See Brazil from two vastly different perspectives – the first being a colonial point of view, the second presenting a behind-the-scenes look at Carnival. The Baroque architecture in Ouro Preto reflects a time when the town greatly prospered during the 18th-century gold rush. It is so spectacular and culturally significant that UNESCO declared the town a World Heritage site. For contrast, you will see a side of Rio de Janeiro that few visitors know as you will become immersed in the process of creating the floats and costumes for Carnival.
DAY 1
In the early afternoon, you will be met at the pier in Salvador and transferred to the airport for the flight to Belo Horizonte.
Upon arrival in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the State of Minas Gerais, you will be met and transferred to the historical town of Ouro Preto, a drive of about two hours. Following check-in at the Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo you will enjoy dinner at the hotel, which occupies a beautiful 19th-century colonial building. While the accommodations will be comfortable, they are quite basic.
Overnight at Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo or similar.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will begin a sightseeing tour of Ouro Preto, a former colonial mining town that flourished during Brazil’s gold rush in the 18th century. After the gold was depleted, the town’s influence declined. Even so, the grand mansions, churches, public squares and bridges remain, much like they were during the heyday.
You will see many of the architectural landmarks, including the baroque Opera House, the oldest in Brazil that is still operating. For a deeper look at historical Ouro Preto, you will enjoy a walking tour along the town’s cobbled streets and browse two museums. One is devoted to religious art, the other is a repository of minerals and precious gems.
After this delightful tour of Ouro Preto, you will return to the hotel for the evening. Dinner will be served there.
Overnight at Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo or similar.
DAY 3
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the airport in Belo Horizonte for your flight to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arriving, you will stop at a popular restaurant for a traditional BBQ lunch.
Afterwards, you will have the rare opportunity to visit a samba school pavilion where you will learn about the process of creating and producing a parade for Rio’s famed Carnival. It will be especially fascinating to see how the lavish costumes and floats are made. During this special backstage experience, you can try on some of the costumes from last year’s Carnival for a photo.
Later, you will drive through the Rebouças tunnel to the Copacabana district for your check in at the Hilton Copacabana Hotel. Dinner will be on your own this evening.
Overnight at Hilton Copacabana Hotel or similar.
DAY 4
After a buffet breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will transfer to the port to re-join the cruise ship with time to join a morning excursion if you wish.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
DAY 1
Please note: Timings may vary depending on actual flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
12:30pm Disembark the ship in Salvador and meet your guide in the terminal
12:45pm Depart for the airport
1:30pm Arrival at the airport and proceed to check in
3:10pm Fly from Salvador to Belo Horizonte, Brazil (flight details TBA and subject to change)
5:00pm Land in Belo Horizonte
5:30pm Transfer to the town of Ouro Preto
7:30pm Arrive at the hotel and check in
Buffet dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo or similar
DAY 2
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00am Wake-up call and breakfast at the hotel
8:30am Begin tour of Ouro Preto including lunch
4:00pm Return to the hotel
Buffet dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo or similar
DAY 3
Please note: Timings may vary depending on actual flight times
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00 am Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
8:30am Transfer to the airport
10:30am Check in at the airport
12:15pm Fly from Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro (flight details TBA and subject to change)
1:10pm Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to a BBQ restaurant for lunch
1:40pm Lunch at Assador Restaurant or similar venue
3:00pm Drive downtown to visit the backstage of a Samba School Pavilion
5:00pm Drive to Copacabana and check in at your hotel
Dinner on your own
Overnight Hilton Copacabana Hotel or similar
DAY 4
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
6:30am Breakfast at the hotel and check out
7:30am Transfer to the pier and perhaps enjoy a day shore excursion
8:00am Arrive at the port to re-embark the ship
General Information
Electricity:
For Brazil there are two associated plug types, types C and N. Plug type C has two round pins. Plug type N has two round pins and a grounding pin. Brazil operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz. Bring a universal travel adaptor for electric devices.
Expected Weather:
16-18 degrees Celsius (60-64 degrees Fahrenheit)
What to Bring:
It is recommended that guests wear lightweight clothing, including good walking shoes and bring a jacket or sweater for cooler evenings and mornings. Guests should also bring a hat and sunscreen.
Currency:
Brazilian Real however U.S. dollars and credit cards are accepted in many shops.
Luggage:
Guests will be permitted to bring one small carry on and check one suitcase on the flight however we suggest flying with a carry on only for this short trip. Specific details are TBA.
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a doctor’s certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications, especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type).
3. These documents must be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator can be responsible for.
Please note: Some airlines may impose restrictions or specific requirements when transporting wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other assistive devices. We recommend checking directly with your airline or the Cruise Line prior to departure to ensure compliance with their policies.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after travel is required. Guests should have a valid Brazilian visa for the cruise. Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality.
Vaccination & Health Regulations:
Guests are responsible for confirming up-to-date vaccination requirements directly with their local embassy or health authority. Please note that visa and vaccination costs are not included in the price of this program.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION NOTICE:
To ensure successful flight arrangements for this program, the name on your cruise booking, passport, and any required visas must match exactly. This includes first, middle, and last names, with identical spelling across all documents. Discrepancies may result in denial of boarding by the airline.
Cruise line-generated manifests must align precisely with your official travel documents.
Failure to present the correct documentation or inconsistencies in guests names may lead to denied travel or the need to re-purchase tickets at your own expense. Guests will be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to these discrepancies.
Hotel Address & Contact:
Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo
Rua São Miguel do Arcanjo 270, Ouro Preto.
Phone: - 5531 – 3551 4121
Hilton Copacabana Hotel
Ave Atlantica N.1020, Rio de Janeiro
Phone: - 3501-8000
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
?2 nights at Hotel Pousada do Arcanjo (run of house room) including breakfast
?1 night at Hilton Copacabana Hotel (Ocean Copacabana View) including breakfast
?Pier and airport transfers
?Visits and entrance fee as per the program
?2 lunches and 2 dinners
?Economy-class flights per the program itinerary
?Local English-speaking guide throughout the program
Program Excludes:
?Any meals and drinks not specified above
?Gratuities to drivers and guides
?Hotel incidentals including room service, mini bar and laundry
?Excess or overweight luggage on the flights
?Visa fees for Brazil
Hints & Restrictions:
?Due to the amount of walking over uneven and cobbled streets as well as steps in several locations, this program is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions. Guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
