Brazil Spring Break

We begin our journey departing from Houston, USA for Brazil in the late evening on United Airlines. Sit back and enjoy complimentary in-flight meals, drinks, and entertainment as you travel south for your spring break adventure.

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, the vivacious 'sun and fun' capital of South America. Upon arrival, you will be met by our guide and transferred to the famous Fairmont Hotel, perfectly situated directly on Copacabana Beach. The remainder of the day is yours to rest or explore a bit of the city on your own. Tonight, we gather for a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers featuring a typical Brazilian 'Churrascaria' (Steakhouse) dinner and show. Afterward, we return to our hotel.

Awake this morning in amazing Rio. We begin the day with an ascent by a scenic cog railway through the lush Tijuca Rain Forest to the summit of Corcovado Hill. Here, at 2,400 feet above the city, stands the iconic 125-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer, designated as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World.' Experience the thrilling 360-degree sweeping view of the city below. After lunch, the group will take the famous glass-walled cable car ride to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, the symbol of the city, offering stunning panoramas of the beaches, Corcovado Mountain, downtown Rio, and Guanabara Bay.

Today is a free day and your last day in Rio to explore on your own. There is so much to see and do! Be sure to sample the cuisine at some of the fabulous restaurants and cafes. You may choose from a range of additional activities, including active excursions such as half-day sea kayaking trips, hiking excursions of varying difficulty in Tijuca National Park (where you can see a wide range of tropical wildlife), or full-day excursions to nearby historic cities such as Petropolis or the coastal resort of Buzios.

We depart Rio this morning and fly south to Iguazu Falls. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, the DoubleTree by Hilton, which is located right inside the National Park on the Brazilian side. You'll be able to explore the trails around the falls near the hotel or simply relax by the pool. Overnight at DoubleTree by Hilton Foz de Iguazu Hotel.

Today you will enjoy a half-day guided tour crossing the border to the Argentinian side of the Falls, which offers the chance to get up close to the thundering water. Your guide will lead you along the area's jungle-clad boardwalks, finishing with a boat-ride close-up view of the Devil's Throat. The spray given off by this powerful fall causes local people to give it its dramatic epithet. Afterward, you will have the remainder of the day to relax and/or explore the nearby Bird Park, a sanctuary run by a local charity.

We bid farewell to the falls and fly to Salvador de Bahia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel located in the heart of this mesmerizing city. Salvador is the soul of Brazil's African heritage. Tonight, we enjoy a special Afro-Brazilian welcome dinner.

This morning, after breakfast, you'll embark on a full-day tour of Salvador City. Highlights include a visit to the Afro-Brazilian Museum and the historic Pelourinho district with its colorful colonial architecture. Learn about the hundreds of years of history that are the foundation of this city's unique identity, deeply rooted in both European and African cultures.

Enjoy a free day to explore, shop for local art and souvenirs, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Salvador. Optional excursions are available to nearby beaches or islands.

Today we say goodbye to Salvador de Bahia and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Rio de Janeiro for a final overnight stay, giving you one last evening to enjoy the rhythm of Brazil.

We will bid farewell to Brazil and transfer to the airport to prepare for our overnight flight home.

Scheduled arrival home early morning (approx. 5:35 AM).