Rio de JaneiroCity Break - Comfort

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to your centrally located hotel in Rio. Sample some of the delicious local and international cuisine and enjoy the world-class nightlife."God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio," so say the Cariocas, residents of this beautiful city. This is a densely packed city of over 9 million inhabitants, whose economic foundations lie in the cultivation of sugar cane and gold mining. Referred to as the “cidade maravilhosa” (Marvellous City), few cities enjoy such a dramatic setting as Rio. Brilliant, white beaches at Copacabana and Ipanema, deep blue waters of the Atlantic, the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay, the bare blue slopes of the Sugar Loaf combine to make Rio unique. Standing over it all, atop Corcovado (Hunchback), is the huge statue of Christ the Redeemer, the best place from which to appreciate the city. Superb panoramic views of the city and area can also be found from the top of the Pao do Açucar (Sugar Loaf), reached by cable car. Head to some of the famous beaches, and prepare yourself for an experience unlike anything else on Earth.Although the Portuguese first sailed and entered the bay, it was the French who first established a settlement in the area, logging Brazil wood along the coast. Their first permanent settlement lasted a brief five years, when they were attacked and driven from the area by the encroaching Portuguese. A series of skirmishes ensued, with the Tomaio people allied with the French against the Portuguese.In 1567 the Portuguese began construction of a fortified town to repel any invaders, naming it Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. Amassing wealth with the gold rush of Minas Gerais, in the early 18th century Rio became Brazil’s most important city and a great temptation to the French who, in 1710, waged war against the Portuguese and held the city for a sizeable gold ransom. Again in the 19th century, under threat of Napoleon’s invasion, what remained of the Portuguese monarchy fled to Brazil where they set up court in grand style; many of today’s older structures date from this period.The gold rush was followed by a coffee boom in the mid-1800s and the wealth generated led to the city’s initial modernization. Replacing Salvador de Bahía as the colonial capital in 1763, the city remained the capital until 1960, when it was replaced by Brasilia. Today, the city is a magnet for tourists who come to walk the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, and generally partake in the Carioca zest for life. Many ascend the Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao do Açucar), whose image is nearly synonymous with Rio and Carnival. Modern Rio is perhaps best known for the contrasting images offered by the favelhas (also spelled favelas; shanty towns), and the glitz and glamour preferred by the Samba schools and their Carnival celebrations.Rio is definitely a tale of two cities: the upper and middle classes reside in the Zona Sul, the lower class in the Zona Norte. Favelas (shantytowns) cover steep hillsides on both sides of town - Rocinha, Brazil's largest favela, is in Gávea, one of Rio's richest neighbourhoods. Most industry is in the Zona Norte, as is most of the pollution. The ocean beaches are in the Zona Sul.Rio is divided into a Zona Norte (North Zone) and a Zona Sul (South Zone) by the Serra da Carioca, steep mountains that are part of the Parque Nacional da Tijuca. These mountains descend to the edge of the city centre, where the two zones meet.

Day 2 Rio de Janeiro

One of the most densely populated cities in the world is also one of the most vibrant and exciting. Visit some of the city's highlights - Copacabana, Ipanema, Botofogo, and some of the beaches that have given Brazilians their reputation for bronzed skin and beautiful bodies - on a four-hour tour, included on the second day of your city break. The tour will also include stops for shopping downtown and a ride to the corcovado to see the famous statue of Christ.

Day 3 Depart Rio de Janeiro

Depart the hotel at your leisure, either to the airport or for more adventure in Brazil and beyond.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Comfortable hotel (2 nts)
Departure	Departs any day
Group Size	No Minimum
Included Highlights	Half-day city tour, arrival or departure transfers
Local Payment	N/A
Meals Included	No meals included.
StartFinish	Rio de Janeiro
Transport	Transfers in private shuttle
Brochure Intro	A city like no other. Rio de Janiero has everything from decadent eateries to wild all night samba bars. The Cariocas - as the inhabitants are called - thrive on dance, drink, beach, sport and sun and, with a little effort, you'll have the chance to participate in their heady lifestyle.

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