AEV

VACATION ENHANCING TOURS CITY TOUR (Rio de Janeiro) This fine introduction to one of the world's most beautiful and exciting cities starts in the famous beach districts of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. See Botafogo Harbor, where the exclusive Rio Yacht Club is located, and get your first sight of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Stop at Flamengo Park, one of Burle Max's famous landscaping achievements. Move on to the business district, with its contrasts of colonial and modern architecture, including the Municipal Theater (a replica of the Paris Opera House), the National Library, Fine Arts Museum and cone-shaped Metropolitan Cathedral. Return via the Maracana Soccer Stadium (the largest in the world), past the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon and the Botanical Gardens. (4 hours) GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF THE BRAZILIAN SIDE OF THE FALLS (Iguassu) This guided tour starts in front of the Hotel das Cataratas. Set out on foot to the walkways of the National Park while enjoying breathtaking views of the Iguassu Falls located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, where the Iguazu River drops into a gigantic horseshoe canyon. Continue to the panoramic elevator and lookout point for picture taking and to experience the roaring thunder and majestic exuberance of the Falls. SUGAR LOAF TOUR (Rio de Janeiro) Drive along the world-famous beaches of Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana, along the Flamengo Park and Botafogo Harbor, until reaching the Urca District where you will take a thrilling cable-car ride to the top of spectacular Sugar Loaf Mountain --- 1,200 feet of sheer rock at the bottleneck entrance of Guanabara Bay. Ascent is made in two stages: first to the top of the Urca Hill and then to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain, for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Rio, Guanabara Bay, the city of Niteroi and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. (4 hours) PETROPOLIS TOUR (Rio de Janeiro) HISTORICAL UPPER CITY TOUR (Salvador) Enjoy a scenic drive up the Organ Mountains surrounding Guanabara Bay to the picturesque European-like city of Petropolis - The "Imperial City," and once the summer resort city of Pedro II, the last Emperor of Brazil. This excursion includes a visit to the historic cathedral followed by lunch at one of Petropolis' many restaurants, and a visit to the Imperial Museum housing one of the finest collections of furniture, china and jewels from the Imperial Court, and the house of Santos Dumont (considered by Brazilians as the "Father of Aviation"). Entrances and lunch are included, but beverages are not. (8 hours) This tour highlights two distinct aspects of Salvador, the new and the old, concentrating on the early expansion of the city and providing a very good orientation for those wishing to further explore the city. Start in the modern suburb of Barra at the mouth of the Bay with its famous lighthouse, and make your way slowly by car to the old historical section of town, the Pelourinho, the largest and best preserved complex of colonial architecture in the Americas. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with buildings in pastel shades of an age gone by, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. Visit the church of São Francisco with its gold-leafed Baroque interior, and Pelourinho Square, the heart of the old town. (4 hours) MEETING OF THE WATERS (Manaus) Tour the Meeting of the Waters by regional boat. This spectacle is where the Negro River (with its black water) meets with Solimões River (creamy water), and run side by side for miles without mixing, forming the Amazon River. Visit January Lake (February-November), see a typical floating handicraft store and take a motorized canoe trip in the small creeks that form the lake. Lunch is included, served on the boat or in a local typical floating restaurant. (8 hours) MORNING CITY TOUR (Manaus) See the city of Manaus' most interesting monuments and historical sites, such as the Museum of Natural History, the Indian Museum and the Rio Negro Palace. Continue on through the old city and to the Customs House, the Cathedral and Opera House. (3 hours) PANORAMICAL LOWER CITY TOUR (Salvador) This lower city tour takes you to the quiet waters of the Itapagipe Peninsula where the first holiday residences were built. Now a peaceful family district, life moves at a slower pace than the bustling upper city. Fishermen fish from dug-out canoes, locals collect shellfish at low tide, and schooners are at anchor, all protected by the famous Bonfim Church, one of the most important churches of pilgrimage in Brazil. You'll continue to the Monserrat district with its panoramic view of the city and on to the Mercado Modelo, a thriving market for local artifacts. (4 hours) Consult your American Express travel counselor for more details on these and other tours, as well as for available airport transfers. Brazil 39

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