Itinerary

Day 1 Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is the second major city of Brazil, behind São Paulo. The city delights people with its scenery, hospitality and infectious cheerfulness. The "Wonderful City" famous all over the world for its beautiful beaches, curvaceous geography and the way of life of its people - welcomes visitors with open arms and offers an infinite number of attractions throughout the year. Known for its natural settings, carnival celebrations, samba, beaches, Rio de Janeiro is a perfect destination for relaxation and entertainment.

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locating your vehicle.

Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

The Copacabana Palace, seated on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, will never dare escape its reputation. Illustrious in name, classic in structure and memory, and reminiscent of black and white films, the 222 rooms loom over the city and Atlantic Ocean, intimidating in their glory. The days when luxury made its first appearances emerge here, as dining and cuisine are as unforgettable as the characters that have frequented these ballrooms and restaurants. Savour the view of the beach and waters, lounge by the pool, stop by the spa, or get out of the hotel and check out the Corcovado.

Overnight at Copacabana Palace by Orient-Express .

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy a full day private excursion with your own vehicle, professional driver and English speaking guide visiting Corcovado and Sugarloaf. After being picked up from your hotel, you can enjoy a Panoramic city tour by car, passing by the main monuments such as Sambódromo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cinelandia Square with its Municipal Theatre, National Library and the Fine Art Museum, to name but a few. Arriving at the Sugar Loaf, you can take a cable car to get to the summit where you will have one of the most fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro. From here, the stop on the tour is Cosme Velho district, a traditional neighborhood in the Southern part of Rio de Janeiro which houses the picturesque Largo do Boticário - a small square enclosed by several neo-colonial style houses, built in the 1920s. (The houses were constructed using materials from much older buildings in the city's Centro district which had been demolished). Here, you can take a train up to the Corcovado Mountain, through the Atlantic rainforests of Tijuca to see the famous Christ The Redeemer statue and admire the fantastic panoramic views of Rio de Janeiro below. Before returning to the hotel, you will be taken for a visit to São Conrado beach to observe the famous hang gliders flying over the beach. You will no doubt enjoy the hosted lunch during the day and at day's end, having seen all of the sights; you will be brought back to your hotel.

Come and enjoy the greatest and the most famous spectacle of the authentic Brazilian folklore; a Samba show! Enjoy the spectacle of thirty beautiful dancers together with a competent male cast as they take you on a cultural journey of popular Brazilian music. Enjoy a traditional barbeque dinner before being returned to your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Overnight at Copacabana Palace by Orient-Express .

Day 3 Rio de Janeiro

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Copacabana Palace by Orient-Express .
    
Day 4 Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls are located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. The waterfall system consists of 275 falls along 2.7 kilometres (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River. Some of the individual falls are up to 82 metres (269 ft) in height, though the majority are about 64 metres (210 ft). The Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), a U-shaped 150-metre-wide and 700-metre-long (490 by 2300 feet) cliff, is the most impressive of all, and marks the border between Argentina and Brazil.

Meet your personal driver and guide for an airport transfer.

Relax on your flight from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu. Flight time is typically 2 hours and prices are subject to changes based on availability.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.

Enjoy a private half day guided tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. After being picked up from your hotel, a scenic drive takes you through Iguazu National Park along the Cataratas Highway that leads to the border between Brazil and Argentina. Here, the river drops into a breathtaking canyon. You can descend a walkway and gaze at both sides of the falls and stop at the elevator to ride to the Brazilian side lookout point. Fantastic scenic and photographic opportunities abound, and your expert English speaking Guide will provide an educational and fun tour. At the end of the tour you will be brought back to your hotel in Iguazu.

The Iguazu Grand Hotel and Casino, near the Iguazu Falls in Misiones, is a delectable experience offering all the facilities and services that are appreciated in a 5 star hotel. The 108 rooms are large and spacious, accompanied by deluxe bathrooms of high quality textures and decor. Staff is consistently on hand to maintain rooms and keep things in order. Breakfast is an all-out extravaganza, with a range of choices for even the most discerning guest. Other meals may be taken at the hotel restaurants, although there are many to choose from in the city. Take advantage of the hotel's swimming pools and gardens, as well as the spa and casino.

Overnight at Iguazu Grand Hotel Resort & Casino.

Day 5 Iguazu Falls

Enjoy a fun packed full day shared tour exploring the Argentine side of Iguazu falls. After being picked up at your hotel, you will be transferred into the subtropical jungle in the company of your Guide and Driver to view one of the seven Wonders of the World: the Iguassu Falls, formed by the spectacular fall of more than two hundred cascades. The falls are protected within the Iguassu National Park, an expanse of 67,500 hectares and which was created with the objective of conserving the splendid frame of the surrounding subtropical jungle. There is plenty of walking throughout the day as you explore the area as well as a chance to see the handmade products of the Maca Paraguayan ethnic tribe. Take the Jungle Ecological Train to Devil’s throat station and enjoy the 15 minute train ride going by the shore of the fabulous Iguazú River and discover the silent inhabitants such as the majestic yacarés. Disembarking the train, your Guide will accompany you on the footbridge of 1,100mts over the Iguazú River while they explain the bird diversity found in these parts such as condors and other wildlife as well as the Garganta del Diablo waterfall. Enjoy the wonderful views as you continue on your hike through the jungle passing other waterfalls. This is where the Mission movie was filmed.

Enjoy a wonderful Argentine barbeque lunch (not included), before continuing walking to see an incredibly panoramic view of the lower area of this wonderful stage. At the end of the day you will be returned to your hotel.

Overnight at Iguazu Grand Hotel Resort & Casino.

Day 6 Salvador

Salvador, a city on the northeast coast of Brazil, is also known as Brazil's capital of happiness due to its easygoing population and countless popular outdoor parties. The first colonial capital of Brazil, the city is one of the oldest in the country and in the New World; for a long time, it was also known as Bahia (or Salvador da Bahia). The city is notable for its cuisine, music and architecture. Over 80% of the population is of Black African origin, and it is the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and professional driver.

Fly from Foz do Iguacu to Salvador. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately 5 hours.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

The Convento do Carmo is considered one of the most charming of accommodations in Salvador, Brazil, as it is located right in the old town of Pelourinho, not far from the city centre. Its 79 rooms are clean, with light, attractive decor to match the aged wisdom of the former convent building. Now renovated, it still retains its Renaissance appeal even in its traditional Portuguese menus and wines. Although the 5-star Convento do Carmo's amenities (fitness center, swimming pool, LCD televisions, sauna, and Japanese spa) are indeed impressive, it's this luxury hotel's style and care that draw visitors from all over the world. Built in the 1500s, Convento was originally a convent in the historic Pelourinho district, and is close to the Bay of All Saints.

Overnight at Convento do Carmo (City).

Day 7 Salvador

Enjoy a private half day tour discovering the gastronomic side of Salvador. After you are picked up from your hotel by your English speaking Guide, you will get to visit two of Salvador’s busiest markets. The first stop is at the newly renovated Fish market where the wide variety of seafood and fish found in the tropical waters of the bay and the ocean are on display. A short distance away is the largest open market in Bahia, the São Joaquim market, selling a myriad of products and produce, from fruits and vegetables to spare parts for domestic appliances, to sacred herbs and religious artifacts of the candomblé. Here you'll find all of the ingredients for Bahia cuisine that you are sure to appreciate all the more during your stay in this great city.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

The Bahia Folklore Company (Balé Folclórico da Bahia) is one of the most respected folklore dance troupes in the world. The company performs in the intimate Miguel Santana Theatre in the Pelourinho in a seamless presentation of the multiple African traditions that underpin Bahian culture. We will see the sacred dances of the Candomblé; puxada de rede, a song by fishermen in honor of Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea; maculelê, an acrobatic stick and sword dance with its origins in the cane fields; capoeira, a martial art/dance of Angolan origin and the samba de roda, a spinning, swirling version of this exuberant national dance. After the show dinner will be served in one of the many fine restaurants in the area. The show begins at 8 pm and will last 45 minutes. Dinner to be served at  9 pm. Return to hotel for 10:30 pm.

Note: not available Tuesday or Sundays.

Overnight at Convento do Carmo (City).

Day 8 Salvador

Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach! Salvador's immense sandy coastline is one of the longest in the country, with over 30 miles of beaches. They run from Inema to the Praia do Flamengo, with all sorts of spots in between for families, young people, single travellers, and everyone in between. Or try a visit to the lovely rural village of Morro de São Paulo across the Bay of All Saints; only a short ferry ride away.

Overnight at Convento do Carmo (City).

Day 9 Salvador

Fly from Salvador directly to Rio de Janeiro. Flights are subject to availability. Total travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Depart from the international airport in Salvador. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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