DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Iguassu Falls

You will be met at Foz do Iguassu Airport and transferred to your hotel near one of the greatest waterfalls in the world and regarded as one of Latin America's most awe-inspiring sights.

The mighty Iguassu Falls, whose name means "Great Waters", straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil - although almost 80% of the falls are on the Argentinian side. It is situated in a huge tropical rainforest that has been declared a World Heritage Site, with countless flora and fauna species.

Day 2: Tour of Brazilian Falls

This morning enjoy a half day tour of the Brazilian side of the incredible Iguassu Falls, with panoramic views of the nearly 2-mile (3 km) cliff edge. We take an elevator down to the base of the waterfalls and stop at different viewing points.

The volume of water flowing over the falls varies greatly depending on seasonal rainfall, but the falls are a spectacular sight at any time of year. The waterflow is highest between October and March, with the heaviest rains from December to February, when many trails are closed.

Afterwards we visit the Bird Park, one of the largest and most important in the world, with over 1,300 exotic bird species as well as 25 species of reptiles & butterflies. Your afternoon is at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore further independently.

Day 3: Tour of Argentinian Falls

Today enjoy a half day tour of the Argentinian side of the incredible Iguassu Falls.

Comprising approximately 275 separate cascades, the falls form a curtain of foaming water that crashes over a vast granite amphitheatre and into the jungle below. Resembling a reversed letter "J", most of the Iguazu River plunges down through an area known as The Devil’s Throat, with the rest spreading out over a wide shelf that splits into hundreds of different waterfalls.

There are a series of walkways that lead above, below and behind the falls, with breathtaking views. You can also hope to see monkeys, toucans, parakeets and other wildlife in the rainforest.

Note: Take your passport for the border crossing and rain gear, as you will get wet visiting the Argentina side of the falls.

Day 4: Fly to Rio de Janeiro

Transfer to Foz do Iguassu Airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in this iconic city. Rio is famous for its magnificent setting and enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer looking down from Corcovado Mountain - one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

Rio is also home to the magnificent Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Barra da Tijuca beaches and known for its samba and bossa nova dancing, carnivals and music festivals.

Day 5: Rio City Tour

Today enjoy a full day shared coach tour of Rio de Janeiro, known locally as Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City).

We start by boarding the cog train from Cosme Velho Station to Corcovado Mountain, to see one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Enjoy the steep 20-minute train journey through the dense Atlantic rainforest of Tijuca, with wonderful views of the lush tropical vegetation, and scenic landscapes of the city and its beaches below. Disembark and climb the steps or take the escalators to the base of the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer - one of the 7 wonders of the modern world - and enjoy its spectacular 360 degree panoramas. After descending by cog train, you will drive past some of Rio's most famous beaches - Leblon, Ipanema & Copacabana.

After lunch (own account) your tour continues with a drive through the downtown area, where we stop at the huge Metropolitan Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Sebastian) built in the form of an ancient Mayan pyramid.

We then drive past Flamengo Park, the largest public park in Rio, to one of the most famous symbols of the city - Sugarloaf Mountain. Here we travel all the way to the top, in two cable cars. The first cable car takes us to Urca Hill, a vantage point with beautiful views of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niterói Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. The second cable car takes us all the way to the top, with wonderful views over Copacabana beach, Santa Cruz fortress and the beaches of Niterói.

Note: Shared day tours have a maximum of 44 people.

Day 6: Rio Carnival Parade

After a day at leisure, this evening you will be transferred by shuttle to the purpose-built Sambadrome parade avenue to experience all the thrills of the Rio Carnival – the largest and most exciting festival in the world.

Settle into your grandstand seat in this 60,000-seater stadium and absorb the atmosphere of this world famous carnival held from Friday to Tuesday in the week before the Christian celebration of Lent (i.e. seven weeks before Easter) and is considered the 'Greatest Show on Earth'.

Preparations leading up to the Rio Carnival are very serious and take many months, with 12 samba dance schools competing for the prize money. These schools originated in the favelas, so the performances have a strong Afro-Brazilian influence. The floats are elaborate, the singing and dancing outstanding, and the costumes are simply out of this world. Visitors are encouraged to also dress up, so don your costume and let the rhythm of the samba take over, as you get swept up in the energy and euphoria of the biggest party on earth.

There are two Special Parades that take place on the Sunday and the Monday. These start at around 21:30 with six samba schools parading each day, and end around 05:00 the next morning, making it an all-night affair - although you can take an earlier shuttle back to your hotel. Each school has a minimum of 65 minutes and a maximum of 82 minutes to parade, with most taking the maximum permitted time. It really is an amazing experience and the energy and passion from those parading is incredible.

The Winner's Parade takes place on the Tuesday. It is still exciting, but lacks the competitiveness of the two Special Parades.

Note: Expect huge crowds of people at this global event, with millions of people on the streets. You will be accompanied to and from the shuttle to your grandstand seats.

Day 7: At Leisure

At leisure to relax on famous Copacabana Beach or on quieter Ipanema.

Day 8

Transfer to Rio de Janeiro Airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. All transfers and specified sightseeing are included, as well as grandstand Sambodrome tickets for one day of the Rio Carnival. International and domestic flights are not included and will be quoted separately.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.