Brazil: The Essence of Carnival

Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, ride by cable car to the peak of Sugar Loaf Mountain, where you toast the sunset and drink in the amazing views. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

This morning, take to the streets for an authentic Carnival experience among the costumed revelers, festive floats and live music that culminate in a meandering, block-by-block party. These blocos span the whole city, immersing it in the contagious spirit of freedom and joy that defines Carnival. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. This evening, hit the streets once more for the dazzling Rio Carnival Winners’ Parade, an encore performance featuring the best costumes, floats and sambas from the previous weekend’s official competition. Settle into your grandstand seat along the Sambodromo Avenue parade route. Elaborate floats and brightly costumed troupes of spirited dancers parade past as cocktails pour freely and samba beats crescendo through the night air. Your local guide provides expert insight as the performers pass by. While the celebration continues on until sunrise, there are opportunities to return to your hotel after each presentation.

Enjoy a morning at leisure with breakfast in bed, a stroll along Copacabana Beach or a relaxing sojourn by the pool. After lunch at a waterfront restaurant, embark on a scenic cruise of Guanabara Bay. Sit back and take in this new perspective of the city skyline and its lush mountain backdrop. Cruise in toward the beachfront of Rio’s sister city, Niteroi, revealing Oscar Niemeyer’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the Costa e Silva Bridge and Santiago Calatrava’s Museum of Tomorrow. Return to shore for an evening at leisure, perhaps stepping out local-style for a late dinner and cocktail savored among the city’s festive atmosphere and ever-present samba beat.

This morning, journey up Corcovado Mountain for a spectacular glimpse of Rio, and an up-close look at the majestic statue, Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Relax with an afternoon at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of Rio’s best restaurants.

Sleep in or walk the beach on a morning at leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to historic Salvador, Brazil’s former capital. Arrive at your luxurious hotel, a Salvador landmark known for its Art Deco aesthetic. Later this evening, gather on the hotel’s rooftop terrace for a Scenic Sundowner cocktail overlooking Saints Bay. Head out for dinner at a local restaurant.

Take in the largest assemblage of colonial architecture in Latin America as you stroll the cobbled lanes of the Pelourinho, or town center. Discover a pastel canvas of brightly painted stucco and terra cotta tiles, exploring São Francisco Church and the Municipal Square. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the rhythms of Bahia, a percussive regional music that drives the pulse of the city. A local expert guides you through the finer points of this influential sound, leading an upbeat and interactive performance.

Continue your exploration of Bahia culture, sampling the eclectic blend of Mediterranean, African, Latin and Asian flavors that define this regional cuisine. Begin at the bustling São Joaquim market, gathering ingredients for a Chef’s Table experience featuring a flavorful local dish, moqueca. After an afternoon at leisure, gather for a Bahia musical performance and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.