9-Nights Brazil: Natural & Cultural Gems - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $12,395

Abercrombie & Kent: Brazil: Natural & Cultural Gems

DAY 1 Salvador, Brazil

Arrive in Salvador, a port city in northeast Brazilian state ofBahia, where you are met and transferred to your hotel, setin a historic building that boasts fascinating Art Deco designelements. Toast your arrival with a drink on the hotel roof,sitting beside the rooftop pool and taking in the magnificentview of All Saints Bay. So begins a three-night stay thatreveals the best of this vibrant city, Brazil’s first capital. Oncea hub for the slave trade, today it is a thriving center of Afro-Brazilian culture and traditions that influences the entirecountry. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner at the hotel’srestaurant.

Discover the essence of Salvador on a guided walk of thePelourinho, the city’s historical city center and a UNESCOCultural Heritage Site. Here visit Brazilian Baroquechurches and century-old manors, stopping at one forlunch accompanied by cachaça, a clear, fruity liquor madefrom sugar cane that is one of Brazil’s most popular drinks.Then, under the expert guidance of a local professionalpercussionist, try the various instruments that formBahia’s percussive tradition, such as the surdo, the caixa,the agogo, and the berimbau, a single-stringed instrumentintegral to the Afro-Brazilian martial art of capoeira.This evening, immerse yourself in the African traditionsthat underpin Bahian culture in a show of African balletat Miguel Santana Theatre.

Begin the day at a bustling market, joined by a local chef, todiscover the origins of local flavors, smells and tastes beforemaking your way to your chef ’s private home for a hands-oncooking demonstration of some traditional Bahian dishes.In the evening, visit the Rio Vermelho district, an informal,bohemian quarter where the locals go to meet their friendsto drink cold beer or their favorite cachaça, snacking ona variety of tasty petiscos (Brazil’s answer to tapas) andlistening to live music.

Head south to experience the majestic beauty and power ofIguazu Falls. Arrive at Iguazu Falls Airport and transfer tothe only hotel located within Brazil’s Iguazu National Park, just a short stroll from the sensational waterfalls. Tonight,enjoy dinner at your hotel’s restaurant.

Cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge into Argentina en route toArgentina Iguazu National Park. Upon arrival, board a smalltrain for a ride through the park, making two stops: oneto the upper circuit and another to the lower circuit. Takein views of spectacular Iguazu Falls, surrounding by lushnatural foliage. Next, step out onto a suspended platform at the edge of the Devil’s Throat, the largest cascade in the park,for an up-close experience that caps off your visit here. Enjoylunch at the Meliá Iguazu Hotel’s restaurant, which offers youanother amazing view of the falls. Continue to the Brazilianside and embark by Zodiac, a heavy-duty rubber power boat,for an adventurous ride to the foot of the falls. Feel theirpower as you bask in the mist they cast up around you.

Wake up early and gain exclusive park access, entering before regular operating hours and descending on a canyontrail for panoramic views of the more than 240 cascades.Then, board a glass elevator to a platform for yet anotherperspective on the park, the most significant remainingrainforest in the southern cone of South America, which,along with the waterfalls, has been declared a NationalHeritage Site by UNESCO. This afternoon, enjoy one ofthese Design Your Day activities.

Visit Bird’s Park, an internationally recognized rescuecenter where you have the opportunity to get up-close tonative Brazilian bird species.

Fly over Iguazu Falls in a Helicopter and witness one of themost dramatic and picture-perfect waterfalls in the world.

Indulge in a Signature Massage at Belmond Spa to relax.

Tonight, gather for a unique and unforgettable Chef ’sTable experience at Casa du Chef, where, over five amazingcourses paired with wine from exquisite South Americanwineries, you discover how the combined heritage ofindigenous peoples, Africans and Europeans have forgedBrazil’s unique flavors over the past 500 years.

Fly to Rio de Janeiro, which its inhabitants — the Cariocas— call the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), and checkin to your glamorous hotel, set on the golden sands of thefamous Copacabana Beach. This evening, enjoy dinner atyour hotel.

Start with a morning at leisure, and then depart for lunchat Assador, a restaurant that takes barbecue to succulentnew heights, to savor a true Brazilian taste sensation.Afterward, ascend iconic Sugar Loaf mountain to take inpanoramic views of the city and Guanabara Bay. Lift offfrom the summit for a scenic helicopter flight, admiringRio’s landmarks, including the soaring Christ the Redeemerstatue, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Landback on Sugar Loaf for a refreshing Scenic Sundowner beforereturning to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Explore downtown Rio de Janeiro on a guided walk ofthe historic city center, viewing sites central to localculture. Ride along the way, hopping on and off the RioVLT electric train, which also carries you to the revitalizedport area to view the massive Kobra murals, each a dazzlingexample of Brazilian graffiti art. Then, get a taste of thecity’s Carnival culture, enjoying insider access that takesyou backstage to see the construction process of costumesand floats. Take some time at leisure in the Ipanema districtfor lunch, and then enjoy a scintillating visit to HStern,Latin America’s leading luxury jewelry company. See animpressive exhibit of precious stones and learn how theybecome finished gems. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner ata Michelin-awarded restaurant, and then get a taste of thesamba nightlife at a live music venue located in Lapa, thebohemian neighborhood of the city. Dare a few sambamoves or just marvel at the local Cariocas on the dance floor as your amazing journey through Brazil draws to a close.

After breakfast, privately transfer to Rio’s internationalairport to board your departing flight.