One of the most enthralling countries on earth, Brazil is a kaleidoscope of diverse culture, awe-inspiring wilderness, and eclectic arts. In this 13-day private vacation tour, you will be seduced by samba, lured by ancient mysteries, awed by opulent, gilded churches and pampered in a hilltop spa with breathtaking views. Highlights include visiting Ipanema and Copacabana, enjoying folkloric shows of Bahia, indulging in a Brazilian cooking course, hiking a virgin Atlantic rainforest, and exploring one of the seven wonders of the world.
DAY;
1
ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO OR SAO PAULO/PARATY
Welcome to Brazil! Upon arrival our representative greets you and transfers you to Paraty in a scenic, four hour drive. Check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day in leisure, exploring the charming, colonial town of Paraty, distinctive for its unique architecture and cobblestone streets that meander along the sea. Pousada Literaria is an enchanting hotel perched on a tranquil bay in the center of a tropical seaside forest known as the Atlantic Forest Natural Park. Ideal for travelers seeking the ultimate escape into peace and ancient mysteries, this luxurious and intimate hotel offers access to secret white sand beaches, unknown trails through the jungle, and an opportunity to meet and learn from the locals.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Pousada Literaria (or similar)
Meals
DAY;
2
FULL DAY PRIVATE SCHOONER AROUND PARATY
Enjoy a private schooner cruise through the emerald bay and hundreds of islands surrounding Paraty with carefully selected stops for swimming and snorkeling in glistening waters. After a day of adventure, take a romantic evening stroll for dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Pousada Literaria (or similar)
Meals B,L
DAY;
3
PARATY CITY TOUR / BRAZILIAN COOKING CLASS
This morning your guide picks you up for a half-day, private walking tour of Paraty’s historical center, a pedestrian only village full of cobblestone streets and colonial charm. An afternoon of exploration and relaxation time follows, before a hands-on Brazil cooking class with a local chef, followed by a decadent dinner.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Pousada Literaria (or similar)
Meals B,L
DAY;
4
PARATY TO RIO DE JANEIRO
After checking out of your room this morning, your local guide escorts you on a four hour drive for the seaside city of Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival in Rio, check in at the Miramar by Windsor hotel, a beautiful location with sophisticated decor, Brazilian paintings and elegantly designed bathrooms. In the afternoon, your guide leads you to Sugarloaf Mountain to witness impressive views of the city and surrounding bay.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Fasano Hotel Rio de Janeiro (or similar)
Meals B
DAY;
5
RIO DE JANEIRO CITY TOUR
In the morning, depart for a half day Rio de Janeiro city tour. The excursion includes a stop at a colorful and local outdoor street market, a visit to Corcovado Mountain and a memorable tour to Christ the Redeemer Statue, one of the seven wonders of the world.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Fasano Rio (or similar)
Meals B
DAY;
6
RIO DE JANEIRO
Today is open for you to spend as you wish. You might consider visiting Rio’s Botanical Gardens, check out one of many engaging art museums, rent a bike to soak up the expansive coastal views in style, or just simply relax on the city’s renowned beaches. After sunset, this birthplace of samba comes alive with Brazilian music, creating the ideal ambiance for dancing till the sun comes up!
Optional Activities:
Overnight Fasano Rio (or similar)
Meals B
DAY;
7
RIO DE JANEIRO TO SALVADOR DE BAHIA
After a delicious breakfast, check out of your hotel and join your guide for a short flight to Salvador. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to Villa Bahia, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Salvador’s historical center and set in two traditional colonial houses featuring a terrace of panoramic views. Once the magnificent capital of Portugal’s great New World colony, Salvador is the country’s Afro-Brazilian jewel and a living museum of 17th and 18th century architecture. The evening’s plans will dazzle you with a memorable Bahia Folklore Show, a local attraction unlike any in the world!
Optional Activities:
Overnight Villa Bahia (or similar)
Meals B
DAY;
8
SALVADOR DE BAHIA
Today your guide leads you on a half day Salvador tour, including a stop at the local market and a visit to the Bonfim Church, known globally as a place of miraculous healing and colorful ribbons that are said to make wishes come true.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Villa Bahia (or similar)
Meals B
DAY;
9
SALVADOR DE BAHIA TO TXAI OR UXUA
After a short flight to Ilheus, your guide escorts you to Txai Resort where you may enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in this sprawling, luxury eco-resort that sits among seemingly endless coconut groves on one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. You may choose to indulge in the hilltop spa or explore the town of Itacaré, which has long been sought out by hippies and surfers mesmerized by wide stretches of virgin Atlantic rainforest, picturesque beaches and reliable surf breaks. Optional change: Fly to Porto Seguro. Stay at Uxua or similar in Trancoso
Optional Activities:
Overnight Txai or Uxua (Trancosco)
Meals B,D
DAY;
10 - 12
TXAI OR UXUA (TRANCOSCO)
After an exhilarating and adventure filled itinerary, enjoy a full three days at Txai resort, enjoying organic Bahian specialities and contemporary cuisine at the restaurant and utter relaxation in your suite or bungalow with sweeping views of the virgin Atlantic rainforest or panoramics of the ocean, depending on your choice. Additional activities or services such as spa treatments, guided hikes, canoe excursions, capoeira classes, surf classes or tennis lessons are available at extra cost. Optional change: Fly to Porto Seguro. Stay at Uxua or similar in Trancoso
Optional Activities:
Overnight Txai or Uxua (Trancosco)
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
13
RETURN FLIGHT HOME
After a leisurely breakfast, your English-speaking driver meets you in the lobby for your one hour transfer to Ilheus Airport where you will join your flight to Salvador. If you are coming from Uxua, transfer to Porto Seguro. Connect in Rio, Salvador, or Sao Paulo for your international return flight. Connect on own with your international flight back home this evening and enjoy reminiscing over your Brazilian adventure!
Optional Activities:
Overnight
Meals B
DAY
2
Quito
This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection
Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito
2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar
Meals B