From Argentina’s capital city, all the way to Brazil’s Belem, located some 75 miles up the Amazon, we invite you to join a sweeping odyssey through landmark colonial cities, rhythmic music and dance, lush rainforests, spectacular waterways, and dazzling wildlife. Our adventure begins with two days in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, and then it’s on to Uruguay where we will savor the vibrant culture of Colonia, Montevideo, and Punta del Este. Next we arrive in Brazil with stops in Paranagua, Santos, and Sao Paulo before visiting Rio de Janeiro, where we will take open-top jeeps through Tijuca Forest National Park. Then it’s on to colorful Salvador, whose historic buildings line narrow, scenic streets and recall the wealth and power attained in the New World starting in the 16th century. In the beautiful port of Natal we will explore nearby sand dunes by buggy. Before concluding our voyage in Belem, located some 75 miles up the Amazon, we will visit the former Dutch colony of Fortaleza and the historic island city of Sao Luis, formerly a French stronghold. The all-suite, 100-guest Clelia II, with its spacious accommodations, is ideal for this comprehensive voyage.
Day 1 BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA | EMBARK
Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital, and transfer to the port to embark on Clelia II. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore Buenos Aires on your own. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and overnight aboard docked in Buenos Aires.
Day 2 BUENOS AIRES
Built on the basin of the River Plata, Buenos Aires is a city of elegant architecture, wide boulevards, spacious parks and plazas, and museums, as well as smart cafes and shops. A tour features the Recoleta Cemetery, known for its extraordinary architecture; Plaza de Mayo; the Cathedral; San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighborhood, with an aura of romance and tango; and the La Boca district, the historical Little Italy of Buenos Aires. Overnight aboard docked in Buenos Aires.
Day 3 COLONIA, URUGUAY
Sail in the morning across the Rio Plata to Uruguay’s Colonia, an exquisite old town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1680, Colonia’s historic district includes quaint narrow streets lined with well-preserved colonial buildings, and graceful squares. The Municipal Museum, housed in the mansion of Almirante Brown, houses archaeological and natural history items. Explore this charming town and then sail a long Uruguay’s coast to Montevideo.
Day 4 MONTEVIDEO
Call at Uruguay’s cosmopolitan capital of Montevideo, home to half of the country’s population. On the banks of the Rio de la Plata, Montevideo was once a major port city and a Spanish military fortress. It remains the center of foreign trade, banking, and culture today. A city tour concentrates on the historic old town, with its narrow streets, outdoor markets, and European colonial architecture.
Day 5 PUNTA DEL ESTE
In Punta del Este, one of South America’s most famous resorts, visit the Ralli Museum, which houses contemporary Latin-American art, and the handicraft center. Also see the colonial buildings in nearby Maldonado.
Days 6-7 AT SEA
Day 8 PARANAGUA, BRAZIL
From Paranagua, take the train to the inland town of Curitiba, via Brazil’s most spectacular rail journey, glimpsing high peaks, deep gorges and waterfalls en route. Curitiba is one of Brazil’s loveliest towns, with shaded squares and distinctive architecture.
Day 9 SANTOS | SAO PAULO | ITATINGA
From Santos, travel to dynamic Sao Paulo. Discover the city’s historic buildings, contemporary architecture and its Museu de Arte. Enjoy free time on the famous Avenida Paulista, perhaps exploring its elegant cafes and boutiques. Alternatively, spend the day in Santos, Brazil’s most important port and the center of the country’s coffee exports. Among its sights are 17th-century churches, the coffee exchange, and the Orchid Garden. In the nearby village of Itatinga, see one of Brazil’s remaining coastal forests, which is home to a rich biodiversity. Also, enjoy a swim in one of Santos’s inviting beaches.
Days 10-11 RIO DE JANEIRO
Beautifully situated between lush mountains and the sea, Rio—the Cidade Maravilhosa (“Marvelous City”)—is undoubtedly one of the world’s most impressive metropolises. Take the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain where breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding bay await you at the summit. Then, board the funicular for a ride up Corcovado Peak, crowned by the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, which overlooks Rio and the sea. The ride leads through the beautiful Parque Nacional de Tijuca, a lush tropical forest with numerous species of flowers, trees and birds.
Days 12-13 AT SEA
Enjoy views from the observation deck and attend lectures aboard Clelia II.
Day 14 SALVADOR
Brazil’s former capital for more than 200 years, Salvador remains one of the country’s architectural treasures and cultural highlights. The city’s historic district contains some of the most important colonial architecture in the Americas, earning Salvador inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its maze of streets and elegant squares lined with pastel mansions, imposing churches, artists’ workshops and antique shops. Visit several of the city’s historic buildings including the late 17th-century Baroque Cathedral, whose plain exterior masks one of the most exuberant Rococo interiors of any church in Brazil, and the Church of Sao Francisco (mid-18th century), with its beautiful white and blue tiled walls and opulent cedar woodcarvings covered with gold leaf. Also visit Solar do Unhao, a 16th-century architectural gem, whose main building houses Salvador’s Museum of Modern Art. In addition, there is a lovely sculpture garden, offering magnificent views of the Bay and Salvador, where we will enjoy cocktails and a private presentation of the capoeira, the region’s famous dance.
Day 15 MACEIÓ
Arrive in the afternoon in Maceió, founded in the late 18th century as a center of sugar cultivation. The old Governor’s Palace houses the Pierre Chalita Foundation, which exhibits paintings and religious art, while the 19th-century Bom Jesus dos Mártires church is covered with interesting tiles. Outside the city, you may wish to visit the attractive colonial town of Marechal Deodoro, or relax and swim at one of the tranquil beaches Maceió is known for.
Day 16 RECIFE | OLINDA | RECIFE
Call at the port of Recife, a colony founded by the Dutch in 1637. Tour the town’s principal monuments, including the 17th-century Golden Chapel and the City Museum, housed in the former Dutch Fort of Five Points. Continue to Olinda, the old capital of Pernambuco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After touring Olinda’s historic landmarks, return to Recife to reboard Clelia II.
Day 17 NATAL
Morning arrival in Natal, one of the most attractive cities on the northeast coast of Brazil, built on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Potengi River. Discover a different aspect of Brazil by surveying the coast’s remarkable sand dunes, including the Moving Dunes of Genipabu. Following a short ferry ride across the Potengi River, four-person dune buggies will transport you through the dunes, providing unforgettable views of this natural wonder and the ocean beyond. Our excursion concludes with an opportunity to swim at beautiful Gracandu Beach. After lunch aboard, explore Natal’s old section, which is concentrated around the riverfront Ribeira district. Here, picturesque buildings have been beautifully restored to their original art deco style. After a tour of the city, enjoy time at leisure before sailing in the evening.
Day 18 FORTALEZA
Call at Fortaleza to tour the city’s historic district, which dates back to the 17th century. Included are the Fortaleza (Fort), built by the Dutch in 1649; the Jose de Alencar Theater, a magnificent neoclassical iron structure that also houses an art gallery and a library; the 18th-century Nossa Senhora de Rosario Church; the Museum of Popular Art; and the Central Market.
Day 19 AT SEA
Relax and enjoy the amenities aboard Clelia II as we sail along the coast of Brazil.
Day 20 SAO LUIS
Sao Luis is one of Brazil’s most charming colonial cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sao Luis is the only settlement in Brazil founded by the French (1612), later coming under the control of the Portuguese. Beautifully situated on an island between two rivers, Sao Luis is notable for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Explore the city’s historic center where elegant mansions with azulejos (tiles) line narrow streets. Visit the Cathedral da Se, built in 1629; the Leoes Palace, originally a 17th-century fortress; the magnificent Artur Azevedo Theater; the Desterro church, notable for its facade; and other historic landmarks. In the evening, there will be a show of local music and dances aboard ship.
Day 21 AT SEA
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Attend lectures by our study leaders as Clelia II cruises along Brazil’s coast.
Day 22 BELEM | DISEMBARK
Disembark in Belem and transfer to the airport for return flights.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is $1,000 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/mail/fourways.php
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure, and most travelers will pay the final balance with a check, money order, or bank transfer. You can also pay the final balance by credit card, but please note there is a 3% convenience fee assessed to all credit card-not-present final payments.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 100 days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 91 days or more | $500 per person |
| 61-90 days | 55% trip cost |
| 60 days or less | 100% trip cost |
