From the modern, cosmopolitan splendour of Rio to the site of one of America's largest gold rushes and the idyllic coastline and beaches of Central Brazil, we get underneath the skin of this great country and find out what makes the Brazilian people tick. With their friendliness and love of a fiesta we will quickly start to share their passion for life. Turning inland we find some remarkable scenery in the Ubajara National Park and explore Belem, a lively port at the mouth of the mighty Amazon River.Itinerary Day 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 Gold rush town of Ouro Preto; UNESCO World Heritage Landmark. Opional mines trip. Coastal Brazil, Porto Seguro where the first Portuguese set foot. Many optional activities & magnificent beaches! 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 Itacare - beautiful, quiet fishing town; mangrove swamps, best surf in Bahia. Salvador - one of South America's most attractive cities, spontaneous street parties, Capoeira (martial arts dance). 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 Maceio - idyllic beaches, emerald waters. Many optional activities. Olinda, Brazil's old capital and neighbour to the vast and bustling Recife (optional side trip). Cobbled streets & colonial mythology. Praia da Pipa, one of the most beautiful places on the entire coastline & its best seafood. 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 Spectacular Canoa Quebrada, sublime sunsets from the huge, pink sand dunes. Optional dune buggies. Inland to the mountains and Ubujara NP. Cable car into the caves; strange formations & bats that inhabit the the hidden chambers in their thousands. 21 / 24 Sete Cidades (7 cities) ancient monoliths. Long drive to Belem, melting pot of African, European & Amazonian cultures. Colonial buildings & mango tree-lined streets.

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Accommodation & Meals: 7 nights in hotels, 13 nights camping, occasionally in the wilds.
Mode of Travel: A few long drives but plenty of time away from the vehicle and always something to do.
Group Size: Min 6, max. 22