Brazil Complete

Sheraton Rio Hotel and Resort offers a relaxing contract after a long day of sightseeing or work related activities. The hotel is located between trendy Barra da Tijuca and famed Ipanema Beach. Each of the 542 rooms and suites has private balconies where you can enjoy spectacular views of the ocean, beaches or mountains.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Today, after breakfast, you will explore Rio, Sugar Loaf; just a few of Rio's many world famous sites.

You begin with a drive through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambadrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, visit the traditional Cinelandia Square with its many historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

It is then onto the neighbourhood of Urca where one of the world's most recognizable landmarks sit: Sugar Loaf. The journey to the top is by cable car and is made in two steps. The first cable car takes passengers to Urca Hill which is 215 meters high and from where one can have a beautiful view of Guanabara Bay and its islands, the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Hill. It is then onto the Sugar Loaf itself where panoramic views of downtown Rio, the city airport, Christ the Redeemer in the distance and Copacabana Beach are all on offer.

Today, after breakfast, you will explore Rio, Corcovado; just a few of Rio's many world famous sites.

You begin with a drive through downtown Rio, passing by the Sambodrome, the Metropolitan Cathedral, visit the traditional Cinelandia Square with its many historical buildings, the Municipal Theatre, the National Library and the National Museum of Fine Arts.

From one stunning view to another it is now onto Corcovado to stand at the feet of the immense statue of Christ towering above the city of Rio with open arms.

After taking a cog railway to the summit, it is a short walk through the many stalls selling all incarnations of the statue of Christ where you come face to feet with one of the country's and world's most recognizable sites - the Statue of Christ the Redeemer.

From one hand to the other, the statue measures almost 30mts / 98ft. Since it was placed atop the 700mts / 2300ft peak of Corcovado Mountain in 1931, this figure has been one of the most famous symbols of Rio. It weighs 700 tons and is visible night and day from most of the city's neighbourhoods. With stunning views all over Rio it is a photo opportunity not to be missed and never forgotten. The spectacle is truly incredible.

Strategically located on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, the Bourbon Cataratas Convention and Spa Resort occupies an area of 165 000 square meters. The hotel is close to the main tourist attractions of the triple border such as the majestic Iguassu Waterfalls, with its 295 dazzling waterfalls. The airport is just 20 minutes away from the hotel. All rooms have been specially decorated combining comfort and well-being so as to full fill the demands of a variety of styles.

Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguassu River, Iguassu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth. During the rainy season of November - March, the rate of flow of water going over the falls may reach 450,000 cubic feet (12,750-metres cubed) per second.

These matter of fact details do nothing to describe the grandeur of the falls, the tremendous amount of water (an average of 553 cubic feet per second) thundering down 269 feet, the tropical location and the sheer beauty that led Eleanor Roosevelt to say, "Poor Niagara." Four times the width of Niagara Falls, Iguassu Falls are divided by various islands into separate waterfalls.

Today is spent on the Brazilian side of the falls. The optional Macuco Safari and or the helicopter ride above the falls - available ONLY on the Brazilian side of the falls - are highly recommended (own expense).

The tour begins at the Visitor Center where you board the train at Central Station, some 400 metres away from the main gate. The train travels along Sendero Verde (Green Trail) finishing at Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) Station, the starting point of your journey. You will walk via the catwalks out and over the river, finally reaching Devil's Throat, the apex of the mighty Iguassu Falls.

It is a 70-metre-deep point where several branches of the Iguassu river converge, causing a violent but spectacular sight.

You will return to the station and re board the train to the Visitor Centre, and then to the start of the Upper Trail Walk. The Upper Circuit is a half-hour walk along a 1200- metre trail, with a low degree of difficulty and no stairs, which takes you deep into the jungle and over the precipice of the many falls on the Argentinean side.

Situated in Manaus, 70m from Manaus Courthouse, Hotel Villa Amazonia is a hotel with a swimming pool, a restaurant, a fitness centre and a garden. With a terrace, the property has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.

Local points of interest like Amazon Theatre and Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao are both reachable within 600m.

A continental breakfast is served every morning at the property.

Board between 3:00pm and 4:30pm with departure from the Manaus port set for 6:00pm.

This evening, sail through the Solimoes River and enjoy your first sunset on board from the upper deck with a background of live classical music. Enjoy welcome drinks in the Lua Room as the Captain introduces the board crew and reviews safety procedures. Enjoy a welcome dinner at Kuarup Restaurant this evening.

On your first day on the river you will enter the Rio Manacapuru. Depart on a photo safari in the Manacapuru region through Igarapes and Igapos, continuing to Lake Jacare. After lunch on board, try your hand at Piranha fishing or bird watching at Lake Rei. Tonight, after dinner, there is time for alligator spotting.

This morning, you will arrive in Janauaca. After breakfast, bird watching and jungle hiking. Continue to Igarape do Rei for a boat excursion though the Igarapes.

In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner.

Today you will wake early to see the fascinating phenomena of the "Meeting of the Waters" at sunrise. Then disembarkation at the port of Manaus.

Situated in Manaus, 70m from Manaus Courthouse, Hotel Villa Amazonia is a hotel with a swimming pool, a restaurant, a fitness centre and a garden. With a terrace, the property has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.

Local points of interest like Amazon Theatre and Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao are both reachable within 600m.

A continental breakfast is served every morning at the property.

Today you will visit the jungle city that boomed due to the wealth from the nearby rubber plants, whose owners used this place to trade latex. When the rubber business slumped due to synthetic alternatives, the city fell into decline.

You will also enjoy a stop at the Amazon Theatre, one of the most important monuments left by the exhilarating rubber boom period. It is in perfect condition after a thorough renovation that left it in its original colours and details. The architecture is eclectic and neo-classic with material and artists brought in from Europe. On the outside of the building, the dome is covered with 36,000 decorated ceramic tiles painted in the colours of the national flag.