Day 1 – Depart the UK.

Day 2 – Arrival in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to the hotel of your choice for a three-night stay. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3 – Full-day tour visiting the Corcovado Mountain with its iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Take the small train that winds its way up the mountain through the lush tropical vegetation and offers glimpses of the treat that lies ahead. From the 700 m / 2,300 ft platform, you will enjoy one of the world's most spectacular views over the seven million strong city below that is framed by the mountainous landscape, the sea and the bay. In the afternoon, visit Sugar Loaf, the city’s other world famous landmark, climbing 400 m / 1,300 ft in a cable car to enjoy superb, but very different views across the city and its beaches. Lunch is included at an excellent seafood restaurant or, if you prefer, at a typical ‘churrascaria’ (barbecue restaurant). (B, L)

Day 4 – At leisure to enjoy the city and its beaches or to take one of a number of optional tours. (B)

Day 5 – Depart Rio for the flight to Natal, one of the most exciting cities in the Brazilian Northeast, best known for its immense sand dunes at Genipabu and the thrilling beach buggy rides across the sands. You will spend three nights in Natal’s leading beachside boutique hotel. (B)

Days 6 & 7 – At leisure to enjoy the beach and city or to take in a number of optional tours (Please ask for details). (B)

Day 8 – Depart from Natal to Ingá in the neighbouring state of Paraíba to visit Brazil’s largest and most impressive archaeological monolith with its beautiful prehistoric drawings and carvings that were etched on it many thousands of years ago. Picnic lunch. Continue on to the Cariri region. At Sítio do Bravo, visit the granite hills that are dotted with small lakes and large boulders.

See mysterious and enigmatic relics of prehistoric man and mammals, such as rock art, flint tools and fossilized bones. On to a comfortable ranch and the opportunity to relax in the swimming pool or a firewood sauna. After dinner take the opportunity to gaze at the heavens and enjoy the stars as viewed from a privileged spot in the Southern Hemisphere. Overnight at the ranch. (B, D)

Day 9 – After breakfast a short and pleasant walk to the site at Saca de La with its rock formations that resemble enormous piles of wool sacks. Visit Cabaceiras - a typical village of the Sertão, the backlands of the Northeast – and an opportunity to buy goods handcrafted from goat leather. Lunch at the ranch followed by a visit to a fantastic and mystical rocky landscape where 70 very large boulders are scattered throughout an area known for its spectacular sunsets. Dinner at the ranch and overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Visit Areia, a small colonial town where houses from the 19th and early 20th century have been preserved, as has its beautiful old theatre that was built from European cedar. You will also see a sugar mill that dates back to the days of slavery. Lunch is in Areia before leaving for Pipa. En route, stop at a small town called Passa e Fica ‘Visit & Stay’. Arrival in Pipa and transfer to a hotel that sits on the cliffs, offering sweeping sea views and below, one of the great environmentally protected beaches of the Brazilian Northeast. Three night stay. (B)

Days 11 & 12 – At leisure to relax on the beach and at the hotel. (B)

Day 13 – Transfer to Natal for the return flight to the UK. (B)

Day 14 – Arrival in the UK.