Days 1-3: Buzios
Upon arrival in Rio de Janeiro, you'll embark on a scenic drive up the coast to Buzios, where you will stay at Casas Brancas, a refined Mediterranean style inn overlooking the stunning bay of Buzios, or the hip, chic, and romantic master suite at Vila D'Este, the bed and breakfast right next doors, near the center of town, close to the nightlife, restaurants, and its more than 26 beaches. The best way to spend your days here is exploring these little gems, and snacking at any one of the many beach kiosks, all offering plates of fresh anchovy, shrimp and squid.
The city's numerous charms have waylaid dozens of foreign visitors since Brigitte Bardot's first promenade in the 60s. She may have left but many others have stayed, opening inns, restaurants, and bars and providing Buzios with an international air. Relax in a hammock, or listen to live jazz at one of the local hot spots. Wind down, relax, breath in the sophisticated atmosphere, you've arrived in paradise.
Day 4: Rio de Janeiro
Breakfast and a last leisurely morning. Afternoon transfer to Rio de Janeiro .
Rio is considered by many to be the world's most beautiful city, woven between 20 miles of white sandy beaches, trimmed by green, rolling peaks. The most beautiful and famous of these beaches are Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. Enjoy a day at leisure. Overnight at Rio's newest Philippe Starck boutique hotel, the Fasano, the glamorous Copacabana Palace, or the traditional Caesar Park Ipanema.
Day 5: Rio de Janeiro
Open day at leisure in Rio. Wonder along Ipanema or Copacabana beaches to people watch, drink a beer or sample Açai as most of the cariocas do everyday.
At night your guide will take you around to experience Rio's nightlife as a real carioca, enjoying a good beer and dancing to Brazilian rhythms.
Day 6: Rio de Janeiro
Enjoy the breathtaking view while having an exquisite breakfast. Shortly, you'll be met at your hotel by your private guide for a full day tour at this wonderful city. Our tours are 100% flexible and will be based on your personal interests.
Let us suggest a visit to Sugar Loaf, the landmark that is reached by cable car followed by a visit to one of the world's seven wonders, the Corcovado, where the statue of Christ the Redeemer stands with its arms wide opened blessing the whole city, and why not a visit to bohemic Santa Teresa?
Day 7: Angra dos Reis
Today, you will be met and chauffeured to Angra dos Reis, an ecological paradise two and half hours from Rio de Janeiro. You'll arrive at this unquestionably magnificent place, home of an expanse of Atlantic rainforest, clear green waters, rich flora and fauna, and more than 365 islands, one for each day of the year for an unforgettable stay at the exclusive Pestana Beach Resort.
With only 27 unique bungalows, the resort is situated on an area of 55,000 square meters between the Atlantic forest and the sea. The romantic deluxe bungalows have a private Jacuzzi at the veranda and sauna. There is also a panoramic restaurant, bar, private beach, glorious pool, game room, sauna and fitness center. In addition, the resort also offers a great variety of water sports, hiking and tours of Angra.
Day 8: Angra dos Reis
Coming to Angra and not going island hoping on a luxurious, private chartered sail or speedboat? Pointless! We suggested an optional private boat with captain ready for your unforgettable adventure through this majestic place of breathtaking sceneries.
Day 9: Paraty
It's fair to say that we have reserved one of our VIP secrets to the very end, an incredible day at historical Paraty followed by dinner at the famous Academy of Cooking with chef Yara Roberts.
A native Brazilian, Yara grew up in the kitchen as the daughter of a well-known chef and caterer. She graduated from Boston University's Culinary Arts Program and studied at The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts and Radcliff College. Soon after, she distinguished herself on the international culinary scene. A leading lecturer at American universities, Yara has hosted an Emmy Award-winning PBS series focused on important cuisines and their cultural tradition. Over the years, she has received praise from notable publications like The New York Times, which wrote: “She [Yara] is a vivacious and seemingly inexhaustible ambassador for food and other things Brazilian.”
Inexhaustibly right! Yara also has an art history degree from the Ecole du Louvre and an education degree from the Sorbonne in Paris. This must have something to do with the fact that she is not only a wonderful gourmet chef but a superb teacher and storyteller too. Mix all this talent together and what do you get? Yara's very own Academy of Cooking and Other Pleasures--a special space dedicated to Brazilian culinary art and its relationship with various aspects of Brazilian cultural life and history. As one of her students once said “Yara teaches the best of three worlds--French savoir-faire, Latin warmth and American sensibility.”
Your evening with Yara starts with cocktails; and what more fitting libation than a tried and true caipirinha made with the best cachaça in Brazil (Paraty's claim to fame.) Next we gather around the stove to let the culinary games begin. As Yara will explain, Brazilian cuisine is a crossroad of cultures including native Indian, Portuguese and African.
After dinner, your private driver will take you back to the resort in Angra, about 1hr drive from Paraty.
Day 10: Departure from Rio de Janeiro
After an exquisite breakfast and a last morning at leisure at this unforgettable place, your private driver will meet you at the resort to drive you back to Rio , where you'll catch your flight back home.