February 4, 2016 (Day 1): USA / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Today, you will depart for your international flight to Rio.

February 5, 2016 (Day 2): Rio de Janeiro (D)

This morning, you’ll arrive from your overnight flight.  Once you clear customs and immigration services, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to rest and refresh.  The afternoon is yours to enjoy leisurely as you wish.  Tonight, you will be treated to your “Welcome to Brazil” dinner.  This is your chance to mix and mingle with your fellow travelers and ask your tour guide any questions you may have about your local itinerary, the country of Brazil, or the local culture.  Every night of Carnival, join thousands of revelers at the numerous block parties around town.

February 6, 2016 (Day 3): Rio de Janeiro (BL)

This morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel followed by an all-day city highlights tour.  During this 8-hour Jeep excursion, you will visit the four most important cultural and natural icons of Rio.  Your itinerary starts with Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, featuring spectacular exotic Brazilian flora, waterfalls, and trails.  Next up is Corcovado Mountain, one of the most spectacular views of the city, and home to the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer.  Your next stop is Sugarloaf Mountain, a picturesque tourist landmark of Rio de Janeiro.  Finally, the Botanical Garden is one of the world’s most unique parks showcasing Royal Palms, huge water lilies, and endangered coastal trees.  Tonight you’re free to discover the exciting city of Rio de Janeiro on your own. Take in the local nightlife, ask your tour guide for a restaurant recommendation to sample the cuisine of Rio, or join one of the over 300 Carnival block parties that will take place around the city.

February 7, 2016 (Day 4): Rio de Janeiro (BL)

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a thrilling, cultural experience during a 3-hour tour to Rocinha Favela. Here you will embrace the diversity of Rio, the lifestyle of the favela’s inhabitants, and experience the different cultures of the region. Your escort will guide you through small streets where you will see the daily life of the community up close and visit a market selling food and crafts from the northern parts of Brazil.  Be sure to rest this afternoon at your hotel before dinner because tonight holds what you’ve been waiting for: the Carnival Samba Parade. You will enjoy seats at the recently renovated Sambadrome, which is the parade and competition grounds that allow 90,000 revelers to cheer on the top samba schools in Brazil this evening. Be prepared to party like the Brazilians since the parade will run from 9PM to 6AM or later. (Hotel shuttles will be arranged throughout the evening. Due to high tourism in Rio during this period, itinerary order may be adjusted to accommodate traffic conditions.)

February 8, 2016 (Day 5): Rio de Janeiro (B)

After last night’s activities, you may want to sleep in a bit.  Good news, today is a day at leisure.  Explore Rio on your own, take in the sights and sounds or whatever you fancy.  Be sure to take some time to visit the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, where Rio’s beautiful people play.

February 9, 2016 (Day 6): Rio de Janiero / Iguassu Falls (BLD)

This morning, board your flight to Iguassu Falls.  Upon arrival, you will be greeted and start your tour to the Bird Park Sanctuary, set on 12 acres of subtropical forest and home to over 150 species of exotic birds including many native to the region.  This evening, you’re in for a special treat — a unique Brazilian samba BBQ dinner show that also includes native dance and culture from around Brazil and beyond.

February 10, 2016 (Day 7): Iguassu Falls (BL)

After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for an all-day walking tour through paths, footbridges, and viewing platforms on the Brazilian side of the falls.  275 cascades form a 1.5 mile long crescent where torrents of water plunge down to the basin 230 feet below; you’ll experience this magnificent scene from a platform right in the middle to give you the best view possible, allowing you to see each and every fall.  Get an up close and exciting glimpse of the Devil’s Throat on the Macuco Safari Boat Ride (optional), which will take you in direct contact with the falls.  Bring an extra change of dry clothes as you will get wet!

February 11, 2016 (Day 8): Iguassu Falls / Buenos Aires, Argentina (BL)

Today starts by crossing the border from Brazil into Argentina by bus followed by a short train ride and 20-minute walk along wooden paths to the face of the Devil’s Throat, the U-shaped junction between the two countries that forms one of the most powerful cascades in all of Iguassu. You will literally be suspended within inches of the falls allowing for an up-close view of the power of Iguassu. Afterwards you will be transferred for your flight to Buenos Aires. Tonight, you’re on your own to explore the sophisticated (and late) nightlife of Buenos Aires.

February 12, 2016 (Day 9): Buenos Aires (BLD)

Following breakfast at your hotel, your guide will lead you on a city tour through the most important areas of Buenos Aires including Plaza de Mayo, Government House, Colon Opera House, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo, and La Boca.  Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.  In the evening, enjoy a tantalizing Tango show and luscious dinner at a famous Argentinian theatre.

February 13, 2016 (Day 10): Buenos Aires, Argentina / USA (B)

This morning, you’ll have the option to visit a famous Gaucho Ranch to experience the local traditions and the daily life of the Gauchos. You’ll also be treated to a folkdance and tango show and be amazed by their beautiful native costumes. The show culminates with a native horse exhibition featuring gaucho ring races. Enjoy famous Argentine wine at a special barbecue lunch event–the barbecued beef is one of the best in the world. This activity is optional and incurs an added charge not included in your tour price.  Tonight, you will be transferred to the Buenos Aires airport for your overnight flight to your home destination.

February 14, 2016 (Day 11): USA

As you arrive home, we hope you will take with you cherished experiences and memories to share with family and friends.

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro: Novotel Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont

Iguassu Falls:  Wish Resort Golf Convention Foz do Iguaçu

Argentina

Buenos Aires:  Intercontinental Buenos Aires

International and all internal air add-on:

Miami: $1,199 per person including taxes

Los Angeles: $1,299 per person including taxes

Inclusions:

• Hotel transfers to and from the airport
• All sightseeing, attraction, and venue tickets detailed on the itinerary (not including options listed)
• Brazil Carnival Sambadrome tickets for the Special Group Sunday Show
• Meals listed on daily itinerary (8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 specialty dinners–outlined below)
  • “Welcome to Brazil” dinner event including wine and beer
  • Samba dinner show in Brazil
  • Tango dinner show in Argentina
• Two (2) bottled waters per day
• 4-star hotel or similar standard whenever possible
• Services of an English speaking local tour guide
• Transport in air conditioned vehicles

Exclusions:

• Roundtrip international air transportation
• All intra-South America air transportation within Brazil and Argentina including airport taxes
• Tour guide and driver gratuity (suggested $15 per day per person)
• Argentina entrance reciprocity fee $160 (must be paid online prior to trip)
• Brazil visa must be obtained prior to departure; generally requires one month processing time ($160 plus processing fees)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for all meals unless specified otherwise
• Optional travel insurance
• Optional tours and activities listed on itinerary
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• All items of a personal nature, e.g., souvenirs, phone calls, laundry, room service, hotel incidentals, etc.