For one week during Carnival the city turns into an open-air theatre and every street becomes a stage.
Rio Carnival is a joyous celebration of the aptly nicknamed Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City). We invite you to experience this awe-inspiring show right from the heart of the celebrations.
In a magnificent, tailor-made carnival costume you will ride atop a float during the Main Schools’ Parade in front of 90,000 people. This is guaranteed to be an utterly unforgettable experience. But that’s not all. Learn to samba in a private lesson with the most senior dancer, the Queen of the Drums, while the Master drummer conducts the beat. Have Sugarloaf and Corcovado mountains all to yourself during a private sunrise breakfast under the watchful eye of the Cristo Redentor statue.
We will also fly you over Rio by helicopter to get a birds-eye view of the colourful displays and iconic landmarks. And if you’re in need of some post-carnival replenishment, we’ll whisk you off to the little drop of lush paradise that is Ilha Grande where you can savour the change of pace.
If you want to experience the carnival of your dreams, this is the way to do it.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- The chance to be part of the biggest festival in the world - Rio Carnival
- Your own dazzling, custom-made carnival costume
- Ride atop a float in front of millions of spectators and television viewers during the main parade
- Learn to samba with the Queen and Master of the Drums
- See Rio Carnival from a unique vantage point as you fly over the city by helicopter
- Have a private sunrise breakfast atop Corcovado Mountain at the base of the Cristo Redentor statue
- Parents can watch their under-14s perform in the Childrens’ Parade from the best seats in the Sambódromo
Need to Know
- Best time to travel: February to March
- Number of nights: Six
- For couples, families or groups of friends
Samba with the Queen of the Drums, play with the Master drummer and experience ‘Carnaval’ at the epicentre of the action – atop a float during the Main Schools’ Parade.
day one
- Head to your hotel, the Fasano, in one of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Rio
- See the elaborate beauty of your handmade parade costume for the first time
- Have a fitting, where your intricately designed outfit will be tailored to your exact measurements
- Select a mask or headpiece to wear at tomorrow’s Magic Ball, held at the illustrious Copacabana Palace Hotel
- Soak up the sun and intensifying atmosphere on Ipanema Beach
day TWO
- We’ll find every street party that matches your taste, energy and mood so that you can join the Cariocas in a celebration of life
- Don your masks as you head to the Magic Ball for an entertainment extravaganza
- Alternatively, watch UK Queen of Samba, Samantha Flores, perform from a private box where she will join you for a chat after the show
day THREE
- Get expert samba tuition during a private lesson with the Queen and Master of the Drums
day FOUR
- Recharge your energy levels at the pool, beach or spa
- A team of hair and make-up artists will arrive at your hotel for an extra-special makeover
- Your Host will take you to the Sambódromo where you will don your costume ready for the parade
- Take part in the greatest show on Earth and parade with the Cariocas in front of 90,000 people
day FIVE
- See Rio Carnival and the iconic sights of the city from a helicopter
- Land on Ilha Grande for lunch in a contrasting atmosphere of tranquility and calm
- Return to Rio to watch the sunset over Ipanema
- Children under 14 can take part in today’s parade whilst you watch on in pride of place
day SIX
- Have a private sunrise breakfast at the base of the Cristo Redentor statue atop Corcovado Mountain
- Head to the beach for some water-sports, beach activities or to soak up the sunshine before you leave today
- Depart your hotel for the airport and your reluctant journey home
DAYS SEVEN – ELEVEN (OPTIONAL)
- Extend your trip with a contrasting stay in peaceful luxury and privacy on one of Angra dos Reis’ 365 islands
- Sail the archipelago in a Phantom 500 boat to dive, swim, snorkel or sunbathe in utter paradise
- Fly by helicopter to Rio, where your car will take you to the airport for your homeward journey