XTS RIO DE JANEIRO AND ARRAIAL DO CABO BEACH EXTENSION - BRAZIL

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Rio de Janeiro has a majestic and cinematic beauty, with urban developments nestled between a magnificent bay and dazzling beaches on one side and an abruptly rising mountain range, covered by a luxuriant tropical forest, on the other. This unique landscape makes Rio one of the most beautiful cities in the world, justifying its title of "Marvellous City" (Cidade Maravilhosa). Rio's cultural life is intense and varied. Perhaps at no time is the city's festive reputation better displayed than during the annual carnaval which enlivens the city for three solid days with music, singing, parties, balls, and desfiles (street parades of brilliantly-costumed dancers performing the samba.)

Having being declared the capital city of scuba diving, the main attraction of Arraial do Cabo is the sea. Back in the annals of Brazilian history, Arraial was covered with brazilwood, a type of tree used to dye fabrics. The wood attracted foreigner smugglers, notably Dutch and French and from these times many shipwrecks remain: it is estimated that there are 88 wrecks in the area.

Not only are the crystalline waters off Arraial considered a diver’s paradise, but Praia de Farol, on nearby Ilha de Cabo Frio, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Brazil.

This itinerary is an excellent way to begin/ round off a horse riding holiday in Santa Caterina or the Pantanal.

Trip length 6 days/ 5 nights Ride price detailed prices price promise 2012: double pp £1,395/€1,655/$2,249 Departure dates All year round on request Group size Any Meeting point Rio De Janeiro Airport, Brazil Transfer Included from meeting point Flight guide From London to Rio £500- £700

SAMPLE ITINERARY - XTS RIO DE JANEIRO AND ARRAIAL DO CABO BEACH EXTENSION

Day 1 - Rio de Janeiro

Arrival Rio de Janeiro Airport, Brazil, from here you will be met and transferred to your hotel the Praia Ipanema Hotel, at Ipanema beach or similar. 

Day 2 - Rio de Janeiro

Morning: Visit to Parque da Catacumba. Situated in 31 hectares of Altlantic forest close to Lagoa, Rio's beautiful city lake this part park, part open-air art gallery remains largely undiscovered by tourists. The park features tropical plants and nature walks alongside dramatic sculptures by local artists. A great place to escape the crowds. Look out for monkeys reclining on the park's benches and exotic birds overhead, and be sure to take the steep trail that leads past bamboo groves to a viewpoint with stunning vistas over the Lagao and out across to Ipanema.

For the adventurous types there are climbing walls, tree walks and zip wires.

Afternoon: You will be taken for a cable car ride to the top of the 396 metre high Sugar Loaf, an icon of Rio de Janeiro. From here you can really appreciate the city as well as magnificent views of the ocean, the bay, the surrounding mountains  not to speak of the exuberant tropical vegetation on this island mountain. Right underneath the mountain is a hidden coastal path where you can stroll along while appreciating the views over the sea and watch guenons and several species of humming birds. For the evening we recommend Churrasco BBQ Dinner at “Marius”, the most exotic place in town.


Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro

Morning: Pick-up at the hotel and drive up to the 710m high Corcovado Mountain with its world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue which, together with the Sugar Loaf, are Rio de Janeiro's best known symbols. From up here the panoramic view over the city of Rio de Janeiro, including the Southern and Northern Zone, is unique. Afterwards you will drive through the Floresta da Tijuca National Park, the world's largest tropical urban forest. You will enjoy breathtaking views, waterfalls and exuberant tropical vegetation of the Atlantic Coastal Rainforest. From here you will be taken to the Jardim Botânico, founded in 1808. It is considered one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in the world. A leisurely stroll leads through 7200 species of flowers, plants and trees. The garden is designed as a landscaped park and is beautifully embedded at the foothills of the surrounding mountains. Return to the hotel in time to jump the famous Copacabana waves in front at your hotel.

Afternoon: Leisure time for shopping and sightseeing.

Evening: Dinner and Samba Show at Plataforma Show House.

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro to Arraial do Cabo

After breakfast and check-out you will be taken by road to the fishermen village of Arraial do Cabo, located in the “Região dos Lagos”, 3hrs north-east of Rio de Janeiro. To get there you will be crossing the 13kms Guanabara Bridge, offering spectacular views over the bay. Upon arrival in Arraial do Cabo you will be checked in at the Hotel Ocean View or similar. Welcome drinks on the sea view terrace.

Offering some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil, Arraial do Cabo invites for immediate action! A chartered boat takes you for a round trip to As Prainhas and Ilha do Farol where you will spend the afternoon. Refreshments are on board. A wonderful start to the evening is watching the spectacular sunset at Praia Grande beach, while sipping a decent Caipirinha, the Brazilian national drink.


Day 5 - Arraial do Cabo and Cabo Frio

We suggest spending the morning on Praia do Forno beach, located right over the hill, behind the guesthouse. This beach is really something special, offering white sand and crystal clear water, excellent conditions for snorkelling along the rocks. Later on a boat comes to pick you up from the beach and takes you to a floating restaurant for lunch. Upon request we could also arrange for a scuba diving.
 
The afternoon activity is a cultural excursion to neighboring Cabo Frio, where you will visit the São Mattheus Fortress, built by the Portuguese in 1620, the Nossa Senhora da Guia Chapel and São Benedito Church, both from the early 18th century and the Itajuru channel and lagoon. We suggest dinner at a charming Restaurant in the colonial style neighborhood of Passagem in Cabo Frio.

From here you will be taken for a visit to Buzios. Originally settled by European pirates and slave traders the town prospered and became a picturesque fishing village, elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world, famous for its unique combination of sophisticated charm, rustic heritage and incredible beauty.

Day 6 Arraial do Cabo to Rio de Janeiro 

Departure to Rio de Janeiro airport for your onward travel.

Please note that this itinerary can be altered due to prevailing conditions at the time of travel.

NOTES - XTS RIO DE JANEIRO AND ARRAIAL DO CABO BEACH EXTENSION

WHAT IS INCLUDED
- 5 nights hotel and guesthouse accommodation with breakfast
- Lunch on floating Oyster Farm in Arraial do Cabo
- Activities and excursions in Rio de Janeiro as per itinerary
- Boat rides in Arraial do Cabo and excursion to Cabo Frio and Buzios as per itinerary
- A scuba diving or snorkeling session
- Transfers in private car as per itinerary
- English speaking tour guides
- Entries, fees and taxes
For price details click here

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
All meals not mentioned above, international flights, extra activities not described in the itinerary. Tips and items of a personal nature.

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