6 Days and 5 Nights – Carnival Special with 3* Hotel

People speculate that the word Carnival derives from caro-vale, meaning “good-bye meat”. The reasoning goes something like this: for the 40 days of Lent, nominally Catholic Brazilians give up liver or flank steaks. To compensate for the big sacrifices ahead, they rack up sins in a delirious carnal blowout in honor of King Momo, the King of Carnival. Carnival is a genuine national celebration, which for the Brazilians is more important than Christmas, New Years and Easter rolled into one.

Day 1 Friday 17 February 2012 – Arrival to Rio de Janeiro

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, the city of mountains and sea, samba and carnival, and a relaxed way of life. You are transferred to your hotel a small walk from Copacabana Beach. This afternoon, your orientation begins visiting the Sugar Loaf, known world over as Rio’s postcard and a must to visit. Since the best time of the day to go up the cable car is later this tour is operated in the afternoon.

Sugar Loaf is reached on a two-stage cable car ride. This cable car, in operation is of Italian manufacture and takes 80 persons per trip on a 2-minute ride, each stage. The first stage, Morro da Urca – barely 170 mts high, has a restaurant, amphitheater, a helipoint for scenic rides and a privileged view of the Yacht Club and Botafogo Bay. The second stage takes one up to the Sugar Loaf – thus named because of the loaves of sugar that were commonly used by the Portuguese at the time of the discovery of the city. The all  encompassing view of this privileged 270-meter high lookout is unrivaled.

Overnight Hotel Augusto Copacabana – Rio de Janeiro

Day 2 Saturday 18 February 2012: Rio de Janeiro – Corcovado mountain with Statue of Christ

This morning you will be taken to one of Wonders of the World : The statue of Christ the Redeemer, which crowns the top of the Corcovado mountain with stunning views of Guanabara Bay, Sugar Loaf and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema below. The perfect way to reach the summit is on the toy train which zig zags its way up through the lush rainforest of the Tijuca Forest where its possible see monkeys and parrots in the trees. Once on top you will have ample time to admire the views.

Overnight Hotel Augustos Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro (B)

Sunday 19 February 2012 Rio’s Carnival Sambodrome

The big day. Short walk (3 blocks approx. 10 min) to the nearest ocean front hotel to take the a  bus to the Sambodrome to see the Carnival Parade. Be prepared for a very late night.  Since 1984, the Samba Parade found a permanent home at the Sambodrome, in the Downtown area. It consists of several independent concrete structures along both sides of Av. Marquês de Sapucaí, the samba runway. They lead to the Apotheosis Square, crowned by a concrete M that brings to mind the symbol of fast-food chain. During the school year, parts of the structure are used as classrooms by public schools. The Square is often stage of shows, and major bands have already performed here. When Carnival magic takes over, the Sambodrome is the setting for the greatest show on earth. It’s very safe inside the Sambodrome, and you are welcome to bring your camera or camcorder. They are plenty of snack bars with drinks, sandwiches, fries, but extra rolls of film and batteries are really hard to find. Sector 9 is reserved for tourists and you will have a numbered seat (bleacher). The sectors share an area known as recuo da bateria (drummers’nich). When schools pass by the percussion band, things tend to get hotter and you enjoy the benefits.  The Samba Schools Parade at Rio’s Sambodrome is something everybody has to experience at least once in life. The event is broadcast live to several countries, and all Brazilian states.  The experience is so intense, through, that memories will last a lifetime.

Overnight Hotel Augustos Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro (B)

Monday 20 February 2012 – Rio de Janeiro – Free Day

This day is reserved to recover from the last evening or buy another ticket for the Sambodrome.

Optional: Carnival Like a Native

Today you will have time to relax and prepare yourself for the biggest adventure in your life. Carnival like a Native It’s the best way to enjoy the true spirit of Carnival. You will live all the emotion and excitement of this special celebration as you will be the honored guest of one of Rio’s fabled “Samba Schools”.  You will be fitted with you own costume of the school. On parade night you will be transported to the Sambodrome and, in the company of our guide and fellow members of “Escola de Samba”, you will participate in the unforgettable parade that is Carnival in Rio. Rates on request.

Overnight Hotel Augustos Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro (B)

Tuesday 21 February 2012 –  Rio de Janeiro – Free Day

Day at Leisure to explore the city.

Overnight Hotel Augustos Copacabana - Rio de Janeiro (B)

Wednesday 22 February 2012 – Transfer Out

A wonderful holiday has come to an end, but we’ll never forget the fun and excitement experienced. You might want to extend your holiday visiting another exciting destination in Brazil. Transfer to the airport for your next destination.

(B)

Price per person £ 1,265.00* 

Price per person in Pound Sterling, based on double occupancy; local tax included, subject to availability and exchange rate fluctuations, group rates upon request

BOOKING FORM - TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

* For this special package we require full payment when making a reservation.

INCLUDED

• 5 Nts at Hotel Augustus Copacabana
• 5 breakfasts
• Transfers and tours in deluxe air-conditioned vehicles
• Tours as mentioned in private with English Speaking guide
• Transfer to and from Sambodrome with Entrance ticket to Sambodrone Sector 9 Numbered Seat (Bleacher), Assistance during the parade

EXCLUDED ARE

• International flights
• Insurances
• Airport and border taxes
• Drinks, meals not listed above
• Tips: driver and guide
• Other expenses of a personal nature
• Hotel and or Room upgrades

Hotels offered can be up or downgraded according to your requirements. Furthermore beach extensions, city breaks, excursions, day tours etc. can be added to complement your holiday. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a custom made proposal.

Tel. 0203-287 7587 or email info@latintravel.co.uk

All our holiday packages come with a 100% financial protection. Any money you pay us will go into a Trust Account. The Trustees safeguard your holiday investment against fraud, dishonesty or financial failure. For more information please see the Stand Alone Safe Seat Plan of the Travel Trust Association: latintravel.co.uk/SASSP.pdf.

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Registered office 2nd Floor, 145-157 St John Street, London EC1V 4PY

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