Overnight flight on TAM Airlines from London Heathrow via Sao Paulo to Rio.

On arrival in Rio you will be met and transferred to the Orla Copacabana where Ocean Front Rooms are reserved. Although on Copacabana, your hotel is located close to Ipanema, making that beach easily accessible as well as Leblon.

A private tour of Tijuca and Corcovado Mountain this morning takes in the largest urban forest in the world and the majesty of the remarkable statue of Christ the Redeemer, whose iconic presence looks down on what is surely one of the most spectacularly located cities in the world. The afternoon is free

Sunday is a relaxing day to be in Rio, when the ‘Cariocas’ (the term applied to residents of Rio) come to enjoy life on or beside the beach. The carriageways closest to the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon are closed to traffic until 6pm, allowing the chance to exercise, jog, roller-skate or walk dogs. And being Brazil, there are always plenty of games of football or volleyball taking place on the beaches that continue long into the evening under the floodlights. Today is free to relax, or perhaps enjoy some more of Rio’s spectacular highlights, with a number of optional tours available to make the most of your time in this remarkable city, including at certain times of the year, a football match at the Maracana stadium.

Depart Rio this morning, travelling by road to the small coastal village of Paraty, a UNESCO Heritage site filled with an exquisite collection of 18th century colonial architecture. On arrival transfer to the Pousada do Sandi. The afternoon is free to explore this picturesque village at your leisure – the centre is free of cars – which in years gone by was a major sugar cane producer

Full day schooner cruise around Brazil’s southeastern coast, taking in several of the stunning islands that dot the bay and stopping for swimming, snorkelling and lunch. (The schooner cruise is not exclusive to Bales clients)

In the afternoon return by road to Rio and the Orla Copacabana Hotel.

Morning flight to Iguassu Falls, arguably one of the most spectacular waterfalls on the planet and four times the size of the mighty Niagara. On arrival transfer to the Das Cataratas Hotel. The afternoon is free to enjoy the mesmerising site of the falls

Private sightseeing tour, spending the day visiting the Argentinean side of the falls. A breathtaking cascade of some 275 interconnecting waterfalls, set amidst a lush landscape of natural beauty, this remarkable spectacle culminates in the churning waters of the Garganta del Diablo, the ‘Devil’s Throat’, probably the most powerful waterfall anywhere on earth. The Argentine side of the falls offers more extensive views than its Brazilian counterpart, as well as a chance to enjoy some of the abundant flora and fauna that inhabit these verdant jungles.

After a free morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Sao Paulo, to connect with the onward flight to London late this evening. Alternatively, extend your stay in Brazil with one of our suggested extensions .

Arrive London Heathrow in the early afternoon.