Join us to visit lively Rio de Janeiro and sample the colourful atmosphere, beneath the gaze of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Stroll the magical Copacabana Beach, just steps away from your 4* hotel, and be sure to experience the city’s legendary nightlife. Then enjoy a two-night stay in the fashionable resort of Buzios, famed as the ‘St. Tropez of Brazil’, with sophisticated boutiques, fine restaurants and over 20 glorious beaches.

Your holiday itinerary:

Day 1: Scheduled flight to Rio de Janeiro, via Lisbon. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to our centrally located 4: hotel in the city, overlooking Copacabana Beach, for a four night stay.

Known to Brazilians as ‘Cidade Maravilhoas’ (The Wonderful City), few places in the world can match the hospitality and natural charm of Rio de Janeiro. A city synonymous with carnival, happiness and beautiful people, Rio is truly incomparable. Located in one of the world’s most picturesque city settings, between rainforest-clad cliffs and sparkling blue sea, Rio is a real delight to the eye. The famous Sugar Loaf Mountain dominates the skyline and those who take a cable car to the top are treated to magnificent views of the city below. Located atop the Corcovado Mountain is the statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the world’s best-known and most-visited monuments.

For a taste of Brazil’s unmistakable culture, visit one of the many fascinating museums, ranging from the Modern Art Museum to the International Primitive Art Museum. Delightful parks and gardens offer a break from the lively streets, with the Botanical Gardens containing exotic plantlife from all over the world. Visit the Maracana Soccer Stadium and experience the sheer size and beauty of the world’s largest sports stadium.

Miles of white sandy beaches attract sun-worshippers from around the world, keen to top up their tan and soak up the special atmosphere. It’s impossible for visitors to resist the fabled Copacabana Beach, so famously sung about by Barry Manilow, and a stone’s throw away from your hotel. A centre of activity by both day and night, the beach is bustling with hotels, bars and open-air restaurants. Then there’s the beautiful and popular Ipanema Beach, which inspired Getz and Gilberto's classic song - ‘The Girl from Ipanema’

If you enjoy shopping then you’ll love Rio! There’s a wide variety of excellent shopping opportunities available, ranging from designer goods to jewellery, souvenir and antique stores. Rio’s malls are as much about entertainment as they are shopping, so look out for the many unique attractions on offer.

Dining in Rio is just as impressive with almost every kind of international cuisine available. Why not try one of the famous local dishes such as feijoada - a black bean and pork dish served with rice, kale and manioc. To drink, try a caipirinha, a tasty and infamously potent combination of cane sugar rum, lime juice and sugar. Rio also offers a fine selection of seafood including fresh lobster, shrimp and numerous varieties of fish.

Nightlife in Rio is legendary as the city parties well into the night. Whatever your taste in music, you’re sure to find to something to get your toes tapping - be it live jazz, salsa or samba. Dance the night away, or simply sit back and admire the style and wild costumes as the local people express themselves in true South American style!

Days 2 - 4:  After breakfast each morning, we invite you to join our excellent optional excursions. Join a fascinating full day tour of Rio including ‘Sugar Loaf & Corcovado Mountain’ to see the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, or how about an exciting ‘Jeep Tour of Tijuca Forest’ including the beautiful Macaco’s Waterfall. See the city from a totally new perspective with an exhilarating ‘Helicopter Sightseeing Tour of Rio’ and enjoy an evening to remember with a ‘BBQ & Samba Show’.

Day 5:  Today we will bid farewell to Rio and travel to Buzios for a two night stay.

Ever since Brigitte Bardot first visited the lovely colonial fishing village of Buzios in 1964, it has become one of world’s most exclusive beach resorts. Visitors from all over the world are attracted by the unique combination of rustic charm, architectural harmony, sophisticated boutiques and fine restaurants - not forgetting over 20 glorious beaches with crystal-clear waters. Lie back, relax and soak up the sun or try your hand at one of the more adventurous activities available such as windsurfing, scuba-diving and fishing.

Night-time in Buzios is when its cobbled and immaculately manicured central area really comes alive. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, where dishes range from traditional Brazilian and Italian, to freshly caught seafood. Then perhaps take in a live show, sample the lively atmosphere in one of the many welcoming bars along the elegant Rua das Pedras or grab a chocolate crepe at the open-air Chez Michou and sit back and simply watch the world go by. People-watching in Buzios is a truly captivating pastime!

Day 6:   A day at leisure to explore Buzios and discover just why it is regarded as the sister city to St. Tropez. Today you might also like to join our optional ‘Schooner Cruise’ offering great views of the shores of Buxios.

Day 7:   After a final breakfast we will transfer back to Rio Airport for the return flight via Lisbon.

Day 8: Arrive back in the UK.