Rio and Buzios Deluxe - Brazil

Itinerary

Day 1

Rio de Janeiro

You arrive in Rio and are taken to the Fasano Hotel, a synonym of sophistication, elegance, and beauty and favorite of Rio residents, located on lovely Ipanema Beach. The rest of the day is free time for you to relax and take advantage of the hotel facilities, gazing out onto the beach, or to explore the neighborhood, walking down the street, Calle Garcia DÁvila, and shopping at any of the brand-name stores. The nightlife is fantastic, with excellent bars and restaurants nearby.

Day 2

Rio de Janeiro

On the schedule today is a half day visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Hill, Rio’s most well-known landmark. Your trip begins in the neighborhood of Cosme Velho, at the train station. You board the train that takes you through the Tijuca Forest, the world’s largest urban forest. Once at the hilltop, you will look out over the city in amazement, being able to see it all, the Guanabara Bay, southern beaches, and Lake Rodrigo de Freitas. Next, you move onward to the São Conrado zone for a brief stop at Pepino Beach, taking in the sight of hang gliders soaring high above you. There is nothing more scheduled for the rest of the afternoon, and at night you will enjoy an excellent dinner at the hotel’s restaurant (not included).

Day 3

Rio de Janeiro

Today you will visit Pan de Azucar Hill, a Rio tourist icon. This 396 meter tall hill is located at the entrance of the Guanabara Bay, on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Its name probably refers to the traditional form of loaf sugar that was produced at the end of the 19th century and that looked like a tall cone with a rounded top, much like the hill. The excursion begins with a tour of historic downtown Rio, with stops at the Sambadrome and Metropolitan Cathedral. Then, it’s on to Central Square, with its landmarks like the Municipal Theater, National Library, and National Fine Arts Museum. Afterwards, you cross Flamengo Park and reach the neighborhood of Urca, the location of Pan de Azucar Hill. You will reach the hilltop by way of a 2 stage cable car ride. Its first stage takes you to the top of Urca Hill, 215 meters tall, a prime spot for viewing the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge, and Corcovado Hill. From Urca Hill, the second stage takes you to Pan de Azucar Hill, 395 meters tall, where you will get a fantastic view, from a unique angle, of Copacabana Beach, Fort Santa Cruz, and some of the Niteroi beaches.
* Optional: Helicopter flight from Pan de Azucar Hill and over the Sambadrome, Maracana Stadium, Lake Rodrigo de Freitas, the neighborhoods of Leblon and Ipanema, the Copacabana Beach, and area around Christ the Redeemer.

Day 4

Rio de Janeiro / Buzios

The morning is free, but if you so desire you can visit the Tijuca Forest in a private jeep. During the excursion, you will stop at the lookout point called Vista Chinesa, a magnificent place for seeing the Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Guanabara Bay, and Pan de Azucar Hill, as well as two waterfalls: Los Monos and Cascatinha. You can also hike in the forest, enjoying the tropical setting that surrounds you. Once completed, you will be driven to Buzios (a 3 hour drive) and there check into the Insolito Boutique Hotel & Spa.

Day 5 - 7

Buzios

The next three days are tailored for complete relaxation on the beaches of Buzios. The Buzios Peninsula is located 170 km from Rio de Janeiro. It’s a pleasant 2 hour drive to this paradise that boasts more than 20 magnificent beaches of crystalline waters, contrasting directly with the lush, exotic vegetation and sculpted cliffs that Mother Nature has blessed with a year round summer.

Day 8

After breakfast, you will be driven to the Rio de Janeiro International Airport for your international flight.