King Momo Rio Carnival Package Tour Itinerary
REF:
SARC9
VERSION:
9
| Duration: | 6 days - Rio de Janeiro to Rio de Janeiro |
| Countries Visited: | Brazil |
| Age Guide: | 18-65 years |
| Max Group Size: | 160 |
| Transport: | Bus, Cog Railway, Cable Car, On Foot |
| Accommodation: | Twin Share hotel Accommodation (5 Nights) |
| What's Included: | Sambadrome Parade - Sector 9 - 5 breakfasts - Rio City Tour including Corcovado and Christ Statue, Sugarloaf Mountain, Santa Teresa, Lapa Steps and the Cathedral |
| Local Payment: | NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: | Rio de Janeiro - Copacabana Beaches - Street Parties - Rio City Tour including Corcovado and Christ Statue, and Sugarloaf mountain - Sambadrome Parade |
| Optional Highlights: | No optional highlights |
| Meeting Point: | Details of the hotel and meeting point for our carnival 2013 packages will be available soon.
Please contact your agent or Kumuka if you wish to arrange additional nights of accommodation at this hotel.
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| Introduction: | The Kumuka 6 day Rio Carnival package is bigger and better than ever. Being a part of the biggest party in the world can be exhausting, you will need a nice, comfortable place to relax, so we have selected a luxurious 3 star hotel right in the heart of Rio, close to the beach and the carnival action! 5 nights accommodation, based on twin share is included in the price of all our Carnival packages. Single rooms are available on payment of a single supplement.
We also know that there are many things to do and see in Rio even when it’s not carnival time, and so your package also includes a City tour to the Christ the Redeemer statue including entrance fees, a tour up to the iconic Sugar Loaf mountain in the cable car to watch the sunset over the party capital of the world, as well as Santa Teresa, the Cathedral and Lapa Steps!
The biggest event of carnival in Rio is undoubtedly the Sambadrome parades, at which the city’s best Samba schools dance their way through the packed stadium, showing off their intricate costumes and dazzling floats. The King Momo Carnival Package also includes a ticket to Sector 9 - one of the most sought after seating sectors at the sambadrome parade on Sunday night.
Sector 9, is without doubt a great spot from which to enjoy the Sambadrome parades. Seat numbers are assigned in this area, so you don't need someone to save your spot while you stretch your legs. It is close to the main Judges stand and also a drummer assembly point, so performers are putting in their best efforts right in fron of this sector, it's in the heart of the action and has good views to both ends |
| Day 1: | Our hand picked Hotel is located close to excellent transport connections and a short distance from Copacabana. Rio's other tourist landmarks are located nearby: the affluent financial center and cultural options like theatres, cinemas and museums. At night visit the bohemian district of Lapa with its exciting atmosphere and filled with bars and restaurants where live Brazilian music is played. What better location to experience all the excitement of Rio Carnival! It's a comfortable 3 star hotel and included in the price is the famous Brazilian breakfast: Cafe da Manha is a buffet spread of tropical fruits and juices, coffee or tea, breads, cheeses, hams and more. A perfect way to prepare for a day soaking up the sun on sun-drenched Copacabana Beach, and after a long night partying!
Today Carnival begins with the opening ceremony where the Mayor of Rio hands over the keys to the city to 'King Momo', The King of Carnival! This is normally held early afternoon and details of where it will take place can be found at the hotel reception.
A 'Welcome to Rio' Meeting will be held at 6pm local time in the hotel, details will be posted in the hotel lobby. You are recommended to attend in order to meet Kumuka's local representatives as well as receive updated information about scheduled events during your stay.
The Friday night of Carnival is traditionally the night of the Red and Black Ball – themed to fit in with the colours of Rio’s favourite football team, Flamengo. This popular fancy dress ball at the famous Scala club in Leblon is a great way to celebrate the start of Carnival. (This is an optional activity) |
| Day 2: | A second Kumuka 'Welcome to Rio' meeting will be held at 8am for those who missed out on Friday's meeting and for Sambadrome tickets to be collected. Please ensure you have your photo ID ready for ticket collection.
Today is a free day to explore and soak up the atmosphere of Carnival! Feel free to relax at the beach, or head to the streets where if you listen you will soon hear one of the many street bands floating around.
You may also want to consider the famous football match, which traditionally takes place late afternoon on Carnival Saturday, between two of the biggest teams in Brazil.
For the evening's entertainment the area of Lapa is well known and recommended for great night life. |
| Day 3: | Today you'll depart on your included City Tour, including the classic cable car ride to the famous peak of Sugar Loaf Mountain on Rio’s water’s edge. Travel to a height of 400m above sea level, offering beautiful views over Rio. No visit to Rio is complete without a trip to the world famous statue of Jesus Christ on the Corcovado mountain, which can be viewed from almost anywhere in the city. Standing 100 feet high on the mountain, the statue commands the best view in town. Return trip by bus and cog railway, up the forested Corcovado mountain to the Christ Redeemer Statue overlooking Rio and its famous beaches. Also included are the areas of Santa Teresa, Lapa Steps and the Cathedral.
The Sambadrome parade is the biggest event of Carnival in Rio. It is the competition between the city’s most popular Samba schools to prove that they are the best! The schools spend an entire year preparing for this competition, making costumes, building floats learning the dances and composing the music. It is an all night party beginning at 9pm and continuing on until sunrise the following morning.
A ticket to SECTOR 9 is included with this package. |
| Day 4: | Today is a free day to spend at the golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, sunbathing and watching the locals in their element. Visit the many market stalls along the waterfront areas at both beaches.Alternatively continue to explore this great city visiting many of the sights.
For those that didn't get enough on Sunday evening you can re-visit the Sambadrome(optional) to continue watching the second half of the parade. |
| Day 5: | Fat Tuesday – This is the final day of Carnival, and you will find that the locals still haven’t run out of steam! There are still plenty of street parades and parties going on all around the city.
This night is also the night for the very popular Gay ball, held at the Scala Club in Leblon. Whether you want head down to the entrance of the club and watch the parade of people strutting their stuff, or go inside and check it out for yourself, it’s a spectacle that shouldn’t be missed!! (This is an optional activity).
For those continuing on a Kumuka tour out of Rio pre-departure meetings will be held at 6pm to discuss your tour itinerary and meet your tour crew. |
| Day 6: | Tour finishes after breakfast and the memories begin. |
| Please Note: | The price is based on twin share accommodation and same sex single travellers will be allocated together in twin rooms. If you wish to extend your holiday in Rio, extra nights are available on request, either before or after Carnival. |
| | Pre Departure Information Follows |
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| Insurance: | Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance. |
| Passport: | Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. It must be valid for at least six months after the end of your tour and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. |
| Visa Requirements: | It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your South America trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Brazilian Visas – All those requiring Brazil visas must obtain these prior to entry; it is strongly recommended these are arranged prior to travel where possible.
Obtaining Brazilian Visas in Buenos Aires.
Please note: for Kumuka tours entering from Argentina these can be obtained at the Brazilian Consulate. All passengers must make and attend an appointment as well as allow time for the visa to be processed which can take anything from 12 hours up to 5 days, especially during months around Carnival. If for any reason your visa is delayed it may be necessary to make arrangements to meet up with the tour once it has left Buenos Aires. Please see the following website for details on how to make an appointment and what documents are required when applying for a tourist visa. Appointments can be booked online up to a month in advance and the contact numbers will put you through to an English speaker if required.
http://www.conbrasil.org.ar/CONSBRASIL/visas_otros01engl.asp
Embassy details:
Consulate of Brazil
Carlos Pellegrini 1363 – 5 Piso
Buenos Aires
C1011AAA
Argentina
Tel: +54 (11) 45156500
Contact number for appointments: +54 (11) 4515-6525 (Mon-Fri 9am-2pm/3-5pm)
Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith. |
| Medical Information and Vaccinations: | Vaccinations:
It is necessary to obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination before travelling. This is a record of your injections and should be issued with your first inoculation. Make sure that after each injection your certificate is dated, signed and stamped.
Compulsory Inoculations:
Yellow Fever for Bolivia. Yellow Fever certificate also required for Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru but only if arriving from an infected area.
Please refer to the Yellow Fever information under the Latest News section on our website. Yellow Fever vaccination is now recommended for parts of Argentina, and parts of Brazil. We strongly recommend that you consult your GP or Travel Clinic at least several weeks prior to departure to check current Yellow Fever vaccination requirements. Your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate should be carried with you at all times.
Recommended inoculations:
Yellow fever, hepatitis A, diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus and polio.
We also recommend:
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
- That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.
You can also visit www.kumuka.com.
Medical Supplies:
We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Medication requiring refrigeration whilst on tour:
Kumuka Worldwide does not take responsibility for client medication during their trip and cannot guarantee refrigeration facilities. It is your responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that during your trip, your medication is stored correctly and available for use whenever it is required.
• For clients booked on our South America Small Group Tours:
Please be aware that these can involve some bus journeys of up to 18 hours.
• For clients booked on our South America Overland Tours:
Average journey times are 8-10 hours, though some travel days can be considerably longer.
• All journey times are approximate and can be subject to delays.
• On included excursions such as the Inca Trail, jungle and Pantanal trips we cannot guarantee facilities to be able to keep medication cold.
• Not all hotels provide refrigeration facilities.
• On all Kumuka Worldwide South America trips, the availability and provision of ice is random, and can be sporadic. |
| Malaria: | Prophylactic tablets are essential in some areas of South America. They are prescribed by your vaccinating doctor and should be taken as directed. |
| Security: |
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We recommend that you do not take unnecessary valuables with you. Wearing jewellery and expensive watches will attract attention.
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A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money.
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DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Items are left at your own risk.
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Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft. |
| Money: | We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-30 per day for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.
Take your money is US dollars only. This the only foreign currency readily exchanged in Latin America.
It is recommended that you take some US dollars cash in small denominations ($10 and $20) as well as larger amounts, all notes should have been issued since 2001 anything before that may not be accepted due to counterfeit concerns. In many countries, you may exchange US Dollars traveller’s cheques for US cash, or retrieve US dollars cash from ATMs (with a credit card), usually for a small commission but please do not rely solely on this option.
Credit cards are accepted frequently, particularly in the larger cities. They can also be used to get money from ATMs. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful. If you choose to travel with traveller's cheques these should be AMERICAN EXPRESS which are the most readily accepted however, please note that exchanging traveller's cheques can be a lengthy process and you may not be able to exchange them in smaller towns or more remote areas. Travelex cards or other travel debit cards are an alternative option if you do not wish to carry much cash. |
| Staying in Touch: | Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:
Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.
Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.
Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka
Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts
Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does! |
| Tour Feedback: | Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com |
| Drug Policy: | Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund. |
| Contact Details: | KUMUKA WORLDWIDE
UK OFFICE
Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com
AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au |
| Map: |  |
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets
and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information
available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any
of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable
for compensation or refund. |
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