Carnival, the famous Brazilian festival, will take place  between the 16th and 21st of February 2012 (Brazilian summer). During the festival there is a huge contest among the 'Samba Schools'. These samba communities all have their own distinguishing colourful costumes. Each samba school parades at the "Sambodromo" and people can watch from the grandstands. This festival has become know as one of the greatest parties in the world.

Each samba school's parade takes around 90 minutes and there is only one winner. Each night the parades start around 8:00 PM and continues until 6:00 AM the next morning.

Day 1 (17th Feb): Arrival in Rio

On arrival at the airport in Rio, one of our representatives will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Passing through the neighborhoods of Rio, as you venture along the coastline, you will be in awe of the magnificent beaches and vibrant aura that this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 2 (18th Feb): Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain

In the morning, after a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for a tour to Corcovado. The statue of Christ the Redeemer stands proudly at 30m high with arms outstretched, atop an 8m pedestal, watching over the city. From this point, there is a magnificent view of the city and at night the statue appears to be floating in an iridescent glow.

In the afternoon we will head to Sugarloaf Mountain and the Botanical Gardens for a half day excursion.

Sugarloaf Mountain rises 396m above sea level. As one of Rio’s icons, it is the most common tourist attraction. You can enjoy two cable car rides to the top for a spectacular view of the infamous Copacabana Beach.

Founded in 1808 and situated in the Jardim Botanico neighbourhood, Rio’s Botanical Gardens are home to around 2,600 species of plant life. Besides a plethora of colourful flora, there is an array of fauna such as tucans, tanagers, marmoset monkeys and butterflies. Open to the public during daylight hours, the Botanical Garden is also a research institute.

Overnight in hotel

Day 3 (19th Feb): Free Day: Optional Sambadrome Grandstand Evening

Free day in Rio. In the evening you you may wish to attend the sambadrome for an incredible evening's viewing. Capacitating for nearly 70,000 people, the sambadrome provides a great atmosphere as each Samba school parades past, dressed in their own unique outfits, competing against one another in a frenzy of colour and imaginative choreography. The party continues on until the early hours of the morning the next day so be sure to keep yourself hydrated while you dance the night away! (Ticket not included)

Overnight in hotel

Day 4 (20th Feb): Free day

Free day. Relax and enjoy Rio at your leisure. Overnight in hotel

Day 5 (21st Feb): Transfer out

Tour finishes after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight

END OF OUR SERVICES

Note: Tour is based on twin share. Please contact us to check availability as this tour does book out in advance. Different hotels may be used if the standard tour hotels are not available and this could increase the price.

If you are interested in purcahsing a Sambadrome ticket, please don't hesitate to contact us for more details on pricing and availability.