FLAVOURS OF BRAZIL

Day 1 : Arrive in São Paulo (- / - / D)

On arrival in São Paulo, a guide and vehicle will be ready and waiting to assist. From here, it is on to Hotel Fasano São Paulo, the very first of restauranteur Rogério Fasano’s world-famous luxury hotels. Located in the fashionable Jardins district, the hotel’s architectural style is inspired by the 1930s and blends a contemporary aesthetic with rich textures and classic details.

The Fasano name is synonymous with excellent Italian cuisine and the group’s restaurants are regularly voted among the best in the country. While the hotel’s Fasano restaurant is known for its sophisticated elegance, for lunch we recommend the more low-key bistrô Gero, just around the corner, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal on the terrace overlooking Rua Vittorio Fasano.

Day 2 : São Paulo, fashion capital of Brazil (B / - / -)

This morning’s tour will offer the chance to get to grips with São Paulo’s highly regarded fashion scene; first with a trip to the best shopping malls in the city for a little retail therapy. The ‘walkaround’ will lead to São Paulo’s most exclusive shopping streets, fashionable stores and the ever-trendy neighbourhood of Vila Madalena. Throughout, the guide will be on hand to discuss all things style, explaining what makes parts of this city some of the chicest in South America. It is possible for the tour to include a visit to nearby fashion studios or even a social project, talking with local designers, though this is not guaranteed and will depend on availability.

For lunch, we recommend Mocotó restaurant (not included). Head chef Rodrigo Oliveira has continued his father’s fantastic work in this authentic bastion of traditional, hearty, and exquisitely executed Brazilian cuisine.

This evening, we would recommend dinner at the D.O.M. restaurant (not included). This is a remarkable dining experience courtesy of visionary chef Alex Atala. Alex is known to have sought ingredients from the Amazon rainforest, using them to craft a unique tasting menu which combines contemporary Brazilian flare with natural jungle treats.

Day 3 : From São Paulo to Paraty (B / - / -)

This morning the driver and vehicle will be ready and waiting to begin the journey from São Paulo to Paraty, a colonial town of small churches, cobblestone streets, and the charming Pousada Literária hotel. Pousada Literária was once a colonial mansion, though is now fully equipped with spacious rooms, pool and spa, while still maintaining its charm and character.

On arrival, check into the hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the alleyways and promenades of Paraty at your leisure, working up an appetite for dinner this evening. Our pick (not included) is Banana da Terra, one of Paraty’s classiest restaurants, with a superb wine list. Chefs Ana Bueno and Vincent Rao have a passion for local flavours and regional ingredients, sourcing an irresistible selection of seafood and vegetable produce from the area.

Journey time from São Paulo to Paraty: approx. 5h (275 km)

Day 4 : Trawler tour to the islands around Paraty (B / L / -)

Today, after breakfast, it is time to enjoy the islands, inlets and bays of the pristine coastline which stretches out either side of the town. Departing from the port of Paraty aboard a characterful trawler boat, the destination is a nearby archipelago of forested islands, crystal clear seas and secluded white, sandy beaches. The boat will gently cruise the waters of this natural paradise with three stops along the way, offering the chance to sunbathe, swim, or snorkel among the emerald bays. Though each trip is unique, and the specific route will differ depending on wind direction and sea conditions, popular stops include the islands of Comprida, Cotia and Praia Vermelha, with the Island of Algodão providing the ideal place to anchor up and enjoy lunch. Overlooking the Bay of Paraty, Restaurante do Hiltinho is as famous for its stunning views as it is for its freshly prepared dishes based on traditional recipes. This down-to-earth restaurant specializes in fish and seafood and offers an excellent introduction to authentic local cuisine.

Once back on dry land the rest of the day can be spent exploring Paraty at leisure. Set against a backdrop of lush forested hills, and surrounded by tranquil beaches, Paraty is the perfect antidote if also visiting the large cities of Brazil in the same trip. Formerly a port town for shipments of gold and diamonds from Minas Gerais during the late 17th century, its taverns and side streets were forgotten in time when the new road from Minas to Rio later took over as the primary transport route.

Tonight, try out Le Gite d’Indaiatiba (not included), a delightful French restaurant which is as well known for its fantastic food as it is for the idyllic setting, nestled among tropical vegetation with views over Baia da Ilha Grande Bay before sunset.

Day 5 : From Paraty to Rio, with an exclusive dining experience at the Copacabana Palace (B / - / D)

This morning the driver and vehicle will be ready and waiting to begin the journey north from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro. The road will largely follow the coast, offering scenic views for the majority of the trip. Once in Rio, there will be plenty of opportunities to see the sights, soak up the lively Carioca atmosphere, and enjoy being immersed within one of the truly iconic cities of South America. From fashionable beaches to monumental mountains, Rio de Janeiro is an almost guaranteed highlight of any trip.

On arrival, check into the iconic Copacabana Palace. The opulence of the building, great service, and magnificent views from this luxury hotel have long put Copacabana on the map. The hotel is as distinguished as when it opened in 1923, and just as glamorous. A superb over-sized pool, access to the golden sands in front of the hotel, and one of the finest restaurants in the city on site, it is a fantastic introduction to Rio after a long journey.

Included this evening is a truly memorable gastronomic encounter, dining at the chef’s table at Cipriani restaurant. The chance to sit in the company of the head chef as he prepares a menu of world-class dishes, all inspired by the freshest ingredients of the day, is an exclusive experience in this highly regarded and famous restaurant. The special menu also features a selection of fine wines, with a complimentary bottle of local champagne helping to start things off.

Journey time from Paraty to Rio de Janeiro: approx. 4-5h (255 km)

Day 6 : Sugar Loaf and the Botanical Gardens (B / - / -)

Today is a busy day, witnessing several different sides to the city. First, strap in for a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter ride over Sugarloaf Mountain. Take in the dramatic views of Copacabana Beach, Guanabara Bay and Christ the Redeemer from the heights of the helicopter, giving an unparalleled perspective on this incredible place.

Having adequately absorbed the landscape, the a cable car will also provide the route back down. For lunch we recommend Roberta Sudbrack restaurant (not included). One of the best-loved and most respected restaurants in Brazil, head chef Roberta spent several years learning her craft cooking in the presidential palace, before opening this bistro style showpiece of Brazilian cuisine.

After lunch, a visit to The Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro. Paradoxically located right in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Rio, it is widely regarded as Brazil’s most impressive botanical garden. The lush, spacious gardens are an oasis of calm and a bit of a history lesson in themselves. First opened in the year 1822, there is still much of the original architecture and ornamentation on show, making a walk through the gardens feel like going back in time.

This evening we suggest dining at Oro restaurant (not included), one of only two Rio restaurants awarded with two Michelin stars. Chef Felipe Bronze and sommelière Cecilia Aldaz are a perfect team, their style is best described as a fusion of Brazilian elements and international avant-garde cuisine.

Day 7 : Exploring Corcovado (B / - / -)

Undoubtedly the best-known monument in Brazil is the spectacular Christ the Redeemer statue. This giant sculpture stands guard of the city on top of Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park, at 710 m above sea level. Though as iconic as the monument itself is; the panoramas from the summit are just as memorable and well worth taking the time to appreciate fully.

This morning, a short transfer to the Cosme Velho district, where a shuttle train climbs the steep slopes of Tijuca Forest. As the train ascends, carriages pass over lush springs, waterfalls and dense forest, all of which have been proclaimed a protected National Park since the early 1960’s. Atop Corcovado, take in the breathtaking views of Copacabana, Ipanema, the Botanical Gardens and Rodrigo Freitas Lagoon. Having digested the city from above, a gentle descent back down to ground level comes courtesy of the shuttle train, followed by photo stops at the famous Mário Filho or ‘Maracanã’ stadium and the Sambódromo. The rest of the day can be enjoyed at leisure.

The last gastronomic recommendation comes in the form of the Lasai restaurant (not included). Known for producing seasonal, organically grown dishes, many of which using ingredients from the on-site kitchen-gardens, Lasai has built a formidable reputation among Brazil’s best restaurants. Inspired by the Basque country, with refined twist, head chef Rafa Costa e Silva believes in following the ingredients used on the menu from seedlings through to the final cooking.

Day 8 : Homeward bound (B / - / -)

On the last day of the tour, a driver will be on hand at the required time for a transfer from the hotel to the airport, in preparation for onward flights.

End of the Tour