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Feb. 21-25, 2009!
It's the biggest party in the world, and you're
invited! Come along with
us as we
combine travel, culture and serious tropical partying on a trip you'll never
forget. We offer a complete, all inclusive tour with
professional local
guides who will show you Rio de Janeiro from the top of Sugarloaf to the
hottest party spots during Carnival 2009. So instead of a Carnival
"package" that dumps you at your hotel to find your own party, come with us
and experience Brazil and Carnival with expert guides and a great group of fellow travelers
and revelers.
Itinerary - 5 days Rio Carnival
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Feb 21-25, 2009
To take part in all activities listed,
please arrive in Rio by 2pm or earlier on the 21st. We are
happy to assist with flights - just contact our office. |
Our itinerary is simple: see the sights of
one of the world's most amazing cities, and party down at Carnival
2009. And there are so many ways to do both! We'll
attend one of the famous Rio Scala Carnival Balls, view the
country's best samba schools in the Sambodromo stadium, hit the best
bloco processions (Banda de Ipanema - the famous
cross-dressing street band
- is a must-see), and even attend a rehearsal party for one
of Rio's best samba schools (usually Beija-flor or Mangueira,
depending on scheduling). And if you've got any energy left
after all that, there's Sugarloaf Mountain, the Christ statue,
Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Tajuca Forest, the Botanical
Gardens, the cobblestone streets of Santa Teresa, and many other great sights in
one of the world's truly great cities. International flights
home may depart any time on Feb. 6. |
We are happy to assist you in
finding the best international flights.
Please call our office at 1.800.704.6234.
TRIP
DETAILS
5 days -
Rio Carnival
US$2890.00
Feb 21-25,
2009
Joining the tour
You will be given the name,
address and phone number of our joining hotel before departing, but that
won't be necessary.
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one
of our representatives (holding a Southern Crossings placard), who will
accompany you to our joining hotel. No bargaining or being ripped
off by airport taxis!
What's included - 5 day Rio Carnival
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Local expert
guides every day and evening
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City tours of
Rio de Janeiro, including Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the
Redeemer, neighborhood of Santa Teresa, Tajuca Forest to spot
monkeys, several local beaches, Niteroi ferry and the Botanical Gardens.
Our guides will even bring you by their family's house for an
insight into the lives of middle-class Cariocas!
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All breakfasts at the hotel
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Four
nights three star hotel accommodation
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Entrance to Sambodromo for
the samba school parade
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Entrance to Rio Scala
Carnival ball
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Entrance to samba school
rehearsal party
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Southern Crossings T-Shirt and Cap
What's not included
International flight to/from Rio,
international airport departure taxes (US$35 from the Rio de Janeiro airport), pre-
& post- tour accommodation, visas, personal insurance,
meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while
on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature.
Extra Accommodation
We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you in Rio de
Janeiro before or after your trip, at $300 per double or single room, if space is available.
PRE-TRIP
PLANNER
Required documents
All travelers to Brazil require a passport
valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are required of
American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders. Visas are
not required for E.U. passport holders; a tourist card will be
issued at the point of entry. For information on other countries, please
contact the nearest Brazilian consulate.
Required immunizations
No immunizations are
required to visit Rio de Janeiro, and it is not within a malarial or
yellow fever area.
Things to bring
Our trip will be a
backpacker-style adventure which includes day hiking (optional), visits to beaches and some
serious partying at Carnival 2008! One should come well prepared for
outdoor activity in a tropical climate, and for extremes of sun and the
possibility of rain. A suggested list of things to bring would include:
•Passport and, if necessary, visa
•Traveler’s checks and/or cash card
•Airline ticket
•Photocopies of airline ticket, documents
•Wearable pouch for documents and money
•Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase
•Comfortable and worn-in walking boots or sneakers
•Sandals or flip-flops
•Rain poncho or jacket
•Hat for sun
•T-shirts, shorts, for hot weather
•Socks, undergarments
•Towel and swimsuit
•Sunscreen lotion
•Insect repellent (15-25% DEET recommended)
•Lip balm
•Earplugs
•Camera and film
•Alarm clock or watch
•Sanitizing hand wipes or lotion
•Camera and film
•Camera batteries
•Playing cards, games, reading material
•Prescription medications
•Toiletries
Note that common clothing, batteries, film, medications,
and such toiletries as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and
feminine hygiene items are available in Rio de Janeiro. Best to bring from home
such items as prescription meds, eyewear and care, shoes, unusual film and
camera batteries.
Climate
Rio de Janeiro
has warm to hot days, high humidity and a good chance of rain.
Money guide
The unit of currency in Brazil is the real
(plural reais), pronounced heyal. Currency conversion:
1 GB Pound = 3.2 reais
1 Euro = 2.55 reais1
U.S. dollar = 1.80 reais
Banks and exchange houses are available in all cities we
will visit (Manaus, Santarem, Rio de Janeiro) to change traveler’s
checks. Please bring American Express! For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily
exchanged, but must be untorn.
Automatic cash points are
widely available. Visa,
MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards.
Expect to spend about US$1.00 on a beer or soft drink, and
about US$8-15 on meals.
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