Golden Beaches of Brazil

Day 1 Arrive in Recife

Meet and greet services upon arrival at Recife’s airport and transfer to the Recife Palace Hotel. Dubbed as the "Venice of Brazil", Recife is a city and seaport in northeastern Brazil. Capital of the state of Pernambuco, it is located on the Atlantic Ocean, near the easternmost tip of South America. One of the largest cities in Brazil, Recife has retained a rich traditional side boasting some of Brazil's best folk art. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 2 Recife (Recife & Olinda)

Morning sightseeing tour of Recife, known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil inlets, a popular alternative to Rio. Visit all the major points of interest, including colonial Olinda. Olinda, now a UNESCO designated world heritage city, was founded in 1537 as the capital of the Portuguese captaincy of Pernambuco. Olinda is noted primarily for its 16th and 17th-century ornate churches monasteries and for other colonial buildings. There is a large colony of artists who produce wood carvings and pottery. At the end of the tour return to the hotel. (B)

Day 3 Recife (Porto de Galinhas)

This morning we drive some 50 miles towards Porto de Galinhas, once a sleepy fisherman’s village but now well-know for having one of the most beautiful beaches of the Brazilian coast with an amazing landscape. With warm clear water pools scattered around its coral reefs, estuaries, mangroves, coconut trees and a number of other samples of abundant nature richness make Porto de Galinhas a place not to be missed or forgotten! Crystal-clear waters of scintillating blue, with colored fish and many other marine species, plus vast coconut groves make the beach of Porto de Galinhas a striking idyllic symbol of natural beauty, with the prized peacefulness of a genuine fishing village. In the 19th century a port for the clandestine slave trade, today it has an exuberant palm trees line along the shore and the reefs forming natural swimming pools. (B)

Day 4 Recife / Natal

Departure transfer to the airport for your flight to Natal. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to the Pestana Natal Hotel for check-in. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy this serene, bright beach resort city, capital of Northeastern. (B)

Day 5 Natal (City tour)

Begin your tour in the morning from the hotels of Ponte Negra and visit the Via Costeira. Passing through the urban beach district, we’ll visit The Reis Magos Fort (The Three Kings Fort). We also pass along the neighborhoods of Santos Reis, Rocas and Ribeira, areas where Natal began its growth, to the city centre and the cathedral of Natal. Next, we’ll visit an arts and crafts centre with opportunity to browse local handicrafts that can be purchased before making our way to the panoramic view from the Morro do Careca (the bald hill). This view stretches from the outskirts of Natal, all the way across to Pirangi beach, approx 15 miles away. We’ll also get to see the largest Caju tree in the world and take a swim in the calm waters of this beach. Return your hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 6 Natal (Pipa Beach)

This excursion if made for the nature lovers. It leads to a paradise-like part of the Brazilian coast where some hectares of Atlantic Forest still have been saved from destruction. It’s deep green contrasting delightfully with light blue sea and the red sand of the beach. A trekking through the local environments leads, with some luck, to observation of rare birds and a special attraction are the dolphins, which made the waters of the crystal-clear Pipa Bay their preferred play-ground. Overnight at your hotel in Natal. (B)

Day 7 Natal / Fortaleza

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Fortaleza. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight. (B)

Day 8 Fortaleza (Morro Branco & Praia das Fontes)

Today we visit Morro Branco and Praia das Fontes, the two greatest attractions of the east coast. Morro Branco, some 50-miles from Fortaleza, appears to be a movie setting. That’s maybe the only way to define the colorful rock formations that have become a symbol of Ceara’s eastern coast. The sighs freely offer their beauty to the many bars and restaurants, which compete with the fishermen and their vessels for the most sough-after strip of sand of the Beberibe. This area is very well known for the rock formations from which the locals take the sand used in handicraft. There are many miles of these formations created by the winds, and clear fountains of water spring naturally from the rocks, creating a scene of unbelievable beauty. Water fountains, dunes, a pleasant sea for a swim, white sands and impressive rock formations create the scene of the beach of the east coast called Praia das Fontes. With countless lagoons, like the Uruaú, the greatest in the state, Praia das Fontes is a touristic center of high standard, with a water park, buggy tours and rides in the ultraleves, light aircrafts. Overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 9 Fortaleza (City tour)

Today, we have a half-day tour featuring the highlights of this beach city. This tour meets the old and the new Fortaleza, with the seaside, statue of Iracema, Futuro Beach, the dunes of Mucuripe, district of Aldeota, Mausoleum of former President Castelo Branco, the beaches of Ideal and Iracema, Cathedral Metropolitana, Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora de Assuncão, the Tourism Center and Monsenhor Tabosa Avenue. Overnight your hotel. (B)

Day 10 Fortaleza / Rio de Janeiro

Departure transfer to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Meeting services upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 11 Rio de Janeiro (Corcovado Mountain & Sugar Loaf)

Following breakfast, we drive through the fashionable Barra District making our way to the Tijuca Rain Forest and base of Corcovado Mountain. A short train ride takes us 2,400 feet up to the summit, the site of one of South America’s most famous landmarks, the 125-foot statue of "Christ the Redeemer." We stop for lunch at a "Churrascaria", for a typical Brazilian barbecue lunch (beverages not included) and continue our tour of the city's Southern District which includes the world-famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. Next we drive to Flamingo Park where we board the cable cars, making our way to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain - 1,200 feet of sheer rock overlooking Guanabara Bay. Overnight at your hotel in Rio. (B,L)

Day 12 Rio de Janeiro ( Rio by night)

Day at leisure to shop or explore the beaches or take optional tours. This evening a special treat as we set out for the Rio by night Tour. First stop for dinner at one of Rio’s best restaurants, followed by a Brazilian Extravaganza show at Plataforma where you will be treated to the contagious rhythms of the Brazilian samba with the percussion instruments unique to Brazil. The show consists of lavishly and colorfully costumed dancers and musicians presenting the richness of the nation's musical and cultural heritage. The grand finale displays some of the dazzling costumes used in the Carnival parade. Return transfer to your hotel. (B,D)

Day 13 Depart Rio de Janeiro

Today is free for more sunbathing, or to continue exploring he “Cidade Maravilhosa” (Marvelous City), at your own pace. Rio offers world-class restaurants, shopping, and varied active sports. Beaches are an integral part of the Rio’s envied lifestyle, highlighted by two of the world’s most famous -- Copacabana and Ipanema. Evening departure transfer to the airport. (B)

Remarks

Not included:
International airfare; Local airport departure taxes; Personal expenses; calls, laundry; Tips to drivers and guides Bell boys and maids; tips at the hotels; Early check in, late check out at your hotels; Alcoholic & Non alcoholic beverages; incidental charges.

Inquire about our special airfares on TAM Airlines for this package.

US Citizens require a valid passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months from return date to the US, plus a valid visa for entry into Brazil.

Optional upgrade to Hotel Nannai, in Porto de Galinhas. Please inquire.