A classic Rio de Janeiro tour is a journey that blends nature, art and the city’s magic.
We begin with a cable-car ride through the lush greenery of Tijuca National Park, where birdsong guides us to the monumental Christ on Corcovado.
Next we dive into the kaleidoscope of colour at the Selarón Steps, whose tiles hold stories from across the globe.
From there, a heritage tram* carries us to bohemian Santa Teresa – the artists’ district where narrow, mysterious lanes invite us to a character-filled lunch.
At day’s end, as the sun bathes the city in golden light, we ascend by cable car to the Sugarloaf to admire Rio in all its glory from above.
This is a journey that will remain in the heart for ever.
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Detailed programme of the classic Rio de Janeiro tour:
We start the day with a scenic cable-car ride through Tijuca National Park. Gliding above lush tropical forest, we reach the summit of Corcovado and the monumental Christ the Redeemer statue. From here we relish sweeping views of Rio de Janeiro – from its vibrant beaches to the hills embracing the city. You’ll also hear intriguing Polish connections to the building of this icon. Time: 2.5 hours
Next we visit the famous Selarón Steps – the colourful masterpiece of Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. Every tile tells a story, many collected from far-flung corners of the world. It’s a place brimming with life, colour and energy, perfect for photos and a moment’s pause. Will you spot tiles sent from Poland? Time: 0.5 hours
We board a heritage tram that winds through the narrow lanes of Santa Teresa, immersing us in the district’s artistic spirit. Our stop is a charming restaurant where an excellent lunch awaits. The flavours of Brazilian cuisine, served amid the ambience of old-world bohemia, will linger long in the memory. Time: 1.5 hours
After lunch we stroll through this enchanting neighbourhood. Cobbled streets reveal local craft shops, murals and historic architecture. We discover city vistas from various viewpoints and listen to tales that make Santa Teresa a place of magic and artistic soul. Time: 0.5 hours
To close the day we ride the cable car to Sugarloaf. This vantage point offers some of the finest views of Rio, including Guanabara Bay, Copacabana Beach and the distant mountains. If time permits, we gaze at a spectacular sunset as the city is bathed in warm golden tones – the perfect finale to a day full of impressions. Time: 2 hours
Summary:
This tour is an unforgettable encounter with Rio’s icons, its artistic heart and majestic nature. Each highlight invites you to uncover a different facet of this extraordinary city.
* Should the expected waiting time for the tram exceed 30 minutes (e.g. during Carnival), we will travel to Santa Teresa by our own transport and admire the tram on the district streets instead.