This adventure takes us to Brazil's northeastern tip as well as the Fernando de Noronha archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic. Colored cliffs and coconut palms characterize Brazil's northeastern coast. We'll get to know historical Recife and its surroundings, the nice beach area of Natal and take a charter flight to Fernando de Noronha, one of the world's best spots for diving and snorkeling.

Day 1 - Recife - After our flight arrives in the early morning, we will be met at the airport and be transferred to our beachfront hotel, after which we will check in and have time to rest. Recife is located on Brazil's Atlantic Coast in the state of Pernambuco. Recife, meaning "reef," has a long history as a port city, and its waterways, bridges and reefs have earned the nickname "the Venice of Brazil," although Olinda is a closer match to Venice as far as charm and historical significance are concerned. The largest city in the Brazilian northeast and fourth largest in the country, Recife has expanded well beyond its original colonial-era confines, especially over the past thirty years. A visit to Recife's beachside district, Boa Viagem, is a must; great nightclubs, restaurants and hotels abound. Overnight in Recife.

Day 2 - Recife - Today we will have the choice to either relax, explore the area on our own, or go on one of two optional tours: Olinda option: We make the short drive north to Olinda, where we will have an orientation to the town and its long history. Tranquil Olinda has one of the best concentrations of colonial structures in Brazil: Baroque designs, white churches, pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, fountains and squares. Olinda was once burned to the ground by the Dutch, who established control here at various times in the 17th century. From the Alto da S鬠 the highest square in Olinda, we can see the skyscrapers of Recife in the distance. The town market is also a worthy spectacle. Olinda's Carnaval is a very popular event, drawing fun-loving participants from as far away as Europe. We'll make a visit to Fort Oranje, a former Dutch outpost. If time allows, we can stop and educate ourselves about the conservation efforts of Projeto Tamar Peixe-boi, an important manatee conservation project. Jo㯠Pessoa option Go on an optional tour from Recife to Jo㯠Pessoa, 130 km (80 miles) away. The capital of the state of Paraiba, Jo㯠Pessoa lies on the easternmost tip of the Brazilian coastline, and is known to be the first spot of land the sun hits as it rises every day. The city was founded in 1585, and still has a good number of centuries-old monuments to the colonial era. We'll tour the primary places of interest, including Tambau Beach, Manaira and Cabo Branco (the White Cape). We'll also have a look at Solon de Lucena Park, the St. Francis Historical Center, a local crafts markets and the Seixa's Point, the closest point in South America to Africa. In the late afternoon or evening return to Recife. Overnight in Recife.

Day 3 - Natal - Today we drive north to Natal. Capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal is a favored beach resort area. Just north of Natal lie the gigantic sand dunes of Genipabu Beach, where fun-seeking visitors spin out to their heart's content in dune buggies. The dunes here reach towering heights of 50 meters (165 feet). The main historical landmark in Natal is the Forte dos Reis Magos, or the Fort of the Three Kings, dating from 1598. As in other northeastern settlements, control switched hands between the French, Dutch and Portuguese several times. An allied military base was established here in World War II and was used as a way station for sending men and materiel to North Africa. About 9 km of beaches srround the city, and you'll certainly have the chance to go on an exhilarating buggy ride. Buggies usually seat four passengers; be sure to go with an accredited bugeiro (buggy driver). Overnight in Natal.

Day 4 - Natal - Your day will be at leisure to enjoy Natal and its surroundings. Overnight in Natal.

Day 5 - Fernando de Noronha - We'll have a morning flight to Fernando de Noronha Island, arriving in early afternoon. An ideal ecotourism destination, the archipelago is comprised of 21 volcanic islands, with Fernando de Noronha being the largest. Located 340 Km from the northeast coast of Brazil, the Marine National Park protects the undersea waters around the islands from over-fishing or other potential damage. The flora and fauna are rich and well preserved and, due to its location, the marine biology here is more diverse than anywhere else in Brazil. All over the park you will see dolphins, giant turtles, barracudas, eagle rays, and perhaps whales. Fernando de Noronha has the only mangrove in the ocean and also has a patch of Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica). TAMAR, an ongoing sea turtle protection project, operates a center here administered by Ibama, Brazil's environmental authority. The beaches are breathtakingly beautiful and secluded. The clear and warm waters are a favorite for adventure-seeking divers, snorkelers, swimmers and surfers. Accommodations are in a well-appointed local pousada. Enjoy a walking tour of about 2 ? to 3 hours through the local village, visiting historical buildings such as the old Colonial Church and the Forte dos Remedios, and the beaches in the vicinity of the village. Return to the pousada for dinner. In the evening, attend a lecture about the island's ecology at the office of the Brazilian Environmental Institute (IBAMA). Overnight in an island pousada.

Day 6 - Fernando de Noronha - Leave the pousada in the early morning for a boat tour to the Baia dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay), where many dolphins will accompany the boat and will spring out of the water before us in a delightful show. On the return trip, we will stop at Sancho Bay for snorkeling in transparent waters with thousands of colored tropical fish. Alternately, a diving tour can be arranged to one of the dozens of prime diving sites all around the archipelago. Rest of the day will be free to explore the island. Other optional tours include walking tours, renting a car or bicycle or horseback riding. Overnight in an island pousada.

Day 7 - Fernando de Noronha - Time at leisure to go on one of many optional tours around the island or on a diving excursion. Overnight in an island pousada.

Day 8 - Recife - Today we will fly back from the archipelago to Recife to connect to your international flight home.