Monday 19th November London - Sao Paulo Flight departure this evening from London Heathrow to Brazil. Tuesday 20th November Sao Paulo - Foz do Igaucu On arrival at São Paulo airport, meet with our Brazilian tour coordinator and take a connecting flight to Foz do Iguaçu. Transfer to the hotel for some time at leisure in the afternoon. This evening there will be a general overview of Brazilian agriculture Overnight: Foz de Iguaçu
Wednesday 21st November Foz do Iguazu They say that Argentina owns the Igauçu Falls but Brazil owns the view. So today will be spent visiting the falls from the Brazilian side. Enter the National Park and after viewing the displays on the history and profile of the park, drive to Macuco Safari park for an optional drive by jeep through the native forest and then an exciting jet boat ride up the river to view the falls close up. Drive to a drop-off point for a casual walk to the head of the falls where lunch can be taken at leisure. Drive out of the main park to the Bird Park, for a relaxed walk amidst varied Brazilian birdlife and other wildlife. Optional helicopter flights over the falls are available plus a stop at one of the best artisan shops for gifts and souvenirs. Back to the hotel to freshen up before a night’s entertainment and dinner at an excellent local venue. Overnight: Foz de Iguaçu (B,D)
Thursday 22nd November Foz do Iguacu - Guiara Depart after breakfast, heading north in the state of Parana to visit an interesting dairy farm that utilizes a variety of forages and generates its own biodiesel from by-products. Parana state is an important state for agriculture in Brazil, with all year round growing conditions, with a great diversity of agriculture including cereals, fruit, coffee, pigs, poultry, dairy and beef. Lunch will be included locally, afterwards visit a typical large-scale cropping farm with corn, soybeans and cattle. At this time of year the crops will have been recently planted. Drive north-west through some very pretty and diverse country, which has been settled mainly by Italians, to the border of the states of Parana and Mato Grosso do Sul together with the country of Paraguay. Overnight: Guiara (B,L)
Friday 23rd November Guiara - Dourados A fairly long travelling day today, as the tour takes us into the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, which is mainly known for its beef cattle and soybeans but is becoming increasingly diversified with sheep and sugar cane and other crops. Drive to Navarai, which is a major centre for beef cattle production and meet with management of a Coop who will describe the activities of the Coop and accompany the group on the next farm visits. Visit a 6,700 ha cropping farm with soybeans. After lunch on the farm, visit a leading elite beef cattle breeder which grows crops and grass on an intensive basis. A fairly long day will end after an hour's drive to the pleasant town of Dourados for overnight and dinner. Overnight: Dourados (B,L,-)
Saturday 24th November Dourados-BonitoDepart this morning westwards through some diverse country to visit a mixed cattle and cropping farm that integrates cattle with cropping to maximize total farm productivity. Continue west through principally cattle country to the small town of Bonito. Bonito has become an important location for adventure sports and eco-tourism. It was only really discovered just over a decade ago and is a relaxed destination that very few know about. There will be time in the evening after checking into the pleasant lodge to lounge by the pool, take a drink at the bar and relax after the long journeys of the preceding days. Overnight : Bonito (B,L,D)
Sunday 25th November Bonito After a leisurely breakfast, head to one of the vivid clear rivers to snorkel down the river amidst the colourful fish that inhabit the rivers in this region. This is quite an experience and can be tailored for the more or less adventurous, or the more or less able swimmers. Lunch will be included after this excursion. In the afternoon, visit some of the incredible limestone caves that have been discovered and include some beautiful blue lakes. There should be some time at the end of the day to peruse the small shops within the town of Bonito that are full of interesting artifacts. Overnight: Bonito (B,L,D)
Monday 26th November Bonito - Aquiduana After breakfast and check-out, drive north through some interesting but extensive cattle country to the Pantanal. The Pantanal is one of the best-preserved ecosystems on the planet, with its savannah lowlands, and seasonal wetlands with rich forested areas. The annual rains and flooding cause constant variations of habitat for the abundant wildlife, providing a fascinating natural pageant. There are 650 species of birds, 240 species of fish, 50 species of reptiles, 80 species of mammals providing an ever-changing natural backdrop from sunrise to sunset. Visit Fazenda São Francisco, a commercial farm which is one of the largest irrigated rice producers with soybeans and cattle. It also provides a fascinating wildlife refuge for a wide range of birds and animals, located on the edge of the Pantanal and Rio Miranda. After lunch at the lodge, drive to Pousada Aguape which is a rustic but pleasant rural lodge in the Pantanal. There will be an opportunity to take an excursion by boat or by horse or by jeep to view the wildlife. This farm offers the best chance of seeing jaguar, anteaters, deer and other animals normally difficult to see in the wild. Dinner and overnight at the lodge. Overnight: Aquiduana (B,L,D)
Tuesday 27th November Aquidana A full day at the lodge today, available for morning and afternoon excursions to view wildlife or just relax by the pool and bar. Overnight: Aquidana (B,L,D)
Wednesday 28th November Aquidana - Uberaba After breakfast and check-out, drive east to Campo Grande, the capital city of Mato Grosso do Sul. Take a flight in the afternoon to Uberaba in the state of Minas Gerais. Minas Gerais is the largest milk-producing state in Brazil and an important state for beef genetics, sugar cane, coffee and crops. Uberaba is home to the headquarters of the Zebu beef cattle association in Brazil. The zebu cattle make up more than 80% of the beef cattle herd in Brazil. Despite a late arrival there will be time for dinner either at the hotel or at a local restaurant. Overnight : Uberaba (B,D) Thursday 29th November Uberaba - Araraquara No visit to this city would be complete without a visit to one of the notable Nelore cattle studs. The studs attract very high prices for their bulls and females and are a very important part of the elite market for genetics in Brazil. First visit will be to a beef cattle stud. This will be followed by a visit to the Zebu headquarters to see the facilities and learn more about the zebu beef and milk industry. After an excellent lunch at the steak house in the showgrounds, it will be time to head south into the state of Sao Paulo. Crossing the Rio Grande, this state is the most important state economically in Brazil and also very important for agriculture being the largest producer of sugar cane and citrus and a major producer of fruit and vegetables. The group will head through sugar cane, citrus and tropical fruit country to the small town of Araraquara. Overnight at a pleasant rural lodge on an old converted coffee farm. There will be time for some drinks with a couple of young Brazlians who are involved in agribusiness in the region and then have an excellent dinner before turning in for the night. Overnight: Araraquara (B,L,D)
Friday 30th November Araraquara - Campinas Morning visit to see a citrus farm to get an idea of the scale of citrus production in Brazil and to see where much of the juice that is consumed in the UK actually comes from! Also visit a rubber plantation. Rubber is native to Brazil and Sao Paulo is the largest producer of rubber in Brazil. After lunch there will be an afternoon visit to a sugar mill to see the prouduction of sugar cane and the process of converting cane into sugar and ethanol. Ethanol has become the main fuel for vehicles in Brazil as a substitute for gasoline. Brazil continues to lead in the development of the biofuel sector. Later this afternoon arrive in Campinas, which is the second largest city in the state of São Paulo and the centre for many multinational companies. It is not far from Sao Paulo and provides a more convenient base for seeing the types of agriculture in the state as well as a good point from which to fly to Rio. A couple of nights in Campinas provide a further opportunity to wash some laundry etc. Free night tonight to have a drink or meal independently at one of the many good bars and restaurants in this lively town. Overnight: Campinas (B,L)
Saturday 1st December Campinas
For those prepared to get up early, there is the chance to make a visit to Holambra flower market, which is the centre for the flower trade in Brazil and which uses an innovative electronic auction system. This will be followed by a visit to a local flower farm. Holambra was settled by Dutch immigrants and has developed into an efficient and well-diversified cooperative for the production of flowers, vegetables, cereals and pigs. Visit the local museum before taking lunch at a restaurant on a small sugar cane farm that produces artesan sugar cane rum. Opportunities to see and sample! The last technical visit of the itinerary will be to the largest coffee farm in the region which provides a good demonstration of the history and importance of coffee production in Brazil. It also provides some insights into the history of the Japanese immigrants in Brazil who have played a significant role in Brazil's development. In the evening, the group will enjoy a farewell dinner with a few local guests who can talk to them informally about living and doing business in Brazil. Overnight: Campinas (B,L,D)
Sunday 2nd December Campinas - Rio de Janeiro After breakfast, the group will transfer to the airport for the flight departure to Rio de Janeiro. Rio is a fascinating city full of contrasts with colourful people and backdrops. The best way to see the city is on a guided tour of the main highlights. On arrival in Rio, begin with a visit to the Statue of Christ, a major landmark providing spectacular views of the city. The tour will also include highlights within the city and an introduction to the beaches which provide such as important focus to the way of life in Rio. A stop for lunch will be made during the tour and then, to avoid overtiring the group, sightseeing activities will conclude followed by transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to relax by the pool or the famous Copacabana beach, have dinner and sample the unique atmosphere in Rio and maybe try a Caiparinha, the local cocktail made of sugar cane rum. Tonight there is the possibility of an optional farewell dinner at a one of the best seafood restaurants in Rio (other food available). For those with energy to spare, the night is free to enjoy the colourful and never-ending nightlife of Rio. Overnight: Rio de Janeiro (B)
Monday 3rd December Rio de Janeiro - London This morning is free for individual activities, shopping and relaxation by the pool or on the famous Copacabana beach. Check out and depart from the hotel in the afternoon for the rest of the Rio sightseeing tour. Visit the Sugar Loaf mountain, a world-famous landmark which also offers spectacular views out over the city and the ocean. Conclude early this evening at the airport in time for for the return flight back to the U.K. (B)
Tuesday 4th December Arrival back at London Heathrow Airport this morning End of tour | Main Tour cost | Price per person | | Twin/ Double | £ 4,250.00 | | Single supplement | £ 675.00 |
- International & domestic flights and taxes
- 13 nights' hotel accommodation (moderate to first class standard)
- Breakfast daily, 9 lunches & 7 dinners as indicated by B,L,D . (soft drinks/water included with meals)
- Gratuities for included meals
- Private modern touring vehicles for transportation throughout
- All farm and technical visits
- Guided tours, local sightseeing and admissions as indicated on the itinerary
- Services of English-speaking tour guide throughout
Not Included: - Travel & medical Insurance
- Items of personal expenditure (eg. bar bills, hotel telephone, personal laundry, room service)
- Tips to drivers and guides.
- Porterage service
How to Book To make a booking, please call us on 01242 515 712 or click on our Booking Details. |
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