CLASSIC BRAZIL

Day 1 Arrive Iguaçu Falls

Arrive at Iguaçu Falls, which straddles Brazil’s border with Argentina. With 275 individual drops across nearly two miles, these are the biggest falls in the world, hurling thousands of cubic metres of water every second into the gorges below. Around three-quarters of the falls are on the Argentine side of the border, which means you get the best panoramic views from Brazil. ​

Overnight: Belmond Das Cataratas

Day 2 Iguaçu Falls

Cross into Argentina and board the small train that takes you part way to the falls’ legendary Devil’s Throat. Around half of the river's flow cascades into this seething chasm and the final elevated walkway allows you to look right into the abyss.

Overnight: Belmond Das Cataratas

Day 3 Iguaçu Falls to Salvador

Catch a flight to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salvador, capital of the state of Bahia. Salvador is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas, with a vibrant artistic, cultural and social heritage, plus a church for each day of the year. Your hotel is a classic colonial house, located right in the heart of the city.

Overnight: Villa Bahia

Day 4 Salvador

Highlights today include the Basilica Cathedral of Salvador and the 18th-century Church of St Francis, famous for its lavish gold-leaf interior. There will also be the opportunity to visit the Mercado Modelo (local market), selling colourful textiles and local produce.

Overnight: Villa Bahia

Day 5 Salvador to Rio de Janeiro

Catch a flight down to Rio de Janeiro. It’s nicknamed ‘Cidade Maravilhosa’ (Marvelous City) and with good reason. You’ll be staying right on Copacabana Beach – one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand – at the equally legendary Belmond Copacabana Palace.

Overnight: Belmond Copacabana Palace

Day 6 Rio de Janeiro

Highlights today include a visit to Sugarloaf Mountain, which towers 396m above the city harbour. The summit is reached via a two-stage cable car ride and once at the top you’ll have unforgettable 360º views across the region.

Overnight: Belmond Copacabana Palace

Day 7 Rio de Janeiro

Visit Christ the Redeemer at the summit of Corcovado mountain. This colossal Art-Deco statue, with an arm span of 28m, was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Overnight: Belmond Copacabana Palace

Day 8 Rio de Janeiro to Paraty

Take the coastal road south west to the picturesque ‘forgotten’ town of Paraty, popular today for its beautiful beaches and dozens of islands scattered across the bay. Here, historic churches and cobbled streets are set against a mountainous backdrop; the green of the rainforest echoed by the emerald hue of the sea. Your home for the next three nights is a delightfully characterful 18th century house, just a 10 minute walk to Pontal Beach.

Overnight: Ouro Pousada

Day 9 Paraty

Leaving Paraty’s main pier, enjoy a cruise of the bay, stopping off at secluded coves to swim and snorkel and bask in the sunshine.

Overnight: Ouro Pousada

Day 10 Paraty

Today is at leisure. The historic cobbled streets are closed to traffic so you can explore at your own pace, stopping to admire the colonial architecture and pretty white-washed houses. Don’t miss the town’s many handicraft shops and artists’ studios.

Overnight: Ouro Pousada

Day 11 Depart either Rio or Sao Paulo

Drive back to either Rio or Sao Paulo for your flight home.