Compare Discover the green coast of Brazil by Hurtigruten vs Rio de Janeiro Short Break by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 15 days | 4 days |
| Price From | $ 1,680 | $ 890 |
| Price Per Day | $ 112 | $ 223 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Let yourself go to samba rhythms and get the best of Brazil´s more than 7,000 miles of coastline. This is a journey under the tropical sun that lets you combine excursions into the Amazon rainforest with visits to tropical beaches and the mythical Rio de Janeiro. We embark in Fortaleza, where a day in the old town is recommended before we set course for Recife, a gutsy and gritty coastal town with bustling market areas. Choose from various excursions or walk around on your own. Back on board, you can enjoy a full day on the sundeck until our next stop, Salvador. |
See the best of Rio de Janeiro with this whistle stop stopover tour. Get under the skin of this bustling metropolis, laze away on the stunning beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, stand in the shadow of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer and check out Rio’s other great icon – the famed nightlife. |
Day 1: Fortaleza, Brazil
This expedition starts in Fortaleza, and before leaving your should experience Centro, the oldest part of town. This is a lively area to explore by day, with busy streets full of small stores. Try the typical Brazilian food in one of the barracas (rustic restaurants) next to the beach. If you are more interested in history and art you should visit the old fortress built by the Dutch captain Matias Beck in 1649 and Fortaleza's cathedral, the third biggest church in Brazil.
Day 2: At sea
Enjoy the tropical temperatures on deck or lectures from the expedition team.
Day 3: Recife, Brazil
If you like your cities gutsy, gritty and proud, this is the place for you. Several rivers divide the town into smaller islands that are connected by more than 50 bridges. This is why Recife is known as the “Brazilian Venice”. In he old centre you find several historical buildings, churches and cathedrals. We offer an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Olinda. The Portuguese founded the city in the 16th century, but because the Dutch looted it in the 18th century the city had to be rebuilt. The old houses, more than 20 baroque churches, convents and smaller chapels form a remarkable city ensemble that impresses every visitor. You can also have fun exploring the city centre of Recife with its churches and thronged market areas on your own.
Day 4: At sea
Today is perfect for bird watching from deck, lectures or simply relaxing with a good book.
Day 5: Salvador, Brazil
Salvador is said to assault the senses with sights of the gold-encrusted panels on churches, inviting scent and exotic taste of the African-influenced food, sounds of the street vendors’, the roar of traffic and the distinctive sounds and rhythm of Bahian music. The city is divided in an upper and lower town connected by an elevator “Elevador Lacerda”. At the basement of the elevator you find the market place well known for its local art. The historic centre of Salvador, the “Pelaurinho” was declared a UNESCO World Hertitage Site in 1985. Today it is a famous example of the impressive Portuguese colonial architecture. There are also an amazing amount of churches in Salvador. The city was a significant centre for the Atlantic slave trade between the 16th and 18th century. Today nearly 80% of the inhabitants have African roots, and African culture pervades Salvador's music and cuisine.
Day 6: Ilhéus, Brazil
As a contrast to yesterday we arrive in the relaxed town of Ilhéus. The city offers several attractions like a botanical garden, several museums and churches, a sloth recovery centre, old sugar mills, several cocoa plantations and 15 superb beaches. Join a bird-watching excursion, a visit to one of Ilhéus’ many cocoa plantations, guided tours in town, go snorkelling or spend a day relaxing on a sandy beach.
Day 7: At sea
Join the expedition team for more fascinating lectures or chill on deck.
Day 8: At sea
Spend another relaxing and interesting day at sea.
Day 9: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is the home of the Carnival, the samba and Copacabana Beach. We recommend spending the morning on deck to get a first view and perhaps see the sunrise over the city as we sail into the Guanabara Bay. You will never forget your first sight of the 38m statue of Jesus on top of the Corcovado Mountain. Explore the city on your own, or join one of our excursions to several of the famous landmarks. Have a refreshing bath at the world famous Copacabana beach, a cocktail in a bar while listening to the characteristic samba music and enjoy a typical Brazilian dinner with beef or fresh seafood in one of the remarkable restaurants downtown.
Day 10: At sea
Relax as we spend yet a day at sea.
Day 11: Paranagua, Brazil
Day 12: At sea
Join the expedition team for more lectures or spend the day on deck.
Day 13: Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
With jaw-dropping forest-covered canyons of the national parks and cascading river valleys, Rio Grande do Sul is a paradise for all nature enthusiasts and bird lovers in particular. Brazil’s southernmost state is its most culturally distinct, with Gaúchos, the cattle herders and their cowboy culture.
Day 14: Montevideo, Uruguay
Urugua's capital Montevideo is situated at the river mouth of the Rio de la Plata. The city’s harbour is located very close to the city centre. Why not explore the town on your own after the farewell dinner on board and enjoy nightlife in Montevideo?
Day 15: Montevideo, Uruguay
The morning after, this truly special expedition is over. If you've had too much sun and warmth, we recommend staying on the ship for its next expedition as we go even deeper south – to Antarctica.
Day 1 Rio de Janeiro
Bem-Vindos! Welcome to Brazil. There is nothing planned for the first day so relax and enjoy. The locals like to say that 'God made the world in six days, the seventh he devoted to Rio'. In this heaving metropolis, set against the luminescent green of Guanabara Bay and surrounded by the slopes of Sugarloaf and Corcovado, it's hard not to be caught up in the passion of the city's residents (known as Cariocas). The French were the first to settle here as they logged wood along the Brazilian coast, but they were soon driven out by the Portuguese, who built a fortified town named Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro and quickly amassed wealth during the gold rush of Minas Gerais. In the 19th century, the Portuguese monarchy fled from the threat of Napoleon in Europe and took up residence in Rio, where they built grand buildings that still stand today. These days Rio is a fascinating and diverse city best known for its contrasting images of favelas (shanty towns) and the glitz and glamour of Carnaval.
Day 2 Rio de Janeiro
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel to join a city tour to see the sights. From Corcovado Hill we drive the 4km up the mountainside through the world's largest urban national park to the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Take in the sweeping, panoramic views before continuing the drive to the Maracana Stadium, passing the Sambadrome and Metropolitan Cathedral. Next are the famous arches of the Lapa neighbourhood and then on to Copacabana where we stop for lunch - a traditional Brazilian BBQ of course! After eating your fill, travel on to Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy the views over the city. Then it's back down the mountain and returning to your hotel. The rest of the day and evening is free to spend as you wish.
Day 3 Rio de Janeiro
Today is a free day for you to relax on one of Rio’s famous beaches such as Ipanema or Copacabana, or explore the city further at your leisure.
Day 4 Rio de Janeiro
As there are no included activities today you are free to depart at any time.
