What better way to spend your vacation than taking 10 days and 8 nights in Brazil's best world-class cities: Rio and Salvador. Bustling Rio is famous for incomparable surroundings - forest, mountains, beaches and the picturesque bay. You'll return home demanding to go back to Brazil! Salvador was once Brazil's most important city... and it is regaining its importance. Gold-filled colonial churches and stately mansions speak of centuries of history, and rhythms that evolved on plantations fill the streets today. Superb beaches with soft, white sand and clear, warm waters are also nearby. You'll have the time of your life experiencing both cities.

Day 1 - Depart from Miami, New York or Miami to an overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro

Day 2 - Arrive Rio de Janeiro 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. Our hotel is conveniently located on the Avenida Atlântica on Copacabana Beach. Just after mid-day, we'll depart for a city tour, visiting the Cathedral, built by the Portuguese in the 1700s in intricate Baroque style. We'll tour the beaches of Copacabana, Flamengo and Ipanema as well as the Corcovado. There is the option (at extra cost) to ascend the Sugar Loaf on the unforgettable cable car ride to get a stunning view of beautiful Rio and the sea below. In the evening, spend a night out on the town, or head to an optional tour to the Plataforma to catch a Samba show (one of the city's best one, we might add). Overnight at the Olinda Othon Classic or similar.

Day 3 - Rio de Janeiro Spend the day at leisure in Rio. Relax on the beach, take an optional excursion to historical Petropolis, to the idyllic coast of Búzios, on the trails of Tijuca forest overlooking Rio, or a number of other possibilities in and around the Cidade Maravilhosa (marvelous city). Overnight at the Olinda Othon Classic or similar.

Day 4 - Rio de Janeiro. Relax on the beach or take an optional boat excursion to the Tropical Island near Rio de Janeiro. Overnight at the Olinda Othon Classic or similar.

Day 5 - Rio de Janeiro-Salvador, Bahia This morning we will board our early morning flight to Salvador, Bahia. We will enjoy a tour of the city and the Pelourinho district. Founded in 1549, Salvador was the capital city of Brazil for over 200 years. Salvador is Brazil's third largest city, and was the country's busiest port until 1815. Although a large and modern city, Salvador's colorful, well-preserved colonial buildings are a sight to behold. The African influence in the food, music and culture is very apparent here. Salvador pulses with an African-tinged Samba beat; the percussion-heavy rhythms evolved from the music of the African slaves. Our hotel, the Bahia Othon Palace, is a fabulous hotel located on Ondina Beach in Salvador. In the evening, we can go out in Pelourinho, a historical neighborhood with many local bars and nightspots. This is the place where Olodum (a musical group with hundreds of drummers and dancers) plays every night. Be sure to enjoy some typical Bahian food while you're here! Overnight at the Bahia Othon Palace in Salvador, Bahia.

Day 6 - Salvador Time at leisure in Salvador. Optional tour to Praia do Forte or Itaparica Island. Overnight at the Bahia Othon Palace in Salvador, Bahia.

Day 7- Salvador At leisure in Salvador or an optional a panoramic tour of Mercado Modelo and Bomfim. Overnight at the Bahia Othon Palace in Salvador, Bahia.

Day 8- Departure Today we will depart to Salvador's International Airport for your flight back home. We are confident that your Brazilian experience has been a fulfilling one and that we will be happy to welcome some or all of you back some day!

Day 9 - Arrival to your final destination.