Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Real travelers love South America. Andean peaks, Amazonian rainforest, Patagonian glaciers, Incan ruins, colonial towns, white-sand beaches and vertiginous nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures. It is as though the continent was built for travel; a place that excites, thrills, challenges & infuriates.

Welcome to amazing Brazil – one of the world's most captivating places. A country of powdery white-sand beaches, verdant rainforests & wild, rhythm-filled metropolises, Brazil's attractions extend from frozen-in-time colonial towns to otherworldly landscapes of red-rock canyons, thundering waterfalls & coral-fringed tropical islands.

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the ‘marvelous city’ with golden beaches, lush mountains, samba-fueled nightlife & spectacular football matches.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be met by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax & discover on your own or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

 Tropical Landscapes|Captivating Beaches| Joie de Vivre & the Rhythms

Rio de Janeiro or River of January in English, was the capital of the Portuguese empire and of the country up until 1960. Nicknamed A Cidade Maravilhosa - "The Marvelous City" is world renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and location, nestled between steep, green mountains & crystal clear seas. Lushly forested mountains fringe the city, shimmering beaches trace the shoreline & a string of tiny islands lie scattered along the seafront. 

Rio is one of the most important cultural cities in Brazil & features some of country's most famous attractions such as Copacabana & Ipanema beaches, 38 meters Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado & for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas (shanty towns). Its raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes & samba dancers, is considered the world’s largest.

The city is full of energy & Cariocas, the locals of Rio, are known for their care free spirit & charm. For them, the beach is Rio's backyard - a playground that is free and open to all, offering endless enjoyment in the form of football, volleyball, surfing, snacking, drinking or simply relaxing amid the passing parade of people.

Rio's beaches have long seduced visitors. Copacabana Beach became a symbol of Rio during the 1940s, when international starlets would jet in for the weekend. Hogging the spotlight these days is Ipanema Beach, its fame & beauty unabated since bossa nova stars Tom Jobim & Vinicius de Moraes introduced the world to its allure in the 1960s

Music is the lifeblood of Rio, with a soundtrack comprising rock, old-school bossa nova, hip-hop, funk & Brazil's many regional styles. Above all there is samba, a rapid-fire style of music with African influences & an infectious beat that is synonymous with Rio. You can hear it all over town, but the soul of samba resides in Lapa, an edgy red-light district that is home to dozens of live-music halls & an enormous weekend street party that draws revelers from all walks of life. Samba is also the integral sound during Carnaval, and the danceable backing music to street parties & all-night parades.

Speaking of Carnaval, Rio knows how to party. Whether you call it joie de vivre, Lebensfreude or lust for life, the ‘cariocas’ have it in spades. Carnaval & the buildup to it, is the most obvious manifestation of this celebratory spirit. But Rio has many other occasions for revelry: celebrations after a big Flamengo (or Vasco, Fluminense or Botafogo) soccer match; weekend samba & bossa nova parties around town; baile funk parties in the favelas (slums, informal communities); & boat parties on the bay - not to mention major fests such as Reveillon (New Year's Eve) & Festas Juninas.

Far from being mere cinematic backdrop, this seaside beauty hosts outstanding outdoor adventures: hiking in the Tijuca rainforest, cycling alongside the lake & beaches, sailing across Baia de Guanabara & surfing, rock climbing & hang gliding amid one of the world's most stunning urban landscapes.

Whether you are looking to experience Carnival, relax in a natural environment, or enjoy all the luxuries of a cosmopolitan city, Rio de Janeiro has it all! Looking out from the 710 meters peak of Corcovado, you will see why Rio is called the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City).

Sunset in Rio de Janeiro is spectacular, so why not join Rio's residents & head for the beaches of Ipanema & Copacabana and the restaurants & boutiques in the nearby boulevards. 

Evening, around 06:30 pm, accompanied by a Journeys Rep, proceed to a famous restaurant Rio Scenarium to enjoy a Welcome Dinner.  Located in a renovated warehouse on the edge of Lapa, it is an antique store-turned-bar which serves a wide range of seafood & traditional Brazilian dishes. There is also a stage on the main floor where live Brazilian samba & choro bands play as well as a dance floor in case you want to samba the night away.

Come back to the hotel (on your own).

Overnight.  D         

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & embark on a 4 hour eco friendly Bike Tour.

Reach the Meeting Point & collect the Bike & Helmut. Say hello to your fellow bikers (You have to be able to bike around 3 hours – easy riding on paved road or bike trails).

Cycling in Rio has many advantages. On one hand you can cover more ground in less time & on the other, you can enter narrow streets, which are not accessible by bus or car. Additionally, you can experience the city’s atmosphere in a unique way & be active.

Accompanied by the Tour-guide, hop on the bike, get to know the city like a real local & discover the captivating natural beauty amid the urban sprawl of colorful Rio & visit iconic landmarks, stopping regularly to listen to insightful commentary & capture excellent photographs. Cycle past the most popular sights & also to some hidden spots, which tourists usually don’t get to see. Making use of the new cycle paths, you will bike through the lively backstreets of iconic neighborhood of Copacabana heading to Botafogo.  You will visit several of Rio’s famous sites, but also some of its traditional non-touristic neighborhoods.

Start at Copacabana, to experience where big part of the social life of the locals is spent. You will pass by Rio’s ‘celebrity’ cemetery, Sao Joao Batista, resting place of several Brazilian presidents, writers, singers, actors & also renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.

Pedal to the shores of Bay of Guanabara, along the beach of Flamengo, location of the first European settlement after the discovery of Rio de Janeiro. Cycle along the paths winding through Flamengo Park, designed by famous Brazilian landscaper Burle Marx.

The route then continues to the historical center of the city, with stops at Cinelandia & Lapa, well known for its nightlife & the `Steps of Selaron’, the 250 steps covered in more than 2,000 colorful tiles from different countries. From there, you will bike on to Sugarloaf Mountain, to view its imposing vastness up close (you will not visit the Sugar Loaf itself). Gaze at the resplendent Christ the Redeemer statue on his cliff-top perch; cycle alongside the gorgeous Ipanema Beach, one of the most famous in the world. You will have the chance to see how the Cariocas (as the locals are known) enjoy their beaches, running, playing soccer & cycling along the seashore. On Sundays & national holidays, one side of the avenue is closed for recreation, jogging & extra space for bikes.

Enjoy the shaded serenity of the area surrounding the Rodrigo de Freitas Lake. The tour will also include a stop at nearby Praia Vermelha (Red Beach), a tiny oasis of quietness.

Leaving Praia Vermelha behind, pedal to the lively neighborhood of Botafogo, to get a glimpse of the back lanes of Rio. This stretch will give you a closer look at how real Cariocas (people from Rio) live when they are not on the beach.

The last part of the trip will lead to Lagoa, the big city lake, which is surrounded by green hillsides & fancy neighborhoods. In some stretches, you will follow exactly the same path as the world's most famous cyclists competed during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Rio de Janeiro is a city with over 1300 favelas & more 3 million people living there and it is impossible to not see the social differences & inequalities. Rio by Bike (the operator of this bike tour) see it as their responsibility to give back a portion of earning to some of the community projects & they always strive to enhance the social impact

During the Tour, you will take a break to enjoy a drink of coconut water (great to avoid dehydration), mineral water or soft drink. Spend rest of the morning on the beach.

The ‘guided’ tour finishes & you can proceed to the hotel or continue exploring (on your own).

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Getting hungry & thirsty? Do just like the cariocas & just sit down for lunch at the popular “Garota de Ipanema” bar & find out where the inspiration for the famous song came from. This is where Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Morais, the authors of “The girl from Ipanema”, used to sit down after the beach & watch the “Tall & tan & young & lovely, the Girl from Ipanema goes walking…”

Right after Lunch (ncluded) we strongly recommend a stroll around the Hippie Market (walking distance from restaurant). Rio's "Hippie Fair" is located in Ipanema & functions on Sundays. It was started in the '60s by a group of local hippies who were looking for a regular place to sell their handicrafts to tourists & locals & as an informal showplace for art works & handicrafts of the long-haired generation. As the years passed by, more & more people joined in, until it reached the established & regular outdoor Fair that it is today. Now, it sells a wide range of clothes, furniture, arts & crafts that make great gifts or takeaways to remember Brazil.

Practice your bargaining skills with the vendors & engage in friendly conversation with the locals who have flocked to this fair every Sunday since its inception in 1968. (Bargaining is accepted at the Fair, especially when buying multiple items, yet it is better to keep haggling within reasonable margins). Stop by one of the food stalls to try an acaraje, a croquette, fried in palm oil & filled with spicy shrimp.

Ipanema may conjure a chic scene, but its simpler past has lived on since the '60s at Praça General Osorio, one of the district's Plazas. The Feira de Ipanema, also known as the Hippie Market (Feira Hippie de Ipanema), is a celebrated daily event with everything from purses to paintings up for sale.

The Feira de Arte de Ipanema (more commonly known as the Hippie Fair) is the most well-known & popular street market in the south zone of the city. Stalls of various goodies are set up every Sunday around the perimeter of Praça General Osorio Square, while the center of the Square is reserved for artists selling much larger canvases & artworks. For unique souvenirs, there is no better place in Rio to go.

Most of the jewelry at the Hippie Fair is hand-made, offering one-of-a-kind pieces in various styles. There are some of pure silver with beautiful gemstones, others made of black leather straps with metal or wooden trinkets & some purely wooden designs. Most of the jewelry stalls have everything from necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets & charms to add to your own chain.

There is a bounty of artwork available, from oils to watercolors, realist to abstract and many of them depict images of Brazil & Rio de Janeiro. The ones painted on cloth-like fabrics are easier to toll up & pop in a suitcase, while larger canvases are a bit more tricky to transport. There are also various ceramic figurines of typical Bahian imagery, as well as lace & embroidery. Hammocks are popular at the market & can make an unusual & comfortable addition to the home or garden. There are also other novel beautifully & skillfully handcrafted furniture pieces, such as wooden chairs & tables.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight.   B L 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide / Naturalist at 09:00 am & depart for a full day 6 hour approx. magical tour of secluded beaches & guided walks, through the Atlantic Rainforest, mangroves, sandy coastal plains. These are the original “ecosystems”, which covered the entire area of Rio de Janeiro, prior to the arrival of the Portuguese settlers.

On this particular tour, you will learn about the 3 different ecosystems of Rio de Janeiro while enjoying the beautiful landscape. You will drive through preserved areas of Rio until you reach the Parque Natural Municipal da Prainha, located behind the “Prainha” beach considered one of the prettiest beaches of Rio & the best one for surfing. The Park contains an area of preserved Atlantic Rainforest, where we will take a short hike & show some of the typical trees of the Atlantic Rainforest and possibly spot wild birds & monkeys.

After leaving Prainha, you will make a short stop to see a typical “Restinga”, which means “Sandy Coastal Plains” in English. You will see this type of vegetation in the beautiful beach of Grumari, which is also a conservation unit managed by the municipality.

An amazing Brazilian seafood lunch will be served at a popular restaurant known for “peixadas” & “muquecas” a typical seafood dish that is very popular throughout Brazil.

After lunch, we will visit the Chico Parque Natural Municipal, an Ecological Reserve of utmost importance for the city & the state of Rio inaugurated in 1989 with the purpose of preserving the Lagoinha (small lagoon) das Tachas & its natural environment rich in species of flora & fauna, some endangered.

An old rubber Plantation, the Chico Mendes Environmental Park, works as a center for the preservation of nature, environmental education & for social interaction. This important green lung is located in the south-western part of the city, in the neighborhood of Recreio dos Bandeirantes & its official name pays tribute to the rubber tapper, trade unionist & defender of the Amazon rainforests called Francisco Alves Mendes.

Chico Mendes, an internationally recognized environmentalist, led a peaceful but firm fight against the indiscriminate deforestation of the Amazon rainforest & in defense of indigenous peoples. His work won several international awards, but it also earned the hatred of those who had economic interests in the jungles he defended. He was killed by ranchers in Xapuri (Brazil) on December 22, 1988. He is, to this day, one of the most important local figures & there is a Memorial dedicated to him.

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Walking on almost 5 kilometers of trails, viewing spots & outdoor gyms through the 44 hectares Park, is an encounter with nature in its purest form. What is important here is not the landscape conception or design, but the maintenance & protection of the natural environment that allow visitors to enjoy the native flora & fauna. Along the Trails, it is possible to see primates that live free in the Park & replicas of the traditional houses of the rubber tappers & indigenous people. You will also be able to read about regional legends on the many information boards.

There is also an animal shelter that deals with the care & rehabilitation of injured or sick animals. Once recovered they are returned to their natural habitat within the Park.

Splattered with marshes & sandbanks, the Park offers shelter to animals native to the Amazon Rainforest, such as jaguars, monkeys, snakes, a large population of the jacare-de-papo-amarelo (yellow jowl Caima alligator), which originally inhabited all the lagoons around Rio, a species now threatened due to the destruction of its natural habitat; jabutis (red-legged tortoise), capybaras, three-toed sloths & birds such as quero-quero (tero or alcaravan), marreca-ananai (Brazilian duck) & irere, among others.

In the Chico Mendes Park Visitor Center you can see several informative panels with photos & descriptions of the fauna & flora that inhabit the Park. From the site, you can also acquire beautiful works made by craftsmen - wooden products, jewelry, baskets, pieces of latex & other craftwork made entirely from the raw materials sourced from the forest. An excellent choice for getting in touch with the Amazon Rainforest & the traditions of its people.

Return to the hotel around 03:30 pm.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L 

Today, you will see the most iconic site in South America.

Morning, around 08:00 am, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed to the Train Terminal in the charming neighbourhood of Santa Teresa to board the subway train to Corcovado.  Crowning Corcovado at 2400 feet above sea level, is the majestic statue of Christ standing 120 feet high. The Redeemer’s outstretched arm welcomes you to a breathtaking panorama - unmatched for its spellbinding magic!

Corcovado (meaning "hunchback" in Portuguese), a symbol in the Brazilian culture, is a granite mountain in Tijuca Forest National Park in central Rio de Janeiro. Corcovado hill lies just west of the city center but is wholly within the city limits & visible from great distances. An additional attraction of the mountain is rock climbing. The south face had 54 climbing routes in 1992. The easiest way starts from Park Lage.

It is known worldwide for the legendary 38 metre Statue of Jesus entitled Christ the Redeemer with its open arms blessing the whole city & the viewing platform atop its peak. Known as the “wonder of Rio”, it was voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But most importantly, however, the Statue has become a global symbol of Christianity that attracts millions of believers & non-believers to the top of Mount Corcovado every year.

Looking out from the 2329 feet peak of Corcovado, you will realise why Rio is called the Cidade Maravilhosa. Lushly forested mountains fringe the city, shimmering beaches trace the shoreline & a string of tiny islands lie scattered along the seafront. From the Observation point, the panoramic view includes downtown Rio, Sugarloaf Mountain, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (lake), Copacabana & Ipanema beaches, deep blue waters, mountains, forests, Estadio do Maracana (Maracana Stadium), Fortaleza Santa Cruz, Niteroi stretch with inter-connected urban areas & several of Rio's favelas. Cloud cover is common in Rio & the view from the platform is often obscured.

The Peak & Statue can be accessed via a narrow road, by the 3.8 kilometre memorable & steep Corcovado Rack Railway, which was opened in 1884 or by the walking trail on the south side of the mountain that starts from Parque Lage. Most interesting as well as time saving, however, is the train passing through very picturesque scenery. The railway uses 3 electrically powered trains, with a passenger capacity of 540 passengers per hour.  

Proceed to the Station at the bottom of the Corcovado Hill & board the comfortable cog-wheel train that takes 20 minutes through the Tijuca Rainforest, to ascend the mountain.

Upon arrival at the top, either by train or road, the Observation Deck at the foot of the Statue is reached by 223 steps, or by elevators & escalators.

Notable past visitors to the mountain peak include Pope Pius XII, Pope John Paul II, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Albert Einstein, Diana, Princess of Wales & General Sherman, among others.

The open-armed savior has stood atop his lofty perch, gazing peacefully over Rio, since 1931 & has become a symbol of Christianity across the world & a cultural icon of both Rio de Janeiro & Brazil.

Constructed between 1922 & 1931, Christ the Redeemer is an Art Deco Design, thanks not to one, but a handful of different designers who crafted & created the statue over a period of 9 years. Initial sketch by artist Carlos Oswald was Jesus carrying a Cross in one hand & a Globe in the other & then a design for the statue to “face the rising sun” from the top of the mountain. Eventually, it was decided to design the Statue into the massive Art Deco-style style that is seen today, with Jesus Christ stretching out his arms wide, a symbol of peace, as if to welcome the citizens of Rio with open arms (literally).

Designed & created by a French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski & built by the engineer team of Brazilian Heitor da Silva Costa & French Albert Caquot. Romanian sculptor Gheorghe Leonida fashioned the face.

The Statue is a remarkable work of artistry, but most people don't come up here to admire the art deco design. They come for the mesmerizing panorama, a combination of tropical rainforest, beaches, islands, ocean, bay & verdant peaks, that surrounds this unlikely metropolis.

The idea of designing a massive statue of Jesus Christ in Rio first came about way back in the 1850s, when Vincentian priest Pedro Maria Boss first proposed placing a Christian monument on Mount Corcovado in the mid 1850s to honor Princess Isabel, regent of Brazil & the daughter of Emperor Pedro II, but the project was not approved. Apparently, he had requested Princess Isabel to fund the project, but the idea was scrapped after a Declaration of the Republic was promulgated in 1889 - a pinnacle move as it separated the Church from the State in the country.

It wasn’t until after World War I when the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Rio & a group of locals started becoming concerned about the “lack of religious faith” in the Brazilian community & it was hoped that by placing a massive statue of Jesus on top of a mountain in Rio, it would rebel against what they saw as an “increasing godlessness” in the country. It was requested that the Statue be placed on the summit of Mount Corcovado so it would be visible from anywhere & everywhere in Rio & thus represent a way of “reclaiming Rio” (which was Brazil’s capital city at that time) to Christianity.

The Catholic Circle of Rio made a 2^nd proposal, 7 decades later in 1920. The Group organized an event called Semana do Monumento ("Monument Week") to collect signatures & attract donations mostly from Brazilian Catholics to support the building of the Statue.

Construction took 9 years, from 1922 to 1931 & cost the equivalent of US$ 250,000 (equivalent to $3.6 million in 2020) funded entirely by the Catholic community & the monument opened on October 12, 1931.

Perched on the summit of Mount Corcovado & towering 2,310 feet above the city of Rio, the 4^th largest statue of Christ in the world, Christ the Redeemer has fascinated experts & historians for nearly a hundred years. The whopping 30 metres high statue (excluding its 8 metres pedestal), made of reinforced concrete & soapstone, weighs 635 metric tons.  The outstretched arms are 28 metres wide horizontally.

During the Opening Ceremony, the Statue was to be lit by a battery of floodlights turned on remotely by Italian shortwave radio inventor Guglielmo Marconi, stationed 9,200 kilometres away in Rome but because of bad weather, the lights were activated on-site.

In October 2006, on the 75^th anniversary of the Installation, Cardinal Eusebio Oscar Scheid, Archbishop of Rio, consecrated a Chapel, named after Brazil's patron saint - Our Lady Aparecida - under the Statue, allowing Catholics to hold Baptisms & Weddings there.

More recently, in what was a very moving sight, the Statue was lit up with flags of countries around the world & messages of hope recently. It did so in solidarity with countries affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It was illuminated during a special Mass conducted by the city's Archbishop, Dom Orani Tempesta. As the Archbishop urged people to pray for those who were ill, the message #pray together was projected onto the statue in different languages, as were maps of each individual continent & the flags of countries that have reported cases of the virus.

Spend an hour at the Statue before coming down & continuing the sightseeing.

Head to downtown Rio, driving by Sambadrome Marques de Sapucai, a purpose-built Parade area which is the location for the annual Samba School Parade. The venue is also known as Passarela Professor Darcy Ribeiro or simply the Sambodromo.

Pass by the 4 km long Copacabana, the most famous beach in the city (maybe even in the country, or in the world). Among the trademarks is its boardwalk with waves drawn in Portuguese stone, designed by famous Brazilian landscaper Burle Max. You will realise why cariocas (locals) have such a beautiful tan. As you drive, the Tour-guide will be regaling you with interesting tidbits about the city & neighborhoods

You will see the historic Laranjeiras neighborhood, which hosts the Guanabara Palace, the ancient home of Princess Isabel who signed the Golden Law to free all slaves. Nowadays, the Palace serves as head-quarters of the government of Rio de Janeiro

Stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. Elaborate Churches can be found all across the world but the Rio de Janeiro Cathedral may be the only one that looks like an angular beehive from the future. This massive Church with an internal diameter of 96 meters & a height of 80 meters, is built like an angular, technicolor Pyramid left by Mayans from the future.

Designed by architect Edgar Fonseca to echo the ancient Mayan pyramids, construction began in the late 1960s & continued on into the 1970s & can hold as many as 20,000 people (if standing room is included). While each tilting wall is covered in small, square windows that give it the look of a space-age honeycomb, towering stained glass 200 feet windows run down the center of each wall as well. The giant colored windows reach from the floor, straight to the tip of the Church. At the top, they connect to the 4 points of a crucifix-shaped skylight, that is set into the flat ceiling, made up of the same honeycomb pattern of panels as the walls. It also features ornate doors made of dozens of religious-themed bronze plaques & there is a Museum in the basement.

Next stop will be at the artsy & hip Santa Teresa neighbourhood where you will visit the Chacara do Ceu Museum - perhaps the best small Museum in the country.

Santa Teresa is a hilltop district, popular with both natives & tourists, with a charming colonial village-like vibe with steep, winding streets lined with elegant old mansions, many housing chic boutique hotels, cultural centers, quirky cocktail bars, nightclubs or romantic restaurants with live music & with magnificent views of the city. As well as an artistic hotspot with artists’ studios, “Santa” has Museu da Chacara do Ceu, exhibiting European & Brazilian art & the atmospheric Ruins Park, with an art gallery built around the ruins of a mansion.

It is one of the few neighborhoods to resist development in order to retain its colonial charm & its natural scenery, pleasant atmosphere & easy access to downtown Rio make it attractive.

In terms of tourist attractions, Santa Teresa has a lot to offer & this neighborhood has the only remaining streetcar line connecting Santa Teresa to Largo da Carioca via Acros da Lapa. Bondinho (streetcar) de Santa Teresa is an experience that should not be missed & on weekends, there are tourist streetcar routes with official Guides so you can enjoy the ride while getting to know more about the history of the city.

As a tourist you would like to take back home some handicrafts. Local Artisans are well known for their handmade dolls, paintings, baskets, porcelain & woven rugs.

The history of Santa Teresa revolves around the Convent of Santa Teresa which can be described as the heart of the neighborhood. There is a Chapel built by Antonio Gomez do Desterro dating back to 1629. But in 1750, sisters Jacinta & Francisca Rodrigues Ayres, both Nuns, started working on establishing a Convent for which they sought the help of Count of Bobadella. The Convent drew in more residents to the area. The neighborhood was also protected from a cholera epidemic in the late 19^th century further boosting its development & over the years, it has grown to be one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rio.

There is Parque Das Ruinas - Centro Cultural Laurinda Lobo was originally a mansion occupied by Laurinda Lobo who played an important role in the social history of Rio. However, since the Mansion was in such a state of ruin only a part of it was restored & is now used for concerts & open-air shows.

See the world-famous iconic Escadaria Selaron, the most beautiful staircase in the world traversing from Convento de Santa Teresa to Rua Joaquim Silva nestled between the bohemian neighborhoods. In the gritty, yet unique, district of Lapa, the extraordinarily decorated Steps sit as a gem & have since become a landmark in Brazil’s most famous city.

The world-famous Steps are the work of artist Jorge Selaron who claimed it as "my tribute to the Brazilian people". Born in Chile in 1947, Selaron spent years traveling throughout the world while working as a Painter. Living or travelling in more than 50 countries, he claimed to have sold more than 25,000 portraits before finally settling in Rio de Janeiro in 1983, with a small home in the arty Lapa district.

An accidental Art Project of the Painter, the Steps now serve as a source of optimism & inspiration for those who use them, as well as a never-ending reminder of the Artist who created them.

In 1990, Selaron randomly began ‘renovating’ the more than 200 Steps that sat across from his house, covering them with brightly colored bits of tile. Piece by piece, he began transforming the brown dilapidated Steps into a colorful work of art. Each vivid mosaic steps Step is unique, covered in more than 2,000 pieces of ceramic, mirrors & colorful tiles from all over the world.

Though it began as a creative diversion to his primary work as a Painter, it was a project that Selaron eventually dedicated his life to, obsessively working on the staircase that he deemed ‘never complete’. A true lover of Rio, he saw the project as his tribute to the city & the Brazilian people and he began to use only blue, green & yellow tiles in honor of the Brazilian flag. The walls of the Steps feature multiple mosaics signed by the artist: ‘Brasil Eu Te Amo Selaron’ - ‘Brazil I love you - Selaron’.

During his work on the Steps, the Painter often ran out of money & would return to painting, commissioning paintings simply to fund his renovations of the staircase, adding color & beauty to each step tile by tile. At first, Selaron searched around town, in antique shops & trash piles to find Tiles for his steps, but as his notoriety grew, people began sending or bringing him Tiles from all over the world - in fact, the stairs feature Tiles from at least 60 different countries.

Over the years, the Artist repaired broken or missing pieces & modified or replaced parts that he deemed not beautiful enough. Eventually, he began to add the color red, lining the sides and walls of the Steps with a bright tropical hue, claiming it added a happiness & vivacity unlike other colors: ‘It’s like if the stairway was alive. It is always changing & becoming more beautiful… You see & feel the difference’, the Artist once said. Visitors could expect to see the eccentric artist with his big handlebar mustache resting or working & always willing to have a chat.

The 125 meters of Steps covered in bright tile, is a product of sheer determination by Selaron & they act are a source of inspiration for the neighborhood. The staircase completely transformed the neighborhood from the once poor, run-down district to a creative hub, brimming with visitors & even a setting for the Rio de Janeiro’s 2016 Olympic bid. Now restaurants & bars sit at the bottom of the Steps catering to the many tourists who fill the area.

The bright Steps were covered by the media in 2,000 & immediately garnered international attention, with appearances in magazines such as National Geographic & Time as well as a Fanta commercial & music videos such as U2′s Walk On & Snoop Dogg’s Beautiful. They became a city landmark & in 2005 the Artist was declared an honorary Carioca, or Rio resident - an important honor for a man with such an overwhelming dedication to his community.

‘I’m a genius!’ Selaron said on the subject, ‘I made the most fantastic staircase ever in the history of humanity. In Rio de Janeiro! Because it couldn’t have happened in any other city!’ Tragically, in 2013 the Artist was found dead at the age of 65 in front of his house on the very Steps he spent 20 years of his life working on. In a strange twist appropriate for the Artist, he had once written on a wall of the Steps: ‘I will only end this crazy & unique dream on the last day of my life’. Selaron wanted his staircase to last a lifetime, a wish that was fulfilled for his & will be fulfilled for many lifetimes to come.

After snapping a couple of memorable pictures, continue walking to Largo do Guimaraes Square filled with bars, restaurants, handicraft shops & which is the center of the annual carnival activities.

Finally, get inside the famous Museu da Chacara do Ceu in a 18,000 square meters Mansion built in 1957 by Vladimir Alves de Sousa, which features work by Picasso, Dali, Monet & numerous other famous artists. There are displays of Chinese sculptures from the Shung dynasty, modern sculptures by Brazilian artists, Brazilian paintings including Di Cavalcanti & Portinari and a number of landscape paintings featuring old Rio.

The Mansion & its gardens by Burle Marx, offers the best views of downtown, Guanabara Bay & Corvocado Hill.  The rooms are furnished with jacaranda wood, oriental rugs & original pieces of furniture used by Raymundo de Castro Maia.

After spending an hour at the Museum, drive on & pass by the traditional Cinelandia Square with its historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library & the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Final stop will be at one of the Escolas de Samba as they open their dance floors for "rehearsals" (a combination of a party & a pep rally), in preparation for the next Carnival. The percussion & ecstatic crowd will have you moving your feet in no time. No other music is more "Brazilian" than the samba & nothing is more authentic than "Samba School".

Carnival fever hits the city long before the official start & the preparations begin at the Samba schools almost a year before the Parades. There are months of preparation, mobilizing support from residents & communities of fans & supporters.

Let Falar was the first Samba School, created in 1928 & now Rio has more than 70 Schools, all of which are seen parading, each of them with its own flag & style, during the 4 days of Carnival.

The preparation is usually divided into 2 locations: on the courts, the drums & other components rehearse on specific days, while the production of floats, costumes & the official recording of the Sambas takes place in Cidade do Samba. Each member has a specific role in the revelry, to ensure that the routine is done within the regulation 75 minutes & everything goes as planned.

The Independent League of Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro (Liesa) is responsible for organizing the Parades of the Samba Schools. According to the regulations, the previous year's champion opens the Special Group Parade on Sunday & the school with the 2^nd lowest score from the previous year's Special Group commences the Monday parades.

Spend an hour observing the excited participants.

The tour finishes & you will be driven to Confeitaria Colombo Restaurant for Lunch - one of the most traditional restaurant in Rio, which is part of the city's cultural heritage

Transfer back to the hotel and rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Balance of the day at leisure or perhaps opt for one of the many options available (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L 

Rio is the only big city in the planet to have a National Park 5 minutes from downtown & you will take advantage on that.

At 08:00 am, you will meet the Tour-guide again & proceed for a unique adventure.

Hiking at Tijuca Forest, which is considered the largest urban forest in the world - It offers a wealth of trails with different settings and characteristics, and most having one feature in common: spectacular views. Whilst it may not have its sister the Amazon forest’s wilderness & such exotic animal species, Tijuca forest certainly holds its own in charm, beauty & splendor.

Tijuca Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the park, being the highest peak in the national park and the second highest in the city of Rio. At 1022 meters (3066 ft), Tijuca Peak has a constant gentle uphill slope to the summit. The average hiking time uphill is 90 minute and descent time is 60.

The 39 square km tropical jungle that sprawls outwards from the heart of Rio de Janeiro & into the surrounding areas is known as the Tijuca rainforest & it makes up part of the larger Atlantic rainforest that runs from the south of Brazil to the north. All that is left of the Atlantic rainforest that once surrounded entire Rio de Janeiro.

Tijuca rainforest is quite possibly the largest urban rainforest in the world. We say quite possibly because it remains in dispute with the forest in Johannesburg in South Africa that also claims to be the biggest.

It is also influential in the geography of the city itself, separating the west of the city from the north, south & central areas, as well as dividing the north from the south. Its incredible biodiversity with beautiful trees, creeks, dozens of waterfalls, viewpoints, mountainous terrain, high peaks, monuments & an excellent, well-marked Trail system, is reason alone to visit. It was only recently that Tijuca rainforest was declared a National Park in 1961.

It used to be a much larger part of the Atlantic Rainforest before it was cut down & redeveloped for coffee & sugarcane production. In the 2^nd half of the 19^th century, it was replanted by Major Manuel Gomes Archer to protect Rio’s water supply which proved to be a successful effort. Its current status as a National Park will ensure its protection for generations to come.

Considering that it is a man-made reclamation of land, its richness in biodiversity is extraordinary. Its vegetation is so dense that scientists have calculated that the forest has reduced the temperature in the surrounding areas by a mind blowing 9 degrees celsius! This collection of hundreds of plants has given home to hundreds of different species of animals, many that are unique to the area & which are facing extinction.

It is not just plants & animals that live in the rainforest. There is one favela located at the heart near to Alto de Boa Vista, with many current residents are descendants of the group that helped with the replanting effort. Whilst conditions are improving in this favela, it still has an adverse effect on the forest due to its contribution to environmental degradation.

3 of Rio’s most famous peaks - Pedra Bonita, Pedra da Gavea & Pico da Tijuca - are in forest. All 3 climbs offer wonderful treks to the summits & indescribable views over the rainforest & the city.

Pedra Bonita, with its wide, open surface, is the base point for hang gliding. This flying activity is a great way to get a grip on the size of the forest in relation to the city. Yet to truly see the rainforest in all its glory, the view from the highest peak Pico da Tijuca is unbeatable.

Tijuca also has 30 waterfalls within its depths, the most famous being Cachoeiro do Horto. The entrance is next to the road that goes through the forest & beyond the entrance is a short hike to the waterfall. The cascading water is relatively high yet not powerful, making it perfect to take a cool, refreshing shower under. The pool in front is shallow enough to sit inside & lounge the day away in a natural bliss. Another well-known waterfall is Cascatinha waterfall, famed for its beauty and peaceful surroundings.

The rainforest is also studded with a few man-made objects of interest. One of the most picturesque is Vista Chinesa where an oriental-style Gazebo looks down upon a wonderful view of the Lagoa, the forest & the beaches. The monument took its name from the Chinese farmers bought to Rio in the beginning of the 19^th century to plant tea there.

Another fascinating structure is the small, pink Mayrink Chapel that has stood the test of time in the forest since 1860. At the altar inside, are murals & paintings by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari, a prominent & influential practitioner of neo-realism style in his art. Further down the narrow, winding road through the forest is the Mesa do Imperador (the Emperor’s Table) where Brazil’s last emperor, Pedro II, took his court for picnics in this picture-perfect spot.

However, the most famous monument in Brazil stands proudly overlooking the whole forest, perched up high on Corcovado mountain - Christ the Redeemer, accessible either via a small train that snakes up the mountain or there is a Trek up to the top which is a great excuse to see the forest up close & visit the famous statue at the same time.

This Trek starts just behind the Parque Lage, an elegant Mansion turned Art School it is about 50 minutes to the top with plenty of butterflies, monkeys, shy lizards & exotic plants to see. The Park is home to many bird & animal species, including iguanas & monkeys, which Hikers may encounter the well marked Trails.

Candomblistas (practitioners of the Afro-Brazilian religion of Candomble) leave offerings by the roadside; families have picnics & serious Hikers climb the 1012 metres to the summit of Pico da Tijuca.

After this adventure, we are sure you must have built up an appetite.

At Lunch, enjoy the gastronomic experience of the Brazilian Barbecue. You do not need to decide what you will have, the waiters will bring to the table several different meat cuts, including beef, chicken, lamb, sea food & others. A great salad bar, including a sushi bar is also available & best of all, you can eat as much as you want.

Return to the hotel and relax for a short while.

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep & proceed to visit the most famous soccer monument in the country - Maracana - Mario Filho Stadium a fixture of the Rio de Janeiro skyline for decades, built for the 1950 World Cup & revitalized for the 2014 World Cup, where it hosted the final matches of the championship, Maraca is also the scene of the glories of Rio de Janeiro's teams.

Named after a renowned journalist Mario Filho Maracana, who was instrumental in its evolution right from inception to becoming one of the most famous soccer stadiums of the world.

Over the course of more than 70 years, it has served as the home for all 4 of Rio's big Clubs. Vasco da Gama have their own stadium nearby. Botafogo currently use a ground further down the road. In the past, both Flamengo & Fluminense have staged some matches in smaller venues, but all of them come back to the Maracana. The Stadium holds 7 decades of memories for fans of all colours.

Pele loved the Maracana. Its grandiosity - the Stadium resembles a giant spaceship parked to the north of the city centre - was an appropriate venue for his own futuristic genius. He played some of his favourite games there & of course, he scored his famous 1,000^th goal there, a penalty against Vasco da Gama in 1969.

See the outside of the Stadium, where the iconic statue of Mauro Bellini, historic captain of the Brazilian team, is located.

Entering inside, see the backstage warm-up room, changing room & locker room & the press conference room. Pass through the access tunnel to the field feeling the butterflies in the stomachs, same way the players feel on match days stepping on the field, fulfilling the dream of millions of Brazilians. Sit on the benches & climb on the chairs in the Maracana Mais sector, experiencing what the fans feel on match days.

Step inside the Maracana Museum where you will have the opportunity to learn about its history & curiosities of Brazilian soccer & the lives of the great world players through the display of historical pieces & objects such as balls, shirts, boots donated by the giants who played in this space including King Pele & stars Zico & Garrincha.

If there is a Game on your day of visit, we will arrange for you to watch the Match so you can also enjoy the electric atmosphere of a Brazilian Football match & cheer among thousands of fans.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).  

Overnight.  B L 

Today would be particularly busy but we can promise, you will enjoy it thoroughly.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08:00 am or even earlier & proceed for a full day sightseeing tour visiting the highlights of Rio’s unmistakable skyline & participate in an exciting Samba workshop.

First stop will be the world famous Pao de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain), which has become an iconic symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro visited by a over a million tourists each year. Its name is said to refer to its resemblance to the traditional shape of a concentrated, refined sugar loaf. It can be visited any time but sunset on a clear day is the most rewarding time to visit.

Rising up from a small peninsula at the entrance of Baia de Guanabara (Guanabara Bay) & between Rio's downtown & residential districts, it allows a close look, literally, at the city & its beaches from above (400M - 1,200 feet). At the top, the city unfolds beneath you, with Corcovado Mountain and Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) off to the west & Copacabana Beach to the south.

The journey to the top is made by a modern 2 stage glass cable-car ride lasting around 30 minutes. The first cable-car takes passengers to the top of Morro da Urca, which rises 215 meters above sea level & offers spectacular views of the entire Baia de Guanabara & the winding coastline. On the ocean side of the mountain is Praia Vermelha. & its surrounding islands. On this level, there are souvenir shops, snack bars, a concert venue (Arena Morro da Urca) & a Helipad (helicopter tours are offered by Helisight).

From Urca Hill, passengers continue in a 2^nd cable-car to the top of Sugar Loaf which rises 395 meters above sea level & offers a 360 degree view of the entire city including Botafogo, Copacabana Beach, Corcovado Mountain & downtown Rio, undoubtedly a Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City). If the breathtaking heights unsteady any visitor at this level, there is the stylish Classico Beach Club, an open-sided Bar that serves tropical cocktails, as well as high-end snacks.

For the adventurous who would rather take the long way to the top, there are granite-hugging climbing tours. Morro da Urca is much easier to climb & the short but steep path takes about 30 minutes to climb along marked & unmarked Trail along the Pista Claudio Coutinho.  

After spending 30 minutes at the top, come down to Level 1 to enjoy a ‘real’ bird’s eye view. Board a Helicopter at the Urca Heliport & circle Christ the Redeemer for photos or filming, flying for 9 minutes over Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the beaches of Ipanema & Copacabana before returning to the Heliport.

The Sugarloaf experience concludes & you descend down to the ground level.

And now, get ready for another exciting experience.

Rio de Janeiro is the birthplace of Samba. For many people, the idea of Samba relates to colorful & flashy outfits, party rhythms & exuberant movements & acrobatics. It is impossible to resist the most Brazilian of all beats. You listen to it & before you notice your feet are tapping, your fingers snapping! If only you knew how to dance it the way locals do... Well, now you can. TV programs like Dancing with the Stars also have popularized this idea, similar to what we expect to find at the Carnaval in Rio. However, Samba is a much more diverse genre that offers several styles you can learn right now with, or without a partner.

No music defines Rio de Janeiro better than Samba. It is the rhythm that endlessly courses down the city’s streets, putting a subtle shake in anyone’s hips. There is no better place to learn the tricky steps of the genre than Rio de Janeiro, a city that is home to some of the world’s most renowned Samba dancers.

Proceed to the prestigious Casa de Dança Carlinhos de Jesus, an authentic Samba school & considered one of the best in Rio, run by the legendary Dancer & Choreographer Carlinhos de Jesus who turned Samba into art & made the folk dances in ‪‎Brazil popular! Inevitably he choreographs some of the ‪top Samba School Parades at the biggest Carnival on earth! During the Carnival, he leads a Parade known as Dois pra la, Dois pra ca - an afternoon block party that starts at the dance school.

There are 2 types of samba classes: samba no pe, which is the traditional samba seen at the carnival parades, and samba de gafieira (or samba as a couple). The latter requires the man to lead & is regarded as easier than samba no pe. Students at the school learn steps to typical trendy international, Latin, Brazilian rhythms like salsa, cha cha, hip-hop, lambada, xaxado, maxixe, forro, a popular type of music & dance from the northeast of the Brazil & zouk & of course, samba which has become a national symbol, its roots stemming from African religious traditions brought to Brazil by the cross-Atlantic slave trade.  

The didactics of Casa de Dança is structured to serve adults, children & elderly people without any difficulty or distinction as the underlying emphasis is on rapport, the collective spirit & respect for others.

The 2 hour Samba course begins by learning easier ways of picking up the tricky basic footwork & fluid hip movement. After the Class, you will be ready to do the basic steps & body movements and before you know it you will be dancing really well as you try your newly acquired skills & practise the moves at a nearby dance bar or club. On occasional weekend nights, open dance parties for students & guests are held at samba schools.

You will then proceed for Lunch at Zozo restaurant.

Elegant, delicious & charming the Zozo restaurant is located at the base of the Sugarloaf Mountain, with a comfortable space integrating nature & modernity. Guests may choose between 4 classic Brazilian dishes all prepared unique ways: barbecue, grilled meats, parrilla, & rolete while also enjoying all the side dishes in the restaurant’s elegant atmosphere. The restaurant’s buffet includes a delicious variety of salads, Japanese cuisine & desserts.

Post lunch, you will return to the hotel & relax for the balance of the afternoon.  

Evening, you will finally have the chance of showing what you have learned at your Dancing classes.

Accompanied by a Journeys Rep - around 06:00 pm, you will visit one of the “gafieiras” in town. Gafieira is a kind of night club, a traditional meeting point for singers & songwriters for dancing & Brazilian music.

Since its inception, Samba de Gafieira has changed & evolved with the times & the music. Today it is a modern, authentic Brazilian dance. While Ballroom Samba uses Samba music & perhaps some Brazilian Samba steps, Ballroom Samba has evolved into a dance quite foreign to native Samba dancers.

For many people, the idea of Samba relates to colorful & flashy outfits, party rhythms & exuberant movements & acrobatics. TV programs like Dancing with the Stars also have popularized this idea, similar to what we expect to find at the Carnaval in Rio. However, Samba is a much more diverse genre that offers several styles you can learn right now with, or without a partner.

The style originated from samba dancing in cabarets & gafieiras (hence the name, literally meaning "Samba of Gafieira"), primarily in districts of Botafogo, Catete & Centro of Rio de Janeiro.

The term gained recognition in 1940s & the word "gafieira" can also refer to the traditional samba music orchestra, as well as the dance hall where it is performed and the term also has a Brazilian Portuguese slang meaning "low dancing resort, gaff, honky-tonk" or "dance festivity frequented by the populace". Over time the style significantly evolved away from the style 1940s under significant influence of Argentine Tango & incorporating many acrobatic elements.

As the music starts & you bring in your first steps & your partner joins you, a beautiful waltzy rhythm creates a moment frozen in time, while together you dance to the ‘short-short-long’ movements of Samba de Gafieira. It is about balancing each other, feeling the percussion & swaying softly as if you were in a boat on calm waters.

There is enough room for you to be creative to find a turn, extend your arms, playing with beautiful moves & shines you will find with some practice. Samba de Gafieira definitely lets you speak a different language with your dancing body!

Spend as much time as you want & then return to the hotel.

Balance of the evening is at leisure or for optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).  

Overnight.  B L 

Another fantastic way to see Rio is from the sea.

Morning, around 08.30 am, you will be picked up by a Journeys Rep & proceed to the Marina da Gloria Pier on Guanabara Bay bordering the historic city center, for a 3 hour boat cruise to see Rio's picturesque city skyline from the water, sailing in the protected, calm waters of Guanabara Bay.

Board a schooner (or even a yacht), concentrate on a short introductory session about the Boat’s main facilities & safety systems & set sail from Rio's urban shores to explore the vistas. Glide through the Bay's tranquil waters, passing islands & historic forts & encountering points of great beauty & cultural importance.

Get a nice perspective from the sea & check the surroundings from a different view as you pass by Rio’s RJ Santos Dumont Airport & to see the big airplanes landing or departing.

Pass by Ilha Fiscal (Tax Island), originally named by Europeans as Ilha dos Ratos (Rat Island). Its current name comes from the fact there have worked since the Guarda Fiscal (Customs Dept.) has been stationed there, serving the Port of the then capital of the Empire in the 19^th century.

The Island became famous for having hosted the famous Baile da Ilha Fiscal on November 9, 1889 at the Palacete da Ilha Fiscal, organized with refinement & according to some critics with great pomp & eccentricity, which served as the ultimate pretext for the end of the Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy & Proclamation of the Republic. In fact, the Proclamation of the Brazilian Republic took place on the 15^th of the same month, just 6 days after the Ball.

The Palace on the Island now houses a Museum of Cultural History maintained by the Brazilian Navy. There is a permanent exhibition in one of the wings where some pieces of clothing, used decorative objects & even the original Invitation to a Party are on display. Mannequins wear clothes used at the Ball. In the background, behind the curtains, a Painting imitates the atmosphere in the halls.

See downtown Rio & get a nice perspective of the huge buildings & avenues & urban area, without the transit & noise!  Pass by the Church of Our Lady of the Candelaria, an important historical Roman Catholic church in the city. Built & decorated during a long period, from 1775 to the late 19^th century, it combines a Portuguese colonial Baroque façade with later Neoclassical & Neo-Renaissance interior elements. Check out the beauty & modernism of the exquisite Museu do Amanha (Museum of Tomorrow), a science Museum designed by Spanish neo-futuristic architect Santiago Calatrava built next to the waterfront at Pier Maua, as you sail by.

Sail underneath President Costa e Silva Bridge, commonly known as the Rio - Niteroi Bridge which connects the cities of Rio de Janeiro & Niteroi. Pass by the iconic Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Niteroi (Contemporary Art Museum), one of the city’s main landmarks designed & built by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1996. View Fortaleza de Santa Cruz da Barra, the beautiful & historical Niteroi Fort.

See Enxadas Island & the Monument to the Dead in World War II, among many others! Sail on through Urca, the beautiful neighborhood that hosts one of the major Rio's sight located on a peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of Guanabara Bay & get a unique perspective of the Paco de Acucar (Sugarloaf Mountain) from the sea. Rising 396 metres above the Harbor, the Peak is said to resemble the traditional shape of concentrated refined loaf sugar & consequently, so named. Then, see the Boafogo Bay, that links the South Zone to downtown Rio & pass by Aterro do Flamengo & its parks, designed by Burle Marx.

Check the 4 km long Copacabana Beach, the most famous beach in the city (maybe even in the country, or in the world) & its trademark boardwalk with a unique design of waves drawn in Portuguese stone, conceptualised by the famous Brazilian landscaper Burle Max. Marvel at Brazil’s most famous landmark, the 38 metres tall Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Hill.

Finally, it is time to get back to land. Disembark & drive on to your next point of discovery.

Get to know a Rio juice bar, which can be found on street corners all over the city, colourful celebrations of fruits you have probably never heard of, like acerola, caqui or mamao. Choose one! Try an ‘acai’, a purple Amazonian fruit high in antioxidants that is said to be good for energy.

After visiting the beaches & climbing the mountains, discover the one of the most picturesque & serene icons of this bustling Carioca city.

Head to Jardim Botanico do Rio de Janeiro, considered one of the most important and richest of the world, recognized internationally as a living Botanical Gallery & declared a National Artistic & Historical Heritage.

At the bottom of Tijuca National Park, under the right arm of the statue of Christ the Redeemer, in the midst of old mansions, art studios, designer boutiques, restaurants & bars, there is the Botanical Garden designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.

Created in 1808 by D. Joao VI of Portugal, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ) is famous for the exuberance & the scientific importance of its plant collection, as well as for the beauty of its landscapes. Its bicentennial history is expressed in its monuments, buildings & artworks.

It includes 208 acres of natural forest & 133 acres of cultivated areas that house more than 40,000 plants, one of the world’s largest collections of flora.  

The 19^th century Visitor Center displays an exhibition of photos & paintings of the Imperial family. Imagine the air that the Portuguese royals must have breathed when they arrived in this beautiful coastal city, accompanied by their entourage, when they came here to establish the seat of the Imperial Portuguese headquarters at a time when Napoleon threatened to invade all of Europe.

In 1808, the regent Prince of Portugal, who later became King John VI, created the Acclimatization Garden to conserve the valuable spices of cinnamon, nutmeg & pepper they had brought from the East Indies. Amazed by the natural lushness of the area & charmed by the garden, the King planted several trees & plants that he had brought from the most diverse corners of Brazil.

Later, Luiz de Abreu Vieira e Silva, a celebrated botanist who escaped from captivity on the island of Mauritius, brought a great quantity of seeds from the famous La Gabrielle Garden to King John to expand his collection. It was then that the Monarch decided to call this place the Royal Garden, and place it under the direction of the Marques of Sabara.

After his coronation as King of Portugal & Brazil, John VI expanded the Royal Garden, creating new gardens, channeling streams & renaming it the Royal Botanical Garden. In 1822, with the country’s Declaration of Independence, the Garden opened its doors to the public.

Its first Director, the Carmelite monk Leandro de Sacramento, an erudite Professor of Brazilian flora, organized & catalogued the plants, which today total more than 6,700 species & 40,000 units scattered across this tranquil stretch.

Stroll around the serene Gardens, accompanied by the Tour-guide.

Pass waterfalls & paths that climb to the rainforest area with its tropical Atlantic flora, dominated by large trees. The water flows easily here, with several streams & 6 lakes that host various species of lotus, papyrus & the singular Victoria Regia, a plant from the Amazon with large, floating leaves that measure nearly 7 feet in diameter. The large flower opens at nightfall & remains open until 9.00 am the following morning.

There is an Orchid greenhouse, where an octagonal-shaped glass dome built in 1890 protects more than 700 species of orchids. Legend has it that these monocotyledonous plants amazed Queen Elizabeth II of England with their varied forms, sizes & aromas & the complicated relationships they have with their pollinators. The hummingbirds flutter about, shimmering in the sun & flapping their wings up to 80 times per second. With nimble starts & extraordinary stops, their long beaks are able to feed off the nectar of the Heliconia flowers

Admire the curly & smooth Ferns requiring little sun, that are often used to decorate terraces & hallways. Looking outside, through the glass, marvel at the Heliconias, those beautiful tropical plants also called Platanillo for their elongated green leaves.

The Bromeliad Garden includes rosette-shaped native plants from the American tropical genus. The bromeliad family, which includes the pineapple, has capricious flowers, which bloom for long periods. It is said that when Christopher Columbus gave the first Pineapple to the King of Spain, he erupted in jubilation & ordered it to be planted so that all his people could try it.

In the Garden of the Embassies, visitors see the Herbarium of African Violets, which are always in bloom. Important plant species like Brazilwood, Cocobolo & Cedar, are highlighted, making this a unique place, where a royal horticultural sensibility blends perfectly with the exuberance of a luxurious rainforest.

Then, there is the Japanese Garden created in 1935 with its Bonsai trees, the small lagoon of lotuses & the Japanese-style wooden bridge. Listen to the trilling of the 140 species of birds that live here or visit this place.

At the Alameda of the Palmeras on Avenue Barbosa Rodriguez (named in homage to the palm & orchid specialist who created the Herbarium, the Museum & the Library during his tenure, from 1890 to 1909), 2 rows of Imperial Palms stand with their straight trunks that reach up to 131 feet high. So called because the first tree was planted by the Regent Prince of that era.  A lightning bolt struck & destroyed it in 1972, but not before it had given origin to all the Palms of Brazil.

In addition to the beauty of its living collections, the Botanical Garden has the world’s largest Library specializing in the Botany of Brazil, containing more than 70,000 volumes, some considered unique works. The Herbarium includes more than 330,000 sheets of dried plants & maintains a collection exchange with similar national & international institutions. The Carpoteca contains more than 6,000 samples of dried fruit. The Xiloteca has 8,200 wood samples from 160 families, from Brazil & rest of Latin America.

The Empress’s former manor house has become the headquarters for the National School of Tropical Botany. Along the avenues (walkways), there are amazing works of art, like the sculpture of the goddess Thetis, created in 1862 by Savageau, in addition to statues of Echo & Narcissus by Mestre Valentim.

The Fray Leandro Lagoon - which won the National Prize for Landscape Design - is surrounded by flowers & sits next to a hill crowned by a bronze bust of the monk Leandro. Another small mirror of water is preferred by the herons, as they stealthily fish for sardines & fingerlings. Here, one can find chairs for resting, contemplating the beautiful surrounding panorama & listening to the sound of the waterfall.

Come back to the hotel by afternoon & relax.

Evening, you will be met by a Journeys Rep & proceed to partake the farewell dinner at the best seafood restaurant in town.

It all started with a love-at-first-sight of & a young Italian, instead of pursuing his first project of exporting fish from Brazil, fell in love with his wife & opened a fantastic seafood restaurant. Due to the success of the restaurant in Buzios a resort close to Rio, it was natural that he opened a restaurant in Rio as well & Satyricon was founded in 1986. An instant success for the quality of the seafood & elegant rooms, it is the place where cinema & music stars visiting Brazil go: Sting, Paul Simon, George Michael, Mick Jagger, Shirley Mac Laine, Pele, Michael Schumacher, Madonna, to name a few became instant fans of the famous dish: Pargo al Sal Grosso.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight.  B D 

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end & it is time to to bid adieu to Rio de Janeiro . But, we sure hope that after this glimpse, you may want to come back & discover a little bit more of the Brazilian culture, practice your  Samba & discover  all that Brazil has to offer

Check-out of the hotel by 11:00 am (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

“Travel is like knowledge. The more you see the more you know you have not seen” - Mark Hertsgaard

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep who will ensure your comfort, obtain your feedback about the arrangements for the tour & transfer you to Terminal? - Rio de Janeiro Galeao International Airport for your onward journey.  B

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