Discover, Plan & Go!

1-2

Depart Home / Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

On this exclusive President's Small Ship Cruise, you'll discover the very best of Brazil, showcasing the history and sophistication of South America's largest country along with a luxurious eco-cruise on the timeless Amazon.

You'll begin your remarkable cultural and ecological tour with an overnight flight, arriving early on Day 2 in sunny Rio de Janeiro, where you'll receive a special musical welcome by a Samba trio at the airport. Your excellent hotel is located right on legendary Copacabana beach and your room will be ready and waiting for you for early check in.

In the late afternoon, after you've had time to rest up and refresh, your explorations begin with a cable car ride to the heights of Sugarloaf, the massive granite mountain that overlooks the city and the harbor. From the top, you'll be amazed by the sweeping views of the bay, the curve of the Copacabana, and Rio's other iconic mountain peak, Corcovado. You'll see why many people consider this the most stunning setting of any city in the world. You'll then top off this unforgettable experience with a special sunset champagne toast, followed by dinner in a private dining room at your luxurious hotel.

JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro (B,D)

3

Rio de Janeiro

All aboard for a spectacular ascent of Rio's "other mountain." Get your camera ready as you take a scenic ride aboard a cog train through the Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado, a peak that rises in the middle of the city. During the 20-minute ride to the summit, relax and enjoy the close-up views of the forest's exotic trees and thick jungle vines. At the top, you can climb the steps to the lookout where the towering Christ the Redeemer statue gazes over the city with outstretched arms, and thrill to the spectacular 360-degree views. After descending from the peak, your tour will continue past some of Rio's most famous beaches, and then to the heart of downtown Rio with views of many historic landmarks.

That evening, you'll be the guest at the President's Gala! The festivities take place at the Juliete de Serpa castle and include a sensational dinner, followed by a thrilling Samba Show featuring children from a local Samba school.

JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro (B,D)

4

Rio de Janeiro

Delve into Rio's 400 years of history, as we explore the city's historic center for a fascinating "Colonial Rio" tour. You'll visit many historical sites, including the Praca XV de Novembro, named after the date of the proclamation of the republic; the historic center of Rio, which houses an impressive complex of colonial baroque architecture including the Paco Imperial (Royal Palace); the National Historical Museum; the Candelaria Church; and Sao Bento Monastery, considered the city's richest historical building. (The monastery is on a slight elevation that can only be reached by an elevator from a store at a nearby street — you'll find that the view of Guanabara Bay from here is one of the most peaceful in Rio.) You'll also enjoy an included lunch at the famous Cafe Colombo, the oldest cafe in Rio de Janeiro.

Later, you'll embark a schooner for a Guanabara Bay Tour. Guanabara is an Indian name meaning "arm of the sea," and it was along its banks that the city of Rio de Janeiro took shape and grew. Once the playground of Rio's wealthy inhabitants, the bay boasts spectacular views of Rio. While you tour, you'll learn how to make a Caipirinha, the unofficial drink of Brazil, and, of course, you'll get to taste the results.

JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro (B,L)

5

Rio de Janeiro / Brasilia, Brazil

Today you'll fly north to Brasilia, Brazil's futuristic federal capital, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brasilia is less than 50 years old, the result of one of the world's most daring attempts at urban planning. It was created by the urban planner Lucio Costa, with its most important monuments designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. Today, as you'll discover during your visit, the city is a living museum of modern architecture. After an included lunch, you'll enjoy a Cultural Highlights tour that includes visits to some of the most notable buildings, including the Museum of Currencies in the Central Bank; the Main Federal Building with its colorful stained glass windows; Itamaraty Palace, known for its modern design combined with colonial furniture and tapestries; the National Congress building; and the University of Brasilia.

Naoum Plaza Hotel (B,L)

6

Brasilia

View more of the monument city's highlights today on a panoramic tour, including a visit to Our Lady of Fatima Church, a Niemeyer structure praised for its charming simplicity; a visit to Dom Bosco Sanctuary with its immense stained glass arches; Buriti Palace, seat of the Federal District government; JK Memorial dedicated to former president Juscelino Kubitscheck; a visit to Metropolitan Cathedral with its unique concave circular shape; Tres Poderes Square; Jaburu Palace, and Alvorada Palace. Later, enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the best seafood restaurants in the capital.

Naoum Plaza Hotel (B,D)

7

Brasilia / Manaus, Brazil

Fly to Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon jungle, then check in to your hotel, where you'll enjoy Deluxe rooms. Afterwards, you'll visit the lavish Opera House, built almost entirely of European material during the rubber boom, and completed in 1896. The Italian Renaissance-style interior gives a clear idea of the wealth and opulence that marked this time in the city's history. You'll top off your visit to the Opera House with an exclusive cocktail party with hors d'ouevres, followed by dinner at a wonderful local restaurant.

Tropical Manaus (B,D)

8

Manaus / Rio Negro Cruise

On your morning city tour, you'll see the old part of town, including the 19th-century Palacio Rio Negro built as a private residence for a German rubber baron. You'll also enjoy a short ride around the modern section of Manaus with views of The Sambodromo concert stadium and Ponta Negra Beach. Your afternoon concludes with a boat ride to Amazon Eco Park where you'll go on a walk with local guides and enjoy lunch at the fantastic Jungle Lodge.

The heart of the Amazon awaits! After your included lunch, embark for your all-inclusive 7-night cruise aboard the 5-star Iberostar Grand Amazon, during which you'll enjoy a spacious outside cabin with balcony. In the days ahead you'll delve into the wonders of the Amazon and its major tributary, the Rio Negro — in a style reminiscent of a luxury river cruise or a Five-Star resort. All of your meals and snacks are included, as well as all beverages, wine, and cocktails. You'll also learn about local customs, wildlife, and history through a series of lectures prepared by the ship's expedition team. Tonight you're invited to the Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner on board ship, with live music.

Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D)

9

Rio Negro Cruise

You'll witness first-hand the natural wonders of the Central Amazon Basin — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — which includes the world's largest tropical rainforest. Join a naturalist aboard one of the ship's comfortable launches and go skimming into the Amazon's unique igarapes (flooded forests). You'll visit the remarkable rare pink dolphins at Novo Airao, a delightful highlight you're not likely to forget! Try piranha fishing at Lago Aracari, go on a photo safari, or join an alligator-spotting safari.

Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D)

10

Rio Negro Cruise

See what local avian species you might encounter on a bird-watching safari at Rio Puduari. Embark on a boat ride or a short guided trek through the jungle. You can also choose to go on another photo safari and boat cruise at Igarape Aturia. Or, enjoy your ship's many amenities. Then, watch the gorgeous sunset from the upper deck of your ship while you listen to classical music.

Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D)

11

Rio Negro Cruise

Go on a short nature hike then a photo safari on the tributary Rio Cuieiras. Next, visit the remote and rarely visited Cambebas community. Afterwards, you'll arrive in Praia Grande ("Large Beach") with free time on your own. After dinner on board, enjoy a folkloric show.

Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D)

12

Meeting of the Waters / Manaus

The "Meeting of the Waters" — the vast confluence where the dark, tea-colored Rio Negro meets the lighter café au lait-colored Rio Solimoes to form the Amazon River — marks one of the highlights of your Amazon journey. You can see this amazing feat of nature from the upper deck of your ship as you cruise along. You'll arrive in Manaus in the morning and browse through the bustling local markets. Here, you'll discover different species of fish, exotic regional fruit, medicinal herbs, souvenirs, and more.

Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D)

13-14

Amazon River Cruise

Your spectacular Amazon River cruise continues as you pass through Manacapuru harbor near the entrance of Rio Manacapuru. Today you can go on a short jungle trek or photo safari. Or, take a boat ride through Igarapes and Igapos. You'll arrive next in Lago do Jacare where you'll have another chance to try your hand at piranha fishing. You can also go on another birdwatching safari, plus another chance for alligator spotting.

On Day 14, arriving in Janauaca, you'll have more time for an up-close view of tropical birds at a birdwatching safari in Lago Janauaca. You can also go on a photo expedition or a short hike. After lunch on board, you'll arrive in Igarape do Rei where you can look for more tropical birds, spot alligators, or take a boat excursion through the Igarapes.

Iberostar Grand Amazon (2B,2L,2D)

15

Manaus / Miami, Florida

After disembarking ship in Manaus, enjoy a visit to the Army Zoo and Science Park, where more than 76 species of Amazonian animals reside. Then, all too soon, it seems, your Amazon journey is coming to a close. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Miami. Due to the late arrival into Miami, Vantage has arranged for you to spend the night so that you can rest up before returning home the next day.

Sofitel Miami Airport (B)

16

Return Home