Border information: if you are joining in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely exit Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport. The first day of Rio Carnival is free time as everyone will be arriving at various times throughout the day to start the package. Our hotel check-in is from midday, and Dragoman staff will be on hand to give you assistance. There will be a joining meeting in the afternoon - please check the notice board in the lobby/reception area for the exact times for your meeting. After the meeting there will be a table booked in a nearby restaurant if you wish to join your group and local guide for a meal. In Rio de Janeiro we will stay in a great hotel with a rooftop pool in the Flamengo district, close to the beach and the metro station. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Join your group and your guide for a w...

This morning we will go on an introductory walking tour with our local guide to get to know the local area and orientate ourselves. We will then head to one of the local 'blocos' (street parades) with the guide, who will show us the ropes! The afternoon will be free time to explore the city. INCLUDED ACTIVITIES Take an introductory walking tour to get to know the local area and then join a street parade with your guide to experience how the Cariocas (people of Rio) celebrate carnival

Early this morning we will head to Corcovado and its world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer for a half-day guided tour. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is one of the most iconic sights of Rio de Janeiro, and if the weather is clear there is also a fantastic view over the rest of the city including Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain). We will be picked up at the hotel by an English speaking guide and travel in an air conditioned bus. We normally charter a private tram to the top of Corcovado mountain which means that we are the first ones to arrive and have the statue to ourselves for a short time - a fantastic privilege at any time of year but particularly during the busy carnival time. We will aim for the same arrangements this year but please note that there is no guarantee that we will be able to secure a private tra...

This morning is free for you to recover from last night in the Sambadrome! It's a great chance to hit the beach, explore the city or simply have a lie in. In the afternoon we have a guided visit to Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain), rising almost 400 metres above the harbour. We will be picked up at the hotel by an English speaking guide and travel in an air conditioned bus. We will take the cable car up to the top, from where there's a chance of seeing the wonderful vistas over the city and Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. If the weather is clear you will also be able to see Christ the Redeemer looking down at the city from the top of Corcovado mountain. In the evening we have the chance to re-visit the Sambadrome to see the last 6 of the elite Samba schools parading. The seats tonight are in Sector 5, situated at the st...

Today is another free day to explore Rio de Janeiro further, and perhaps to find one of the blocos (street parades) that take place during the Carnival and continue the party. In the afternoon there's the option to go for a guided visit to the Morrinho Project, a favela community project supported by Dragoman. In the evening we have the chance to put on our most outrageous outfits and head to the Gay Ball! The ticket to the Gay Ball includes the entrance, open bar and assorted finger food. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Visit one of Rio de Janeiro's famous favelas and the Project Morrinho, a Dragoman-supported community project and art installation run by the youth of the area : GBP 52 Get dressed up in your most extravagant outfit and head out to the Gay Ball, the most colourful and exhuberant ball at the Carnival! : GBP 80 ...

Border information: if you are leaving in Rio de Janeiro, you will most likely exit Brazil at Rio de Janeiro Galeão International Airport. The Carnival package finishes after breakfast today. Our hotel check-out is at 12 noon, and you can depart at any time or spend the day exploring further or relaxing. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Explore the stunning natural Atlanic rainforest of Tijuca, the largest urban forest in the world : Free Find out all about Brazil's fascinating history by visiting the National Historical Museum in the centre of Rio de Janeiro : BRL 6 Visit the Museu da República, and learn all about the turbulent recent history of Brazil and the story of the creation of the republic in 1889 : BRL 6 Visit Rio de Janeiro's Modern Art Museum, showcasing some incredible local and international art exhibitions, and an inc...