Begin the day at London Heathrow with a relaxed business-class check-in and lounge breakfast — take advantage of priority boarding and a final stroll through the shops for travel essentials. Allow time for passport control and a calm buffer before your overnight flight; settle into your seat, preview the in-flight entertainment, and enjoy a light meal as the plane departs for Rio de Janeiro.
As the hours pass, stretch out in comfort, nap with an eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones, or work quietly using the in-seat power and Wi-Fi if needed. Mid-flight, sample Brazilian-inspired dishes or a fine wine offered in business class and prepare for arrival by reviewing transfer details to your Copacabana or Ipanema hotel and noting possible arrival times at GIG.
On arrival at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão (GIG), breeze through fast-track immigration and collect luggage before a private transfer to your beachfront hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema; expect arrival later this evening with time to freshen up. If energy permits, take a short, moonlit walk along the promenade to feel the ocean breeze and locate a nearby kiosk or bistro for a light supper — otherwise, rest up for a full first day in Rio tomorrow.
After your private transfer from GIG, check in and refresh at your beachfront hotel in Copacabana or Ipanema, then take a leisurely stroll along the famous promenade — pause at Fort Copacabana for panoramic views and a coffee at the Forte café while orienting yourself to the city. If you arrive earlier, drop your bags with the concierge and walk the mosaic-lined Avenida Atlântica to feel the Atlantic breeze and watch locals setting up their kiosks and beach sports.
For a gentle introduction to Rio, enjoy lunch at a seaside boteco such as Garota de Ipanema, sampling feijoada or a fresh seafood prato, then relax on Ipanema Beach near Posto 9 to soak up the sun and people-watch. Alternatively, take a short taxi to Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas for a tranquil walk or rented bike ride around the lagoon and a stop at Palaphita Kitch for caipirinhas amid tropical décor.
As evening falls, head to the lively neighborhood of Ipanema for sundowners at Arpoador Rock — arrive early to watch the sunset crowd — then make your way to a neighbourhood restaurant like Zazá Bistrô for inventive Bahian-influenced cuisine. Finish your first night with a relaxed beachfront walk under the lights or a samba playlist back at your hotel, resting up for a full day of classic Rio sights tomorrow.
After a relaxed breakfast at your Copacabana or Ipanema hotel, take a pre-midday transfer to Corcovado to visit Christ the Redeemer—arrive early to beat the crowds, enjoy the sweeping city and bay views, and learn about the statue's history at the visitor centre. Pause for a coffee at the Corcovado café or the nearby Parque Lage grounds before descending to explore the picturesque streets of Santa Teresa, with its colonial houses and artisan boutiques.
Return toward the waterfront for a leisurely lunch in Urca — try a seafood prato at Mureta da Urca or Bar Urca while watching the harbour activity — then board the Sugarloaf cable car up Pão de Açúcar for golden-hour panoramas of Guanabara Bay, Copacabana and the Cristo silhouette. Take time at the summit to wander the walking platforms, photograph the view, and enjoy a chilled drink at the lookout kiosk as the light softens over the city.
Descend to Ipanema or Copacabana for dinner at a neighbourhood restaurant such as CT Boucherie or Satyricon for fresh fish, and sample a classic caipirinha to toast the day. Finish with a moonlit stroll along the Avenida Atlântica or a stop at Arpoador to watch surfers and the sunset-afterglow, keeping the relaxed rhythm you've built since arrival while preparing for tomorrow's cultural explorations.
Start the day with a short taxi or the scenic tram ride up to Santa Teresa, wandering its cobbled lanes to admire the colourful colonial houses and street art; visit Parque das Ruínas for panoramic views and a coffee at the café while browsing local artisan shops and galleries such as Chácara do Céu. Stop by the Selarón Steps on the descent to take photos of Jorge Selarón’s mosaic masterpiece and pick up a light snack at Café do Alto to refuel before the afternoon.
Cross into Lapa for lunch at a traditional boteco like Bar do Mineiro or Rio Scenarium’s café, sampling pão de queijo, pastéis and a refreshing caipirinha; then explore the iconic Arcos da Lapa and nearby cultural spots, including the Centro Cultural Municipal and Rua do Lavradio’s antique stalls if it’s a market day. For a deeper insight, join a short guided walking tour that highlights Afro-Brazilian history and street art, linking today’s sights with the Corcovado and Sugarloaf experiences earlier in the trip.
As night falls, settle in for an authentic samba experience — choose a live-music venue such as Carioca da Gema or the atmospheric Rio Scenarium for an energetic show of samba and choro, arriving early to secure a good table and enjoy a dinner of moqueca or feijoada. After the performance, take a leisurely stroll back through the illuminated Arcos da Lapa or grab a late-night coconut water on the way to your hotel, soaking in the vibrant rhythm that defines Rio before tomorrow’s flight to Foz do Iguaçu.
After an early hotel breakfast in Rio, transfer to Galeão (GIG) for a short domestic flight to Foz do Iguaçu; enjoy priority boarding and use the flight time to review your falls excursion details. On arrival at Foz do Iguaçu airport, clear immigration if necessary and take a private transfer to your hotel near the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, drop your bags and freshen up before heading out to explore.
Spend the afternoon on the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls, starting at the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu visitor centre before walking the panoramic trails to the main viewpoints and the dramatic Devil’s Throat lookout; don't miss the elevated catwalks that frame the cascading falls and provide sweeping views across the Argentine side. Opt for the eco-train or a short boat shuttle to vary your perspective, and pause at the park café for a coffee with a view before returning to your hotel.
Return to your hotel to relax and enjoy a chilled dinner at a local restaurant such as La Toscana or Empório Comida & Arte, sampling regional dishes like river fish or Brazilian churrasco with a caipirinha. If time and energy permit, visit the Triple Frontier viewpoint (Marco das Três Fronteiras) at sunset for colourful illuminations over the Paraná and Iguaçu rivers and a brief introduction to the neighbouring Argentina and Paraguay.
Cross the border to Puerto Iguazú after breakfast and head straight into Parque Nacional Iguazú on the Argentine side, where the Upper Circuit (Pasarelas Superiores) offers sweeping, close-up panoramas of cascades and rainbows; pause at the various viewpoints to photograph the falls from different angles and learn about local flora at the visitor centre. For a truly immersive start, take the ecological train to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) platform and feel the thunderous spray and power of the falls as water plunges into the gorge.
After a riverside lunch at the park restaurant or a packed picnic, explore the Lower Circuit (Pasarelas Inferiores) to descend nearer the base of many falls and watch toucans and coatis in the surrounding rainforest; if you’re up for adrenaline, join the optional Gran Aventura boat trip from Puerto Macuco that zooms under select cascades and leaves you drenched and exhilarated. Return by late afternoon to Puerto Iguazú for a short stroll through the town’s artisan market — pick up handicrafts and local yerba mate before heading back to your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu.
Freshen up and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a riverside restaurant such as Aqva or La Rueda, sampling Argentine parrilla or regional river fish paired with a Malbec, then soak in the day’s memories while watching a colourful sunset over the Paraná. If you prefer a quieter night, arrange an early evening visit to the illuminated falls viewpoint on the Brazilian side (if available) or simply unwind at your hotel preparing for tomorrow’s morning flight to Manaus.
After an early transfer to Foz do Iguaçu airport, board your morning flight to Manaus (often via São Paulo) and enjoy a relaxed business-class journey with views of Brazil’s interior. On arrival at Eduardo Gomes International, collect luggage and meet your private transfer to the docks—stop briefly at the Teatro Amazonas for a photo and a coffee if time allows before boarding the riverboat that will take you upriver toward your Amazon lodge.
Glide into the rainforest by boat, watching várzea flooded forests and river communities pass by as the lodge team welcomes you and shows your riverside bungalow. After lunch at the lodge, take your first guided jungle walk or short motorized canoe excursion to learn about local flora and fauna—look for monkeys, kingfishers and giant water lilies while your guide explains medicinal plants and the seasonal rhythms of the Rio Negro.
As dusk falls, enjoy a riverside dinner of Amazonian specialties like tambaqui or pirarucu and freshly prepared tucupi sauces, then join a nocturnal wildlife paddle to spot caimans, night birds and insects by spotlight. Return to the lodge for a nightcap on the deck beneath the stars, listening to the layered sounds of the jungle as you settle in for a deeper exploration tomorrow.
Wake early for a coffee on the lodge deck as dawn paints the canopy, then join your expert naturalist guide for a guided forest walk along designated trails to learn about medicinal plants at a chacra and spot howler monkeys and colorful toucans in the treetops; your guide will explain the differences between terra firme and várzea habitats and point out giant kapok and Brazil nut trees. Return to the lodge mid-morning for a demonstration of traditional fish-smoking techniques and a light snack of açaí and regional fruit before preparing for the river expedition.
After a riverside lunch featuring tambaqui or pirarucu, set out in a motorized canoe for a scenic river excursion on the Rio Negro—cruise past riverine communities, visit a local floating market if available, and keep an eye out for pink river dolphins leaping near oxbow lakes. Pause for a short landing at a community or ecological station to meet local guides, learn about sustainable harvesting of palms and tucupi production, and photograph the reflected rainforest on calm backwaters.
As the light softens, enjoy a relaxed riverside dinner at the lodge, then embark on a guided night paddle with headlamps and spotlights to search for caimans, nightjars and tree frogs while listening to the symphony of nocturnal insects and amphibians. Return to your bungalow for a quiet night beneath the canopy, discussing the day's sightings with your guide and planning tomorrow’s deeper jungle exploration.
Rise before dawn for a guided boat trip to a nearby oxbow lake (igarapé) where early light and calm water give the best chance to see pink river dolphins, herons and kingfishers; your naturalist guide will explain seasonal feeding patterns and point out subtle animal signs on the flooded forest edge. After the paddle, disembark for a short forest walk led by the lodge team to look for capuchin and howler monkeys, spot colorful insects and learn to identify medicinal plants used by local communities.
After a riverside lunch at the lodge, visit a riverside riverine community or sustainable extractive project to meet local families, see traditional manioc processing and tucupi preparation, and learn about agroforestry and fishery practices that sustain village life; your host will often offer a demonstration and small tasting of regional fare. Follow the community visit with a canoe exploration of a quiet backwater to photograph flooded trees and watch for sloths or toucans, deepening your understanding of how people and wildlife share the river landscape.
Return to the lodge for a relaxed Amazonian dinner featuring freshly caught tambaqui and seasonal fruit, then join an optional night-vision session or spotlight boat ride to search for caimans, night monkeys and frogs while your guide narrates nocturnal behaviour and conservation efforts. Finish the night on the lodge deck with a digestif, listening to the layered calls of the jungle and reflecting on the full immersion that awaits tomorrow before your return toward Manaus.
After an early breakfast on the lodge deck, take a final guided canoe transfer back downriver to Manaus—enjoy one last stretch of rainforest scenery and a quick stop for photos at the riverbank communities you’ve passed. On arrival in Manaus, pause for a brief visit to the historic Teatro Amazonas for a coffee and a chance to stretch your legs before boarding your mid-morning domestic flight (usually via Brasilia or São Paulo) to Salvador.
Arrive into Salvador with a private transfer to your Pelourinho hotel, checking in and refreshing before lunch at a nearby Bahian restaurant such as Casa de Tereza or Restaurante do SENAC to taste moqueca and acarajé. Spend the afternoon wandering the colourful streets of Pelourinho—visit the São Francisco Church and Convent to admire the gilded baroque interiors and then browse local handicraft shops and galleries to pick up Candomblé-inspired souvenirs.
As the sun lowers, take in panoramic views from the Elevador Lacerda and descend to the Mercado Modelo for sunset caipirinhas and live music at one of the waterfront bars. For dinner, choose a traditional Afro-Bahian meal at a Pelourinho hotspot and, if energy permits, enjoy an evening of live samba or an Afro-Brazilian cultural performance to complete your transition from the Amazon’s calm to Salvador’s vibrant culture.
Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then step into the heart of Pelourinho to explore its kaleidoscopic colonial streets — visit the ornate São Francisco Church and Convent to admire its gilded baroque woodwork and tilework, and pop into the Museu Afro-Brasileiro to deepen your understanding of African heritage in Brazil. Pause for an espresso at a shaded square and watch capoeiristas or street musicians rehearse, feeling the living link between history and contemporary culture.
After lunch at Casa de Tereza or a local moqueca house, join a guided walking tour that focuses on Afro-Brazilian traditions: stop by the Terreiro de Candomblé to learn about spiritual practices (observe respectfully), browse artisan stalls in Ladeira do Carmo for Afrocentric crafts and berimbau instruments, and visit the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado to connect literature with local life. Finish with a climb to the Elevador Lacerda for panoramic views of Todos os Santos Bay before a quick stroll through Mercado Modelo to pick up cholos, ceramics or a packet of local dendê oil.
As dusk falls, settle in for dinner at a Pelourinho restaurant serving acarajé and other Bahian specialties, then immerse yourself in live percussion at a nearby praça or cultural centre—seek out a scheduled samba or afoxé performance for an authentic musical evening. If you prefer a structured night, attend an Afro-Brazilian dance show or capoeira demonstration that showcases the rhythms and stories you've been exploring throughout the day, returning to your hotel with a richer sense of Salvador’s soul.
After a leisurely breakfast in Pelourinho, take a private transfer to the golden sands of Porto da Barra or Praia do Farol da Barra for a gentle morning of swimming and sunbathing; stroll along the promenade past the Forte de Santa Maria to enjoy sweeping views of All Saints Bay and the historic lighthouse. Stop at a beachside quiosque for fresh coconut water and a plate of acarajé or grilled peixe to keep the pace relaxed and local.
Head south to the calm, palm-fringed beaches of Itapuã or Stella Maris for a laid-back afternoon—rent a shady palapa, try stand-up paddleboarding or join locals for a game of beach footvolley, then savor a seaside lunch at Rudá or Barraca do Lôro sampling moqueca baiana and farofa. Alternatively, choose a short boat trip to the idyllic Ilha dos Frades for snorkelling in crystal coves and a picnic under casuarina trees before returning to Salvador in the late afternoon.
Return to Pelourinho for sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar such as Casa do Amarelindo, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at a renowned Bahian restaurant like Casa de Tereza or Restaurante do SENAC to sample more regional specialities—dendê-rich moquecas, bobó de camarão and caipirinhas. Finish the night with live música ao vivo in a nearby praça or a slow walk through the lit colonial streets, taking in Salvador’s warm sea breeze and the rhythmic pulse that links today’s coastal calm to the cultural highlights you’ve experienced earlier.
Catch a mid-morning domestic flight into Galeão (GIG) or Santos Dumont and take a private transfer back to your Copacabana or Ipanema hotel; drop your bags, freshen up, and head straight to the beach promenade for a relaxed coffee at Cafeina or Confeitaria Colombo (location dependent) while you re-acquaint yourself with Rio’s rhythm. If time permits, pop into the Museu de Arte do Rio (MAR) or the contemporary MAM by Lagoa to soak up a final dose of Brazilian art and sweeping bay views before lunch.
Spend a leisurely afternoon ticking off any last-minute sights: stroll the mosaic of Avenida Atlântica to Fort Copacabana for panoramic ocean views and the Forte café terrace, or take a short taxi to Jardim Botânico to wander shaded trails among imperial palms and orchids. For a more elevated perspective, return to Urca and ride the Sugarloaf cable car for late-afternoon light over Guanabara Bay, then enjoy a seaside bite at Mureta da Urca watching ferries and local life pass by.
As evening falls, celebrate your Brazil highlights with a memorable dinner—choose a beachfront seafood meal at Satyricon or a refined tasting at Olympe (reservations recommended), followed by a sunset caipirinha on Arpoador to watch surfers and the final glow over Rio. If you prefer a lively send-off, head to Lapa for live samba at Carioca da Gema or Rio Scenarium, soaking up the city’s music one last time before packing for your return flight to London.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Copacabana or Ipanema hotel, taking one last stroll along the Avenida Atlântica or a quick photo stop at Arpoador to capture the morning light over the ocean before your transfer. A private car will collect you for the short drive to Galeão (GIG) where you can make use of fast-track check-in and the airline lounge—sip a final caipirinha or Brazilian coffee while confirming your in-flight connections and relaxing in business-class comfort.
Settle into your business-class seat for the overnight transatlantic flight, enjoying an elevated lunch and the cabin’s amenities—sample Brazilian-inspired dishes and a choice of wines as you review trip photos and souvenirs from Pelourinho and the Amazon. As the flight progresses, take advantage of lie-flat seating to nap or watch the in-flight entertainment; cabin service will include a light dinner and warm farewell from the crew as Brazil’s coastline fades below.
Spend the evening crossing the Atlantic with a final gourmet meal and a nightcap, reflecting on the cascade of experiences from Rio’s beaches and samba to the thunder of Iguazu and the hush of the Amazon. Rest in comfort on-route to London with priority arrival services and breakfast service before landing, allowing a smooth transition back home and time to plan which Brazilian memory you’ll revisit first.
Arrive into London with priority immigration and baggage service, then transfer to your central hotel to drop bags and freshen up; if time allows, enjoy a restorative breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café such as The Wolseley or Dishoom to reacclimatise. For a gentle first stroll, head to St James’s Park or along the South Bank by the Thames to stretch your legs and take in familiar skyline sights—the London Eye, Westminster and the cathedral dome of St Paul’s across the river.
Spend a leisurely afternoon choosing one of two easy options: explore museums with short visits to the British Museum or the National Gallery for a culturally rich wind-down, or take a relaxed canal-side walk from Little Venice toward Camden Market for casual shopping and street food. If you prefer a quieter pace, book a late-afternoon river cruise or afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason to savour British flavours while reviewing photos and souvenirs from Brazil.
For your first evening back, enjoy a comforting dinner at a refined neighbourhood restaurant—try Hawksmoor (for steak) or Rochelle Canteen (for seasonal British fare)—followed by a relaxed drink at a hotel bar to reflect on the trip. If energy permits, catch a West End show or an intimate live-music session in Soho to gently re-enter London’s nightlife before a good night’s rest and onward travel planning for the optional extension days.
Choose your extension: in Salvador, enjoy a relaxed morning driving north to Praia do Forte, strolling the tide pools, visiting the TAMAR sea turtle project and sipping coffee at Vila do Porto; alternatively, if you fly to the Pantanal, arrive mid-morning and embark on your first guided safari boat or 4x4 transfer with a local guide to scan riverbanks for caimans, jabiru storks and capybaras. Both options build on earlier Bahian culture or Amazon immersion while shifting pace toward wildlife or coastal calm.
At Praia do Forte, spend the afternoon snorkelling in clear coves, exploring the Projeto Tamar visitor centre and lunching on fresh peixe at a beachside restaurante like Sabor da Vila; in the Pantanal, continue guided game drives and a riverside picnic, visiting a fazenda to learn about cattle-ranching traditions and the unique wetland ecology while watching for jaguar signs, giant otters and toucans. Whichever route you choose, the afternoon deepens your connection to Brazil’s diverse ecosystems and local conservation efforts.
For a coastal evening return to Salvador or stay at a pousada in Praia do Forte for a seafood dinner and sunset caipirinhas on the sand, or in the Pantanal settle into a rustic lodge for a churrasco or pantaneiro-style meal followed by a night-boat to spotlight nocturnal wildlife under the Milky Way. These quieter, nature-focused evenings provide a gentle, memorable contrast to the busier highlights of your main itinerary and prepare you for the final travel day home.
Choose a gentle start tailored to your extension: in Praia do Forte, stroll the Vila do Porto boardwalk at dawn, visit the TAMAR centre to watch morning feeding talks and relax with a beachfront cafézinho; in the Pantanal, rise before sunrise for a guided boat safari or 4x4 drive along river margins searching for jaguar signs, capybaras and colourful wading birds with your local naturalist. Either option offers a calm, immersive rhythm that builds on your earlier wildlife or coastal days while letting you linger in the landscape.
Spend the afternoon deepening the experience: at Praia do Forte take a snorkelling trip to nearby reefs, picnic on Ilha do Sapato or cycle through the conservation-rich trails, stopping at Projeto Tamar’s informative exhibits; in the Pantanal join a lodge-led horseback ride or a photographic hide session beside a oxbow lake to capture caimans, herons and the slow-moving river life. These relaxed yet activity-rich hours give you space to savour Brazil’s biodiversity or unwind on warm, palm-lined sands.
As the day cools, enjoy a memorable final evening reflecting local flavours and ambience: in Praia do Forte dine at Sabor da Vila or Restaurante do Forte for fresh peixe and coconut-infused dishes while watching the sunset over the bay; in the Pantanal return to your fazenda for a pantaneiro-style churrasco, share stories around a lantern-lit deck and take a short nocturnal boat ride to spotlight caimans and night birds. Either way, finish with a quiet drink under the stars, absorbing the last notes of Brazil’s natural soundtrack before your return journey.
After a final breakfast at your pousada or Pantanal fazenda, take a private transfer to the regional airport—allow time for a last photo stop of the lodge’s river or beachfront view and a quick souvenir-check before baggage drop. Use airport lounge access for a relaxed send-off, enjoy a light Brazilian coffee and reflect on the extension’s highlights as you prepare for your international connection back to London.
Board your business-class flight and settle into your lie-flat seat for the transatlantic journey; enjoy a gourmet lunch service featuring Brazilian-inspired flavours and a final caipirinha or glass of wine as the coastline recedes. Spend the afternoon resting, reviewing your trip photos and notes from Pelourinho, the Amazon and Iguazu, and take advantage of in-flight amenities to arrive refreshed.
As night falls, savour the flight’s final dinner service and a comforting nightcap while the cabin dims for sleep, allowing time to rest on-route to London. On arrival, benefit from priority immigration and baggage handling before your onward transfer home—carry with you the rhythms of samba, the roar of the falls and the hush of the jungle as the trip’s memories settle in.