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| Estrada Real ~ Colonial Towns of Brazil |
plus Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls & Rio de Janeiro
Explore Brazil's hidden gems - the colonial towns of Minas Gerais, plus elegant Buenos Aires, spectacular Iguassu Falls and simply stunning Rio de Janeiro. |
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| OVERVIEW |
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ITINERARY |
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PRICING |
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WHAT'S INCLUDED |
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14 nights / 15 days
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| Day Number of Tour |
| Day No. |
Location |
Program |
B |
L |
D |
| 1 |
Arrive Buenos Aires |
Arrive Buenos Aires
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D |
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On arrival in Buenos Aires today, you will be met and transferred to the NH Crillon Hotel.
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| 2 |
Buenos Aires |
City Tour: San Telmo, La Boca, Palermo, Recoleta
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B |
L |
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Today, enjoy a city tour of Buenos Aires. Visit Avenida de Mayo that runs into the Plaza De Mayo, which is surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (first City Hall, built during Spanish rule). At the other end of Avenida de Mayo you find the Congress building. Then, continue to San Telmo, the best kept historical neighbourhood and oldest district of Buenos Aires. Here you have time to stroll around Plaza Dorrego, where you can find many antique shops. On Sundays Plaza Dorrego is a must, as an antique market takes place there. Next stop is La Boca, a most colourful area with the famous street Caminito. Driving along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest in the world, see the Colon Theatre, the city's famous Opera House.
Continue to Palermo with its beautiful parks, the City Zoo, Botanical Garden, Argentine Horse Track and National Polo Fields. At the end of the tour visit the Recoleta area, one of the city's glamorous spots. Here you will find the Municipal Cultural Centre, elegant boutiques and excellent restaurants. At Recoleta Cemetery you will find the grave of Eva Duarte who became famous as Eva Peron (Evita). The cemetery is the centre of this aristocratic neighbourhood, as the more relevant personalities of Argentina's history rest here. Enjoy lunch at la Parolaccia. Return to the hotel and balance of the day at leisure.
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| 3 |
Buenos Aires |
'Santa Susana' Ranch Excursion
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B |
L |
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Take an excursion 75 km out of the city today to the ranch lands of 'Santa Susana', located in the district of Campana. This 1200 hectare property is mostly dedicated to agriculture and is now also a tourist resort. Spend some time at the ranch, and let yourself be charmed by the Argentinian countryside. Take a horse-carriage ride, visit the museum, and enjoy some typical regional games and activities, plus a folklore show. Lunch will feature local BBQ specialties and salads. When your 'estancia' experience comes to an end, return to the hotel in Buenos Aires. Evening at leisure.
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| 4 |
Buenos Aires |
Leisure time, Dinner & Tango Show
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B |
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D |
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Day at leisure for shopping or further exploration.
This evening, enjoy Dinner and a Tango Show. Visiting one of the many Tango Shows the city offers is a must when visiting Buenos Aires, the city where the tango was born. Transfer from the hotel to one of the famous Tango Houses for dinner. Then enjoy a tango show with tango dancers, musicians and singers. When this magical evening comes to an end, return to the hotel.
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| 5 |
Buenos Aires / Iguassu Falls |
Visit Brazilian Side of the Falls
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B |
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Transfer to the airport this morning for the flight to Iguassu Falls. A true natural wonder, with 275 waterfalls spanning 3km, Iguassu Falls is located amidst a sub-tropical forest in the triangle of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. On arrival, transfer to the Bourbon Cataratas hotel on the Brazilian side. This afternoon, visit the Brazilian Side of the falls. Walk along the pathways following the cascades and along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil's Throat. After enjoying the magnificent views, ascend by elevator up to the road. Return to the hotel and evening at leisure.
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| 6 |
Iguassu Falls |
Visit Argentinean Side of the Falls, 'Grand Aventura' with Boat Ride
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B |
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This morning, visit the Argentinean side of falls. Following a quick customs check, cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River which forms the border between Argentina and Brazil. Once in Argentina, take a scenic highway up to the Argentinean Iguazu National Park. Touring starts with ample time to visit the Argentinean falls. Stopping at the Visitors' Center, proceed from there to the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades, to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls and then take the Ecological Jungle Train that leads visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls - The Devil's Throat. Return to the hotel.
This afternoon, join the 'Grand Aventura'. The Great Adventure Tour is unique, and combines the whole essence of Iguassu National Park in one ride: the jungle and the waterfalls. It starts by entering the jungle from the 'Sendero Yacaratia' trail with special transportation that allows a panoramic view of the environment along with experienced guides that give information as well as the legend of this spectacular place.
After an 8 km truck ride, arrive at the Puerto Macuco Base, where the second part of this ride begins. With motor-boats, travel 6 km through the Canyon of the Iguassu River, until reaching the falls (2 km are river rapids). After enjoying the view from the calm side of San Martin Island, sail to the 'Tres Mosqueteros' waterfall. At that point, the Brazilian and Argentinean sides and the Devil's Throat can be clearly appreciated. Continue to the San Martin waterfall, a wonderful and unforgettable experience, for it's the largest waterfall any motor-boat can approach safely. The landing is at the base of the lower circuit where visitors reintegrate into the trails. When the adventure ends, return to the hotel and balance of the day and evening at leisure.
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| 7 |
Iguassu Falls / Belo Horizonte |
Local Dinner in Belo Horizonte
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B |
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D |
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Transfer to the airport today for the flight to Belo Horizonte. Capital of Minas Gerais State, Belo Horizonte is a quite young city and the first planned city built in Brazil. It is Brazil's third largest city, but it retains the relaxed feel which the 'Mineiros' (Minas Gerais natives) are famous for. It is also the air gateway to the historical cities of Minas Gerais. Transfer to the Liberty Palace Hotel. Enjoy typical local fare this evening with dinner at Dona Lucinha.
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| 8 |
Belo Horizonte / Ouro Preto |
Drive Through Belo Horizonte, Visit the Town of Mariana
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B |
L |
D |
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Take a drive through Belo Horizonte this morning, with time to admire Sao Francisco de Assis Church, designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Continue by road to Ouro Preto visiting Mariana en route. The enchanted city, founded in 1696, was, for a short time the capital of State of Minas Gerais. It was originaly called Royal Village of Our Lady of Carmel. In 1745 it received its present name which was in honor of Queen Maria Ana. A walk down its picturesque streets reveals houses which date from the beginning of the XVIII century, with their balconies of wood, iron and even soapstone. In Minas Gerais Plaza, see St. Francis of Assissi Church with its richly sculptured door, our Lady of Carmel, the City Hall and the Pillory. On arrival in Ouro Preto, check-in at Solar Do Rosario Hotel. This evening enjoy dinner at Deguste.
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| 9 |
Ouro Preto |
Opera House, Our Lady of the Pillar, Oratorio Museum, Museum of Mineralogy
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B |
L |
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Explore the cobblestone streets of Ouro Preto today; visits include the Opera House, the churches of Our Lady Of The Pillar, with its carved works painted entirely in gold and Saint Francis of Assis, designed by Aleijadinho, with soapstone sculptures by the same artist. Also visit the Oratorio Museum and the Museum of the School of Mines for a complete mineralogical view of Brazil. Lunch today is in a typical 'mineiro' food restaurant - an opportunity to taste the region's farm style savory dishes.
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| 10 |
Ouro Preto / Tiradentes |
Visit Towns of Congonhas & Sao Joao del Rey
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B |
L |
D |
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Depart this morning by road for Congonhas, a historical town boasting important works from the Golden Age of Brazil. The main points of interest are Aleijadinho's sculpture masterpieces of the Twelve Prophets carved in soapstone and his sculptural representation of the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross), made in polychromatic woodwork. The set of life sized sculptures is one of Brazil's greatest artistic treasures. Continue to Sao Joao del Rey, settled in 1703, when gold was discovered in the area. Being at the junction of the various roads that cut across the interior on the Capitania, Sao Joao always fulfilled important functions, as the political center and commercial axis. Significant urbane and religious architecture developed there, accumulating an excellent cultural collection. Highlights include the churches of Pilar (1721), Carmo (1733) and Sao Francisco de Assis (1749). Continue to Tiradentes and check-in at the Solar Da Ponte Hotel. Enjoy dinner this evening at Dona Xepa.
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| 11 |
Tiradentes |
Church of Santo Antonio, Museum of Padre Toledo, Leisure Time
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B |
L |
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This morning, explore the town. Tiradentes was the first settlement in the Rio das Mortes region when gold was discovered in 1702. Tiradentes, who was born here became Brazil's national hero while participating in the Inconfidencia Mineira (1789), a republican liberation movement in Minas Gerais that was repressed by the Portuguese. Highlights include the Church of Santo Antonio (1710), the Museum of Padre Toledo and the Fountain of Sao Jose das Botas (1749). The afternoon is at leisure to stroll in the town, or perhaps do some shopping in the many charming local shops.
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| 12 |
Tiradentes / Rio de Janeiro |
Visit Petropolis Enroute to Rio
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B |
L |
D |
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Depart Tiradentes this morning by road for Rio, visiting Petropolis en route. The city of Petropolis first started as a farm where the imperial family of Brazil built its summer residence. Petropolis is now a fine mountain resort city that is famous for its museum, and many cultural activities. Even after the abdication of D.Pedro II, Petropolis retained its glory, maintaining its status as the summer residence of the President of the Republic. Continue to Rio and check-into the Orla Copacabana Hotel on the Avenue Atlantica, across from the famous Copacbabna Beach. Dinner at a local restaurant.
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| 13 |
Rio de Janeiro |
City Tour, BBQ Lunch at Porcao Rios, Sugar Loaf Visit Until Sunset
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B |
L |
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Today's city tour begins downtown in the business centre of Rio. Here, colonial Rio meets modern skyscrapers on Rio Branco Avenue. See the Candelaria Church, the splendid Opera House (Theatro Municipal), Carioca Square, the church of Santo Antonio, built in the 17th century, as well and the contrast to modern buildings such as Petrobras headquarters and the new Metropolitan Cathedral. Pass Rio's aqueduct, built in the 18th century and now serving as a bridge for the street-cars connecting downtown to Santa Teresa district, an old residential area, and visit the Fine Arts Museum. Subject to availability, Maracana Stadium may also be visited. Continue with a drive through one of the highlights of this tour: the Flamengo Park, from where you have a privileged view of the top highlight of this tour, the Sugar Loaf. Enjoy lunch at Porcao Rio's including BBQ meats and a buffet of cold & hot dishes. End the day with a visit to the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain, ascending to the summit by cable car. The view overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most spectacular views of the world and one you will never forget. Stay until sunset and enjoy the view of Rio by night.
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| 14 |
Rio de Janeiro |
Schooner Cruise, Corcovado, Folklore & Carnival Show
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B |
L |
D |
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This morning, join a schooner cruise around Guanabara Bay, one of the most famous picture postcard scenes in the world. Embarking at the Marina da Gloria Pier, the route follows along the coastline of Rio de Janeiro, passing by Flamengo, Botafogo and Urca beaches, with view of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Proceeding as far as Niteroi Beach, you can admire Jurujuba, Charitas and Icarai beaches. Among other attractions, tour also includes views of Fiscal Island, Rio-Niteroi Bridge and historic fortresses. Return to Marina da Gloria Pier. After lunch, proceed to Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train for the ride through the Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest's lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado, proceed up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, descend by train and continue passing by some of Rio's beautiful beaches.
This evening, start with a delicious dinner in a BBQ restaurant and then proceed to a nightclub for a Folklore and Carnival Show. This is a lively and colourful extravaganza of wonderful costumes, skilled dancers, graceful and pretty mulatto girls and the hot beat of the Brazilian samba rhythm, featuring more than a hundred artists. The finale is a memorable display of the dazzling costumes used in the Carnival Parade.
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| 15 |
Depart Rio de Janeiro |
Depart Rio de Janeiro
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B |
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Transfer to Rio de Janeiro international airport for departure.
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