Ultimate Rio Carnival Experience
Come and experience the biggest party in the world and take centre stage in the Sambadrome parades on a luxury holiday to Rio Carnival.
It’s a riot of colour and sound with some amazing sights to behold in the most beautiful city in the world, our ultimate Rio Carnival Experience holiday is a dream trip for many. The celebration which takes place annually just before Lent is one of the great festivals in the world and we want to show you how to experience it in style. Our Ultimate Rio Carnival Experience includes 5 nights at the famous Belmond Copacabana Palace, with private guided tours of the city’s iconic sights and a panoramic helicopter flight. Carnival is all about the party so we’ve included tickets to the glamourous Magic Ball, covered box seating at the Sambadrome and a once in a lifetime chance to take part in the Sambadrome parades, in full costume and make-up, parading on a float, a truly unforgettable moment.
Trip highlights
5 nights in Rio de Janeiro at the Belmond Copacabana Palace in a deluxe ocean front suite with breakfast
Visit the iconic sights of Corcovado and Sugar Loaf
Take a panoramic helicopter flight over Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy the glamour of the Magic Ball
Watch the Sambadrome parades from a luxury covered box
Dress up in a spectacular carnival costume and parade on a float in the Sambadrome parade
Map of your holiday
Day by Day itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive into Rio de Janeiro
Arrive into Rio de Janeiro where your private guide will be waiting for you and transfer you to your hotel where you will stay for the next five nights in the most iconic hotel in Latin America.
Suggested accommodation – Belmond Copacabana Palace
DAY 2
Visit Corcovado and party at the glamourous Magic Ball
This morning your guide will collect you for a private morning tour to Corcovado, the famous mountain on which the statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. From the foot of the statue the views of Rio de Janeiro are sensational.
In the afternoon there are various blocos (free street parties) which take place throughout the city. These are free to attend, just simply turn up and get involved.
In the evening, the most glamourous ball takes place during carnival, the Magic Ball. The masked carnival balls date back centuries and the most elaborate of these take place at the Copacabana Palace, spread over two of the ballrooms. The event is black-tie for men and women tend to either wear a ballgown or a costumed based on the carnival theme for that year. An open bar and buffet is included at the ball and you will be seated in the Golden room, the most sought after area to be situated.
DAY 3
Watch the Sambadrome parades from a luxury covered box
Today is free for you to relax after a late night at the Magic Ball.
In the evening a private guide will transfer you to the Sambadrome, the stadium of samba, to watch the spectacular parades. Over two nights the top Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro compete to take the crown of carnival champion. The parades begin at 9pm and continue until around 4am with each Samba school having 82 minutes to parade along the 700-metre long runway, with thousands of participants and elaborate floats.
You will be located in a camarote, a covered box, in Sector 5 which is the best way to see the parades in style. The camarotes come complete with an open bar and buffet so you can enjoy the parades in comfort, and you are also protected from the rain, should the weather become inclement.
Stay at the parades for as long as you wish and when you would like to return to your hotel your guide will be waiting to take you back the Copacabana Palace.
DAY 4
Dance on a float in the Rio Carnival parades
After a very late night at the Sambadrome, tonight is free for you to relax by the pool or laze in bed and catch up on some sleep which is often in short supply during carnival.
Tonight, will be a once in a lifetime experience, never to be forgotten. You will be taken to one of the top Samba schools in Rio de Janeiro to collect a spectacular costume. The costume will be fitted and adjusted for your frame and your will have your make-up specially done. Your guide will take you to the Sambadrome where you will perform in the Sambadrome parades, performing on one of the floats in front of the 80,000 strong crowd. It’s a truly amazing experience.
You will be on the float for around 45 minutes and at the end of the parade you will be able to keep your costume. Your guide will be waiting and take you for a celebratory drink as you’ll be hot and sweaty after one of the best experiences of your life.
DAY 5
Visit to Sugar Loaf mountain and helicopter flight over Rio de Janeiro
Another lazy morning is the order of the day after a late night.
In the afternoon you will be taken to Rio de Janeiro’s other iconic mountain, Sugar Loaf. The journey to Sugar Loaf takes two stages, first taking the cable car up Urca hill and then a second cable car to Sugar Loaf. The views from the top give a different perspective than Corcovado and equally stunning.
During your visit you will board a helicopter at Urca for a 20-minute flight around the city to see the incredible landscapes and endless beaches for which the city is famous.
DAY 6
Free time in Rio de Janeiro
Today is free for you to relax and then at the appropriate time you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward flight after a truly memorable few days.
The price for this itinerary is GBP £8,790. (US Dollar pricing also available)
This is a per person price, based on 2 people travelling and sharing a room.
What’s included
5 nights in luxury accommodation as listed above
Private transfers and tours with an English speaking guide and driver
What’s not included
International flights (discuss your specific requirements with us)
Travel insurance
Any visas you may require
This is a guide price. Please enquire and we will provide a full personalised quote for you. All our itineraries are tailor-made to your own requirements so can be modified however you wish.
FEATURED HOTELS
Belmond Copacabana Palace
The iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace is an art deco jewel set on the world’s most famous beach. Perfectly located for guests wishing to experience both the beautiful sands and the urban jungle of Rio, a stay offers the unique opportunity to rest in ultimate luxury in the most desirable location on the Rio strip.