Day 1
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro
You are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, walk along the beach and ease into Rio.
Carnival
Rio Carnival + Ilha Grande – 10 days / 9 nights
Big-city Carnival followed by three nights on a car-free island
10 days / 9 nights Easy to moderate English-speaking local guide on included excursions
After the intensity of Carnival, the journey changes pace completely. Travel along the Costa Verde and by boat to Ilha Grande, where cars disappear and days revolve around beaches, forest trails and the sea.
Six nights in Rio during Carnival with the Sambadrome and classic sights, followed by three nights on Ilha Grande with a boat trip, beaches and Atlantic rainforest.
Rio de Janeiro
Highlights
- Carnival night at the Sambadrome
- Six nights in Rio de Janeiro
- Three nights on car-free Ilha Grande
- Boat trip with swimming and snorkelling stops
- Atlantic rainforest, beaches and free time
10 days / 9 nights
Day by day
Day 2
Corcovado and Rio’s classic views
A guided city day including Christ the Redeemer on Corcovado and selected parts of Rio. The exact route is adjusted to traffic, weather and your hotel location.
Day 3
Carnival atmosphere and time at leisure
The day is kept fairly open. Depending on the official programme, you may see a bloco, experience the city preparing for the festivities or spend a few hours at Ipanema or Copacabana.
Day 4
Carnival night at the Sambadrome
A relaxed start to the day. In the evening you transfer to the Sambadrome for one of Carnival’s major parade nights. Ticket category and exact night are confirmed in your quotation. Return transfer after the parade.
Day 5
A slower day after the parade
After a late night there is time for a lie-in. Spend the afternoon at the beach, Lagoa, Urca or exploring one of Rio’s neighbourhoods at your own pace.
Day 6
Rio at your own pace
A free day for the beach, shopping, museums, Santa Teresa, football or one of the activities not included in the core programme.
Day 7
Rio to Ilha Grande
After breakfast leave Rio for the Costa Verde. A road transfer is followed by a boat to car-free Ilha Grande and Vila do Abraão. Check in and enjoy a free afternoon.
Day 8
By boat among Ilha Grande’s bays
Spend the day on the water with swimming and snorkelling stops at selected beaches and coves. The route is chosen according to weather and sea conditions.
Day 9
Free day on Ilha Grande
A free day for the beach, a walk through the Atlantic rainforest or another boat trip. Lopes Mendes is a popular option when conditions are suitable.
Day 10
Ilha Grande to Rio
Boat back to the mainland and onward transfer to Rio de Janeiro. Timing is planned around your onward flight; an extra night in Rio may be needed for an early departure.
Rio de Janeiro
Accommodation and facilities
Selected hotel in Rio de Janeiro
We normally recommend the southern beach districts for a first Carnival stay. Hotel category and exact location are selected according to budget, availability and the atmosphere you prefer.
Pousada på Ilha Grande
A carefully selected pousada within practical walking distance of the pier and village restaurants.
Easy to moderate
Physical level
City excursions involve walking, steps and periods in hot weather. The pace can be adjusted and most transfers are by car or minibus.
The Sambadrome is a long evening and the return is often late. The Ilha Grande and Amazon extensions also involve boarding boats; please tell us if anyone has limited mobility.
Included
- Accommodation with breakfast in Rio
- Airport transfers in Rio
- Guided Rio sightseeing as described in the itinerary
- One Sambadrome parade night with ticket category and transfers as specified in the quotation
- Local assistance before and during the journey
- Road and boat transfers Rio–Ilha Grande–Rio
- Three nights with breakfast on Ilha Grande
- Shared boat excursion on Ilha Grande
Not included
- International flights and domestic flights unless expressly included in your quotation
- Meals other than those listed in the itinerary
- Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions and upgrades
Good to know
Carnival dates and parade nights change from year to year. The published day-by-day order is therefore indicative and is adjusted to the official programme for the year you travel.
Your Sambadrome ticket category is stated in the personal quotation. Sector, seat type and transfer arrangement can materially affect the price.
Rio is exceptionally busy during Carnival. Hotels and the best ticket categories should be booked well in advance.
Excursions may move between days because of weather, traffic, opening hours or the parade schedule without changing the main content of the journey.
Rio de Janeiro
What to bring
February and March are hot and humid in Rio. Pack light, but bring a thin rain layer and comfortable shoes for long evenings and walking.
- Light summer clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection and sunglasses
- Light rain layer
- Insect repellent for rainforest or island stays
- A small easy-to-carry bag for the Sambadrome
- Personal medication
Rio de Janeiro
Images from the destination and tour
Would you like to experience Carnival in Rio?
We tailor the hotel, parade ticket, excursions and any extension to your travel dates and preferred standard.