The company behind the tour package we're highlighting as the Smart Deal of the Week must have a sense of humor: it's called Brazil Nuts (tel. 800/553-9959; www.brazilnuts.com). There's nothing particularly funny, however, about the destination itself, though. Many travelers know about the famed beaches of Rio, the natural beauty of Iguazu Falls, and the Amazon. But perhaps many don't know about the northeastern part of the country -- specifically, the state of Pernambuco -- which has some charming small towns (Recife, Porto de Galinhas), great beaches for surfing and diving and, of course, fresh seafood.
Brazil Nuts is offering a package called "Delights of Olinda," starting from $995 per person for roundtrip airfare from Miami to Recife, three nights in Olinda, daily breakfast, airport transfers, hotel taxes, and a private, half-day sightseeing tour of Recife, which is referred to as "Brazilian Venice," because of its numerous canals and bridges. Olinda, which sits to the north of Recife atop a hill overlooking the harbor, and its historic core, with 20 Baroque churches, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's chockablock with brightly colored houses, restaurants, and artists studios. It's also home to a Carnival festival that's free, sans bleachers and ropes.
You must book by December 15 and it's valid for travel January 3 through March 31, 2010, with higher prices during Carnival. The price reflects double occupancy at Sete Colinas (a former sugar plantation) and departures from Miami, although other gates are possible for a higher price.
Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers in our Brazil forum today.
