| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
Depart Home / Fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
You’ll begin your tour with an overnight flight, arriving on Day 2 in sunny Rio de Janeiro. Your hotel is located right on the legendary Copacabana beach, where you’ll enjoy a guaranteed ocean view room. In the afternoon, after you’ve had time to rest up and refresh, your explorations begin with a city tour that takes you to the heart of downtown Rio. 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 at the hotel.
JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro  (D) |
3
[top] |
Rio de Janeiro
Get your camera ready as we take a scenic ride aboard a cog train
through the Tijuca Forest to the top of Corcovado, a peak that rises in
the middle of the city. During the 20-minute ride to the summit, relax
and enjoy the close-up views of the forest’s lush tropical vegetation.
Here, you can climb the steps to the lookout to see the towering Christ
the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After
descending from the peak, you’ll then drive by some of Rio’s most
famous beaches. The afternoon and evening are free for further
explorations in glittering Rio. Or, join and optional “Rio by Night”
tour this evening that includes dinner at a local restaurant, followed
by an exciting samba show!
JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro (B) |
4
[top] |
Rio de Janeiro
Delve into Rio’s 400 years of history today, 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. Your afternoon is at leisure — or join an optional
tour to Guanabara Bay, which boasts incredible views of Rio.
JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro (B) |
5
[top] |
Brasilia / Manaus, Brazil
Fly north to Brasilia, Brazil’s futuristic-looking capital — a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. After checking into your hotel and enjoying an
included lunch, you’ll embark on a panoramic city tour, with views of
Oscar Niemeyer landmarks, including Tres Poderes Square and entrance to
the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Naoum Plaza Hotel (B,L) |
6
[top] |
Brasilia
You’ll see more of Brasilia’s unique character on a cultural highlights
tour this morning, featuring a visit to the charming Our Lady of Fatima
Church, which is shaped like a nun’s habit. Then visit the Dom Bosco Sanctuary surrounded by immense stained glass
arches, enjoy views of Buriti Palace, and enter the National
Congress. Cultural Connections: Next you’ll visit a local children’s school. Afterwards, you’ll learn more about Brasilia’s eclectic architecture at a fascinating lecture at the hotel. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Naoum Plaza Hotel (B,D) |
7
[top] |
Brasilia / Manaus
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 to its original splendor. In the evening, enjoy
dinner at your hotel.
Tropical Manaus Business Hotel  (B) |
8
[top] |
Manaus / Rio Negro Cruise
After a morning tour of Manaus, including a visit to the Natural
Science Museum Da Amazonia and an included lunch, embark for your
all-inclusive 7-night expedition cruise aboard a luxury river vessel,
in a spacious outside cabin with balcony. In the days ahead you’ll
delve into the wonders of the Amazon and its major tributary, the Rio
Negro in fine style. All of your meals and snacks are included, as well
as all beverages, wine, and cocktails.
You’ll also learn about local customs, wildlife, and history through a
series of lectures prepared by the ship’s expedition team.
Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D) |
9
[top] |
Rio Negro Cruise
You’ll witness firsthand the natural wonders of the Central Amazon
Basin — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — which includes the world’s
largest tropical rainforest. Join a naturalist aboard one of the ship’s
comfortable launches and go skimming into the Amazon’s unique igarapes
(flooded forests). Try piranha fishing or join an alligator-spotting
safari.
Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D) |
10
[top] |
Rio Negro Cruise
Today you’ll visit the remarkable rare pink dolphins at Novo Airao, a
delightful highlight you’re not likely to forget! You can also take a
guided boat excursion through the lakes or try your hand at piranha
fishing again.
Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D) |
11
[top] |
Rio Negro Cruise
See what local avian species you might encounter on a bird-watching
safari at Rio Cueiras tributary. Then enjoy a photo safari to capture
fascinating wildlife moments.
Enjoy a rare visit to a local community on the Negro River.
Afterwards, you’ll arrive in Praia Grande (“Large Beach”) with free
time on your own. After dinner on board, enjoy a folkloric show.
Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D) |
12
[top] |
Meeting of the Waters / Manaus
The “Meeting of the Waters” — the vast confluence where the dark,
tea-colored Rio Negro meets the lighter café au lait-colored Rio
Solimoes to form the Amazon River — marks one of the highlights of your
Amazon journey. You can see this amazing feat of nature from the upper
deck of your ship as you cruise along.
Cultural Connections: You’ll arrive in Manaus in the morning and browse through the
bustling local markets. Here, you’ll discover different species of
fish, exotic regional fruit, medicinal herbs, souvenirs, and more. If you like, you can join an optional afternoon tour to visit a local indigenous community, where you will learn about local traditions and customs.
Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D) |
13
[top] |
Amazon River Cruise
Your spectacular Amazon River cruise continues as you pass through
Manacapuru harbor near the entrance of Rio Manacapuru. Today you can go
on a short jungle trek or photo safari. You’ll arrive next in Lago do
Jacare where you’ll have another try at piranha fishing or bird
watching, plus another chance for alligator spotting.
Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D) |
14
[top] |
Amazon River Cruise
Arriving in Janauaca, you’ll have more time for an up-close view of tropical birds at a birdwatching safari in Lago
Janauaca. You can also go on a photo expedition or a short hike. Then,
you’ll arrive in Igarape do Rei for a look at more tropical birds or
take a boat excursion through the Igarapes. Tonight, enjoy the
Captain’s Farewell dinner on board, followed by a folkloric show.
Iberostar Grand Amazon (B,L,D) |
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.
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