Day
1
Rio de Janeiro
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to the Fairmont Copacabana, a luxurious hotel gloriously situated on the shores of Brazil’s most famous beach.
There’s a reason why Rio de Janeiro is dubbed the Marvellous City. Granite peaks, dense forest and long sandy beaches envelop this vibrant samba-sashaying metropolis that is South America’s liveliest city. On this seven-day convention, stay in the thick of the action on iconic Copacabana Beach and enjoy VIP access to some of the top attractions. Visit the Christ the Redeemer statue before the gates open, play beach volleyball with the locals, and sip caipirinhas in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain. Hone your Brazilian cooking skills on a tropical island, wander through one of the world’s biggest urban forests, and lose yourself in the fan-frenzy of a local soccer match.
Day
2
Rio de Janeiro
Morning conference session
Shake off the jet lag on a walking tour of the 2016 Rio Olympics precinct. See where old Rio meets new on this leisurely 3km walk down Olympic Boulevard on the waterfront. Once a rundown neighbourhood in the shadow of a highway flyover, the area is today a dazzling case study in urban renewal – think historic landmarks rubbings shoulders with modern buildings, street art and museums. See the Olympic pyre, soak up the atmosphere of Maua Square, linger outside the art and national history museums and catch a glimpse of the biggest aquarium in South America.
In the late afternoon, zip to the pinnacle of iconic Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car for a special evening of welcome festivities. From your vantage point 395 metres above Rio, enjoy spectacular views across the city and its dazzling beaches.
As the setting sun drenches the landscape in a golden sheen, descend to Urca Hill where a cocktail party awaits.
When the bossa nova beats start pulsing, you’ll know you’re in Rio.
Day
3
Rio de Janeiro
Forget the crowds at Christ the Redeemer, this morning we head up early to see the colossal statue atop Mount Corcovado. Take the cogwheel train up the mountain, keeping eyes peeled for tiny marmoset monkeys and wild birds, and arrive shortly after sunrise to enjoy peaceful views from the 710-metre summit. The 30-metre high statue was completed in 1931 and is the largest art deco sculpture in the world.
We’ll retreat to the Tijuca Forest just as the monument opens to the public, enjoying a scenic drive through one of the world’s largest urban forests. Stretch your legs on a walk through the national park and reward yourself with an acai smoothie before we arrive in the picturesque hillside village of Santa Teresa. Home to steep winding streets, mansions and million-dollar views, Santa Teresa is also a cultural and arts hub where you just might see a capoeira demonstration. Refuel with a three-course lunch at Aprazível, set in a charming property amid lush gardens and vistas of Guanabara Bay.
Afternoon conference session
Day
4
Rio de Janeiro
Grab your hat and sunscreen and get set for a day of fun in the sun as we board a traditional schooner for a private cruise to the tropical island of Regente Feijo.
Admire the striking skyline of Rio from the water as we glide out of Guanabara Bay with the wind in our hair and salt spray on our lips. Step onto the squeaky white sand (there are far fewer people here than on Copacabana) and give in to the enticing waters for a swim. Dry off and regroup under the palm trees for a delicious lunch. You can count on seafood being on the menu.
In the afternoon, learn how to whip up your own culinary creation in a Brazilian cooking class (optional), or muddle your own caipirinha as the bartenders share their top tips for making Brazil’s tangy national cocktail (optional).
Day
5
Rio de Janeiro
You could sleep in this morning, or you could tackle the day the way Cariocas (locals) do – with a friendly game of beach volleyball or footvolley (a soccer-volleyball hybrid). Enjoy a lesson from the experts and then put your ball skills to the test on Copacabana Beach. It doesn’t get any more quintessentially Brazilian that this.
Morning conference session
After lunch, we will take our formal learnings outside the conference room and onto the streets of Rio as we visit a local hospital. Learn about Brazil’s healthcare system and how Rio responds to the needs of its 6.7 million residents.
In the evening, don’t miss the opportunity to catch a football (soccer) game at Maracanã Stadium, host of the 2014 World Cup final. Get swept up in all the shirt twirling, drum-beating, hoarse-inducing excitement as up to 80,000 fans cheer on their team
Day
6
Rio de Janeiro
Morning conference session
Enjoy an afternoon of free time to soak up the sights of Rio at your own pace. Kick back on Copacabana or Ipanema Beach (barely-there bikinis are optional), join a favela walking tour, beam yourself up into the flying saucer-like Museum of Modern Art (MAM), or simply relax by the hotel infinity pool.
In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner full of surprises. We can’t say too much but it might involve samba and more caipirinhas.
Day
7
Rio de Janeiro
Transfer to the airport for the return flight home or join the post conference tour
End of arrangements. Please note this program may be subject to change