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VANTAGE DELUXE WORLD TRAVEL
Detailed Day by Day Itinerary
Heart of the Amazon River Cruise
View Days: [1-5] [6-10] [11-15] [16-16]  print friendly version
Day Schedules and Accommodations
1-2
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Depart Home / Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

You’ll begin your tour with an overnight flight, arriving on Day 2 in Rio de Janeiro. Your hotel is located right on the Copacabana beach, one of the most famous in South America. This afternoon, you’ll discover the heart of downtown Rio on a city tour. You’ll view such landmarks as Candelaria Church, the Opera House, Carioca Square, and the 17th-century Church of Santo Antonio. The highlight is a cable car ride to the heights of Sugarloaf, the massive granite mountain that overlooks the city and the harbor. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and make some new friends at the hotel.


JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro      (D)
3-4
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Rio de Janeiro

On Day 3, you’ll board the famous cog train to the top of Corcovado, where you’ll view the towering Christ the Redeemer statue — one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll then drive by some of Rio’s most famous beaches. The afternoon and evening are free for further explorations. Or, join an optional “Rio by Night” tour which includes dinner at a local restaurant and an exciting samba show!

Delve into Rio’s history on Day 4, as we visit the city’s historic center for a “Colonial Rio” tour. You’ll see fabulous examples of baroque architecture, including the Royal Palace and the National Historic Museum. The afternoon is at leisure — or join an optional tour to Guanabara Bay on a schooner cruise.



JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro      (2B)
5-6
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Rio de Janeiro / Brasilia, Brazil

On Day 5, fly to Brasilia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After checking into your hotel with an included lunch, you’ll take a panoramic city tour. The Metropolitan Cathedral and Três Poderes Square await you.

Cultural Connections: On Day 6, you’ll see more of Brasilia’s unique character on a cultural highlights tour, featuring a visit to the Our Lady of Fatima Church, the Dom Bosco Sanctuary and views of Buriti Palace. Then, visit a local primary school (when in session). This evening, learn more about Brasilia’s architecture at a lecture at the hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.



Naoum Plaza Hotel      (2B,1L,1D)
7
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Brasilia / Manaus, Brazil

Fly to Manaus, the gateway to the Amazon jungle, then check in to your hotel. Afterwards, you’ll visit the lavish Opera House, built in 1896 and recently restored. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.


Tropical Manaus Business Hotel      (B,D)
8-14
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Amazon & Rio Negro Cruise

Embark the Iberostar Grand Amazon for your all-inclusive 7-night deluxe expedition cruise in a spacious outside cabin with balcony. In the days ahead you’ll delve into the natural wonders of the Amazon in fine style. All of your meals and snacks are included, as well as all beverages, wine, and cocktails. Each day, choose from a host of included activities.
(Day 8) Take a tour of Manaus, including the lavish Opera House, built in 1896, and a visit to the Natural Science Museum Da Amazonia. After your included lunch, you’ll embark your luxury ship. Cultural Connections: You’ll learn about local customs, wildlife, and history through a series of onboard lectures.
(Day 9) Pass through the Manacapuru harbor near Rio Manacapuru. Today, you can go on a jungle trek or photo safari. You’ll arrive next in Lago do Jacaré for bird watching and wildlife-spotting.
(Day 10) In Janauacá, you’ll have time to view tropical birds in Lago Janauacá. You can also go on a photo expedition or a short hike. Then, you’ll arrive in Igarapé do Rei for a look at more tropical birds or a boat excursion through the igarapés. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell dinner on board, followed by a folkloric show.
(Day 11) The “Meeting of the Waters” — the vast confluence where the Rio Negro meets the Rio Solimoes to form the Amazon River — marks one of the highlights of your journey. Cultural Connections: You’ll arrive in Manaus in the morning, which you’ll have at leisure or you can join an optional “Amazon Village” tour. In the afternoon, visit bustling local markets.
(Day 12) Visit the Central Amazon Basin — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — which includes the world’s largest tropical rain forest. Go skimming by boat into the Amazon’s unique igarapés (flooded forests). Try piranha fishing or join a caymen-spotting safari.
(Day 13) See the rare pink dolphins at Novo Airao. You can also go on a guided boat trip through the lakes and igapos.
(Day 14) Take a bird-watching safari at Rio Cueiras tributary. Then, enjoy a photo safari to capture fascinating wildlife moments. Cultural Connections: Visit a local community on the Negro River. Then, you’ll arrive in Praia Grande for free time, dinner, and a folkloric show.



Iberostar Grand Amazon   (7B,7L,7D)
15-16
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Manaus / Miami / Return Home

Disembark ship on Day 15 and transfer to the airport for your non-stop flight to Miami. Due to the late arrival into Miami, Vantage has arranged for you to spend the night before returning home the next day on Day 16.



Sofitel Miami Airport Hotel      (2B)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager.


Vantage's ratings come from Travel Weekly's Hotel & Travel Index, the industry's standard.


Deluxe / Moderate Deluxe
Outstandng accommodations, offering superior service, facilities, and location.


Superior First-Class
Above average, with many special amenities, including more restaurants, shops, and often a fitness center.


First Class / Moderate First-Class
Comfortable, well-equipped standard rooms with private bath and attractive public areas and amenities.