Brazil is a vast country, covering 2/3rds of the South American continent. From the far northern reaches of the Amazon to the glittering beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is one country but with many regional distinctions. Our two week exploration takes us into three of these regions: Rio de Janeiro, Bahia and the Amazon. In Rio we enjoy the comforts of the 5* Caesar Park Ipanema which is located across Avenida Atlantica from the famous gay beach. Explore this vibrant city by day and by night .Then we are off to Manaus for one night before embarking the Iberostar for a fascinating 3-night cruise. The Amazon is a world unto itself where the enormous river figures into the lives of everyone who lives along its banks. On our 3-night cruise, we will take daily excursions to see the wildlife and local villages and relax aboard ship while cruising the massive Amazon River. Continue to Bahia, Brazil's sexy region of mostly African descendants. Our accommodations are in an historic convent, now converted to lovely hotel. Learn about condomble and the history of the slave trade and tour the site of colonial Salvador. From here you may book flights back to the USA from Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro or take an extension to Brazil's capital and planned city of Brasilia.
Day 1 -- Depart USA
Depart USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2 -- RIO DE JANEIRO
Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to the hotel. Rio de Janeiro is one of the world's most exciting cities. This afternoon, during a half day city tour, the most important sights of Rio will be shown. Driving along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park as far as downtown. Visit the downtown area, passing by the financial and business center and by other attractions such as the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa  Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum, and the Sambadrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade. Proceeding to the Urca District to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up to the Sugar Loaf Mountain. Overnight at Hotel Caesar Park Ipanema.
Day 3 -- RIO DE JANEIRO
Buffet breakfast at leisure at your hotel. The day is at leisure to embark on personal pursuits. A selection of optional trips will be offered for those who desire more sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel Caesar Park Ipanema

Day 4 - RIO DE JANEIRO

Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure to enjoy optional tours or relax on the beach. Overnight at Hotel Caesar Park Ipanema

Day 5 -- RIO DE JANEIRO - MANAUS
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer to the airport to take your flight to Manaus. Arrive in Manaus and transfer to Tropical Manaus Hotel. Manaus – The capital of Amazonas State and the hub of the whole Amazon Region lies on the Negro River, 6km far from the point where the Negro meets the Solimoes River to form the Brazilian Amazon River.

Depart for a city tour of Manaus and visit the Municipal Market. Then, visit the Rio Negro Palace, former residence of the wealthy German rubber merchant, Valdemar Sholz, which today serves as the headquarters of the local government. Also visit the Indian Museum to learn more about Indian tribes from the Rio Negro. Then visit the famous and lavish Opera House, inaugurated in 1899. Overnight at  Hotel Tropical Manaus

Day 6 --EMBARK THE IBEROSTAR GRAND AMAZON CRUISE
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. In the afternoon, transfer to the Iberostar Grand Amazon Cruise for a 3-night program. The ship cruises along both the Negro and Amazon Rivers. Departing from Manaus pier, the Iberostar Grand Amazon makes stops at locations along the Amazon jungle, offering excursions to explore the local flora and fauna. Adventure-seekers will have the opportunity to see indigenous plants, trees, animals and even the local river communities. Among many activities, you will have the chance to fish for piranhas, bird-watch, take night trips in search of nocturnal animals, view the floating docks, market and houses on stilts. This evening, enjoy the Captain's welcome cocktail party, followed by a presentation of officers and crew. At night, welcome dinner in the Kuarup restaurant and live music.
Days 7 & 8 -- AMAZON CRUISE
Cruise the Amazon River.

Day 9 -- DISEMBARK IBEROSTAR & FLY TO SALVADOR
Breakfast buffet on board. Arrive in Salvador and transfer to Convento do Carmo Hotel. Overnight at the Convento Do Carmo.
Day 10 -- SALVADOR
Breakfast at the hotel. Start the morning with an historical tour. This tour will give you a good overall impression of Salvador and its principal historical landmarks. Departing from the hotel directly to Farol da Barra (Lighthouse) at Barra district. Continue to Municipal Square with a stop at the Lacerda Elevator, where you will have a breathtaking view of Baía de Todos os Santos (All Saints Bay). Walking through the cobblestone streets of the Pelourinho district, the city's historic old town, you will understand why UNESCO has called the architectural complex the most important colonial  architecture extant. You  will  visit the Baroque Cathedral, built by the Jesuits in 1672, Sao Francisco Church, Brazil's most famous religious structure with its intricately carved gold-leafed  rosewood interior, fine paintings and sculpture and valuable  silver ornamentation - the blaze of gold will take your breath away. Visit also the Pelourinho  Square. Then proceed to Mercado Modelo (handicraft market).Try bargaining for a souvenir before returning to the hotel. Overnight at the Convento Do Carmo

Day 11 -- SALVADOR
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning leave for a tour to the historical city of Cachoeira. Cachoeira, 121 kilometers from Salvador, is located on the banks of the "Paraguaçu river". It has a fine colonial architecture not yet disturbed by modern building, an historic jewel. "Diogo Alvarez" was the father of the founders of "Cachoeira" and the only survivor of a shipwreck in 1510. In Cachoeira was installed the first sugar cane plantations and later on became twice the capital of state and the world's center of sugarcane and tobacco cultivation. The small town today is still one of the main "candomblé" centers of Bahia: inside the tiny huts on the mountain Fridays and Saturdays, the beat of the spirit drums is heard all over the region. On the way, you will also visit sugarcane, tobacco and cocoa plantations. Lunch will be served at Santa Cruz farm. Return to Salvador via the neighboring town of  "São Félix" and crossing the old "Imperator Bridge". Overnight at the Convento Do Carmo

Day 12 -- SALVADOR - USA or BRASILIA EXTENSION
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for international flights back home via Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo or travel on to Brasilia for our extension. (See Extension.)