Brazil from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty

Brazil is a country that moves you, quite literally. From the moment you arrive in Rio de Janeiro, the rhythms pull you in: the pulse of samba drifting from open doorways, the golden sweep of Copacabana Beach, the towering silhouette of Christ the Redeemer rising above clouds and city alike. This seven-day journey invites you to feel it all, from the mosaic-covered magic of the Selarón Stairs to the 360-degree panoramas atop Sugarloaf Mountain, with a small group of like-minded women who will quickly feel like lifelong friends.

From Rio, the journey continues south along the lush Costa Verde to Paraty, a jewel of the Atlantic coast where 18th-century cobblestone streets wind past whitewashed churches and artisan ateliers. You will sail through emerald waters aboard a traditional wooden schooner, stopping at hidden beaches and island coves that feel like secrets kept just for you. There is free time to wander, to browse galleries, to sip cachaça at a local distillery, to simply sit with the beauty of it all.

This is Brazil beyond the postcard: vibrant and unhurried, soulful and surprising. You will leave with sand between your toes, samba in your hips, and a piece of this extraordinary country tucked forever in your heart.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Your Brazilian adventure begins the moment you land at Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG), where a private transfer whisks you away to your beachfront hotel on the legendary Copacabana strip. Feel the warm ocean air as you settle into your room with views over one of the world's most famous beaches. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where the flavors of Brazil make their first impression. Clink your glasses, trade your travel stories, and let the excitement of the week ahead wash over you.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodations: Windsor California Copacabana Hotel or Equivalent

DAY 2 - CHRIST THE REDEEMER, SUGARLOAF & SANTA TERESA

This morning, board a historic electric tram that climbs through a corridor of Atlantic rainforest to the feet of Christ the Redeemer, one of the world's great wonders. Standing at his base, the whole of Rio unfolds below: beaches, bays, mountains, and the shimmering city stretching to the horizon. From there, ride the Sugarloaf cable car to the summit for sweeping 360-degree views that take in Copacabana Beach, Corcovado Mountain, and the graceful arc of the Rio-Niterói Bridge. In between, explore Santa Teresa, Rio's beloved bohemian neighborhood, where colonial mansions shelter art galleries and sidewalk cafés. Pause at the dazzling Selarón Stairs, where more than 2,000 hand-painted tiles from 60 countries climb a hillside in a riot of color and creativity.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Windsor California Copacabana Hotel or Equivalent

DAY 3 - SAMBA SCHOOL & DANCE CLASS

Today you step inside the beating heart of Brazil's most joyful tradition. A guided visit to Acadêmicos da Grande Rio, one of Rio's premier samba schools, pulls back the curtain on the extraordinary world of carnival. Marvel at elaborate hand-stitched costumes, discover the history behind the legendary parades, and feel the energy that turns this neighborhood into a stage every year. This afternoon, the beat only grows louder during your private samba class, where professional dancers teach you both solo and partnered moves. There is no wrong way to samba, only more joy, and your travel companions will be right there beside you, laughing and learning and moving together. By evening, you may just feel like a Brazilian yourself.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Windsor California Copacabana Hotel or Equivalent

DAY 4 - COASTAL DRIVE TO PARATY

After breakfast, your group departs Rio and heads south along the Costa Verde, one of Brazil's most breathtaking coastal routes. The road winds through lush rainforest canopy, past dramatic mountain ridges plunging to the Atlantic, with stops at scenic overlooks and charming seaside cafés along the way. Arriving in Paraty feels like stepping through a doorway in time. This perfectly preserved colonial town, once a thriving gold trade port, has changed little in 300 years. Your local guide leads you through narrow cobblestone streets, past whitewashed churches built in the 1700s including Matriz, Santa Rita, Rosário, and Das Dores, as well as intimate museums, artisan workshops, and historic homes that whisper the stories of another era.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Pousada do Principe or Equivalent

DAY 5 - SCHOONER CRUISE OF PARATY BAY

All aboard a traditional wooden schooner for one of the most magical days of the journey. For five glorious hours, your boat glides through Paraty Bay past more than 60 islands and countless hidden beaches, stopping at two pristine island havens and two secluded shorelines. At each stop, you have 30 to 40 minutes to slip into crystal-clear waters, snorkel among colorful tropical fish, or simply stretch out on white sand and let the warm Brazilian sun do its work. Light lunch and refreshments are served onboard, and the conversation flows as easily as the ocean breeze. The coast here feels wild and untouched, a side of Brazil that few visitors ever discover.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Pousada do Principe or Equivalent

DAY 6 - FREE DAY IN PARATY

Today is yours to spend exactly as you please, and Paraty offers no shortage of delights. Wander into art galleries showcasing works by local painters and sculptors. Browse boutique shops for handcrafted jewelry, colorful textiles, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Visit a traditional cachaça distillery to learn how Brazil's iconic sugarcane spirit is made and sample a few varieties along the way. If the beach is calling, a short taxi ride delivers you to stunning nearby shores for an afternoon of sun and surf. This evening, the group gathers one last time for a farewell dinner celebrating an unforgettable week together, with a feast of fresh seafood, rich moqueca stews, and contemporary Brazilian dishes that send you home with one final, delicious memory.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Pousada do Principe or Equivalent

DAY 7 - DEPARTURE TO SÃO PAULO

After a final Brazilian breakfast, private transportation delivers you to São Paulo International Airport (GRU) for your flight home. The scenic coastal drive retraces the lush route through rainforest and mountain passes, offering one last look at the country that has captivated your heart. You carry it all with you now: the echo of samba, the taste of the sea, the warmth of new friendships forged in one of the world's most spirited places.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodations: N/A - Departure Day

Please book your departure flight from São Paulo (GRU) after 4:00 PM local time. Note that your arrival and departure airports are different: you will fly into Rio de Janeiro International Airport (GIG) and depart from São Paulo International Airport (GRU).