HIGHLIGHTS OF BRAZIL

Foz do Iguassu – Rio de Janeiro – Salvador da Bahia
August 1-11 2008

Brazil -endless Amazon jungle, wonderful beaches, Rio de Janeiro, carnival and samba. Since the 16th century - when Portuguese began to settle - Brazil has had a magic attraction. First there was gold, then rubber and coffee and today it is rhythm and the exotic that attracts tourists.

August 1 Depart US on flights to Iguassu. We leave JFK at 7:40PM and arrive in Iguassu at 12:50PM on August 2 via Sao Paolo. Note: there are flights from Miami as of writing but JFK has a better schedule.

August 2 Upon arrival in Iguassu, reception by our local guide and transfer to the hotel. Hotel Bourbon Cataratas (****) (master room) Club members usually gather for optional dinner on this day

August 3 Iguassu Falls formed by 275 waterfalls can be visited from both Brazilian and Argentinean sides, with impressive scenery surrounded by its wide sub-tropical vegetation. Full Day Visit of the Brazilian & Argentinean Falls first the Brazilian side by bus with Iguassu National Park. Enjoy the marvelous walks along the paths and cascades and finally the catwalk that leads to the bottom of the “Devil's Throat”. The guests enjoy magnificent views. Lunch at Restaurant Porto Canoas Located inside the Iguassu National Park, this restaurant offers the best view of the Devil´sThroat. The restaurant is part of a complex that includes exposition rooms and souvenir shop.

After lunch the group will visit the Argentinean side of the waterfalls.
We cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge over Iguassu River, which forms the border between Argentina & Brazil. Once in Argentina, our tour takes a scenic highway through the Argentinean Iguazu National Park. Stopping at the Visitors' Center, we proceed to the Superior Circuit, up-river cascades, Inferior Circuit, down-river falls and then Ecological Jungle Train to the most impressive point - The Devil´s Throat.
Hotel Bourbon Cataratas (****) BL

August 4 Foz Do Iguassu - Rio de Janeiro
After Brazilian Buffet Breakfast today we fly to Rio arriving midday.

RIO DE JANEIRO - Lush vegetation, stunning scenery - a city wedged between the ocean and the mountains offers the unique Carioca way of life: sun, enchanting natives and excellent dinners in world renowned gourmet restaurants, cultural/entertainment options, the lure of aquamarines, emeralds and other precious stones and boutique shopping. Rio has it all! Arrival at Rio de Janeiro Intl. Airport (GIG) and transfer to the selected hotel.

We arrive midday. . In the late afternoon, a Sunset tour to Sugar Loaf begins at Copacabana and Ipanema, two of the world's most famous beaches. We continue along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park towards downtown passing the financial and business center and other attractions such as the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theatre, National Library, Fine Arts Museum, and by the Sambodrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade. Then, a cable car takes the group to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain for a panoramic and Sunset view of the beaches and Guanabara Bay. BL on the plane and D

Dinner at Churrascaria Marius
Enjoy the huge selection of meat from the BBQ served directly at your table and a very tasteful buffet with cold and warm dishes. The dessert buffet will top this perfect dinner. Hotel Windsor Excelsior (****) (standard room) B Dinner at Marius

August 5 After breakfast, our tour rides along the shores of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas into the highlands of the Tijuca National Park where Corcovado Hill is located. All along the ascent, magnificent shots of Rio are available, before reaching the Monument to Christ the Redeemer at 2.300 ft. Return by Tijuca Forest towards Santa Teresa, stopping at D. Marta Belvedere. In Santa Teresa - old neighborhood of Rio - visitors see the original architecture of the 19th century. Nowadays, it is an art center with galleries. The neighborhood of Santa Teresa was built on faith around a convent: Climbing the slopes, discovering the lookouts and curves in the streets which surprise you with magnificent views of Guanabara Bay. The afternoon is free at leisure.

Nightclub at Rio Scenárium
Tonight, group will see the Bohemian Night in Rio – The Rio Scenárium – An antique shop turned stage for dance music shows. Rio Scenárium is a live music saloon with three floors, a dance floor and a central balcony. It is beautifully decorated with antiques, adding to its ambience. Lots of seating is available for those who arrive early.
Hotel Windsor Excelsior (****)(standard room) B

August 6 Rio de Janeiro
Full Day City Tour incl. visit of Botanical Gardens , followed by visit of the
Atelier of Eliana Penido After breakfast, depart by coach to the Historical sites of Rio including a stroll by the Paço Imperial and the Arch of Teles, with It´s narrow streets. The Monastery of São Bento founded in 1590, features one of the most beautiful baroque style churches. Recent restoration is bringing back the beauty of the gold leafed carving wood ornaments.Lunch is served at the Confeitaria Colombo, a living portrait of the Belle Époque in Rio. A city landmark, it retains much of its Art Nouveau charm, dating back to the early 20th century.

After lunch, visit to the Botanical Gardens.
Founded in 1808 by D. João VI, the prince regent, the Botanical Gardens were created for spices brought from the East Indies. Considered one of the ten most important botanical gardens in the world, housing rare species of plants from the flora of Brazil and other countries, it is also beautiful park to stroll.After the Gardens, visit the Atelier of Eliana Penido, an artist who uses ceramic as media. She sells her pieces in her own atelier and also in finest Brazilian shops. In 1999 she was invited by the SENAC (Commercial Learning National Service) to write a book about her skills and techniques she developed. (This visit is to be confirmed closer to departure).

Carnival in Rio – Show at Nightclub Plataforma
Later at night the group proceeds to a nightclub for a Folklore and Carnival Show, a colorful extravaganza of wonderful costumes, skilled dancers, graceful and pretty mulatto girls and the hot beat of the Brazilian samba rhythm, featuring more than a hundred artists. The final apotheosis is a memorable display of the dazzling costumes used in the Carnival Parade. Drinks not included. Hotel Windsor Excelsior (****)(standard room) B L

August 7 Rio de Janeiro – Salvador da Bahia
Transfer to the airport fpr pir direct flight to Salvador da Bahia midday. Arrival in Salvador da Bahia and transfer to the Hotel. Free time to use the gorgeous beach and hotel amenities Hotel Pestana Bahia(*****) (superior room) B L on board

August 8 Salvador

Full Day Historical City Tour with visit of Cathedral and Mercado Modelo with Churrascaria Lunch. Salvador has one of the most important patrimonies of colonial Latin America. We drive along the coastline and make our first stop at the fortress of “Santo Antonio da Barra” - Farol da Barra from 17th century a splendid view over the “All Saints Bay” and the “Island of Itaparica”.We proceed to the historical “upper city” passing “Corredor da Vitoria” - the residential area of “Campo Grande” and “Castro Alves Theatre”. Stopping at the “Municipal Square” to appreciate the view over the “upper” and the “lower” city we precede by foot: walking through the center of Salvador’s colonial history. We visit: the Basilica Cathedral, São Francisco Church and famous Pelourinho Square. Driving to Oceanic Avenue, Centenario Avenue, Fonte Nova,Vale de Nazare to the Americo Simas tunnel, which links the “lower” with the “upper” city. Arriving in Ribeira, we have a partial view of the suburbs of Plataforma and Lobato.

Lunch at Churrascaria Rincão. Beverages not included.

En route we pass Our Lady of Penha Church and Beira Mar Avenue before we arrive at the Bonfim Church. We proceed to Mont Serrat with the fort and its church of the 17th century. We leave the Itapagibe Peninsula and drive along the port of Salvador to the Mercado Modelo (handicraft market). B L . Hotel Pestana Bahia(*****)(superior room) BL

August 9 SalvadorOptional: Full day Tropical Island incl. Lunch at Restaurant Portal das Águas (8 hrs)
Those who choose this option will leave depart on a schooner from Salvador Boat Terminal, crossing All Saints Bay towards Frades Island, where passengers will disembark for a visit to the island and to swim. We then proceed to Itaparica Island for a special buffet lunch served at Restaurant Portal das Águas in Itaparica. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a swim in the calm, delicious water of the Atlantic Ocean and return to Salvador after lunch. Beverages not included. $110 per person, minimum two going. Those who do not go, will find lots to do in Salvador which has an Afro-Brazilian history also.

Dinner at Solar Unhão & Show
Tonight, we are at Solar do Unhão Restaurant, a former residence from the 17th century. A delicious Bahian buffet will be served (no beverages included). The authentic folklore show, after dinner, presents the main mystery of Afro-Brazilian Culture. On return to the hotel, a nice ride along the city lights. Hotel Pestana Bahia(*****)or (superior room) BLD

August 10 Salvador Transfer to Intl. Airport of Salvador and flight home via Sao Paolo.We depart 6:30PM B

August 11 Arrive JFK at 7:30AM

IF YOU WISH MORE TIME IN BRAZIL, OUR PARENT COMPANY IS OFFERING AN AMAZON CRUISE WITH MORE TIME IN RIO POST OUR TRIP.

Our Hotels

HOTEL BOURBON CATARATAS
Foz do Iguassu

Facilities: Mini shopping, outside chapel, beauty parlor, restaurants (Italian, Brazilian and International cuisine), 2 bars, game room, swimming pools, tennis and multi-sports courts, playground, exercise track, health club with steam , Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi, massage

HOTEL WINDSOR EXCELSIOR COPACABANA
Rio de Janeiro

Location: The Hotel Excelsior is located in Copacabana, right on the Copacabana Beach, in walking distance from the main shopping areas and restaurants of Copacabana. The hotel has been recently completely renovated.

Facilities: Panoramic Roof Terrace with view of Copacabana Beach, swimming pool, sauna and a pool bar. One restaurant, decorated in warm ambience, where breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner are served. Lobby bar is available, 24 hours room service.

HOTEL PESTANA BAHIA
Salvador da Bahia

Location: Hotel is special because it involves the Morro do Conselho, providing a privileged panorama and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and approx. 15 minutes to historical downtown by car.

Rooms: Hotel offers 429 room air conditioned with cable TV, radio, direct dial telephone, mini bar, individual safe and separated bathroom with shower.

Facilities: One international restaurant with a panoramic view, Deck bar, fitness center, sauna, swimming pool, 24 hrs room service, sauna, massage, fitness center

*Itineraries subject to minor changes- fuel surcharges included in trip prices where airfare is included. Not included: airport taxes, government fees and September 11th Security Fee. Prices per person based on double occupancy.

To book this trip please fill out our new member application if applicable and then the booking form.
E-mail us for more information: info@womenstravelclub.com

Subscribe in a reader

The Women's Travel Club (USA), Inc.
Phone: 800-480-4448 . Fax: 1-360-935-5080
E-Mail: info@womenstravelclub.com

200 Broadacres Drive, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

The Club donates generously to women's and girls' charities

April 21, 2008