Best of Brazil

Fly overnight to the city of Rio in southern Brazil. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you’ll have the rest of the day to rest, relax and begin your explorations.

Today you'll take a scenic tour of Rio's most iconic landmarks. Drive along Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon to the Corcovado where you'll board the train that takes you up through the tropical forest to the foot of Christ the Redeemer. Here, the views over the city and its incredible setting are spectacular. Head back down to enjoy a delicious lunch before your soar upwards once again, this time in the glass cable cars that whisk you up to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain to view the city from a different angle. From here, 395 metres up, you have excellent views over Rio's beaches and mountains.

Fly to Manaus, a city in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, where you will spend the night. Perhaps explore the historic centre, stroll along the waterfront or admire the city's elegant opera house.

Take a shared transfer to your lodge where you'll receive a welcome drink and a presentation before your time here. Your time here is to be spent as you wish, joining the tours and experiences offered by the lodge to explore this magnificent rainforest.

Nature hikes, visiting locals by boat, a fishing tour, a night tour by canoe or a visit to the Monkey Forest rehabilitation centre are just some of the options you have to make the most of your time in the Amazon. We highly recommend the full day 'Meeting of the Waters' tour where you’ll sail down the Rio Negro to view the Amazonas Theatre, the Port of Manaus and local stilt houses, before arriving at the point where the black waters of the Rio Negro merge with the sandy-coloured waters of the Rio Solimões (the upper reaches of the Amazon River).

Hop on a flight to Campo Grande, the gateway to the Southern Pantanal. Time permitting, why not explore this city's vibrant mix of nature and culture, wandering the trails of Parque das Nações Indígenas to spot local birds.

Take a shared transfer to your lodge. The world's largest wetlands, the Pantanal is an unmissable destination for lovers of bird and animal life. Fill these two days with adventures like guided boat tours to spot jaguars, caimans and capybaras, nature walks to learn about the rich ecosystems and the hidden creatures within them, and night safaris to discover the region's nocturnal species.

Head to the airport and board a flight to Foz do Iguaçu, a town right on the border with Argentina. Here you will visit one of the wonders of the natural world – Iguaçu Falls. Explore the national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that surrounds the waterfalls, walking the canyon trail that will give mesmerising view of over 240 cascades and riding a glass elevator up to a viewing platform, the soothing roar of rushing water your soundtrack throughout.

Cross the border into Argentina to view the falls from a different perspective. Ride the ecological train to view the ‘Garganta del Diablo’, the largest cascade, and step out onto the suspended platform that lets you stand right on its edge and look down on the rushing water below. Then, walk among the lush nature, full of orchids, colourful birds and other wildlife to reach the highest point of the falls, where the view of the 'cataratas' is unsurpassed.

Enjoy a final breakfast in the rainforest before boarding a plane to Rio de Janeiro. Returning to this vibrant coastal city, settle back into its lively rhythm and enjoy another chance to soak up its iconic setting. Spend your final evening in Brazil at leisure, perhaps taking a last stroll along the beachfront or enjoying Rio's vibrant nightlife.

Transfer to the airport and board your overnight flight back to the UK.