Beautiful Brazil – Honeymoon & Special Adventure
Includes
Escorted: Services of representatives for all airport transfers and checking in at hotels.
Transport:
Activities: Iguassu Falls Brazilian and Argentinean sides with tickets, Rio do Janeiro city tour (6 hours) including Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.
Accommodation: 6 nights comfortable hotels, 5 nights beach resort hotel.
Meals: As per itinerary. B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner.
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites listed as a part of the itinerary.
*Please note that these itineraries can be tailored to suit your dates, duration and budget, and other destinations in Brazil can be included. Ask for more details on quotation.
DAY 1 – FOZ DO IGUACU
Arrive at Foz do Iguacu international airport and take a private transfer (with English speaking guide) to the Hotel Bristol Viale Iguassu (standard room). As today is an arrival day there are no activities planned so you are free to relax and settle in, or take a walk around the town to orientate yourself.
Upon arrival at the airport, please look for our representative who will be holding an Imaginative Traveller sign, or a sign with your name on it. He should be waiting for you in the arrival area.
Iguassu
This is a very special region in the very southwest of Brazil, where the Parana and Iguassu rivers converge, which makes a tri-border area along the junction of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. The city was founded on June 10th, 1914. The word Iguaçu (Iguassu) has its origin in the native language Tupi-Guarani, spoken before the colonization. It's formed by the junction of two words: Ygu (water) and Açu (big), Big Water.
Hotel Bristol Viale Iguassu
The hotel is strategically located, near the main touristic sights. In all Standard rooms the Bristol Viale Cataratas Hotel offers air-conditioning, room-bar, voice mail, telephone, internet connection (Wi Fi separately charged), individual electronic safes, cable TV, 26" LCD TV, air conditioning control, light on the bedside tables, central hot water, hairdryer. www.vialecataratas.com.br
DAY 2 – IGUASSU FALLS – ARGENTINEAN SIDE
This morning you will be taken on a visit to the Argentinean side of the Falls. This is a half day tour, and there is an optional afternoon extension we can arrange also, details below. Overnight at Bristol Viale, standard room. (B)
Iguassu Falls
Straddling the border between Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, the waterfalls and cataracts at Iguassu Falls stretch for 4km where the Rio Iguassu tumbles over a succession of gorges. Opinion is divided as to which side offers the best views, depending largely on the nationality of the person you ask. Meaning 'great water' in Guarani, the Iguassu Falls were declared a UNESCO Natural Heritage of Mankind Site in 1986. The mist produced from the tons of cascading water has created a lush rainforest with an abundance of tropical vegetation. Orchids, bromeliads, begonias, ferns, bamboo and palms flank the trails, and wildlife includes red brocket deer, tegu lizard, and five species of toucan. There are over 100 species of butterfly here, including the electric blue morpho. According to local folklore, the gorge is said to have been made by an angry god after a tribesman stole a virgin, but upon seeing the love they shared, the god calmed the waters and surrounded the falls with beautiful flora and fauna.
Argentinean Side of Iguassu Falls – Half Day Tour
Visit to the Argentinean Side of Iguassu Falls, located 30kms from downtown Foz, and 24kms from Puerto Iguassu. On arrival at the Visitors Centre, an interpretative building with giant panels showing the importance of the biodiversity of the subtropical humid forest. To get to the catwalks overlooking the falls, you will board a gas-propelled train that will take you to the Upper Falls Circuit and the Devil's Throat. To visit the Devil's Throat, you should board the train at the Cataracts Station, close to the Upper Circuit. Once at the Devil's Throat Station, you will take a walking tour on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River, with an extension of 1100 metres that lead visitors to the balconies for an amazing panoramic view of this magnificent fall: The Devil's Throat. Return to your hotel.
Optional Argentinean Falls extension
Our guide will be your host for this 8-kilometer tour down the Sendero Yacaratiá (Trail) as far as Puerto Macuco, on the banks of the Iguassu River, in order to board motor boats especially used for this type of navigation. With your life-jacket on, we leave for the challenge of going up the rapids in the lower Iguassu River, for about 6 kilometers of rock and vegetation, up to 80 meters high, as far as the majestic Devils Throat.
DAY 3 – IGUASSU FALLS BRAZILIAN SIDE – RIO DE JANEIRO
This morning you will have an early start, as you are taken on a guided tour of the Brazilian side of the stunning Iguassu Falls, with entrance tickets included. If you wish, you can extend this to a full day tour (optional). Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival you have a private transfer to the Hotel Mirador Copacabana (standard room) with English speaking guide. (B)
Brazilian Side of Iguassu Falls – Half Day Tour
Arrival at the Visitors Centre, located 12 km from the heart of the Park. You will be transferred on specially conditioned buses to the catwalks for a walking tour of approximately 1 kilometre, where you will have the chance to admire the falls from different viewpoints. At the end of the catwalk you will find a fantastic close-up encounter with the Devil's Throat and main falls.
Optional tour at Brazilian Side of the Falls - Macuco Safari
This tour takes place inside the Iguaçu National Park (Brazil), about seven kilometers from the Visitors Center and is generally combined with the visit to Iguaçu Falls. Going up river in specially prepared boats to get to the base of Iguaçu Falls and to be able to admire and feel them close. Whirlpools, waves and currents provoked by the Falls add adrenaline and lots of emotions to this unforgettable tour.
Note: Daily departure from 8.00am to 5.00pm, except on Mondays from 1pm to 5.00pm
We highly recommend an optional helicopter flight over Iguassu Falls, which will give you the opportunity to take pictures of the amazing scenery of Iguassu National Park. Duration 15 minutes, minimum of 3 passengers required. Please ask for more details!
Rio de Janeiro
Against a stunning backdrop of lush green mountains, spectacular beaches and turquoise sea, the city is awake 24 hours a day and the buzz is tangible. There are endless options - sunbathe on Copacabana beach, dance till dawn in one of the many nightclubs or visit two of the landmarks that have made this beautiful city internationally famous: the enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer and the cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Hotel Mirador Copacabana
The Mirador hotel is located in Copacabana, less than 5 minutes from the beach and near the main attractions of Rio de Janeiro. Close to the sights and near the financial centre of the city. The hotel offers 138 comfortable and relaxing rooms, all with cable TV, 24 hours broadband internet, voice mail service, air conditioner, hair dryer, minibar and vault. Our Restaurant Vila Real and our lounge bar are great places to gather and enjoy tropical drinks and delicious international cuisine dishes. www.hotelmirador.com.br
DAY 4 – RIO DE JANEIRO
After breakfast, we take a tour of the city including a visit to Sugar Loaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands on top of a peak known as Corcovado. The views from here are simply sensational. The beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, the colourful and vibrant nightlife and the laid-back and friendly nature of Brazilians will help make your visit to Rio a memorable one. Overnight at Hotel Mirador Copacabana. (B)
Sugar Loaf Mountain
It was, at the feet of Urca Hill, that the city of Rio de Janeiro was founded in 1565 by Estácio de Sá. The visit of Sugar Loaf Mountain is done in two steps, by modern cable-car.
The first ride of the cable-car links Praia Vermelha to Urca Hill, located at 215 meters of altitude, a point from which can be seen all the Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Flamengo land filling, the Corcovado and the Rio-Niterói bridge, besides the majestic mountains that protect and embellish the city. In the belvedere, there is a fast food area, an anphiteatrum and a heli-pad.
The second ride that we will made on cable car, takes us to the top of Sugar Loaf mountain, at 395 meters of altitude, from where you have a unique perspective of the beach of Copacabana, the Santa Cruz Fortress, some beaches of Niterói and some fantastic scenery.
DAY 5 – RIO DE JANEIRO
Today you have a full free day to further enjoy the sights and sounds of this fascinating city by yourselves, or add on of the optional activites listed below. Overnight at Hotel Mirador Copacabana. (B)
Optional Tour to Morrinho Project & Santa Teresa – 4 Hours
After breakfast, we take a trip to the Morrinho Project - a social and cultural project based outside the Pereira da Silva favela (slum) in the Southern Zone of Rio de Janeiro. Then we go to the charming district of Santa Teresa with its cobblestoned hilly streets, old homes, interesting museums and Rio's last surviving tram line. Return to the hotel.
DAY 6 – RIO DE JANEIRO - RECIFE
Transfer to the airport where we will take our flight to Recife, your overnight stop before heading onto the beautiful beaches of Fernando de Noronha. On arrival you will be transferred to the Hotel Dorisol (superior apartment). The rest of your day you are free to relax and settle in, or take a walk around the town to orient yourself. (B)
Recife
Recife (meaning reef) is a fabulous coastal city often referred to as ‘The Venice of Brazil’, due to it’s numerous canals, rivers and bridges. It’s one of largest cities in Brazil and has one of the most famous urban beaches. It has been attracting visitors for years with its historic buildings, sandy beaches with warm green waters, and vibrant cultural and entertainment scene.
The beach is protected by recifes, and when the tide lowers, natural swimming pools are formed. While you’re here, visit Recife Antigo – the colonial heart of the city with great music; Santo Antonio – with it’s narrow and confusing streets; and Sao Jose – where you’ll find historic monuments and beautiful baroque churches.
DAY 7 – RECIFE – FERNANDO DE NORONHA
This morning, we transfer you to the airport for your flight onto the stunningly beautiful area of Fernando de Noronha. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Pousada do Vale (superior suite). (B)
Fernando De Noronha
Fernando De Noronha is recognised by Brazilians and people worldwide as the finest beach destination in Brazil. The deserted beautiful beaches are complimented by the blue sea with a pleasant water temperature throughout the year. It is also the best place in Brazil to practice Scuba Diving, the visibility underwater can reach up to 50 metres.
Pousada do Vale
The Pousada do Vale is situated in Elizabeth Garden, an area surrounded by natural beauty and historical treasures. The sound of the stream, the shades of the trees and the freash sea breeze makes this place enchanting and unique.
Located in the central part of Fernando de Noronha, only 250m from the beach, Pousada do Vale unites refinement with simplicity. A warm and cheerful atmosphere, personalised music panels and hand crafted furniture grace the interiors. The natural bush surroundings, fruit trees, the Mulugu stream and historical sites from the 18th century provide both a peaceful and picturesque hideaway.
This secluded retreat is nestled on 25 thousand square metres of tranquil land, offering 12 comfortable rooms. Guests can also take adventage of a dining hall, a terrace with a brick build barbeque and oven, an outdoor shower and beautiful landscaped gardens.
DAY 8 – FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Today is at leisure for you to relax and unwind, or choose an optional activity below. Overnight at Pousada do Vale (B)
Traditional Boat Tour with optional tugged diving
Navigate within a local trawler boat through the inner sea, leaving from the Port of Santo Antonio, through the secondary islands and back towards to Sapata’s tip, east point of the island. During this journey it is possible to see all inner sea beaches. One of the highlights is the spinner dolphins, accompanying the boat and making graceful acrobatics displays in the water, worthy of being filmed and photographed. On the way back to port, the boat stops at Sancho’s Bay for 40 minutes, in which you have time for swimming or snorkeling if you wish. (Snorkeling gear is not included, we recommend you to take your own equipment). At the end of the tour the boat stops near to the fort in front of the "Urro do Leão" - a rock formation that imitates the sound of a lion’s roar when the waves hit it. This activity can be done in the morning or afternoon. On returning to the port you can choose to dive being tugged.
DAY 9, 10, 11 – FERNANDO DE NORONHA
Three full free days to relax and unwind after your tour before flying home. 3 nights at Pousada do Vale (3B)
DAY 12 - DEPARTURE
Transfer back to the airport for your flight to Recife, ready to take your international flight home. (B)
This itinerary starts from £2350 per person.
Prices will depend on date of travel, inclusions and exclusions – supplements will apply during peak season periods. This price is based on deluxe hotels, but we can also quote for standard or luxury hotels. Please contact us for details: honeymoon@imtrav.net or 01728 888030
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Please note that domestic flights are not included on this package and you may find that it is best to book these as part of your international flight ticket. We are able to arrange these for you if needed at additional cost; please ask us for details
If you go ahead and arrange them yourselves, please note you will need the following:
• Day 3 – Iguassu to Rio de Janeiro
• Day 6 – Rio de Janeiro to Recife
• Day 7 – Recife to Fernando de Noronha
• Day 12 – Fernando de Noronha to Recife
