Join the world’s biggest party for six days of street festivals, pulsating samba rhythms and vibrant parades with sightseeing to the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain, as well as time to unwind on Copacabana Beach.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Rio De Janeiro
Welcome to Rio Carnival, the world's biggest party! Please make your own way to our joining hotel. At 5pm or 6pm we have an important meeting where you receive your tickets, T-shirt, maps and souvenir booklet and have a full briefing on how to make the most of your time in Rio.
Following the meeting we have a table booked at a buffet restaurant nearby, so you can spend some time getting to know your fellow travellers. If you’re arriving early in Rio, we also have plenty of optional activities available including a walking tour of downtown Rio and a half-day Brazilian cooking class.
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro
Corcovado & Sugarloaf Mountain
Today we enjoy a tour of Rio, visiting the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, which rises almost 400 metres above Rio’s harbour and offers stunning views over the city and Copacabana beach. There will be plenty of free time to explore these iconic sites and we also aim to take in other landmarks such as the Maracana stadium, the iconic Selaron Steps and the impressive Lapa Arches.
Tonight we head to the vibrant neighbourhood of Lapa for a night of live samba music and DJ’s at Rio Scenarium. One of the Rio's greatest nightspots, this venue is an antiques warehouse, bar and restaurant all housed in one three-storey dance club.
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro | Breakfast
The Sambadrome Parade
Join us this morning at one of Rio’s local ‘blocos’! These street parties are crowded, hot and lively, with live music, dancing and plenty of opportunities to get to know Rio and its people. The local ‘cariocas’ will be all dressed up, so be sure to glitter up and come dressed to impress!
Tonight we have the biggest event of the week – the Sambadrome parade! Situated in Sector 11, close to the action, we see the top samba schools of Brazil parade their elaborate floats and costumes, with the party going on well into the early hours.
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro | Breakfast
Copacabana & Ipanema
This morning is free for you to recover after an unforgettable night in the Sambadrome. Perhaps explore more of the city, hit one of Rio’s famous beaches or simply have a lie in! In the afternoon we have the option of a walking tour to Copacabana and Ipanema to give you a deeper insight into Rio’s diverse districts.
Tonight you have the option to re-visit the Sambadrome to see the last seven of the elite samba schools parading. This time we’re in Sector 5, in the centre of the parade runway, and to top it off you even have the chance to take part in the parade yourself. Dancing your way down the Sambadrome runway in costume is certainly a once in a lifetime experience! (It is important to pre-book these activities, see the Trip Notes for prices.)
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro | Breakfast
Free day
Today offers free time to explore the sights and sounds of Rio at your own pace. Perhaps relax on Copacabana beach, join another buzzing street party or ride the tram to the charming, hill-top neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. There are also some fun optional activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding or a jungle hike (prior booking is essential). Then this evening, why not catch a cultural dance show or enjoy a Caipirinha under the famous Lapa arches?
Overnight: Rio De Janeiro | Breakfast
Rio De Janeiro
Today marks the end of our time together in Rio! Hotel check-out is at 12pm.
If you would like to extend your trip in Brazil and discover other sights such as the wildlife-rich Pantanal wetlands or the magnificent Iguazu Falls we offer tailor-made holidays and our reservations team can make the arrangements for you.
Breakfast
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 4.67 out of 5 based on 3 recent reviews
The trip proved to be a phenomenal experience. I never thought I would have had the opportunity to travel to as many places in such a short time. Our Guide did a remarkable job and made the trip truly a memorable experience.”
An amazing trip. Far exceeded our expectations. Everything was so well organised and when there were small hitches they were dealt with speedily and efficiently. FANTASTIC..”
Awesome!! Fantastic time was had. Very organised informative helpful and generally nice people !! Would definitely recommend them. ”
In Brief
The trip proved to be a phenomenal experience. I never thought I would have had the opportunity to travel to as many places in such a short time. Our Guide did a remarkable job and made the trip truly a memorable experience.”
