Highlights |
Independent Package Includes
- Round trip flights NYC-Rio de Janeiro
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 4 nights accommodations in your choice of hotels
- Breakfast daily
Also Available
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Rio BBQ Dinner & Samba Show |
Day #2 |
26 Feb 2009 - 23 Dec 2009 $120
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Tonight, experience the key ingredients to a fine, fun-filled evening, Brazilian-style. Enjoy a delicious Brazilian Churrascaria dinner in a typical Barbecue House, then continue to Plataforma 1 for an entertaining Samba show. Samba is often considered Brazil's signature musical style, and as such offers an excellent opportunity to experience the soul of the country's vibrant culture.
Departs at 8:00 p.m. Please be in the lobby 15 minutes prior to departure. Tour ends at hotel.
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| Half Day Corcovado 9:00 AM |
Day #3 |
01 Jan 2009 - 23 Dec 2009 $55
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Today you'll discover one of Brazil's most historic landmarks, the Christo Rendentor or "Christ the Redeemer" statue. Situated high atop the mountain of Corcovado, the Redeemer statue is a towering 2,329 feet above sea level, and was inaugurated in 1931. The tour begins in Cosme Velho's neighborhood from which the cogwheel train ascends the Tijuca Forest, the largest urban forest in the world, to the summit. From the statue, enjoy panoramic views of Rio, including Sugar Loaf Mountain, Guanabara Bay, the beaches of the Southern Zone, and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The tour continues to the São Conrado area, with a brief stop at Pepino Beach.
Departs at 9:00 a.m. Please be in the lobby 15 minutes prior to departure. Tour ends at hotel.
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| Half Day Sugar Loaf 2:00 PM |
Day #3 |
01 Jan 2009 - 23 Dec 2009 $57
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Begin with a panoramic tour of downtown Rio, passing the Sambodrome and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Enjoy charming views of the traditional Cinelandia Square with its historical buildings, the Municipal Theater, the National Library, and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Via the Aterro do Flamengo, continue to the neighborhood of Urca to reach Sugar Loaf Mountain. On arrival, enjoy a scenic ride by cable car to Urca Hill for a beautiful view of Guanabara Bay and its islands, as well as the Rio-Niteroi Bridge and Corcovado Mountain. At the connecting point, board a second cable car up to the summit for a spectacular view of Copacabana Beach, Santa Cruz fortress, and the beaches of Niteroi.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
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| Full Day Tropical Island Tour with lunch 9:00 AM |
Day #4 |
26 Feb 2009 - 23 Dec 2009 $70
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Board the Saveiro schooner and cruise the beautiful Sepetiba Bay. Stop for a swim in the Bay's cool waters en route to the island of Itacuruçá, where a delicious lunch buffet will be waiting. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the gorgeous island of rolling hills after lunch.
Departs at 9:00 a.m. Pick-up from the lobby of your hotel approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Drop-off at the hotel.
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| Half Day Guanabara Bay |
Day #5 |
26 Feb 2009 - 24 Dec 2009 $46
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Appreciate Rio's unique regional setting from Guanabara Bay, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world. Boat rides on Guanabara offer some of the most picturesque, panoramic scenes of Rio. Depart Marina da Gloria by Saveiro schooner and enjoy scenic views of Rio's most splendid coastal surroundings, including the neighborhoods of Botafogo, Flamengo, and Urca, as well as Sugar Loaf, Flagstone Island, Fort São Joao, Santa Cruz Fortress, and Rio-Niteroi Bridge.
Departs at 9:00 a.m. from Marina da Gloria. Pick-up will be between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., depending upon your hotel location. A complimentary pick-up is also available from the Cruise ship port. This tour must be booked within 72 hours of your travel date. Pick-up/drop-off details to be advised locally
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| Half Day Tijuca Forest Jeep Tour 2:00 PM |
Day #5 |
26 Feb 2009 - 23 Dec 2009 $58
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Tour the Tijuca Forest National Park by open jeep. The Tijuca, which covers some 20 miles of Rio's urban landscape, is a hand-planted rainforest, home to a vast variety of exotic plants and wildlife found only in the Atlantic Rainforest region. Known as the "Green Spine of Rio," the forest contains several significant sites, including Cachoeira dos Macacos (Monkey's Waterfall), Taunay's Waterfall, Chinese View, the Emperor's Table, and the Mayrink Chapel, featuring murals by Candido Portinari. Enjoy a leisurely walk to view tropical trees and fruits, as well as a variety of monkeys, birds, and colorful butterflies.
Departs at 2:00 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, transfers, optional tours, and gratuities.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
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Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| Brazil - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended. Please consult your physician before traveling to Brazil.
Dengue Fever, transmitted by infected mosquitoes, is endemic to Brazil, both urban and rural areas. Travelers are encouraged to check with their health care provider and/or the CDC for current levels of risk. Precautions include wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs, and application of insect repellent.
| | Climate & Clothing | Brazil - Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
The weather in Brazil is temperate to hot year round. Lightweight clothing that can be layered, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended.
Brazil Average Temperatures:http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#brazil-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Brazil - Brazil offers a wide variety of interesting handcrafted articles at colorful street markets. Cosmetics are also highly popular, along with designer swimwear, fine leather goods, and some of the world's best coffee.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Brazil - The Brazilian Real is the currency of Brazil.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Brazil - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| Brazil - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Brazil, and specifically Rio de Janeiro, there are significant issues with theft in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk when possible. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Brazil
| | Languages | Brazil - Portuguese is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Brazil - The voltage used is 110/220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Brazil - Shaking hands is the standard greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed. Offers of coffee and tea are customary. Casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is acceptable unless otherwise noted. The Catholic Church is highly respected in the community, and jokes at the expense of the Church are considered to be in poor taste.
| | Holidays - Brazil |
| Holidays 2008 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Feb 1-5 |
Carnival |
| Feb 6 |
Ash Wednesday |
Mar 21 |
Good Friday |
Mar 23 |
Easter |
Apr 21 |
Tiradentes |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 22 |
Corpus Christi |
Sep 7 |
Independence Day |
Oct 12 |
Our Lady of Aparecida |
Nov 2 |
All Souls' Day |
Nov 15 |
Proclamation of the Republic |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
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| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Feb 1-5 |
Carnival |
| Feb 6 |
Ash Wednesday |
Apr 10 |
Good Friday |
Apr 12 |
Easter |
Apr 21 |
Tiradentes |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
Jun 11 |
Corpus Christi |
Sep 7 |
Independence Day |
Oct 12 |
Our Lady of Aparecida |
Nov 2 |
All Souls' Day |
Nov 15 |
Proclamation of the Republic |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
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