Day 1 – Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
On arrival you will be welcomed by a representative who will take you to your hotel. Your comfortable hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches with lots of local restaurants to try nearby and a roof top plunge pool for a refreshing dip.
Day 2 – Seeing the sights
The following morning you’ll be met by your private guide and driver, who will be with you for the next few hours. There is no set schedule, although your guide will have plenty of suggestions if you’re not sure what to do. Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain are the most famous sites – entrance fees aren’t included, but are much cheaper to pay locally than in advance (plus your guide might help you skip the queues!)
This is a great way to tick off some of the city’s best sites, as well as picking up some local insider tips on making the most of your free time in Rio. At the end of your tour you can either head back to your hotel, or ask to be dropped off at the beach if you’d prefer, it’s entirely up to you! The rest of your time here is free to relax, take in Rio’s famous nightlife, or explore any of the sights you may have missed during your tour.
Day 3 – Departure
Brazil is a huge country with so many amazing places to see, so it’s time to move on today.
If you have more time to spare, and you’d like to spend a little longer in the city then just let us know and we can extend your time here. It’s a city where you’re never short of options. We can also book a number of different day trips to help you see everything Rio has to offer.
If you’re keen to be active we can arrange a three hour cycling tour in Rio, focusing on the southern part of the city. You’ll visit several of Rio’s famous sights, but also some of its traditional neighbourhoods. If you’re a foodie we can introduce you to Brazilian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class under the watchful eyes of a local chef. Just ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Revelling in Rio - In Style
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In Style accommodation may be in a more favourable location, offer larger rooms or benefit from a swimming pool or renowned restaurant. If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-sized trip select our In Style option below.
Discover Rio on two wheels
If you’d like to be more active we can arrange a guided bike tour. It’s a three-hour cycling experience through Rio’s southern neighbourhoods, combining famous landmarks with a glimpse of everyday Carioca life. In a small group with a local guide, you’ll cycle from Copacabana Beach towards Sugar Loaf Mountain, taking in the views from below before continuing to the peaceful Praia Vermelha. From here, the route leads to lively Botafogo, where you’ll explore the back streets and get a feel for how locals live beyond the famous beaches. Along the way, your guide will share stories about Rio’s communities before you finish at Lagoa, the city’s beautiful lagoon surrounded by green hills and stylish neighbourhoods. If this sounds appealing, just add it to your Travel Plan
Background of Carnival Tour
Rio is famous around the world for its spectacular Carnival Parade and the infectious rhythm of samba, but few visitors get the chance to discover what happens behind the scenes. This half-day tour offers a fascinating insight into the history, creativity and traditions behind this iconic celebration. You’ll visit the Sambadrome, the legendary stage of Rio’s Carnival, as well as the revitalised port area where samba has its roots.
Explore the charming neighbourhood of Morro da Conceição, a historic area now filled with artists and creative studios, and visit Pedra do Sal, where samba was born. Along the way, you’ll learn more about Afro-Brazilian culture, the history of slavery and the traditions that have shaped modern-day Carnival.
The highlight of the tour is a visit to a samba school workshop, where you’ll see the incredible craftsmanship behind the parade. Discover how the enormous floats and colourful costumes are designed and built before taking centre stage at the Sambadrome during Carnival.