Ultimate Rio Carnival Experience

This exciting Rio Carnival tour kicks off this evening! Arrive at the hotel and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers before heading to a local restaurant for this evening's included welcome dinner. On the way, admire the world-famous Praia de Copacabana (Copacabana Beach) and wander along its distinctive, mosaiced promenade. Then, look forward to tasting Brazil’s national dish, feijoada - a hearty and flavourful meat and bean stew. Feast on as much feijoada as you can eat, enjoy a drink, and receive your Carnival Kit, consisting of a T-shirt, an iconic Carnival mask as well as glitter! The rest of the evening is free. Why not get a taste of Rio’s legendary nightlife?

After breakfast this morning, head out for a day of experiencing Rio like a local or Carioca (Rio resident)! Take the metro to the dazzling Ipanema Beach (which you may recognise from the Bossa Nova classic The Girl from Ipanema) for a day of fun, sun and sand! Here, become a part of the Rio rhythm! Swim in the azure waters, partake in some beach sports such as soccer and volleyball or simply relax under the sparkling Rio sunshine. Later, head back to the hotel and freshen up as the day isn’t over yet! This evening, further embrace the Carioca lifestyle by joining the optional Carioca Dinner Experience for a mouthwatering meal and drinks at a buzzing local bar.

Are you ready for your first taste of Carnival? Today, this Rio Carnival tour takes to the streets like locals do for what's considered an integral part of the overall Carnival celebration. Blocos de Carnaval (Carnival Blocks) are local street bands that draw crowds to the streets and get them moving with spirited music and dancing. So, pull out the Carnival Kit you received on the first night, and prepare to make some lifelong memories today! After a full day of festivities, head back to the hotel to rest and spend the evening as you wish.

Enjoy a relaxing morning after last night’s festivities and spend today’s free time however you like. If it's more beachtime you seek, take a walk to the nearby Praia do Leme (Leme beach), a peaceful and scenic escape. Or, spend some more time on Copacabana beach. Don’t miss out on this afternoon’s optional excursion - an all-you-can-eat Rodizio at a local Churrascaria. This is a Brazilian-style BBQ restaurant where waiters will serve you various, unlimited cuts of high-quality meat! Then, it’s time for one of the highlights of this Rio Carnival tour. Join tonight’s included experience and take a seat at the Sambódromo for the biggest party in the world on Parade Day!

Enjoy a later start this morning after last night’s unforgettable party! The day is free to spend as you wish. Why not check out some top Rio highlights such as Christ the Redeemer and the 800-yard-long Botanical Gardens? You could even take a cable car to the top of the UNESCO-protected Sugarloaf Mountain! However you choose to spend the day, be sure to save some energy for this evening’s optional excursion. Join the festivities and actually take part in a Parade Day performance! This is the opportunity of a lifetime to not only see the biggest show on earth but be in it too. Don your costume and party like a true Rio local!

If you partied true Rio style, a relaxed day followed by some beach time might be exactly what the day calls for! After breakfast, enjoy some free time to get some rest or take advantage of the last opportunity to explore on your own. This afternoon, the group heads to Barra da Tijuca Beach for sun and serenity, this beach is a bit of a hidden gem and not nearly as busy as the popular Ipanema Beach. Enjoy time in the sun and on the sand, as well as some included snacks and water to quench your thirst. This evening, enjoy the final group dinner at the deck bar, including a drink of your choice, a delicious main course and dessert!

After a week of getting immersed in Brazilian culture, living like a local, and experiencing the iconic Rio Carnival, this tour wraps up after breakfast this morning. Remember to exchange contact details with your new global friends. Whether you’re journeying back home or to your next destination, Expat Explore wishes you safe travels. We hope to see you on the road again soon!