4* & 5* Railway Tours & Travel - Railway Journeys to Brazil

The trip is a mixture of natural and cultural beauties of the fifth largest country in the world, combined with train rides, which will stirr the blood of every railway friend. The trip takes you from the port city of Vitoria to Belo Horizonte, into the region of the gold rush to Ouro Preto, to the metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, to a train ride through the Atlantic rain forest and to the natural spectacle of the Iguassú-water falls. At the end of the trip you will visit the "most brazilian" city and "soul" of the country, Salvador da Bahia.

Highlights:

• Vitória
• Train ride Vitória - Belo Horizonte in executive class
• Ouro Preto
• Ouro Preto city tour
• Steam Train ride Ouro Preto - Mariana
  
• Ouro Preto - Tiradentes with stop in Congonhas do Campo
• Tiradentes to São Jão del Rey in a Steam Train
• Saint Franci's Church
• Petropolis - Imperial Museum
• Rio de Janeiro
• Sugarloaf Mountain and Historic Rio de Janeiro
• Corcovado & Rio's Beaches
• Curitiba (City Tour)
• Serra do Mar by train
• Scenic drive down the old Graciosa Road through the Atlantic Rainforest, the oldest part of Parana
• Ride ascending through the centennial and fantastic railroad that links Curitiba and Parangua'
• Iguacú-Falls, "Devil's Throat"
• Baia de Todos os Santos
• Pelourinho
• San FranciscoChurch Pelourinho
• Praia do Forte
• Tamar Project at Praia do Forte
• Salvador de Bahia

Including:

• Nights in hotels or Pousadas of good middle class
• Breakfast with other meals as described
• Typical breakfast from the XVIII century - colonial style
• One lunch will be in a restaurant on the waterfront - experience the local dish of "barreado"
• English-speaking Suedamerika-Reisen.travel Tour Guide

Day 01: Vitoria
Arrive today at Vitoria Airport and check in to Hotel Mercure Apt. Passagarda**** Vila Velha – Praia da Costa. Enjoy a Vitoria & Vila Velha City Tour today. 101 apartment hotel on the beach, 7 kilometres from the city centre and 16 kilometres from the airport. With modern architecture, the hotel features a restaurant, a bar, a business centre and high speed Internet in every room. The hotel also offers guests a swimming pool and sauna.

Day 02: Vitoria

Breakfast and Train ride from Vitoria to Belo Horizonte in executive class. Check in the beautiful Hotel Mercure BH Lourdes**** in Belo Horizonte. The Hotel Mercure has 371 apartment, 26 rooms of events. located close to the center commercial and managerial Savassi. It is to 1,5 km of the downtown and 10 km of the airport of Pampulha, to 40 km of the international airport of Confins. The hotel have restaurant open to the public, piano bar, cyber café, business center, pool indoor and acclimatized, sauna evaporates and to vapor, fitness center with personal trainer.

Day 03: Belo Horizonte
Breakfast in your Hotel Mercure BH Lourdes**** in Belo Horizonte. Transfer Belo Horizonte to Ouro Preto by car, van or bus (Belo Horizonte - Ouro Preto: 104 km)

This is a package that includes all the services between this transfer and the drop off at the hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Meals are included only when mentioned in the tour. Overnight in Pousada Minas Gerais-Ouro Preto for 2 nights. Pousada Minas Gerais is part of the atmosphere of art and history of Ouro Preto, and offers the charm and comfort of the hospitable people of Minas Gerais. The hotel is located in the Historical Center, near the main plaza and the Convention Center of Ouro Preto.

Day 04: Ouro Preto
Breakfast in Pousada Minas Gerais and then travel to Ouro Preto. Enjoy an Ouro Preto City Tour + Lunch (4h) and then take the Steam Train Ouro Preto / Mariana (3h).

Day 05: Belo Horizonte
Today you have a transfer from Ouro Preto to Tiradentes with stop in Congonhas do Campo. The distance Ouro Preto to Tiradentes are 143 km. The trip from Tiradentes to Sao Joao Del Rey is in a Steam Train. Your overnight is in the Pousada Beco do Bispo-Sao Joao Del Rei.
                                                                               
Prime location in the historical center of Sao Joao del Rei and only a few meters from the magnificent Saint Franci's Church. Spacious, ensuite and well furnished apartments which are equipped with AC, TV, telephone and minibar.
Facilties include a swimmig pool, communal living room with fireplace and typical breakfast from the XVIII century- colonial style! 

Day 06: Sao Joao Del Rei
Breakfast in the Pousada Beco do Bispo-Sao Joao Del Re. Transfer from Sao Joao Del Rey to Petropolis. The distance is from Sao Joao Del Rey to Petropolis of about 319 km.

In Petropolis, visit to the Imperial Museum with ticket included. From Petropolis we have the short transfer of 64,6km to Rio de Janeiro, the "marvellous city"!

Check in the Hotel Luxor Regente****, Copacabana.
                                                                             
The Luxor Regente is one of the traditional hotels overlooking majestic Copacabana Beach and is among the most elegant in Rio de Janeiro. The Luxor tradition of high-quality service is evident in its comfortable rooms, its restaurant with international standards, a variety of recreational options, the business center and its special infra-structure for conventions. Luxor Regente is a constantly updated hotel, in a permanent process of innovation.

Day 07: Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast at Hotel Luxor Regente**** Copacabana. Sugarloaf & Historic Rio de Janeiro (4h) today!
  
The panoramic view from the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain, at 1,296 ft  (395m) above sea-level, is breathtaking. Two sets of  cable cars elevate you to the top of Sugar Loaf.  The first brings passengers to the top of Urca Mountain. From Urca Mountain a second set of cable cars brings passengers to the summit with its 360º spectrum of golden beaches, green forests and a thriving metropolis that has earned Rio de Janeiro the title of the world's most beautiful city.      
Sightseeing continues with a tour of Rio's historical past. Learn how Portugal's prince scandalously broke all family ties and declared himself Emperor of Brazil.
  

Day 08: Rio de Janeiro
Today you will enjoy Corcovado By Train & Rio`s Beaches (4h). Christ the Redeemer keeps an eye on Rio from an elevation of 710m (2340ft). Board the tremzinho (cogwheel railway) up to the top of Corcovado Mountain for a bird's eye view of the center of the city from the center of the city! The 38-meter statue is the image of the faith and friendliness of cariocas. The monument was inaugurated on the day of Our Lady of Aparecida, 12 October, 1931 by then President Getúlio Vargas and cardinal Dom Sebastião Leme. Then get a close-up look at Rio's world famous beaches.

In the evening from Rio de Janeiro International Airport to Curitiba Airport. Hotel Bourbon Curitiba & Tower**** Curitiba.
                                                                               
The 4star Hotel Bourbon Curitiba Tower occupies a privileged localization in the commercial and financial center of the city. It radiates comfort and style in the heart of Curitiba. The hotel consists of 175 rooms and suites all fully equipped with central air-conditioning and heating, hairdryer, data port for computers, minibar, safety deposit box, computer connection, electronic locks, cableTV and telephone with voice mail and wake up call.

Hotel amenities include  24-hour room service, 3 restaurants including a sushi bar, a cigar house, a 24-hour business centre with fax/copy/print service, an auditorium and 16 conference rooms, a babysitting service, beauty salon, garage with valet parking, a fitness center, heated indoor pool, massage service, steam and dry sauna, Scottish shower and Jacuzzi. 

Day 09: Curitiba
Breakfast in the Hotel Bourbon Curitiba & Tower**** Curitiba. City Tour + Serra do Mar by train + lunch  (9h)

After the early city sightseeing, take a scenic drive down the old Graciosa Road, through the Atlantic Rainforest, to the oldest port of Parana, dating back to the early 16th century to  view the Dom Pedro II port. Then a short drive takes us to Morretes, a quaint little town founded in 1714 when it became important as a major plantation of mate (a tea) and for it’s lovely architecture of Portuguese origin, the São Benedito church and th historical center with the old water fountain, municipal market, Itiberê river, the Nossa Senhora do Rocio sanctuary, and the popular art and Archaeological Museum dated 1755. After the city tour, lunch will be in a restaurant on the waterfront - experience the local dish of "barreado" (included).   
        
After lunch, transfer to the train station to board the train back to Curitiba. The  tour will ascend through the centennial and fantastic railroad that links Curitiba to Paranaguá, the state of Paraná’s main port and the 3rd in importance in Brazil. Enjoy the wonderful mountain scenery with rivers, waterfalls, tropical plants, flowers and birds. Ride over bridges that span precipices and gorges as far as Curitiba.  

Day 10: Curitiba
Transfer Curitiba to Airport to Foz do Iguassu. Transfer from Foz do Iguacu Airport (IGU) to your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. Hotel Mercure Internacional****Foz do Iguassu.
                                                                               
The 4star Hotel Mercure International  is located in the centre of the city of Foz do Iguassu close to all the attractions. It is 15 km to the Brazilian airport, and 28 km from Cataratas do Iguacu Falls and Iguacu National Park. The hotel offers 210 apartment style rooms all equipped with audible smoke alarms, dead bolt in rooms,  sprinkler in room, 220/240 V AC, Airconditioning, Safety deposit box in room, Minibar, Satellite/cable colour TV, Voicemail option on the telephone, High speed Internet transmission line, RJ 11 outlet, RJ 25 outlet as well as bathrooms with the following features: bathtub, Hair dryer, Make-up/magnifying mirror and telephone.

Hotel amenities include a Gourmet roof top restaurant and one restaurant serving International food, 2 bars, 19 conference rooms, private indoor and outdoor parking, a business centre with fax machine and copy/print services, a swimming pool, 24 hour security staff, dry-cleaning/ironing service and a currency exchange desk.

Day 11: Foz do Iguassu
Breakfast on Hotel Mercure Internacional****Foz do Iguassu. Sightseeing Argentine Falls and excursion from your hotel in Foz Do Iguacu to the Argentinian Falls.
  
After a short drive and a quick customs check, cross the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the Iguassu River, which forms the border between Argentina and Brazil. Once in Argentina, follow a scenic highway up to the Argentine Iguazu Park. Visit starts with ample time to visit the upper Argentine falls, including the San Martin Falls and the Devil’s Throat. On the way back from the falls, stop at the Argentine shopping district, and if weather and time allows, a brief stop at the 3 Borders point, where the Paraná and Iguassu Rivers as well as the borders or Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay intersect.

Visit the Itaipu Dam (3h). Itaipu is the world's largest hydroelectric dam in the world, stretching across the Parana River from Paraguy to Brazil, with a huge generating capacity - technological marvel. After a 35km ride, arrival at the Itaipu Public Relations Center, for a 30-minute film presentation showing the phases of construction and operation of this engineering monument. Then tour the dam by coach, stopping at different panoramic viewpoints. The spectacle of the spillway of the dam, with its huge flow of water is particularly impressive.  

Day 12: Foz do Iguassu
Transfer from your hotel to the Foz do Iguacu Airport to Salvador and from Salvador Airport to Hotel Sol Vitoria Marina**** Salvador.
                                                                               
Located in a noble area at the Salvador Downtown, with a wonderful view of the Baía de Todos os Santos, and near to the most visited touristic places in the city. 230 guest rooms of which 115 with ocean view, 03 Master Suites, 01 Junior Suite, Presidential Suite and 05 guest rooms for people with special needs. All guest rooms offer 24 hours room service and are equipped with air-conditioning, television, radio FM, mini bar and individual safe. The hotel has one swimming pool at the main deck and two at the Mahi Mahi Pier Bar, one of which with hydromassage. The hotel also offers as attraction a pier with access through a lift, becoming one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in town. Also has two restaurants (international and Thai cuisine), coffee shop, pier bar, and night club. Nearby Attractions
- (3.5 km) from Pelourinho;
- (2Km) from Downtown Salvador;
- (2Km) from Porto da Barra Beach.

Day 13: Salvador
Hotel Sol Vitoria Marina****Salvador Breakfast (x 3). After breakfast enjoy a Historical Tour Salvador incl. Pelourinho & Lunch - 6 hours. Pelourinho, the name of an area in the center of the northeastern Brazilian city of Salvador, means pillory and in colonial times it was a place of horror for slaves taken there to be thrashed.
  
Pelourinho was described by UNESCO as the most important collection of baroque colonial architecture in the Americas and has been recently restored to its sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth century splendor. It retains a traditional atmosphere rarely found in old cities, because in Bahia, tradition lives on, intermingling with its present.   
In Pelourinho, a place where the visitor breathes culture and history, we find the House of Jorge Amado Foundation, the City Museum, the Udo Knopf Museum, besides São Francisco Church which is gold plated. Pelourinho is also the home of afoxé groups such as Filhos de Ghandy  and Afro groups such as Olodum, symbols of Bahia’s traditional culture.

Day 14: Salvador
F/D Praia do Forte + Lunch (9h).    
Known as the "Brazilian Polynesia", Praia do Forte has so many leisure options that it is hard to know where to start. There are 12 kilometers of beaches surrounded by dunes, coconut groves and tidal pools. Among the attractions there are: Garcia D'Ávila Castle Historic District, Sapiranga reserve, Pojuca river rapids and a fishermen village that welcomes the tourists with open arms. Besides all that, Praia do Forte also offers an excellent infrastructure. An old fisherman’s village originated what today is known as Praia do Forte Village, where the rustic meets the sophisticated. A few streets, from the coconut plantation to the village which has several natural attractions and where preservation is a strong characteristic of the place.
        
Tamar Project - This project’s main goal is to protect sea turtles and its national headquarters os at Praia do Forte. It is possible to get to know the work of the professionals involved, as well as to see the turtle fossils, to watch documentaries about the species and one can see the tanks where both adult and infant turtles are kept. During the egg-laying period – from September to March – nests are found on the beach, properly marked by the Tamar Project and in case of adoption of a turtle, it is possible to watch the actual laying of the eggs at night, as part of one of the Turtle by night groups. The little turtles hatch at dusk and go right to the sea attracted by the lights at the horizon. This is an unforgettable moment for the lucky visitors.

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