Family Holiday to Brazil: Rio, Iguacu and the Beaches of Buzios

Early arrival, private transfer and four nights' accommodation in an ideally located hotel with its 'feet' almost in the water. From the restaurant, the view of Rio Bay is spectacular. The spacious rooms are bright and tastefully decorated. The property has belonged to the same family for 40 years and the owners make every effort to meet their guests' wishes.

Three days on the spot allows you time to sample the life of Rio. Three days of discovery and relaxation on the beaches of Ipanema. Your itineraryincludes a visit to arty Santa Teresa, accompanied by one of its inhabitants who guides you through its cobblestone alleyways, where time seems to have stopped in the mid 20th century, and to its artists' workshops. Also included in the itinerary a half-day bike ride in the city with a private guide (bikes are picked up at and returned directly to the hotel - for your convenience) and a football session on the beaches of Ipanema, with a Brazilian instructor (and improvised teammates), and private guide.
Things to see and do - Visit the Museu de Arte Moderna, built in 1960 by Alfonso Eduardo Reidy, for its perfect architecture - shop for a bikini at Bumbum - chill on Ipanema - observe trends in contemporary art at the Anita Schwartz Gallery - see the Maracana Stadium and the huge concrete cone of Sao Sebastiao Cathedral, the twin temples of Rio - indulge in churrasco (grilled meat) and feijoada (bean stew)- shop in the bohemian district of Lapa: Portuguese houses in washed colours have been reinvented as second-hand clothes shops, vintage shops and antique galleries full of lovely mid-century Brazilian furniture - sip Amazonian fruit juice in the cool of a rear courtyard in Leblon, after an afternoon shopping.

Private transfer to the airport and return flight to Rio, then another private transfer to the beautiful seaside resort of Buzios, 124 miles to the east in the state of Rio. Accommodation for five nights in a beautiful white house with blue shutters and glazed painted tile facades in the historic centre of Buzios, a stone's throw from the church of Sant 'Ana and the beach. It looks a bit like Greece or Portugal but in the Tropics: Brazil, with a Mediterranean twist. In the spacious rooms, vintage furniture and the most comfortable bedding. In the garden, two pools, and lush vegetation.