Rio Culinary Tour

Following your touchdown in Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro, you will immediately be whisked to your hotel. 

Our culinary tour will kick start with a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. Be sure to give tapioca a try, as well anything loaded with Açai berries – a sumptuous superfood chockfull of health benefits. Once you have topped up on local delicacies, you will be ready to commence your tour downtown, exploring the breath taking architecture known for its neo-classical and early colonial influences. 

Set your sights on Candelaria Church, Rio’s Aqueduct, Municipal Theatre and the National Library before heading to Sugarloaf Mountain, so named due to its unique ‘sugar loaf’ shape. We’ll make our way to its peak, 1,200 feet skyward, as we enjoy panoramic views of the city below. 

Finish an exciting afternoon of exploring with a delectable dinner at another local eatery before getting some much needed rest in preparation for the following day.

Greet the morning with an indulgent Brazilian buffet breakfast with all the bells and whistles. 

Your next stop, via convertible Jeep, is Santa Teresa, a traditional district in Rio de Janeiro, celebrated for its large, traditional houses which were originally built by English railroad managers at the start of the century. Here, you will explore a myriad of craftsmanship galleries and hitch a ride in a trolley car. 

All of this will be interspersed with stops at Santa Teresa’s most notable sights. We’ll hike up Corcovado Hill which affords you mesmerising views of the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, the Rodrigode Freitas Lagoon and the Botanical Garden. You will also have the opportunity to hike the Dona Marta Belvedere, which is at an impressive altitude of 340 meters, and offers vistas of the Maracanã stadium, the Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain.

By now, you will have a taste of the Brazilian food scene. It’s time to try your hand at replicating its most fantastic flavours for yourself. 

Today, you will have the pleasure of attending a four hour premier cooking class hosted by Chef Simone Almeida that puts focus on both classic Brazilian recipes, as well as the country’s distinct culture. You will learn how to make caipirinhas and coconut “batidas”, “brigadeiro” (a round dessert made using condensed milk, a sprinkle of cocoa powder and a generous dollop of butter). You will also learn how to make “moqueca”, a creamy fish stew. 

Following the class, we’ll visit Samba City and the Academicos da Grande Rio’s warehouse in anticipation of the colourful Carnival Parade. Be sure to try on a few of the vibrant costumes to really get into the festive spirit.

Make sure you really savour every item on offer at the breakfast buffet – you will need your energy today. 

We will embark on a memorable walking tour through the narrow, winding streets of downtown Rio de Janeiro. Some note worthy sights we’ll take in are the Imperial Court and Ouvidor Street – a historical street lined with nostalgic buildings and churches. 

We will also enjoy a delectable lunch at one of the city’s most infamous restaurants.

Make the most of your last meal in Rio before heading to the airport to catch your return flight back home. You will definitely have both a full stomach and a week full of memories.