New Year in Rio

Upon arrival in the Brazilian capital, transfer from the airport to your luxurious accommodation at the Belmond Copacabana Palace. Enjoy art-deco architecture, elegant social spaces and sweeping coastal views. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in your spacious room, enjoying a game of tennis on the rooftop court, or strolling along the white sands of nearby Copacabana Beach. Reflect on an exciting first day over drinks and dinner at the Pérgula restaurant, renowned for serving up fresh local flavours.

Discover mighty Sugar Loaf Mountain with a half-day excursion accompanied by a local English-speaking guide. Begin with a scenic drive to Praia Vermelha in Rio’s affluent Urca neighbourhood. From here, take a cable car ride up Urca Hill to explore picturesque gardens and vantage points overlooking Guanabara Bay. A second cable-car trip deposits you at Sugar Loaf’s peak. Rising nearly 400 metres above the sea-level, this truly is an unforgettable experience. Savour this view from above with a helicopter flight round the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

Get ready for the party of the year. Enjoy exclusive access to New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Copacabana Palace. Kick off with a buffet dinner prepared by an executive chef followed by drinks with loved ones and newfound friends. Live music ushers in the party spirit for few final hours before midnight when there is a colourful firework display. Dress to impress at this exciting event to ring in the new year – you may even choose to wear white as is traditional in Brazil.

Head down to Guanabara Bay for a fascinating half-day sailing boat tour of this vast expanse of water. Cruise out towards the horizons and look back at striking views of stunning Rio de Janeiro and majestic Sugar Loaf Mountain towering in the distance. Sail through the bay’s islands and forts, learning about this local landscape from your on-board guide. After an exciting tour of the coast, jump off the boat into the cool waters for a swim.

Today, wake up one final time in Brazil’s buzzing capital. Spend today exploring some of the sights you’ve not yet encountered. Perhaps enjoy a panoramic walk, stopping at the peaceful botanical gardens, beautiful Ipanema Beach and the vibrant Escadaria Selaron mosaic staircase. Alternatively, take a day to relax in the beautiful grounds of your hotel. Soak up the brilliant sunshine by the pool or indulge in a spa treatment. Afterwards, transfer to the airport to meet with your flight home or to the next exciting destination on your trip.