Carnaval 2009

After breakfast we will drive along the beaches to the Sugar Loaf cable car, ride first to the "Morro da Urca" mountain at 270m and then continue to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, 395m above sea level. We will continue with a city tour, visiting among others the cathedral, the historical center and the Maracana football stadium. We will also visit the Samba Stadium (Sambodromo) where the Carnival Parade will take place. You will have the afternoon and evening to explore the ‘marvelous city’ and relish in the exciting and festive atmosphere as Brazil’s Carnaval weekend gears up.

You will have the entire day to spend at your leisure. You can engage in the excitement and celebrations that abound during Carnival time, relax on the white sands of Copacabana, or take one of our optional excursions that allow you to explore more of the city and its surroundings.
As evening approaches you will be transported to the Sambodromo: the fantastic arena that was built to host the centerpiece of the Carnival. Over two nights, each of the samba schools presents a theme that consists of six to eight elaborately decorated floats and several thousand costumed members. One after the other, the rival schools parade down the avenue that runs through the centre of the stadium in front of meticulous judges and adoring spectators. Their styles are based on vibrant traditions which give each theme diverse and unique qualities.
You will be transferred directly into the Sambadromo and all the way to your Grandstand seats in Sector 9* which is located in the heart of the stadium halfway down the avenue. Your seats offer a panoramic view, allowing you to fully experience the brilliant colors, animated dancing and rhythmic music that flow majestically throughout the evening and continue well into the early morning. You will have the opportunity to depart the Sambadromo at anytime with hotel transfers available between performances.

*Please see our optional upgrades or speak with a Travel Advisor about Frisas seating in Sector 9, which places you right in front of the action. These private boxes seat six people around a table and are as close as you will get without participating!

In the morning and afternoon you are free to do as you wish. You can continue to enjoy the summertime party that surrounds the Carnival or simply relax at the Copacabana, the famous and stunning beach that stretches along the city’s coastline. There are street festivals, themed balls and joyful revelers from across the world that always bring the city to life during the annual festivities. By evening, you will be eager to return to the Sambodromo for the second round of parades. On the second day, seven new schools have the chance to strut their stuff and you will be blown away by the fantastic variety of samba styles. So much effort is put into creating original, intricate and fantastic costumes and perfecting the dance routines that are unique to each school. This ‘tropical opera’ is a once in a life time experience and simply must not be missed.

After a well earned rest, you will take a transfer to the Airport / Bus Station to return home or continue your journey to one of our many amazing Brazilian or South American destinations.
We highly recommend that you remain in Brazil for the Champions parade** which takes place on the following weekend and there are boundless opportunities to explore more of the country in between!

*Please note that due to the worldwide popularity of this event, advance reservations are recommended and all prices are subject to availability. One of our Travel Advisors will be happy to help you with current availabilities and pricing.

**Please see our additional services and excursions or speak with a Travel Advisor for more details.

• 4 nights at your comfortable Rio de Janeiro Hotel based on U.S. standards.
• Sector 9 Grandstand Tickets for the Rio Carnival Parade.
• All transfers: Airport, Hotel, and Sambodromo.
• All breakfasts. 4-star and up hotels offer breakfast buffets.

On the weekend after the Carnival has taken place, the winners from both nights take part in the Champions parade. This will be another great chance to view the best of the samba schools again. You will revisit the atmosphere of the previous weekend as the champions revel in their glory showing off beautifully detailed costumes and remarkable dancing. The Champions Parade is an excellent way to reward the hard work and dedication that each person has made to their samba school and extends the party to another weekend.

• Included: All Transport and transfers.
• Tickets to the Champions Parade.