The Best of Brasil in 15 days

About the destination: Rio de Janeiro, often simply referred to as Rio, is a Brazilian municipality, the capital of the state of the same name, located in the Southeast of the country. It's the largest international tourist destination in Brazil, Latin America and the entire Southern Hemisphere. The capital of Rio de Janeiro is the best known Brazilian city abroad, acting as a "mirror", or "portrait" of the nation, whether positively or negatively. It's the second largest metropolis in Brazil, after São Paulo, and the sixth largest in America. It's known as The Wonderful City and those born there are called carioca. Part of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It's one of the main economic, cultural and financial centres of the country, internationally known for several cultural and landscape icons, such as Sugar Loaf, Corcovado hill with the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the beaches of the districts of Copacabana, Ipanema and Barra da Tijuca, Maracanã stadium, the bohemian district of Lapa, the forests of Tijuca and Pedra Branca, the island of Paquetá, The New Year's Eve of Copacabana, the Rio carnival, Bossa Nova and samba. It was the capital of Brazil, from colonial Portuguese times until 1960, when the government's office was transferred to the newly built Brasilia. Welcome to this wonderful city, considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

About the destination: São Paulo is a place of great contrast, a melting pot of cultures, both cultural and ethnic. This fascinating metropolis is the financial powerhouse of Brazil and the largest city in South America, boasting a vibrant nightlife, top-tier gastronomy, theatres, shops and everything you can imagine. This large, modern city is home to art galleries, affluent and impressive museums, world-class music venues, and the best restaurants in the country. Walking along Avenida Paulista, the financial centre of São Paulo, you will see many modern buildings, as well as Art Nouveau and Art Deco mansions and some of the city's main cultural attractions, such as Casa das Rosas, Trianon Park or the Museu de Arte de São Paulo. Nearby, there is Praça da Sé, in the heart of the city. The Catedral da Sé dominates this beautiful square. Other highlights of São Paulo's city centre include the Pátio do Colégio, the site where the city was founded, the Monastery of São Bento, the Banespa Building, the Martinelli Building (Brazil's first skyscraper), the Itália building, the Viaduct do Chá, the Municipal Theatre, the Sala São Paulo concert hall, the Luz Train Station, and the Municipal Market. Although there are plenty of stunning city parks; Parque do Ibirapuera is undoubtedly the most famous park in the city, hosting several museums, monuments and cultural activities. Cosmopolitan and full of life, São Paulo is a sea of possibilities.

About the destination: Foz do Iguaçu is a major city in the state of Paraná, Brazil. This town is the perfect base to visit the Iguaçu National Park, the main reason why people visit this town. Foz do Iguacu is a modern and pleasant place that has some decent shopping, dining and lodging options. Foz do Iguaçu is known for its lush vegetation, modern architecture, the amazing Itaipu Dam the largest one in the world, and the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls. Being as well a gateway to both Paraguay and Argentina, and home of the famous Iguaçu Falls, Foz do Iguaçu doesn’t need any more attractions, it is in itself a very attractive destination.

About the destination: Salvador, situated on the Todos os Santos Bay, is the capital of the state of Bahia, Brazil. Salvador was the first capital of Brazil, and the signs of its significance are evident in the city’s Historic Quarter. Salvador is a bustling, vibrant and stunning colonial town with many attractions and a unique charm. Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Salvador’s delightful Old Town that provides a peek into Salvador’s early days. In this area you can explore the site of the former slave market and pillory, baroque-style churches and colonial architecture. Also from colonial times is the Lighthouse of Barra, one of about 15 forts scattered around the city. Salvador is Brazil’s colourful and historic centre of Afro-Brazilian culture, African culture is a significant part of this city and is apparent in its food, music and religious traditions. There are numerous terreiros, temples of the widely practiced Candomblé religion of African origin, dotted throughout the city. Most terreiros will allow visitors to attend their ceremonies. The best of Salvador is in its daily life, strolling on the beach, relishing its delicious food, admiring the sunset and enjoying its unique culture. Salvador embraces you and doesn't let you go, so come at your own risk.

About the destination: Manaus is the capital of the state of Amazonas in north-western Brazil. It is situated in the heart of the Amazon rainforest on the north bank of the Rio Negro, just 10 kilometres upstream from the point where Rio Negro meets the Solimoes and forms the Amazon River. Manaus is the gateway to the Amazon. The enormous richness and diversity that can be found within nature in the Amazonas is amazing, and Manaus is where most Amazon tour operators are based. The city has plenty of sights to see and a vast array of grand-looking buildings. The floating dock is worth a visit, as well as the market. The Opera house is impressive, The Amazon Theatre, the National Institute for research in the Amazon and the Ponta Negra are worth a visit and the Museu do Indio has an excellent ethnographic collection. Good handicrafts from indigenous and traditional communities can be found in the Galeria Amazônica. Manaus is pleasant and friendly and it is a busy hub but feels laid-back. Manaus has charm and it is impossible to dislike.