- 4.9/5 487 Latest reviews
- Destination: Brazil
- Duration: 7 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: In-Depth
About This Trip
Experience the highlights of Rio de Janeiro on this immersive 7-day journey that blends famous landmarks with lesser-known treasures and authentic local encounters. Take in sweeping views from Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain, venture through the green landscapes of Tijuca Forest in an open-top jeep, ride the classic Santa Teresa Tram along picturesque cobblestone streets, and relax on a scenic cruise across Guanabara Bay. Along the way, admire the colorful tiles of Escadaria Selarón, explore the impressive Catedral Metropolitana, and visit the historic Imperial city of Petrópolis.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Rio de Janeiro
Arrival
2
Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer, Tijuca Atlantic Forest, Sugarloaf Mountain
3
Rio de Janeiro
Santa Teresa Tram, Parque das Ruínas, Confeitaria Colombo
4
Rio de Janeiro
Petrópolis Day Tour
5
Rio de Janeiro
Shared Cruise on Guanabara Bay
6
Rio de Janeiro
Free Day
7
Rio de Janeiro
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
Touch down in Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant city where urban life meets stunning natural scenery. Upon arrival, your friendly driver will be waiting to greet you and take you to your hotel. After check-in, settle in and enjoy some time to relax and recover from your journey.
- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 2: Rio de Janeiro’s Must-See Highlights
Begin the day with a picturesque drive past Rio’s famous beaches and the serene Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, followed by a funicular ride through dense tropical greenery up to Corcovado Mountain. At the top, enjoy breathtaking views over the “Marvelous City” and see the iconic Christ the Redeemer from close range.
Next, hop into an open-air jeep for an adventure through the Tijuca Forest. Along the way, stop at the Chinese Lookout, where sweeping views stretch across Ipanema, Copacabana, Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Later, make your way to Sugarloaf Mountain, the striking granite peak rising almost 400 meters above the harbor. Take the famous cable cars to Urca Hill and onward to the summit, where a full 360-degree panorama showcases Rio’s coastline, Guanabara Bay, and the Christ statue standing proudly in the distance.
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- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 3: Exploring Rio’s Hidden Treasures
Begin your morning with a ride on the historic Santa Teresa Tram, gliding through narrow cobblestone lanes lined with brightly painted colonial houses. Continue to the hilltop Parque das Ruínas for panoramic city views, then visit the vibrant Escadaria Selarón, a striking staircase decorated with thousands of colorful tiles from around the world.
Enjoy lunch at the classic Confeitaria Colombo, a beloved Rio institution known for its fine pastries and long history. In the afternoon, discover the striking Catedral Metropolitana, a modern pyramid-shaped landmark whose stained-glass windows cast vivid colors inside. End the day with a walk beneath the elegant 18th-century Arcos da Lapa, an area that comes alive in the evening with samba music and lively street scenes.
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- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 4: Imperial Heritage Tour of Petrópolis
Travel today to Petrópolis, the charming Imperial City rich in Brazil’s royal past. Start with a visit to the Imperial Museum, formerly the summer residence of the Brazilian monarchy, where an impressive collection of relics and exhibits showcases the country’s imperial history. Continue to the iconic Crystal Palace, a historic site closely associated with the abolition of the city’s last enslaved people. Your tour concludes at the grand Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara, an elegant neo-Gothic church honoring Brazil’s patron saint and serving as the burial place of the country’s final emperor and his family.
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- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 5: Guanabara Bay Scenic Cruise
Enjoy a shared boat cruise across Guanabara Bay, offering a unique view of Rio de Janeiro from the water. As you sail, admire Christ the Redeemer standing watch with open arms above the city, along with sights such as the naval yards, a historic monastery, the bay bridge, Sugarloaf Mountain, and other iconic landmarks that define Rio’s stunning waterfront.
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- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 6: Rio de Janeiro at Your Own Pace
Spend the day at leisure discovering Rio’s lively spirit. Relax on its sun-kissed beaches, explore charming historic lanes, or unwind at a local café. If you wish to add more flavor to your day, take part in a Brazilian cooking class or finish the evening with an energetic samba show paired with dinner.
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- Rio de Janeiro
- Day 7: Rio de Janeiro – Farewell
Bid farewell to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro as you are transferred to the airport for your return journey home, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Brazil.
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