and people travelling by local boat in all directions to heart of the Amazon. One of the tour's highlights is a visit to the colonial Manaus Opera House, the Teatro Amazonas, built in 1896 almost exclusively using materials shipped over from Europe when Manaus was at the height of the rubber production boom.

Day 7

Travel to Remote Amazon Lodge

Depart Manaus in the morning by car to the river port at Ceasa and continue by speedboat to the village of Careiro da Varzea, passing where the Negro and Solimões Rivers meet. After a stop at a fruit market, travel by boat passing many lakes and creeks, and have an opportunity to see water lilies with their enormous floating leaves, as well as native villages and communities. Arrive at the Amazon Turtle Lodge around lunchtime for a 3 night stay on a full board basis including all excursions. Later in the afternoon, take a motorised canoe trip to explore the myriad of islands and waterways with pristine, virgin rainforest.  

Day 8

Rainforest and wildlife excursion

Enjoy an early morning excursion to see the sunrise and birds, a wonderful experience in the forest. Later we go on a jungle trek where you learn local skills with our experienced guides, who will demonstrate how to use vines as ropes, tree climbing and how to find food and water. You will also learn about the fauna and biodiversity of the rain forest. After lunch at the lodge, go canoeing to discover and observe more Amazonia birds and wildlife. In the evening, there is nothing quite to compare with watching the beautiful glow of the moon and hear the sounds of the creatures wandering around in the jungle.

Day 9

Local community visit and night tour

In the morning, we visit a native caboclo's house to learn about their customs and culture and rubber and cassava plantations. At lunch taste some of the foods seen in the local houses (fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs). We return to the river to try our hand at piranha fishing, the most well known of the species endemic to the rivers of South America.  After dinner at the lodge, we travel by canoe for a night wildlife watching excursion where we might spot an alligator. Your guide will catch it with their bare hands - you will have opportunity to take photos and touch the tough, slippery scales of the skin.

Day 10

Return to Manaus and introduction to Salvador da Bahia

This morning we will depart the lodge by canoe to observe fresh-water pink and grey dolphins in small channels (Igarapés), flooded forest areas (Igapós) and in the rivers and lakes, just paddling and hearing the sounds of jungle. Transfer back to Manaus arriving in the afternoon for a flight to Salvador da Bahia.

Salvador is at the heart of Brazilian identity with roots in Portuguese colonial history, blending with African music and customs. The old centre of Salvador, the Pelourinho, was restored and became a UNESCO World heritage Site with wonderful cobbled streets, colonial architecture and churches. On arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay. Your guide will also take you on a short walk to introduce you to the area surrounding your hotel so that you can get your bearings on arrival and gain a feel of the city life, people and culture. 

Day 11

Tour of Colonial & African Heritage in Salvador

Salvador is the core, unique Brazilian Identity, felt by all Brazilians, whatever their descendance - We take a guided journey through the cobbled streets of Salvador, lined with splendid colonial houses, which stand as a reminder of a bygone era when Salvador was at the height of its glory in the 18th century. We explore the upper and lower parts of the city, we visit the numerous churches, squares, fortifications and symbols of Salvador's rich diversity of faiths and cultures, as we immerse ourselves into the heart of Brazil's colonial roots from Portuguese and African influences. "Orixas" are the fascinating deities brought by African slaves, that influence so much, the music, art, naive paintings and literature of Salvador's rich culture. Learn the mysteries of Condomble and Capoeira which are also unique elements of Salvador's African heritage 

Day 12

At Leisure in Salvador

Today you have the flexibility to pursue your own interests and relax. There is much to see in Salvador, with excellent museums, art galleries and stunning beaches. Suggested optional excursions include: visit the Old City of Cachoeira in the "Reconcavo Bahiano" or take a cruise of the Bay and Island of Itaparica. Your Veloso Tours guide will ensure you get the most from your stay.

Day 13

Return flight home

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.

Or extend your holiday to stay at a beautiful tropical beach resort in Praia do Forte or Morro Sao Paulo

Day 14

Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK