Brazilians say that God created the world in six days and, on the seventh, he created Rio. On first sight, this seems perfectly believable. This 'Marvellous City' as its inhabitants, the Cariocas , call it, is indeed one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world. Uniquely situated on a narrow strip of land between the green mountains and the deep blue sea it is surrounded by granite based mountains, coves and white sand beaches. The most famous coastal mountain is the Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf), which has wonderful views of the city, the bay, and the Corcovado (the statue of Christ).

You will also visit the charming little village of Itaipava, famous for its wonderful gastronomy. Surrounded by rich, green mountainous scenery with forests and waterfalls, Itaipava is a mecca for food lovers and is a popular weekend getaway for Cariocas (natives of Rio). The region around Itaipava first gained fame when the Portuguese royal family fled from Napoleon's conquering army in 1808 and set up home in Petropolis, founded in 1843 as a summer refuge by Dom Pedro II. Apart from its excellent gastronomy and charming hotels Itaipava also has an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants. With this package you will experience some of Brazil's finest gastronomic delights and get to know the most famous city in the world, whilst staying in comfortable and beautifully romantic hotels set in stunning scenery.

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