Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Brazil – Rio de Janeiro – Buzios
100% customisable for you
Your trip to Rio de Janeiro begins today with an 11-and-a-half-hour flight. This evening, head to the airport, speed through security and enjoy a tipple in the lounge (what better way to kick off Carnival?) before boarding your overnight flight, which will land early the next morning.
On arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your five-night base on Santa Teresa Hill. Carnival doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, so spend the rest of the day relaxing after your flight or heading out into the city to explore – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend any hidden gems or trendy restaurants.
Carnival begins with a bang today, so fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading out to a bloco: a traditional street party featuring a lively marching band and thousands of dancers, performers and general party-goers celebrating throughout the city. Led by a friendly guide, march alongside local Cariocas as musicians play samba, marchinhas, and batucada beats. The costumes are colourful and the celebrations have begun – all you need to do is show up and join in.
We can also arrange an introductory samba lesson or a rehearsal with a local dance school for those wanting a deeper dive into the city’s infectious rhythm.
Today marks the highlight of Carnival: the Sambadrome parade. This incredible celebration features vibrant costumes, themed floats and passionate samba music, and it’s a must-see when visiting Rio for the Carnival.
Armed with pre-booked tickets and a private guide, you’ll navigate the 300,000-strong crowds with ease to witness the twelve major samba schools perform in all their glory. As the parade progresses, feathers, glitter, percussion, and choreography combine into an unforgettable sensory experience.
If you fancy getting even closer to the action, we can arrange VIP access to the Sambadrome or even a costume for you to join the parade itself.
Once the crowds thin and the carnival fervour begins to die down, Rio reveals itself in quieter moments. To truly experience the soul of the city, we’ve left the next two days free for you to enjoy – even after the festivities, the streets glimmer with traces of the celebration, perfect for wandering with a relaxed pace.
Cable cars to Sugarloaf and a train to Corcovado provide stunning panoramas, while the immense Christ the Redeemer statue eternally watches over the city – we’d recommend heading up early to avoid any pesky crowds.
The rest of your days can be spent exploring Rio’s cultural and culinary treasures: visit the Museu de Arte Moderna, the Maracanã Stadium, and the São Sebastião Cathedral, browse vintage shops and markets in Lapa, sip Amazonian fruit juices in Leblon and indulge in caipirinhas and feijoada (traditional bean stew) on a sun-drenched terrace. Rio is a city to be felt, tasted, and danced through – the Carnival might be ending, but its energy lingers.
This morning, leave Rio behind as you’re privately transferred just under three hours to Buzios, a small fishing port that has blossomed into one of Brazil’s most stylish beach escapes. You’ll be staying here for two nights, so drop your bags and settle into your sandy surroundings.
Buzios is made for relaxing days spent at your own pace. Choose a beach to match your mood, whether you’re after parasol-shaded relaxation, surfing, or a swim in the calm water. Explore by buggy, dive with an instructor, or simply read by the pool, before heading out into the town to meander along cobbled streets lined with galleries and studios and sample fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.
For sea-faring legs, we can arrange a private boat tour of the peninsula, skimming hidden coves and tiny beaches and revealing yet another side of Brazil’s beautiful coastline.
Savour your last morning in Buzios with one final dip in the warmed bay or a stroll along the shoreline. When it’s time to leave, you’ll be privately transferred three-and-a-half hours back to Rio’s airport for your direct overnight flight. The journey will take around 11-and-a-half hours, and you’ll arrive the next day, carrying a little of Brazil’s sun, sand, and relaxed rhythm with you.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
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