Brazil: Olinda and Porto de Galinhas & Rio

Arrive in Recife where you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your pousada, located just up the coast in nearby Olinda. In the afternoon you'll embark on a fascinating city tour of Recife and Olinda, taking in a wealth of cultural and historical highlights that make this one of Brazil's most interesting regions. Begin your tour in Recife, northeastern Brazil's largest cultural centre, where you'll discover an interesting blend of modern and colonial architecture and some of the country's finest urban beaches. Your tour will take in a selection of Recife's many highlights, including the 17th century Five Points Fortress, the Park of Sculptures by Francisco Brennand, and the Rua do Bom Jesus. Next you'll head to the island of St. Antonio, where you'll visit the Republic Square, the imposing Palace of Campo das Princesas, the 19^th century Santa Isabel Theatre and the magnificent Golden Chapel. Finally, after taking in the House of Culture and the vast stately homes of Aurora Street, you'll head to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Olinda, where, among the narrow streets and lanes, you'll discover a myriad of colourful houses, ancient churches and historic monasteries.

Stay: Pousada do Amparo - Standard Room (Superior) or Pousada do Amparo - Deluxe Room (Deluxe)

Spend today at leisure, exploring Olinda at your own pace. A Recife Arts & Culture tour is a great optional excursion for those wanting to learn more about the history of arts and crafts in this creative region, taking in the extensive collection of more than two thousands works by prominent local and regional artists on display at the Ricardo Brennand Institute on the outskirts of the city. Alternatively, just relax and wander the streets of Olinda at your whim, taking in the history, culture and ambience of one of this colourful and captivating destination.

Stay: Pousada do Amparo - Standard Room (Superior) or Pousada do Amparo - Deluxe Room (Deluxe)

After breakfast, check out of your pousada and transfer to Porto de Galinhas, just under 50 miles from Olinda. Here you'll find a fascinating historical town - the centre was formerly a landing port in the days of the slave trade - along with beautiful beaches, small fishing communities and a superb selection of bars and restaurants.

Stay: Ocapora Hotel All Inclusive Porto de Galinhas (Superior) or Nannai Resort & Spa (Deluxe)

Enjoy a day at Carneiros, a beautiful, untouched beach located at the mouth of the Formoso River. Spend the day swimming in the warm, clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by swaying coconut palms and verdant mangrove forest. There are also a couple of great options for lunch nearby, with the ever-popular Bora Bora or the delightful Beijupirá restaurants both offering a menu of delicious regional specialities (lunch not included). You'll then have two relaxing days to enjoy the laidback lifestyle and gorgeous sandy beaches of Porto de Galinhas.

Stay: Armacao Resort Porto de Galinhas (Superior) or Nannai Resort & Spa (Deluxe)

This morning you take a flight to Rio de Janeiro where you will spend the next three days in this vibrant city, getting to know its unique history, culture and people. On arrival, check in to your hotel before enjoying a fascinating orientation tour, where you'll learn about the roots of African culture in Brazil through a visit to a Candomble temple, a uniquely Brazilian religion that combines elements of Catholic and Yoruba faiths. Then, over two days, you'll take in the city's icons in Sugar Loaf Mountain, the Sambadrome and Carnival Museum and the famous Christ the Redeemer statue, set atop the jungle-clad Corcovado Mountain.

Stay: Porta Bay Rio Internacional (Superior) or Belmond Copacabana Palace (Deluxe)  

Spend your morning at leisure before transferring to the airport in time for your onward flight, arriving the following day.