Rio de Janeiro and Buzios Beaches Tour

Arrive in the cidade maravilhosa, Rio de Janeiro. Your bilingual tour guide will escort you to your hotel in the famous Copacabana area. The afternoon is free to explore the town, do some shopping or just unwind on the beach or at the rooftop pool at the hotel.

Meet other travelers for a complimentary caipirinha or an ice-cold tropical fruit juice while attending a rodizio, a buffet-style Brazilian barbecue. Dinner is included.

The panoramic view from the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain is the highlight of today's sightseeing tour. Board a funicular to reach the summit with its 360-degree view of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the “world's most beautiful city.” Next, learn about Rio's historical past, including how Portugal's prince broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil. Everything slows down in the afternoon heat and the Cariocas, as the locals are called, head for the beach. Feel free to join them at the Copacabana or Ipanema beaches.

Depart for the imperial summer residence of Petrópolis, still in use by the heir to the throne Dom Pedro de Orleans e Bragança. The tombs of Brazil's first Emperor Dom Pedro II, his wife Dona Teresa and Princess Isabela can also be found here; Princess Isabela was most famous for freeing the slaves. Petrópolis was also home to the real father of aviation and inventor of the wristwatch, Santos Dumont.

Continue on to the charming, light-filled Crystal Palace, built in France as a greenhouse to grow orchids. Wrap up the tour with a visit to the regal Imperial Museum located in Dom Pedro II's former palace.

Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m. Board the trenzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view of the center of the city and a closer look at the statue.

Cross the 11km-long bridge across Bahia Guanabara and travel to the lake region, regio dos lagos, misnamed because of its many lagoons. Buzios, once Brigitte Bardot's secret escape, is the playground of Rio's social elite. Surrounded by 17 beaches, Buzios is also home to Brazil's most famous movie festival. Check into your hotel, your home for the next three nights.

Buzios offers everything from tranquil beaches to all-night celebrations. Embark on a schooner cruise around the islands today and go snorkeling or swimming. The afternoon is free to spend at your leisure.

Opt from a variety of exciting excursions to discover even more of the area’s hidden beaches, history or other highlights today. Go surfing, shopping or just relax on the beach.

It’s time to say farewell to the beaches of Buzios. Transfer back to the cultural hub of Rio de Janeiro to extend your trip, or catch a flight for your return journey home.