Itinerary
SATURDAY Depart your hometown on a night flight to Sao Paulo.
SUNDAY Upon arrival, you will be met by your Brazilian host straight from the plane and escorted through immigration, helped with your baggage and aided with check-in for your short domestic flight to Salvador. At Salvador Airport you will be greeted and whisked to your luxury base in the heart of the picturesque old city, Convento do Carmo. Dating back to 1586, this former monastery has now been elegantly restored to stand as one of Brazil’s top award-winning hotels. Complete with pool, spa, sauna, fitness center, restaurant, bar and a location in the center of Pelhourinho – you will never be short of things to do. Considered by UNESCO to be the site of the most significant Portuguese architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries that still exists in the world today, Pelourinho is also known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings and nightlife.
MONDAY After a delicious breakfast under the colonial columns and arches of the 400-year old dining room, you will be met by your guide for a full day tour of Salvador. In the evening, you will really discover the spirit and energy of Salvador, with a show presenting the rich tradition of African-Bahian culture through dance – afoxé, maculelê, samba de roda, puxada de rede and of course capoeira.
After the show you will enjoy dinner in a charming restaurant in Pelourinho, where you can sample delicious Bahian specialties. Then back to Convento for a second and final night’s stay in your sumptuous monastery quarters.
TUESDAY Breakfast followed by a 40-minute flight further south along the Bahian coastline to Porto Seguro. Here you will be met and transferred to your beachside bungalow in the town of Trancoso. Known amongst the jetset as one of the most exclusive beach hideaways in Brazil, yet still a secret to the masses. With miles of unspoiled, broad sandy beaches and cute pastel-painted houses surrounding a village green, Trancoso retains its authenticity. Once you have checked into your Master Suite, prepare for the beach by removing your shoes and donning a sarong… if you have forgotten to pack one, do not fear! The boutique stocks the most delicate silk sarongs, striking swimwear and embellished Havaianas flip flops, only to be found in Brazil. Circumnavigate the serene blue infinity pool and dodge the shady palapa terrace café to make a beeline for the beach. Once you have splashed around in the cool, clear green water for long enough to melt away all your worries, stroll down a little way to see sand dunes and the auburn river water flowing over the beach to create deep, dark pools and then a sci-fi mixing effect as it enters the sea.
WEDNESDAY The day begins with a spectacular sunrise if you wake early enough, followed by a Brazilian breakfast complete with cakes and pastries in addition to the hot favorites. After a day relaxing at the beach, take a short 5-minute ride into the town center. Make sure you allow plenty of shopping time before dinner as the multicolored little shacks harbor a plethora of beautiful clothes, art and curios to distract you from your eating plans. However, when the time comes to eat, there are some spectacular choices, from a typical spicy Bahian Buffet where they weigh your meal to ascertain the (very low) price; to a contemporary gourmet Japanese/Brazilian candlelit establishment. After dinner, make sure to sample one of the fruity-flavored Caiprinhas at a table in the square and soak up the party atmosphere into the early hours.
THURSDAY A final day to enjoy Trancoso, relax by the pool, or take a horse ride along the beach. Finish the day with a relaxing massage, listening to the waves crashing on the shore.
FRIDAY You will be met by your guide and taken for a scenic drive, one hour south to Espelho Beach. Chosen by many to be the most beautiful beach in Brazil, you may wish to stroll the white sand shore before boarding your boat for a 2-hour ride to Ponta Corumbau. Named for its white sand point that launches out to sea, the natural beauty of this region is unsurpassed. The ocean is alive with coral reef, native Indians still live off the land and all meals are homegrown – a true eco-wonderland. Upon arrival at your hotel, you will be amazed at the sheer luxury that appears before you, especially in such a remote location. The glass palace (which is illuminated at night by coconut chandeliers) houses the restaurant and lounge. Walk through, past contemporary furnishings to a broad deck with sunken lounge chairs where you can sit amidst the palms and watch the ocean rolling in. With only 9 villas set on 50 acres of beachfront land, you will feel as if you are the only people on earth.
SATURDAY Awake from your slumber to find yourself on a gigantic, soft bed, surrounded by soft, floaty drapes. Feel the morning breeze drifting through the cleverly designed ‘open-walls’ and swing aloft your 15ft tall doors to your terrace, where you can sit and watch as the sun rises over the sea.
The days in Corumbau just seem to roll by... it’s easy to get lost in your daydreams and forget about the outside world. You will barely notice the myriad of staff, the chef preparing haute cuisine three times a day, the security guards scattered around the extensive grounds, the beachcombers and the waiters catering to your every whim. But when not practicing the resort’s philosophy of ‘do nothing’, there are enough activities to keep you more than entertained.
This afternoon, you could try canoeing down the Barra do Cahy River. It’s a 2-hour trip, guided by a local Indian, through the Atlantic forest and mangroves ending on a famous beach where the Portuguese arrived in the year 1500.
SUNDAY Take kayaks and fight the currents down the Corumbau River. This 3-hour trip ends in a small fishing village known as Ponta do Corumbau, where you can hear big stories from small town skippers.
MONDAY If you prefer exploring by land instead of water, take a rockin’ trip in a 4x4 truck up to the mangrove coated Monte Pascoal National Park, home of the indigenous Paxtao Indians. Catch a glimpse of their way of life and you will be transported back a few centuries into the past.
TUESDAY For the perfect romantic afternoon, take a horseback ride down the never-ending beach, exploring other desolate shores and watch the kaleidoscope sky as day turns to night.
WEDNESDAY A final morning spent in paradise, before your journey to Rio de Janeiro. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the brand new Fasano Hotel in the heart of Rio on Ipanema Beach. Designed by Starck, the hotel is elegant and understated, in contrast to the dramatic and vibrant backdrop Rio provides. As the newest addition to Ipanema’s luxury hotel scene, the lobby lounge with live music attracts a hip crowd. If only they could gain access to the exclusive roof pool, but that is private domain, just for you and a few other hotel guests… relax in the sauna or enjoy a massage in this private haven above the city.
THURSDAY After breakfast, you will be met by your guide, a Rio native who will take you to all the hidden corners of this incredible city. First stop, a glass cable car to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain for the best views of the islands, mountains and beaches that surround you. Maybe the best place to understand why Brazilians say it took God seven days to create the world and five of those only on Rio! Next, a chance to experience the city’s history. Walk along narrow 19th century streets, past splendid baroque churches and the ruins of the old port. Then onto Santa Teresa, you can't miss a visit to this unique part of Rio. Located in the hills, Santa Teresa is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of art, music and history. With its old houses and narrow streets, the charming little restaurants, bistros and bars allow you to sample both sophisticated and local cuisine. The tour ends atop the Corcovado (hunchback) Hill, where you will find one of the world's most famous tour attractions: the statue of Christ, the Redeemer, with its open arms blessing the whole city, an awe-inspiring moment in your trip. Enjoy a few final moments with your feet on the ground, before you are whisked off for a helicopter ride over the city. As the day rolls into night, your guide will help you choose a good restaurant and explore Rio’s nightlife. An insider’s knowledge to the most exciting parts of town could mean you’re in for a long night!
FRIDAY After a relaxing morning, strolling along the boardwalk and enjoying the people watching, you will be picked up for a romantic cruise aboard a sailboat, a fine way to spend your final day. See the famous sights of Rio from a different angle as you sip champagne and soak up the sun.
A great way to spend your final evening is at a traditional Churrascaria, they are a lot of fun, especially on a Friday night. Sample delectable seasoned meats, delivered to your table still steaming on a skewer. Make sure to leave space for the last few offerings as these are usually the finest.
SATURDAY A lazy day awaits before your flight home in the evening. Perhaps make the most of your last day by buying a few souvenirs and gifts. Ipanema has a number of upscale boutiques and gem shops, or there is a daily market in Copacabana for handicrafts. Once you have shopped up a storm and soaked up a few final rays on the famous beach, it’s time for your flight back to the USA. Your days of beach hopping are behind you, but memories of the hazy days and nights, caiprinhas and fun-loving Brazilian friends you made will lift your spirits for months to come.
