Once a shipping backwater during Brazil's 18th-century gold rush, Rio de Janeiro developed into a prime competitor with the best of European capitals after Prince João arrived from Portugal in 1808. Now, this prince of a city is surprisingly affordable (in high season, no less) with a great air and hotel package from Tourlite.
Starting from $599 for departures out of New York City, you'll get airfare and five nights' hotel accommodations, along with breakfasts and tours. You hotel is the three star Rio Copacabana, just a few blocks from Copacabana Beach, where you can work on your tan or take in the local sights of thong-clad sunbathers. Included as well are a half-day jaunt up to Sugar Loaf Mountain and a tour of H. Stern jewelers. Optional visits to Corcovado, site of the huge Christ the Redeemer statue; Petropolis, a nearby resort town that provides a more serene contrast to the urban energy that is Rio; and an evening visit to a churrascaria, Brazil's answer to a southern BBQ (vegetarians need not apply). Or, you can skip all the tours and go off with your own agenda as Tourlite's representatives are on hand to provide support.
Departures are available from any number of U.S. gateways for additional fees ($50 or more from the East coast, $75-$100 from the Midwest and South, and $150 or more from the West). Prices, as usual, are per person based on double occupancy, but don't include between $95-$145 additional costs for security fees and taxes.
Tourlite operates under the Far & Wide umbrella of agencies that we've written about so many times in the past. You can go online to either www.tourlite.com or www.farandwide.com for more information. You can also call 800/511-1194 or 800/272-7600 to talk to a sales rep, or you can call your own travel agent, who can also book the trip.
