Rio de Janeiro In-Depth Explorer

When your flight lands on the ground, Rio de Janeiro, a sprawling metropolis with natural attractions, will be in front of you. Your enthusiastic driver is waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Check-in and rest.

Your day begins with a scenic drive along Rio's beaches and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon before boarding a funicular train that winds through lush forest to the summit of Corcovado. Here, take in sweeping views of the "Marvelous City" and admire Christ the Redeemer up close.

Switch to an open-top jeep to explore the Tijuca Forest, stopping at the Chinese Lookout for breathtaking vistas of Ipanema, Copacabana, Guanabara Bay, and Sugarloaf.

Later in the day, ascend Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite monolith soaring nearly 400 meters above the harbor. Ride the iconic cable cars first to Urca Hill and then to the summit, where a 360-degree panorama reveals Rio's dramatic coastline, Guanabara Bay, and the Christ statue silhouetted against the sky.

Start your day aboard the historic Santa Teresa Tram through narrow, cobbled streets and past colorful colonial homes. Following this, take in sweeping views from the hilltop Parque das Ruínas, then explore the dazzling Escadaria Selarón - a mosaic stairway made of thousands of tiles from around the globe.

For lunch, dine at the elegant Confeitaria Colombo, serving delectable treats for over a century. This afternoon continues with an insightful visit to the modernist pyramid of Catedral Metropolitana, where the stained-glass ceiling paints the floor in rainbows. Cap off the day by strolling beneath the graceful arches of the 18th-century Arcos da Lapa, where samba rhythms and street parties ignite after dark.

Today's journey takes you to Petrópolis, the enchanting Imperial City steeped in Brazilian history. Begin at the Imperial Museum, once the summer palace of Brazilian royalty, where a rich collection of artifacts brings the empire's legacy to life. The next stop is the significant Crystal Palace, a landmark tied to the emancipation of the city's last slaves. Your exploration then leads to the majestic Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcantara, a neo-Gothic masterpiece dedicated to Brazil's patron saint and the final resting place of the nation's last emperor and his family.

You will take a cruise on Guanabara Bay (join-in tour) to observe Rio from a different perspective. From the water, you can see Christ the Redeemer overlooking you fatherly with his arms outstretched over his city, as well as the naval years, an old monastery, bay bridge, Sugar Loaf and others.

Enjoy a free day in Rio to soak up its vibrant charm. Stroll along golden beaches, wander cobbled colonial streets, or linger in a cozy café. For deeper experiences, join a Brazilian cookery class, or end your evening with a lively samba dinner show.

Say goodbye to this charming city, and be transferred to the airport for your home-bound flight.