12-Day Best of Brazil and the Amazon

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Board a cog-train through Tijuca Forest and up Corcovado mountain and walk up the steps to the lookout of Christ the Redeemer. After appreciating the breathtaking view descend by train. The tour goes past Rio’s world-famous beaches and on to the cable car up Sugar Loaf mountain. Visit the downtown area passing Candelaria Church, Lapa Arches, Fine Arts Museum and Confeitaria Colombo, a historical restaurant. Finish at Sambadrome, the site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade.

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Today, you'll have the day to explore Rio in your own way. There are a few optional tours that you may choose from. You can go on a scenic drive up Serra dos Orgaos Range through mountains and valleys to high Petropolis city and tour its main attractions. Alternatively, explore downtown Rio de Janeiro which was completely revitalized for the Olympics after years of being restricted to Marine officers, today it's a centre of cultural and gastronomic activity for locals and tourists.

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In the morning leave Rio de Janeiro and take a flight to Iguassu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check-in. Later in the day visit the Brazilian side of the falls. The tour leaves from the hotel and into Iguassu National Park. You'll then follow paths to the cascades and along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat where you'll enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to return to your starting point and board the coach to get back to the hotel.

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Drive to the Iguazú National Park in Argentina. From the visitor’s centre, take the train and go to the Upper Circuit (1,700 metres) as you admire the panoramic views of the falls, arriving at the Devil’s Throat once more. Measuring 80 metres high; its horseshoe shape creates a stunning waterfall. From here, walk along the Iguazú River canyon for about 3km to the lower circuit (1,500 metres) as you admire the regional fauna and flora and feel the constant presence of the waterfalls.

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Visit a vital conservation centre for the Atlantic rainforest birds, the only one in the world. This afternoon, you'll board your flight to Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon. Today's flight is long, arriving very late at night. You'll be taken straight to your hotel to rest for the night, ready to start your tour of the Amazon in the morning

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Today, you'll start your journey to the Amazon Ecopark Lodge. You'll arrive, check-in and go on an afternoon tour to visit a “caboclo” home. You'll take a motorised canoe and learn about the local indigenous communities’ traditions, customs, the rubber boom, and how to prepare a typical cassava meal. Then, you'll have dinner at the lodge and get ready for an evening boat ride. From the canoe, you'll appreciate the jungle sounds and try to spot alligators and other nocturnal animals.

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After breakfast at the lodge, you'll leave for a full-day tour. You'll embark on a double-decker boat that will navigate down the Rio Negro. You'll pass by the shores of Manaus and appreciate the city’s landmarks such as the Amazonas Theater, the city port, and typical stilt houses. You'll then arrive at the ‘Meeting of Waters’ and appreciate the way the two-coloured waters flow together for about 12 kilometres without ever mixing.

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After breakfast transfer back to Manaus. During a panoramic city tour, you will see the main sights of Manaus, such as the old town that is a reminder from the rubber boom of the end of the 20th century, the São Sebastião Square, the customs office pre-made in Liverpool and shipped to Manaus almost 100 years ago, the Little Big Ben clock tower, the Matriz Square, cathedral and the Municipal Market. You will also make a photo stop at the Opera House built almost entirely from European materials.

Transfer to the airport for flight to Salvador da Bahia. Salvador da Bahia is called by Brazilians “Land Of Happiness” because life there is a constant celebration. It is also called “The Land of All Saints”, not only for its location by the All Saints Bay but also for the mysticism of its people. Salvador is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet, a world of beauty, magic, traditions and warm hospitality. It has its own special identity, almost a country within itself.

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Start your tour by visiting the Santa Maria and São Diogo Forts. Both built in 1625, today, they are cultural centres, and photos and art exhibitions. Continue your tour to the Rio Vermelho House. Then, visit the bohemian district of Rio Vermelho and go to the picturesque Largo de Santana. Visit the lower city, the famous Pelourinho and São Francisco Church, followed by a visit to the Atelier & House of Maria Adair where you'll have a special cooking class that introduces you to Bahian cuisine.