From a privileged viewpoint, we will see modern skyscrapers and broad avenues that contrast with colonial structures and narrow pedestrian malls of downtown. We shall also be able to view the Municipal Theatre and Rio Opera House, inaugurated in 1909 with a discreet elegance, rich in neo-classical inspiration.

For half a century, Rio has been a chic getaway for people from all over the world. It is no wonder why, as this large city and former capital of Brazil sits on one of the world’s most magnificent harbours, surrounded by the most fabulous of beaches! Rio is not only lovely, it is lively. Cariocas, as locals are called, are fun loving people who live to celebrate their proud heritage. Evidence of Portuguese culture abounds in everything from language to food. A colony, a kingdom, an empire and now a republic, the country is shared by descendants of European immigrants, African slaves, Native Indians, Japanese farmers and even Confederate refugees from the US Civil War.

The currency of Brazil is the Real.

We can discover the highlights of vibrant and captivating Rio as our tour introduces us to one of the most famous cities in the world. Our tour starts with a drive through the downtown commercial district and residential areas en route to Copacabana, Rio’s celebrated curve beach, which is backed by skyscraper hotels and apartments.

Situated in one of the city’s most beautiful regions, lying between the Corcovado Mountain and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the gardens were opened in 1808 and feature over 5000 tropical plants and trees. A stroll along the many paths will allow us to admire the Brazil wood, centenarian mango trees, the majestic imperial palms, the cannonball trees, and the colourful clumps of azaleas and bamboo groves offering shade from the sun and the heat.

This leisurely tour combines a drive through the lush Tijuca Forest and a trip up to Corcovado Mountain – home to Rio’s most famous monument, the statue of Christ – for a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful city.

Salvador boasts multi-colour homes, red-tiled roofs, a bustling market and winding, cobblestone streets. Our tour will allow us to gain a lasting impression of this city’s fascinating sights as we take a glimpse into its interior.

Salvador, Brazil’s former colonial capital, lies on beautiful Santos Bay. This is a striking city and the largest in the north-east with a population of more than 2,300,000. Its strong African influence derives from the slaves brought to work in the sugar cane fields more than 400 years ago. Their cultural heritage is evident in music, dance, cuisine and the Candomble religion. The African culture is greatly contrasted by the city’s colonial past, with its enduring Portuguese flavour. Like Rio, the people of Salvador know how to celebrate life. They also have their own Carnival at the beginning of each year.

The currency of Brazil is the Real.

Discover the many faces of Salvador da Bahia during our tour. We will be able to see a glimpse of the city’s intriguing cultural mix of African and European heritage.

On this unique tour we will discover the many contrasts of the city, visiting the modern and the historic sections of the “Land of Happiness”.

Recife is located on the Atlantic ‘Golden Coast’ of north-eastern Brazil and is the country’s fourth largest city. It is less modern and cosmopolitan than its counterparts and is a relatively new tourist destination, so we may appear a novelty to its inhabitants, particularly in the nearby fishing villages.

The currency of Brazil is the Real.

After journeying across graceful bridges, we will begin our tour at the splendid Golden Chapel, part of the Convent and Church of Saint Anthony. Its intricate Baroque design, covered in gold leaf, makes it one of the most beautiful and historic examples of religious art in Brazil.

Our exploration of Recife begins aboard our coach with a short drive from the port that will take us to the 16th-century colonial town of Olinda. Here we will leave our coach and board a minivan to traverse the narrow winding streets of this historical centre.

Fortaleza, the capital city of the State of Ceará, has been for decades one of the most popular destinations of Brazilian tourists. In recent years, the fame of Fortaleza has been increasing throughout the world, and the number of Europeans, North and South American travellers coming to Cearás has grown fast.

What attracts so many Brazilian and foreigners to Fortaleza? Rather than pointing out one single reason, it is safer to say that visitors are attracted by a combination of the sunny beaches, the busy and safe nightlife, the delicious culinary opportunities, the rich Brazilian culture, the very peaceful and friendly people.

The currency of Brazil is the Real.

This comprehensive overview will encompass the commercial and residential districts as well as the beach and resort areas of Fortaleza.

Departing the ship we head for the beach! Cumbuco is an exotic beach located only 20 mile west of Fortaleza. It's one of the most popular beaches in the area. The landscape consists of high white sand dunes and coconut trees.

This tour starts with a drive along the bustling waterfront of Santarem, where boats dock from all over the Amazon. Since boats are the main mode of transportation for people in the region, it is common to see both passenger and cargo vessels transporting many different products to the market.

The first settlement in Santarem was a Jesuit mission built in 1661. Following the American Civil War, a group of Confederates settled here and the American traditions they passed down are still evident in many of the local customs. During the rubber boom of the 1920s, Henry Ford spent US $80 million building an enormous rubber plantation in the area to supply his cars with the raw material to make tyres.

Please note that there may be quite a long walk from the pier (approximately 400 metres) in order to reach the tour vehicles.

Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.

From the pier in Santarem, we travel on the Cuiaba Road before continuing south on the Santarem-Cuiaba Highway – the only road connecting this part of the Amazon with other points in Brazil. At this point we will reach an elevation of 158 metres (518 feet), which might be considered the Alps for the Amazon!

This is an excellent opportunity to explore the ecosystem of the Amazon. The lakes of this section of the river are especially lush, containing a wealth of vegetation.

The Cape Verde Islands emerged from a colonial culture - aspects of this culture are clearly seen on this tour, from its mixed population, buildings, monuments and traditions.

The Cape Verdes were a Portuguese colony and there are many traces of this colonial heritage in the towns and villages. Mindelo, on Sao Vincente Island, is fringed by arid mountains and a deep water port that has long been a stopping-off point for transatlantic ships.

The currency of Mindelo is the Cape Verdean Escudo

Set within the magnificent Palheiro Estate and lying adjacent to the 5 * Madeira Island Hotel Casa Velha do Palheiro – the 18-hole, par 72 Championship golf course meanders through a pristine environment of maritime pine and botanical woodland embroidered with lush, sub-tropical vegetation.

Henry the Navigator of Portugal, at the beginning of the 15th century, planned to extend his knowledge of the coast of West Africa. In pursuit of this objective, two young sea captains, Joãn Goncalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixaira, were blown off course on their journey around the African coast. After many days at sea they found land on a small island that they called Porto Santo; the year was 1419. It was a year later that the next discovery was made. The captains had reported a possible island on the southern horizon. Approaching the island they were met by huge Atlantic rollers breaking along the north coast, and the boiling turbulence of the crosscurrents at the Ponto São Lourenço. However on rounding the headland they discovered the Bay of Machico, and the heavily forested island they called Madeira.

The currency of Madeira is the Euro.

Departing from the pier, we begin our drive towards Pico da Torre, a viewpoint over the small fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. We shall make a brief photo stop at the viewpoint before continuing.

We begin our tour with a drive towards Pico dos Barcelos, from where we can see distant Funchal and its surrounding villages scattered over the green slopes.

This tour allows us to discover the natural beauty of the island. We begin from Vale Paraiso, where we will walk along the levada – a traditional manmade irrigation system ideal for walkers.

Our tour takes us from the harbour in Funchal up into the mountains, along narrow, winding roads. As we climb higher up into the hills, we will pass pines, acacias and eucalyptus as we head to Terreiro da Luta.

Leaving the pier, we drive through the city of Funchal for a brief sightseeing tour before continuing to Pico dos Barcelos. Here we can admire the breathtaking panoramic views over the city.

Departing from the pier we shall travel to the belvedere of Eira do Serrado, where we will be invited to gaze upon the Curral das Freiras Valley (Nun’s Valley). It is located within a deep valley which has one of the island’s most spectacular landscapes, where dizzying views will take our breath away.

Our bicycle tour will offer us a fun way to explore the city of Funchal as we wind our way through the interesting streets.

Departing from the quayside in our landrover-style jeeps, our tour will take us inland to one of the most beautiful forest areas of the island, passing through typical streets, which are mainly used to transport agricultural goods that supply the population living in these rural areas.

Departing the pier by coach, we shall travel by highway to the village of Machico, the most historical and interesting town on the island! Machico was the landing point of the first discoverers of Madeira, and as such we will discover some beautiful old buildings including the oldest church on the island.

Departing from the quayside we will have a short transfer to the cable car station. On a clear day we will have magnificent views of the madeiran landscape as we travel by cable car to the Monte Tropical gardens!