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INCENTIVE TOURS DESCRIPTION The
tour passes the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, where the locals
spend a great deal of their leisure time. Girls in mini bikinis are very
much a part of the scenery, as are the groups of athletes playing
volleyball and soccer on the white sands. Our
guides, throughout the tour, will have given an in depth commentary to
your clients on Rio Life and the sights, making this an interesting and
memorable day. DURATION:
3 Hours. MAIN
FEATURES: Pictures taking, general orientation and commentary on Rio
life etc. CAPACITY:
Unlimited. CONSIDERATIONS:
Cathedral visiting hours on weekends only until 11.00 am. Occasionally
on Sundays, the beaches of Flamengo Park are reserved for pedestrians
and coaches must follows alternative routes. On Sundays, passengers can
be dropped off at the Handicraft Fair, rather than return to the hotel. ENHANCEMENTS: *
Include a tour of the Botanical Gardens at the beginning or end of the
orientation. *
Include lunch en route. Suggested are Rio's (located right in the middle
of Flamengo Park, with a majestic bay view - capacity 280 pax), or Sol e
Mar (located near the base of Sugar Loaf and the yacht harbor - capacity
600 pax). (See menu section). * A ride with the only trams left in Rio, from behind the cathedral up to Santa Tereza, the bohemian area of Rio de Janeiro. (Saturdays and Sundays only).
DESCRIPTION The
journey to the summit is made in two stages. We enter the cable cars at DURATION:
4 Hours. MAIN
FEATURES: Aerial car ride, spectacular views. CAPACITY:
Each car carries 75 pax. Passengers take about 12 minutes to take both
cars, embark and disembark, and reach the top stage. For large groups,
cars are run non-stop making it feasible to process about 5 trips in one
hour. This is a comfortable limit so that passengers may spend ample
time at all lookouts, yet not have to wait too long for others. Beyond
this number (5 x 75 = 375 pax) operations become more complicated and
protracted, indicating splitting larger groups or staggering departures. CONSIDERATIONS:
As sugar Loaf is one of the most famous attractions in South America,
during vacations periods (December-February, and July), and long
holidays weekends (such as Easter) there are throngs of local and
regional visitors. The wait in the tropical heat can be trying. We
strongly recommend avoiding WEEKENDS during these periods. ENHANCEMENTS: *
Include a tour of the Botanical Gardens at the beginning or end of the
orientation. *
Include lunch en route. Suggested are Rio's (located right in the middle
of Flamengo Park, with majestic bay view - capacity 280 pax), or Sol e
Mar (located near the base of Sugar Loaf and the yacht harbor - capacity
600 pax). Picnic lunch can be catered and enjoyed at city Park - a
former estate now housing a historical museum and municipal gardens.
(See menu section). * As an alternative to a daytime visit, a late afternoon/evening cocktail party on Morro da Urca prior to dinner at Sol e Mar, provides an opportunity to see the magnificent sunset, and view the city as the lights come on in readiness for the night to come.
CORCOVADO
AND TIJUCA RAIN FOREST TOUR DESCRIPTION DURATION:
4 Hours. MAIN
FEATURES: Scenic drive, cogwheel train ride, Christ Statue, view from
lookout, Barra da Tijuca beach, Rain Forest. CAPACITY:
Each car carries 124 pax. Normally run every half hour the spacing can
be cut to 20 minutes by special arrangement. This means that 3 trips
(375 pax) can be made in an hour. Ideally, this is the maximum number
that can be handled without causing long waits. Groups larger than this
suggest staggered timing, or splitting into different schedules. CONSIDERATIONS:
We recommend this tour as one of the first in the program, as by
experience, this magnificent landmark serves as a point of reference
when the guests later on, want to venture on their own. ENHANCEMENTS: *
Include a barbecue lunch, all-you-can-eat style "rodizio"
lunch. This means Sizzling sausage, skewer of loin-of-pork, smoked
turkey breast wrapped in bacon... all this accompanied by French fries,
onion rings, fried bananas, salads, sauces, "farofa", a
Brazilian delicacy of powdered cassava root fried with onions, eggs,
olives, bacon bits, etc. To wash down this hefty meal, wine, iced-cold
"chopp" the delicious Brazilian draught beer, or guaraná soft
drink. *
Stake out a coconut vendor, and offer your passengers refreshing coconut
juice sipped through a straw from the coconut itself ! * For groups up to 60 pax, lunch can be offered at Os Esquilos Restaurant, a converted colonial style farmhouse in the middle of the rain forest. A tuxedo dressed quartet can provide live entertainment.
DESCRIPTION The
1 1/2 hour drive by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach is in itself a
pleasure. Passing through semi-rural banana plantations and up in the
jungle clad mountains, with the dense vegetation covered with wild
orchids and vines, the road twists and turns offering views of Rio and
the valley, hundreds of feet below. Half
way up, there is a small restaurant and one or two shops selling
ceramics and leather. Here we make a short stop to stretch the legs and
take in the fresh mountain air. We re-board the coaches for a further 30
minutes drive which brings us to the summit, 3,000 feet above sea level
and into the valley of Petrópolis. The
city was founded in the 1840's by Dom Pedro II, and was originally a
settlement for Swiss immigrants invited by the Emperor himself. To this
very day there still exists beer factories and chocolate and ceramic
makers, descendants of the original immigrant stock. The
lean, cool mountain climate attracted the nobility and you will see
palatial By
now it is time for lunch. The meal itself is country style with a
variety of salads, meat and potatoes, followed by dessert and coffee.
Beer and soft drink accompany the meal. After
lunch we will take a stroll to visit the mansion and gardens, and also
the Cathedral where the Royal Family is buried. The cobbled streets echo
the sound of horse drawn carriages and for a brief while the guests will
be captivated by the spell of the bygone age. Late
Afternoon, our coaches head back to Rio driving down the opposite side
of the valley. This
day will live in the memory of your guests forever. DURATION:
8 Hours. MAIN
FEATURES: Scenic drive, Imperial Museum, Cathedral, all-you-can-eat
country-style lunch, walking tour of historic sites. CAPACITY:
200 pax, or 400 in two shifts of 200 each doing the visit in reverse
order. CONSIDERATIONS:
Museum closed on Mondays and Holidays. Lines on Saturdays and especially
Sundays due to local visitors. Ideally followed by evening at leisure,
or dine-around. Can be used as a final-day activity ending directly at
the airport in case hotel rooms are not available for day-use. ENHANCEMENTS: *
In Petrópolis, chocolates can be especially made and wrapped in paper
with the company logo. (Weekdays - only smaller groups): Walking tour can be substituted by horse-and-buggy rides in mansion and park sector.
DESCRIPTION The
bay is dotted with over 340 islands, most of them being uninhabited or
owned by wealthy Rio or São Paulo residents and used as weekend
retreats. Our
tour begins with a comfortable ride in luxury, air conditioned motor Once
aboard we cast off and glide smoothly out into the bay. The warm, clear
blue waters are inviting and always calm, even when the sea outside the
bay is rough, due to the reefs. A stop is made at one of the
islands for swimming and exploring. After
lunch there is time to explore the island, swim, play volleyball or
football (soccer) on the beach, or simply relax and soak up the sun. The
Island of Jaguanum is our next stop, where we spend a relaxing
afternoon, after sampling the delights of a sumptuous buffet lunch of
seafood, meat and salad. Beer and soft drinks provide the perfect
accompaniment. By
mid afternoon it is time to board our schooners for the leisurely cruise
back to the mainland, where our coaches await to transport the guests
back Rio and their Hotels. A
truly memorable day that will be enjoyed by all. DURATION:
8 Hours. MAIN
FEATURES: Schooner boat ride, island tour, buffet lunch, swimming. CAPACITY:
Each schooner carries from 40 to 60 pax. We suggest using about 80%
capacity for maximum comfort. At the island of Jaguanum, the maximum
restaurant capacity is 500 pax. CONSIDERATIONS:
Exclusivity can be arranged for large groups. As it is a long day in the
sun, we suggest combining the tour with an evening at leisure or
dine-around. The island of Jaguanum can also be used as Venue for a
surprise dinner and beach party. (See venue section). ENHANCEMENTS: *
Samba trio and mulata dancing girls at the island. *
Treasure hunt at swimming stop on Vigia Island. *
Open bar at the island. *
Fly the company banner from the mast of each schooner. Have (a) speedboat (s) and water skies for the guests.
Today
we have several options for departure & landing, which makes the
possibilities of combinations between tours and venues, etc. almost
infinite! 1.
The airport of Jacarepaguá, close to Rio's Formula one racing circuit
on the outskirts of the city. 2.
Departure from Lagoa Rodrigo Freitas, at the Heliport, between the Remo
Stadium and Clube Piraque. 3.
Mirante Dona Marta, The Tijuca Nacional Parque, close to Corcovado. 4.
Sugar Loaf, on Morro da Urca, first level on the way up. (Only heliport
open for night flights) 5.
Costa Brava Clube (See venue section) (Upon special permission) 6.
Hotel Inter-Continental (Upon special permission) DESCRIPTIONS DURATION:
1 Hour, including transfers. MAIN
FEATURES: Scenic helicopter ride. CAPACITY:
8 helicopters, total 26 pax. This suggests a staggered schedule, perhaps
shuttle, for the group throughout the day. Up to 300 pax can be handled
within a half day. CONSIDERATIONS:
Leisure aircraft traffic is heavy at the Jacarepaguá airport at
weekends and may cause delays. Beach traffic is also heavy at this time.
While during weekdays traffic is heavy towards downtown. ENHANCEMENTS: *
Run in conjunction with a shopping tour to Barra Shopping, located
conveniently (3 minutes) from the airport. Instead of waiting at the
hotel, passengers can enjoy one of Rio's finest malls, and shuttle from
there to helicopter and back again. *
Panoramic night transfer from cocktail party at Sugar Loaf to fabulous
Carnival party and Gala Dinner at Costa Brava Clube.
DESCRIPTION Deluxe,
air-conditioned motor coaches transfers your passengers from the hotel to
the Glória Marina, in Flamengo Park, near the heart of downtown Rio.
Boarding authentic schooners or yachts, our voyage take us alongside the
runways of Santos Dumont airport, along Flamengo beach to the base of
Sugar Loaf Mountain. Throughout this part your passengers will be
treated to views of the dynamic business section with hundreds of
thousands of people milling about, while your passengers cruise smoothly
with the rays of the setting sun beaming from behind the Corcovado
mountain and cast shadows that constantly change shape. From
Sugar Loaf, we venture out past the mouth of the harbor into the South
Atlantic. Your passengers will cruise along Copacabana and Ipanema
beaches. This is an unforgettable view as the sun goes down and the
lights go on. The entire coastline turns into a purple velvet cover with
a shining necklace of billions of pearls embracing the foot of the
mountains. The city becomes unreal while sipping a drink to the sound of
the waters in the dark tropical night. The sunset cruise will surely
make your guests loose their hearts to Rio de Janeiro! DURATION:
3 Hours, including transfers. MAIN
FEATURES: Schooner cruise of harbor and beaches. CAPACITY:
350 passengers. CONSIDERATIONS:
Hotel departures in summer (Nov-May) suggested no later than 6:30 pm. In
the winter, suggested hotel departures no later than 5:00 pm. To enjoy
the sunset. ENHANCEMENTS: *
Open bar with canapés aboard each vessel during cruise. *
Live music with a strolling samba trio aboard each schooner. *
End up at Sol e Mar or Samanguaiá Restaurant for deluxe seafood dinner.
JEEP
SAFARI IN THE TIJUCA FOREST DESCRIPTION: DURATION:
4 Hours. MAIN
FEATURES: Scenic drive, flora, fauna & optional hiking. CAPACITY:
60 pax in 11 jeeps. CONSIDERATIONS: ENHANCEMENTS: *
Prolong tour with hiking and "skin-dipping" up at a
beautiful little mountain waterfall. *
Visit to Shanty town; "Favela" or the Jesus Christ the
Redeemer Statue in connection with Jeep Safari. * Promote a Treasure Hunt during tour.
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The tour continues on to
Flamengo Park with its gardens and monuments, through Botafogo and past
the harbor, with its spectacular view of Sugar Loaf and Corcovado, the
residential district of Flamengo, the Second World War Monument, the
Museum of Modern Art, and then heads for the downtown district. Here we
stop at the 20 storey ultra-modern Metropolitan Cathedral with its four
magnificent floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows. From here we travel
to on the "Sambodromo", where the world famous Carnival
Parades take place, further past the Opera House and then on to Quinta
da Boa Vista Park. Leaving the park, we continue on to the Maracanã
Stadium with its capacity for 200,000 spectators en route to the Rebouças
Tunnel. We drive straight through the mountains which divide the city
and emerge at the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. By now we are near our
hotel and the end of the tour.
Praia Vermelha and ride swiftly and smoothly to the fist level named
Morro da Urca, a mere 800 feet above see level. Then we transfer to the
next cable car for the final ride to the summit. Once on the top, the
view unfolds and all of Rio can be seen; the harbor, beaches, mountains,
downtown skyscrapers, the 8 1/2 mile long Niterói bridge, even jets
taking of from the local airport. These are undoubtedly some of the most
breathtaking and fascinating views you will ever see
The magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer, known worldwide, is the
symbol of Rio, and a visit to this landmark is a must for every visitor.
Perched 2,300 feet above the city on the top of Corcovado
mountain, the statue is reached by means of a cogwheel train. The
journey takes 20 minutes and we travel through dense jungle vegetation
before reaching the summit. The ride is very steep in parts, as much as
45 degrees, but the Swiss engineered train copes easily. On reaching the
summit station, we proceed on foot to the base of the statue. The 120
foot tall monument, with a span of 90 feet, is a magnificent feat of
engineering and stands proud overlooking the city. The views from the
this vantage point are breathtaking and spectacular, and some days you
can touch the clouds. We do the descent by train, to the bottom station
where our coaches are waiting. Once aboard we continue our journey,
driving by the Botanical gardens to Barra and further up to Alto da Boa
Vista where we enter the rain forest. The national Park was founded in
1850's by emperor Pedro II. The wildlife consists mainly of birds and
exotic butterflies, but occasionally you catch a glimpse of the monkeys
as they swing lazily through the trees. Short after the entrance to the
Park we stop at Cascatinha, a crystal clear waterfall in the middle of
the forest, to allow pictures to be taken. After the visit to the Park,
we decent again via the rear of the mountains to the district of Barra
da Tijuca. This suburb is the beginning of the new Rio and has already
many fine restaurants, shopping Centers and nightclubs. Barra is home
for many of the wealthy, and with a 12 mile stretch of sandy beach it is
easy to see the why. We journey from here back to the hotels. Your
guests will remember and talk about this day for years to come.
estates of Barons and Dukes set in their magnificent gardens.
The beautiful Summer Palace is of course the main attraction, which has
been faithfully restored to its original splendor. Each room reveals a
treasure of antiques and furnishing, from the Golden Age of Imperial
Brazil. We will see the Emperor's crown, fashioned from gold and
weighing 5 pounds. The crown is encrusted with more than 600 diamonds
and fringed with pearls.
coaches down the coast, to the small fishing village of
Itacuruçá. Here the passengers board authentic schooners, which
have toilet facilities and a cabin area. The front deck is covered
with waterproof cushions, providing an area for those who
wish to sunbathe. The rear deck has a canvas awning to provide
shade for those with more sensitive skins. 
One
of Rio's most thrilling and fascinating options is to take a ride in a
helicopter. Day or night!
that surround the city. Being even more fascinating with a cool
drink in hand, aboard an authentic Guanabara Bay Schooner.
Departure for a very interesting tour by open jeep with eight seats,
into the "Parque Nacional da Tijuca". Local Forest Guide with
botanical knowledge accompanies to enlighten while visits and stops are
made to small crystal clear springs, waterfalls and marvelous trees with
strange reproduction mechanisms. In the quietness of a stop in a sunny
spot among the trees, it is possible to see the monkeys move along in
groups toward next feting area, while exotic birds hum about, busy with
their doings. Occasionally at dusk, a "Jaguatirica" (small
leopard) can be seen crossing the trail. The Tijuca National Park with
it's 32 km2, is the largest urban natural park in the world.