Brazil Vacation Package - Itaipava (3 Nights)

This charming little village, famous for its wonderful gastronomy, lies about 85 km (53 Miles) north of the city of Rio de Janeiro, close to the summer mountain resort of Petrópolis. Surrounded by rich, green mountainous scenery with forests and waterfalls, Itaipava is a mecca for food lovers and is a popular weekend getaway for Cariocas (natives of Rio). The region around Itaipava first gained fame when the Portuguese royal family fled from Napoleon's conquering army in 1808 and set up home in Petropolis, founded in 1843 as a summer refuge by Dom Pedro II. Apart from its excellent gastronomy and charming hotels Itaipava also has an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants. With this package you will experience some of Brazil's finest gastronomic delights whilst staying in a beautifully romantic hotel set in stunning mountain scenery.

Day 1:

You will be picked up in Rio and driven by an expert English-speaking guide to Petropolis (67 km/ 41 miles). The scenic route takes you through the Serra da Estrela Mountains at an altitude of 809 m (2,657 ft). The main attraction of Petropolis is The Imperial Museum, a pink palace with 44 rooms, built by Dom Pedro II as his summer house in the mountains. This colossal structure is a 19 th century work of art, with polished wood floors, grand chandeliers, and beautiful gardens.

Your next stop will be The Crystal Palace, a stained glass and iron structure made in France and assembled in Brazil in 1884. This beautiful palace was a wedding present to Princess Isabel, and was used as a ballroom in the 19th century. It is still used today for gardening and art exhibits. Your tour today will end with your arrival and check-in at Hotel Tankamana in Itaipava.

Day 2:

The next few days are yours to enjoy this marvelous hotel and all it offers. You can take advantage of the following activities offered during your stay. Activities other than the Spa must be organized with the hotel staff in advance so they can prepare the necessary equipment.

Horseback riding in the beautiful mountain scenery and Atlantic rainforests around hotel Tankamana

Bow and Arrow classes

Spa within the hotel

All meals and non-alcoholic drinks during meals are included in this package. Below are some samples of the gastronomic delicacies that await you at Tankamana. If you would like to receive a complete menu description, please let us know and we will send you one.

Day 3:

Today, enjoy a free day with a special dinner in the evening:

Appetizers:

• Californian salad with peaches, oranges, grapes, pineapple, fresh salmon and a kiwi vinagrette

• Shrimp soup with croutons

Main Courses:

• Bahian Moqueca -exotic shrimp or fish stew served with rice.

• Magret de Canard - grilled duck breast in a passion fruit coulis served with palm hearts in butter sauce

Dessert:

• Chocolate fondant in custard with milk chocolate drops

• White chocolate mousse with raisins soaked in rum

Day 4:

On the last day of your Itaipava package you will check out of the Hotel Tankamana and be driven back to Rio de Janeiro in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the airport.