Rio Pride Tour - Reveillon

ABAV 1065

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS - 2009

29th December 2008 - January 4th 2009

New Year's Eve - The celebration of New Year in Rio is an incredible and unique spectacle. December 31st is the feast of Iemanjá, the Goddess of the Sea and one of the most important of the deities of the Afro-Brazilian religion, Macumba. During the afternoon Copacabana beach becomes a living sea of people and glowing candles as the Macumba rituals are played out. As nightfall draws on, more and more people arrive to join in the celebrations, and by midnight more than two million people, predominantly dressed in white, will be present. At a few seconds to midnight the faithful offer gifts to Iemanjá and, if all goes to plan, the waves will pluck their offerings up and drag them into the depths. Midnight is signaled by a spectacular fireworks display.

After midnight the city goes back to partying and the year's first samba strikes up. New Year parties are held in the road, in ocean front apartments, in all the ocean front hotels and on boats off Copacabana.

Monday 29th December - Arrival in Rio de Janeiro, where you will be met at the Tom Jobin International Airport and transferred to your apartment or hotel accommodation.

Tuesday 30th December - At leisure, time for you to relax on the beach; explore other sites of interest, see our brochure detailing place of interest.

Wednesday 31st December - And so arrives the eve of the New Year - a very special time for all Brazilians and Rio Pride Tour celebrates the arrival of the New Year with a grand celebration party from a location overlooking Copacabana beach providing the best views of the amazing fireworks display. From 10 pm until 4 am you'll enjoy the sights and sounds of Reveillon and be our guest for drinks and post-midnight supper.

New Year 2007 was celebrated by over 90 Rio Pride Tour guests, who enjoyed the spectacular fireworks display from their vantage point high over Copacabana beach; and toasting the arrival of the New Year with their champagne glasses.

Thursday 1st January 2009 - entitles you to a well earned rest - maybe a few hours on the beach to help the tan, or relax at one of the sidewalk kiosks and watch the world go by.

Friday 2nd January - We take a full day guided tour, including lunch, of Rio de Janeiro's famous sites and landmarks, Corcovado (Christ Statue), Pao de Acucar (Sugar Loaf), Tijuca Forest and historic downtown.

Alternatively join the trip to the Imperial City of Petropolis located in the mountains high above Rio, where we visit the Imperial Palace, Casa Santos Dumont and the fabulous Quitandinha Casino. Petropolis, a perfect antidote to the summer heat and bustle of Rio, houses the summer palace of Dom Pedro II, the last ruling monarch of Brazil.

Saturday 3rd January - free to explore other aspects of Rio, enjoy the fabulous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, try one the optional tours - the Favela and Jeep Tour, or for the brave try tandem hang gliding from the 800 meter Pedra Bonita Mountain. A wide range of options are available and we will be pleased to make arrangements for you.

Sunday 4th January - Most International flights leave late afternoon / early evening, so the morning is free to enjoy beaches or last minute shopping. Late afternoon we collect you from your hotel and drive you back to the airport for your homeward flight.

Your six nights in Rio de Janeiro will be at a selected Copacabana beach front hotel. A full day city orientation tour is included for guests new to Rio and there is a wide choice of other optional tours. A comprehensive brochure describing Rio and its life is provided, and when you need help professional English speaking guides are available to assist with your plans. The trip gives you lots of free time to do as you please. Enjoy the beaches, sidewalk cafes, discos, restaurants etc. at your leisure.

Cost Includes: Hotel accommodation, breakfast and hotel service charges and taxes; Tours and events as detailed; Transfers and baggage handling; and English-speaking guides. (International airfare not included.)