Romantic Rio

Once you arrive in Rio, the fun starts. Based at a hotel on world-famous Copacabana beach, you will enjoy the main sights in and around this stunning city. Then you are whisked to the trendy upmarket seaside resort of Buzios, where you will be torn between relaxing, driving around the scenic peninsula in a beach buggy, hanging out in one of the 23 beaches, seeing the sights of the area, or shopping and dining in Buzios.

Day 1 Rio
Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to your selected hotel. The hotel is on or near the world''''''''s most famous beach, Copacabana.

Day 2 Rio
Today you visit the first icon of Rio, Sugar Loaf. In the morning a tour (private for First Class category, regular otherwise) of Sugar Loaf, driving by downtown Rio, with its fine colonial-style Portuguese buildings, and then continuing on to take the cable car at Praia Vermelha. A ride to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain gives a wonderful view of the city nestling between the mountains and the sea. The sight of the sun going down over Copacabana beach is magical. After riding down the cable car, return to hotel. Afternoon free.

Day 3 Rio
Time to visit Rio''''''''s second icon, Corcovado. In the morning join a jeep tour (regular) to visit the Christ Statue on Corcovado mountain and the luxuriant rainforest of Tijuca forest, claimed to be the world''''''''s largest urban natural reserve. Enjoy the spectacular views of Rio and the surrounding countryside. Free time in the afternoon.

Day 4 Rio / Petropolis
After breakfast we leave the city of Rio de Janeiro and head on a tour (private for First Class category, regular otherwise) to imperial Petropolis. The past of Petropolis is firmly linked to one of Brazil’s great historic figures, Dom Pedro II. His 50-year reign starting in 1840 is regarded as Brazil''''''''s most prosperous period. He abolished slavery, encouraged mass immigration and forged a nation that would do away with the monarchy forever. In summer the imperial family escaped to this charming mountain retreat, some 33 miles north of Rio de Janeiro.

The first encounter with the summer hill resort, 2,654 ft above sea level, takes place at the Palácio Quitandinha, a grandiose palace built in 1944 as a casino and hotel. Afterwards the city’s main cultural site, the Imperial Palace, deserves close attention. This perfectly preserved summer palace, neo-classical in style, is an expression of Dom Pedro II’s character. Not to be missed are the imperial scepter and the 1.7 kg crown with its 639 diamonds and 77 pearls. After approximately an hour in this museum, we proceed to Dom Pedro II’s last resting-place in the Gothic-style Cathedral de São Pedro de Alcântara. A subsequent coach ride featuring buildings, parks and squares of historic interest reveals the city’s undeniable European face. Lunch at a local restaurant in Petrópolis before we return to Rio and your hotel. (First class category include lunch).

Day 5 Rio / Buzios
After breakfast, transfer (private for First Class category, regular otherwise) from your hotel to Buzios, located on a peninsula approximately 2 hours to the north of Rio. Búzios attracts many Brazilian and foreign visitors by its natural beauties and a unique climate that combines simplicity and sophistication.

Once in Buzios, check in at your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing, or walk the short distance to the village or to the nearest beach. Consider renting a beach buggy (inexpensive, around $30 daily, driving licence needed) to explore Búzios by yourselves, following the many trail roads up headlands and down to different beaches as the whim takes you. Or head out to one or more of the 23 beaches. There are endless possibilities to choose from, as well as many bars, restaurants, shops and other places to visit.

Day 6 Buzios
The Buzios Trolley picks you up in the morning at your hotel, and is a fun introduction to the peninsula and some of its beaches. The Trolley is completely open providing you a view without "frames" so you can feel the smell of the sea, the pure air and wind. The tour take about 2 hours, and there is a refreshment stop. At the end of the tour choose whether to be dropped back at your hotel or downtown.

Day 7 - Buzios
In the morning take a catamaran trip. This 3 hour trip visits 12 beaches and 4 islands and is an excellent way to get to know Buzios’ beaches from the sea. There are 3 stops to swim and snorkel. Then enjoy the rest of the day as you want.

Day 8- Buzios / Rio
Early departure to Rio, transfer to the airport, and check in assistance for departure.