CARNIVAL IN RIO

Day 1
You can check into the hotel today anytime from 1500hrs. We will have an orientation meeting in the early evening, and tonight there will be an optional night out at the Red and Black Ball. The ball takes place at the Scala nightclub in Ipanema, and attracts a mixed crowd, all wearing items in red and black. The ball finishes at around 6am, and your tour leader will arrange tickets for everyone wishing to attend.

Day 2
Today we will have a full day city tour of Rio visiting some of the city's major highlights. On the tour, we stop at the Maracaná Stadium, one of the largest football grounds in the world, and drive through the Tijuca Rainforest (the world's biggest urban forest) to the statue of Christ the Redeemer on Mt. Corcovado for amazing panoramic views of the city and its bays. We also take the cable car up Sugar Loaf Mountain and visit Rio's historic downtown area and the conical Metropolitan Cathedral. Lunch is included at a typical Rodizio restaurant. Please note that the exact itinerary of this city tour may change as Carnival street parades often lead to unexpected road closures.

Day 3
Most of today is left free for us to relax or explore the city further. In the evening comes the real highlight of the trip - we head to the Sambadrome to take our grandstand seats for the main Carnival Parade. The parade starts at 2100hrs, and carries on until the early hours of the morning as a succession of elaborately costumed samba schools dance their way through the arena to the beat of pounding drums. The spectacle is simply amazing, and words can't do it justice. Transport to the Sambadrome is provided, but we leave the end of the evening open as not everyone will want to leave at the same time - some of you may want to see the parade through to its conclusion at 6 or 7am. Taxis are readily available from outside the Sambadrome.

Day 4
Today has been left completely free so that we can get over a late night and possibly a few too many caipirinhas! There are some wonderful beaches to relax on, and plenty to see in the city. During Carnival, there are always parties in the evening.

Day 5
Another free day to explore or relax. Tonight we will offer an optional night out at the Gay Ball - a no-holds barred costume extravaganza. Costumes are readily available in Rio during Carnival, and although there are no dress restrictions, you should note that you will look pretty out of place in jeans and t-shirts! An open mind is a must for this event. As with the Red and Black Ball, your trip leader will arrange the tickets for all those wishing to attend.

Day 6
End Rio.