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Day 1:Miami - Rio de Janeiro
Morning flight via TAM flight # JJ8095 departing Miami at 11:05AM breakfast and dinner are served on board. Arrival in Rio at.10: 35PM. Greetings from our representative and transfer to the Superior First Class hotel Astoria Palace located on legendary Copacabana beach.
Day 2: Rio de Janeiro
After breakfast: The breakfast buffet was very large with many fruits, meats, cheeses , breads, cereals and cakes. The hotel has a mini bar in each room with a very, very small ice tray. If you want more ice the price is $10. Out side the hotel there are many local restaurants overlooking the beach with prices from $10-$20 per entree. There are also many small Kiosks on the beach including fruit stands, beer, fast food and even a McDonald's.
The tour begins in Cosme Velho's where the cog wheel train ride takes approximately 20 minutes passing through the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world to the top of Corcovado, where the towering Christ the Redeemer statue gazes over the city with outstretched arms.
Lunch at Churrascaria Barra Grill.
A truly amazing experience. A wonderful buffet with fruits, vegetables and desserts along with roaming waiters that deliver to your table many different meats and chicken on long sword like devices and carve the items directly on to your plates.
In the afternoon, your explorations begins with the city tour that takes you to the heart of downtown Rio. You'll view such landmark as Sambodrome,
Our guide had participated in the Carnival parade and took us to an exhibition of the actual outfits worn for the parade. We were allowed to put on the outfits and take photos for a fee of a few dollars. This was a highlight of the day.
the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Belle Epoque of Cindelandia Square, the Municipal Theater, the National Library and National Museum of Fine Art. By taking the Aterro do Flamenco, you will visit one of the Rio's treasured residential areas: Urca neighborhood. The highlights of today afternoon tour is a cable car ride to the heights of Sugarloaf, the massive granite mountain that overlooks the city and the harbor.
Day 3: Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro After breakfast morning free to rest up or take optional excursions to Niteroi. In the evening dinner at Mio Restaurant with Samba Show featuring skilled dancers, extravagant costumes, and pulsating rhythms. This show was very good with many costume changes and many dancers. You can have your picture taken with one of the dancers. Drinks are $5-$7 each. After dinner transfer to the hotel.
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro - Manaus, gateway to the Amazon River.
Transfer to airport for flight to Manaus. Arrival at 11:50AM. Greetings from our local representative and transfer to Iberostar Grand Amazon. You'll embark for an inclusive deluxe 4-nights cruise aboard river a luxury river vessel, enjoying a spacious outside cabin with balcony. You will discover the wonders of the Amazon, the Rio Negro on a stay at a Five-Star ship-resort. All your meals and snacks are included, as well as all beverages, wine, and cocktails. The Amazon region spans nine countries and counts for more than half of the world's rain forests. Ship departure at 6:00pm to small villages Novo Airao.
The ship is first class and exceeded my expectations:
The restaurant served first quality foods buffet style with also a limited menu available as well as room service. The soups, chesses and fruits were very popular. Original flavored ice creams were available with many toppings. Many of the waiters had difficulty with English but it was not a problem. The food and service levels in the restaurant exceeded many ships that I have sailed on especially considering were cruising on the Amazon River. Wine was included with the meals
On board the ship
There was plenty of room on board. The cabins had a fridge which contained water, beer and pop. A large shower and bathroom, a small balcony and TV with 10 channels of movies and documentaries that were changed each day.
A small gift store and library is available along with a medical unit with a paramedic. Two bars where all drinks are included, a swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Entertainment
On one of the evenings on of the guides presented an excellent performance of native songs along with a very evocative video of life on the Amazon. He also played a series of flutes and pan pipes. Is was very enjoyable.
After diner on one of the nights we were entertained by the "Snake armpit band". The band is made up of the tour guides with a guitar, drums and many hand held percussion instruments. What was missing in skill was made up with passion and enthusiasm.
Day 5: Novo Airo- Lago Aracari.
Early morning arrival at Novo Airo. Embarking on tenders (small boat) We felt very comfortable and safe on the passenger "fast boats" with a guide and driver for each 20/24 passengers. The guides had a great passion for presenting their "home" to us, to visit pink dolphins. You will also meet local friendly and hospital people. Village leaders will explain life on the Amazon, and village children will entertain visitors. After lunch photo safari at Lago Aracari. This evening included a night expedition for the mini Alligators which our guide found, siezed from the bank for us to feel and touch, what an experience!
Day 6: Rio Puduari - Ilha de Jacare - Igarape Aturia - Rio Cuierias
Early morning bird watching at Rio Pudari. After lunch photo safari at Igarape Aturia. During your cruise you will see nearly every Amazonian animal including sloths, squirrel monkeys, parrots, toucans all in their natural habitat.
Day 7: Rio Curieras- Praia Grande
Morning photo safari at Rio Curieras and visit to Cambebas Community. In the afternoon tender cruise through Igarape dol Pato. Free time at Praia Grande.
Day 8: Manaus - Miami
After breakfast disembark. Morning sightseeing tour of this beautiful art-nouveau style municipal market.
These markets are huge with fruits, fish, meats and vegetables.
To better understand here are some logistics:
Manaus has 2,000,000 inhabitants.
The nearest largest town is three days and nights on a steamer in a hammock on the deck.
The only way to the ocean is 14/15 days by boat.
There are 60,000 boats in Manaus.
You'll view the Rio Negro Palace, formerly the Government Palace, the Municipal Market Adolpho Lisboa , Alfandega and Guardamoria buildings. Transfer to the airport for flight at JJ 8076 at 12:50PM with arrival in Miami at 6:00PM.
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