Brazil is the sounds of Samba in the streets of Rio. It is home to the world’s richest ecosystems. It is reminiscent of vast expanses, sandy beaches and blue seas. But it is also a country with a rich history, preserved beautifully in many of its more off the beaten track destinations. This itinerary is about you discovering the country’s hidden gems that are often not featured in traditional holidays. It is perfect if you have already been to the country and want to see more or if you simply want to discover a different side of Brazil. You will experience the historical treasures of Minas Gerais state, starting in Belo Horizonte and travelling through the colonial treasures of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes you will discover the natural beauty of Reserva Ibitipoca. You will finish your journey in iconic Rio with three nights immersed in the sounds and colours of the Cidade Maravilhosa. All travelling will be by land so you can appreciate the true beauty of this mesmerising country.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Belo Horizonte
Arrive in Belo Horizonte where your guide and driver will meet you and take you by private car to your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival, you might have some free time before bedtime so enjoy this dynamic city at Fasano Hotel with its rustic furniture and the minimalist yet sophisticated décor.
Day 2 - Half Day city tour of Belo Horizonte
Discover the city’s fascinating past and striking architecture in this privately guided city tour taking you to all the main sights. The tour will be around 3 hours so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the city at leisure or relax in the chic surroundings of your hotel.
Day 3 - Belo Horizonte to Ouro Preto with stop at Inhotims and lunch
Today you will be met at your hotel by your guide and driver and taken by private car to Ouro Preto. On the way you will stop at Inhotim, home to one of the largest foundations of contemporary art in Brazil and one of the largest outdoor art centres in Latin America. Here you will also enjoy a delicious lunch,included for your convenience. You will arrive in Ouro Preto in the late afternoon.
Day 4 - Walking city tour of Ouro Preto
Founded in 1698, Ouro Preto is a masterpiece of colonial architecture in Brazil and is rightfully included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. The city was the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil’s golden age in the 18th century.
This walking tour is a true journey to the past of the city and the country, visiting beautiful churches as well as the Opera House, the School Museum of Minas Gerais, with a complete mineralogical collection, and the Oratory Museum, an interesting site with details of the history of Brazil and Minas Gerais.
Day 5 - Ouro Preto to Tiradente with Pão de Queijo workshop and Congonhas visit
This morning you will leave after breakfast with a private car accompanied by an English speaking guide and will travel to Tiradentes. On the way, you will have plenty of stops to enjoy a cooking lesson where you will learn to make the pão de queijo, a delicious Brazilian bread made with cheese. You will have lunch (included) and a visit to charming Congonhas, an important city during the golden cycle that now hosts beautiful baroque sculptures made by Aleijadinho, a Brazilian artist of that period. You will arrive in Tiradentes in the early evening.
Day 6 - Tiradentes to Ibitipoca
Morning at leisure for you to enjoy Tiradentes at your own pace. Stroll around the cobblestone streets and experience the atmosphere of a charming rural city on the hillsides, where churches and museums are in every corner. Or we can add a horseback ride up the mountains for you to appreciate the beautiful scenery and a tasting of the cachaça in an authentic Alembic, traditional Brazilian copper pots where cachaça is made. You will leave for Ibitipoca in the afternoon in a private transfer. Your accommodation for the next two nights is Comuna do Ibitipoca. Finding its beginnings in 1984 with the purchase of the Fazenda do Engenho, today it covers over 5,000 hectares of previously degraded land currently in a process of ReWild: regeneration of native Atlantic forest, flora and fauna. The commune provides a space for harmonious relationship-building between the human being and nature and is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with nature!
Day 7 - Reserva do Ibitipoca
Discover the surroundings of Ibitipoca State Park. After a morning yoga class at your hotel, experience the stunning landscapes and connect with nature in the Water Circuit trail through lakes, lagoons and waterfalls choosing to bathe in the crystalline cascades if you wish to do so.
Day 8 - Ibitipoca to Rio
Today your private driver will drive you to Rio, around 270 km away, so sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery during the journey. Once arrived at your boutique hotel on Ipanema beach, check in with the friendly staff and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 9 - Santa Teresa tour
Rio de Janeiro always enchants even the most discerning traveller. Explore the streets, meet the locals and listen to their stories about the culture of this unique city. You will discover the old district of Santa Teresa together with your English speaking guide in search of the fascinating history of this charming neighbourhood up in the hills. If you have time, we suggest savouring a typical feijoada at Bar do Mineiro, one of the best in town! In the evening back at your hotel, take a stroll on Arpoador hill a few hundred meters away and applaud the magnificent sunsets!
Day 10 - Sailing in Rio
Due to its natural beauty between the sea and lush hills, Rio de Janeiro is a great place to practice both water and land sports. Therefore, sailing in Rio is an amazing opportunity to appreciate Rio’s charm from the best vantage point, the sea. This tour is done in Guanabara Bay whilst appreciating fantastic views of Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf. All national and international sailing events happen here. You will sail towards the city of Niterói and to the beaches of Vermelha and Copacabana. This is a tour to experience Rio in a different way but you can choose a more traditional tour if you wish.
Day 11 - Departure
Today you will be taken by private transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £3,490 per person
- 10 nights in 4* and 5* hotels B&B basis and Full Board in the Amazon
- Other meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- All private transfers
- All tours on a private basis
- All entrance fees with service of English speaking guide for excursions
- Local taxes
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
All prices correct at the time of writing. Give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email us to discuss your requirements and get a confirmed price.
Please remember this is a sample itinerary and we are happy to modify it to suit your plans. We can add or remove days and look at different places to stay.
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