Brazil 2026
Salvador Bahia & Rio de Janeiro
History and the Carnival Fever
Travel Itinerary
March 2-9 2026 |
7 nights * 2 Cities
*** Depart USA on March 1 and return to USA on March 9, 2026
Book international flights to arrive in Salvador Bahia Brazil on morning of March 2, 2026. (Not included)
Return from Rio de Janeiro on March 9, 2026 unless you decide to extend.
Experience Brazil with Zenbiz Travel – March 2–9, 2026
Join Zenbiz Travel for an unforgettable journey through Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, where Afro-Brazilian heritage, vibrant culture, and natural beauty come alive. Explore Salvador’s colonial streets, spiritual traditions, and rich history with guided visits to the Afro-Brazilian Museum, Pelourinho Square, and the countryside town of Cachoeira — a hub of resistance, sisterhood, and art.
Then, feel the pulse of Rio as you stand beneath Christ the Redeemer, visit samba schools, and enjoy exclusive access to Carnival culture. From caipirinhas on the beach to sailing Rio’s bays, this group adventure blends connection, discovery, and celebration — all with deluxe accommodations, curated excursions, and the care and support of Zenbiz every step of the way.
VALID PASSPORT & BRAZILIAN VISA REQUIRED. - Subject to Terms & Conditions
USA Departure | March 1|
USA DEPARTURE
Arrive: Salvador Bahia - March 2 2026
Salvador Bahia - March 2 2026| Day 1
On arrival in Salvador you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Wish Hotel da Bahia, superior room – 3 nights
Salvador Bahia - March 3 2026| Day 2
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be met for your half day tour.
African Heritage Upper City Tour (AM depart). For those wishing to focus on Salvador’s permeating African Influence, in this, the most African city in the Eastern Hemisphere. Important Note: This tour visits the same districts as our Essential Salvador tour, but with specific visits focusing on important aspects of African Heritage in Bahia.
We trace the African roots of Salvador on a city tour combining the residential areas at the mouth of the bay and continue to the older Historical Center of Salvador, the Pelourinho area. We visit the Afro Brazilian Museum, which traces the West African origins of the city, and see the superb wooden sculpted panels of the orixá's by Salvador's most celebrated artist, Carybé, one of the city´s treasures.
We visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the famous Black church, built with meager resources over a period of almost 100 years in the heart of the famed Pelourinho Square so called after the pillory or whipping post that stood in the main square. In this square, we also visit the intimate Bahian Gastronomy Museum, which focuses on the African influence on Bahia cuisine.
Highlights:
Afro Brazilian Museum * Our Lady of the Rosary church * Gastronomy Museum
Included:
Museum and church entrance fees
Hotel pick up and drop off
Guide and Transport
Duration: 04 hours
Other Aspects:
-Excursion comprises of a mix of transport and section on foot -Limited wheelchair access -Cobbled stone streets in Pelourinho area though sidewalks are paved -Paved Sidewalks
Return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure.
Salvador Bahia - March 4 2026| Day 3
Breakfast at the hotel. You will be met for your full day tour.
Cachoeira: A Day in the Rural Heartland
Spend a full day (approx. 8 hours) in Bahia’s rural heartland with a guided journey to Cachoeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled along the Paraguaçu River. Travel through scenic hills and visit a traditional market in Santo Amaro before exploring Cachoeira’s rich African heritage, from the historic Sisterhood of the Boa Morte to local woodcarving and cigar-making traditions. This excursion includes roundtrip transportation, a countryside lunch at Fazenda Santa-Cruz, guided walking tour, and visits to artisan shops and a cigar factory — offering an authentic glimpse into Brazil’s past and present.
Salvador Bahia/Rio de Janeiro - March 5 2026| Day 4
Breakfast and departure transfer in Salvador for your flight to Rio de Janeiro
Arrival transfer in Rio de Janeiro to your hotel. Freshen up and tonight you will be for a transfer to Rio Scenarium.
Rio Scenarium Prepare to be swept off your feet by the Scenarium's eclectic charm. Seven floors ooze with vintage treasures, live music pulsates through the air, and diverse crowds mingle under shimmering chandeliers. From samba beats in the Salão Anexo to the sultry sounds of Jazz in the Espaço Suassuna, your guide will tailor your experience to your desires. Sip signature cocktails, savor delicious bites, and lose yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Rio's after-dark scene.
This dynamic tour gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, with your knowledgeable guide by your side. Ask about hidden corners, soak in local stories, and let the Scenarium's electrifying energy ignite your night. So, embrace the unexpected, dance under the moonlit sky, and let Rio Scenarium paint your evening with unforgettable memories.
Included is entrance ticket, appetizers with open bar (water, soft drinks, beer, caipirinha)
Accommodation: Rio Othon Palace, deluxe ocean front room - 4 nights
Rio de Janeiro - March 6 2026| Day 5
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be for a Corcovado and Favela Tour – 6hrs.Reach the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain, where outstretched arms embrace the city in a timeless blessing. Experience the incredible 360-degree views of Rio, which showcase the city's iconic landmarks and its breathtaking beauty. This tour is more than sightseeing; it's a chance to connect with Rio's soul, its history, and its breathtaking natural wonders.
Continue for a tour of Favela which offers a unique and insightful experience where you explore the vibrant communities within the favelas, learn about their history and culture. Return to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Rio Othon Palace, deluxe ocean front room - 4 nights
Rio de Janeiro - March 7 2026| Day 6
Breakfast at the hotel. The morning is at leisure. You will be met for a Carnival - Experience tour 4hrs.
Carnaval Experience (Samba School visit) Skip the crowds and dive deep into the world of Acadêmicos da Grande Rio, a premier samba school. Unveil the secrets of their breathtaking floats, their costumes glinting with passion and dedication. Travel through the history of samba, its music pulsating through every corner. Then, transform into a carioca reveler yourself, slipping into vibrant costumes and capturing your Carnival spirit in photos.
Raise a toast with the iconic Caipirinha, the rhythm of samba in your fingertips and the magic of Rio igniting your soul. This tour isn't just about watching, it's about living the vibrant pulse of Carnival firsthand. Book your behindthe-scenes adventure today and let Rio's spirit paint your memories in unforgettable colors! Included is a ticket to Museu do Amanha. Return to your hotel for overnight.
Rio de Janeiro - March 8 2026| Day 7
Breakfast at the hotel. The day is at leisure.
Surprise Closing Event at Sunset
Rio de Janeiro/Departure - March 9 2026| Day 8
Morning at Leisure
Depart Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro - March 10 2026 - Arrival in USA| Day 9
or Extension Option
If you would like to extend your stay in Brazil let us know and we can arrange a private extension tour for you.
Helpful Tips
Brazil Tourism Bureau
Travel Documents Required
Cancellation Policy
Visa Application
INCLUDED in your land only purchase price
4+ Star Hotels, bed and breakfast basis, Superior Room Salvador and Rio a deluxe ocean front room based
Excursions as listed in itinerary
Airport Transfers.
Meals as indicated on itinerary
.
Land Packages / Land
Land (Double Occupancy) $2764.30 per person
Land (Single Occupancy) $3697.00 per person
________________________________________
Prices are based presented with land only.
Land airport transfers are based on guests who arrive and leave the same time as the group.
* Deposit
(Land Only) $500.00 per person non-refundable deposit upon booking
* Second payment - $500.00 payment by September 15, 2025
* Final payment - Final Payment November 15, 2025
All prices subject to change before deposit.
*** All deposits after September 15, 2025 requires a $500.00 non-refundable deposit in addition to payments due based on the payment schedule. PURCHASING OF CANCEL FOR ANY REASON TRAVEL PROTECTION STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AT TIME OF DEPOSIT.
NOT INCLUDED (International Airfare sold separately)
Exclusions:
· Personal items
· Tips & Gratuities
· Travel Insurance
· Visa/passport handling fees
· Meals unless listed in itinerary and all drinks
· Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 3pm and check out 10am)
· Please Note: Additional Bio-Security requirements may be implemented by your destination (s) after the group has booked. Should we learn of any such requirements between now and the group’s departure we will inform you. Any extra costs associated will be passed on to the group and included in the final invoice.
