Rio de Janeiro

Sitting on the southern shore of the magnificent Guanabara Bay, RIO DE JANEIRO has, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most stunning settings in the world. With its plentiful beaches, dramatic mountains, and backdrop of samba and bossa nova rhythms, it's easy to fall in love with Rio de Janeiro.

Extending for 20km along an alluvial strip, between an azure sea and forest-clad mountains, the city's streets and buildings have been moulded around the foothills of the mountain range that provides its backdrop, while out in the bay there are many rocky islands fringed with white sand. The aerial views over Rio are breathtaking, and even the concrete skyscrapers that dominate the city's skyline add to the attraction. As the former capital of Brazil and now its second largest city, Rio has a remarkable architectural heritage, some of the country's best museums and galleries, superb restaurants and a vibrant nightlife -- in addition to its legendary beaches. With so much to see and do, Rio can easily occupy a week and you may well find it difficult to drag yourself away.

Rio de Janeiro is a unique city in many ways. It is a city where nature collides with a thrumming metropolis. It's a city filled with a diverse mixture of sights, with mountainous backdrops, beautiful sandy beaches, Brazilian shanty towns and skyscrapers all merging together to make a truly unique sight. The proximity to the water makes the view of the city eye arresting.

Between so many great attractions in the city, we can highlight some: Made famous in song, Ipanema Beach is a good place to stroll, sunbathe, and be seen; The largest Art Deco statue in the world, Christ the Redeemer, beckons visitors to Corcovado Mountain; Rio’s annual Carnival celebrations are bacchanalian extravaganzas of feasting, music, dance, and costumed revelry. These and so much more are waiting for you in the wonderful city - Rio de Janeiro.