Brazil 2026
Salvador Bahia & Rio de Janeiro Brazil

History and the Carnival Fever

Travel Itinerary

March 2-10 2026 |

8 days & 7 nights

*** Depart USA on March 1 and land in USA on March 11, 202
Book international flights to arrive in Salvador Bahia Brazil on morning of March 2, 2026. (Not included)
Return from Rio de Janeiro on March 10, 2026 unless you decide to extend.

Experience Brazil with Zenbiz Travel – March 2–10, 2026

Join Zenbiz Travel for an unforgettable journey through Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, where Afro-Brazilian heritage, vibrant culture, and natural beauty come alive. Explore Salvador’s colonial streets, spiritual traditions, and rich history with guided visits to the Afro-Brazilian Museum, Pelourinho Square, and the countryside town of Cachoeira — a hub of resistance, sisterhood, and art.

Then, feel the pulse of Rio as you stand beneath Christ the Redeemer, visit samba schools, and enjoy exclusive access to Carnival culture. From caipirinhas on the beach to sailing Rio’s bays, this group adventure blends connection, discovery, and celebration — all with deluxe accommodations, curated excursions, and the care and support of Zenbiz every step of the way.

VALID PASSPORT & BRAZILIAN VISA REQUIRED

 

USA Departure | March 1|

USA DEPARTURE


Arrive:
Salvador Bahia - March 2 2026

 
unsplash-image-tAunipUAvks.jpg

Salvador Bahia - March 2 2026| Day 1

On arrival in Salvador you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Accommodation: Wish Hotel da Bahia, superior room – 3 nights

Salvador Bahia - March 3 2026| Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning you will be met for your half day tour.

African Heritage Upper City Tour (AM depart). For those wishing to focus on Salvador’s permeating African Influence, in this, the most African city in the Eastern Hemisphere. Important Note: This tour visits the same districts as our Essential Salvador tour, but with specific visits focusing on important aspects of African Heritage in Bahia.

We trace the African roots of Salvador on a city tour combining the residential areas at the mouth of the bay and continue to the older Historical Center of Salvador, the Pelourinho area. We visit the Afro Brazilian Museum, which traces the West African origins of the city, and see the superb wooden sculpted panels of the orixá's by Salvador's most celebrated artist, Carybé, one of the city´s treasures.

We visit the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the famous Black church, built with meager resources over a period of almost 100 years in the heart of the famed Pelourinho Square so called after the pillory or whipping post that stood in the main square. In this square, we also visit the intimate Bahian Gastronomy Museum, which focuses on the African influence on Bahia cuisine.

Highlights:
Afro Brazilian Museum * Our Lady of the Rosary church * Gastronomy Museum

Included:
Museum and church entrance fees
Hotel pick up and drop off
Guide and Transport
Duration: 04 hours

Other Aspects:
-Excursion comprises of a mix of transport and section on foot -Limited wheelchair access -Cobbled stone streets in Pelourinho area though sidewalks are paved -Paved Sidewalks

Return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure.


 
riverlodge-gallery-1280-img-020.jpg
River-lodge-Standard-Suite-1612x1074.jpg
kapama-river-lodge-river-bed-dinner-33b.jpg

Salvador Bahia - March 4 2026| Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. You will be met for your full day tour.

Cachoeira: A Day in the Rural Heartland

Spend a full day (approx. 8 hours) in Bahia’s rural heartland with a guided journey to Cachoeira, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled along the Paraguaçu River. Travel through scenic hills and visit a traditional market in Santo Amaro before exploring Cachoeira’s rich African heritage, from the historic Sisterhood of the Boa Morte to local woodcarving and cigar-making traditions. This excursion includes roundtrip transportation, a countryside lunch at Fazenda Santa-Cruz, guided walking tour, and visits to artisan shops and a cigar factory — offering an authentic glimpse into Brazil’s past and present.

Salvador Bahia/Rio de Janeiro - March 5 2026| Day 4

Breakfast and departure transfer in Salvador for your flight to Rio de Janeiro
Arrival transfer in Rio de Janeiro to your hotel. Freshen up and tonight you will be for a transfer to Rio Scenarium.

Rio Scenarium Prepare to be swept off your feet by the Scenarium's eclectic charm. Seven floors ooze with vintage treasures, live music pulsates through the air, and diverse crowds mingle under shimmering chandeliers. From samba beats in the Salão Anexo to the sultry sounds of Jazz in the Espaço Suassuna, your guide will tailor your experience to your desires. Sip signature cocktails, savor delicious bites, and lose yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Rio's after-dark scene.

This dynamic tour gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, with your knowledgeable guide by your side. Ask about hidden corners, soak in local stories, and let the Scenarium's electrifying energy ignite your night. So, embrace the unexpected, dance under the moonlit sky, and let Rio Scenarium paint your evening with unforgettable memories.

Included is entrance ticket, appetizers with open bar (water, soft drinks, beer, caipirinha)

Accommodation: Rio Othon Palace, deluxe ocean front room - 4 nights

Rio de Janeiro - March 6 2026| Day 5

Breakfast and departure transfer in Salvador for your flight to Rio de Janeiro
Arrival transfer in Rio de Janeiro to your hotel. Freshen up and tonight you will be for a transfer to Rio Scenarium.

Rio Scenarium Prepare to be swept off your feet by the Scenarium's eclectic charm. Seven floors ooze with vintage treasures, live music pulsates through the air, and diverse crowds mingle under shimmering chandeliers. From samba beats in the Salão Anexo to the sultry sounds of Jazz in the Espaço Suassuna, your guide will tailor your experience to your desires. Sip signature cocktails, savor delicious bites, and lose yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Rio's after-dark scene.

This dynamic tour gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, with your knowledgeable guide by your side. Ask about hidden corners, soak in local stories, and let the Scenarium's electrifying energy ignite your night. So, embrace the unexpected, dance under the moonlit sky, and let Rio Scenarium paint your evening with unforgettable memories.

Included is entrance ticket, appetizers with open bar (water, soft drinks, beer, caipirinha)

Accommodation: Rio Othon Palace, deluxe ocean front room - 4 nights

Rio de Janeiro - March 7 2026| Day 6

Rio de Janeiro - March 8 2026| Day 7

Rio de Janeiro - March 9 2026| Day 8


Rio de Janeiro - March 10 2026| Day 9

Depart Rio de Janeiro

Breakfast at the lodge. If there is time you will have a morning game activity. Transfer to Hoedspruit airport in time for your flight to Cape Town. On arrival at Cape Town airport you will be met and transferred to the 5 Star Hotel for overnight the next 5 nights in a luxury mountain-facing room.

With its majestic Table Mountain backdrop, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world; an eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the tastes and dictates of the past and the more functional demands of the 20th Century. Cobblestone streets, mosques and the flat roofed pastel homes of the Malay quarter enhance a cosmopolitan ambience and in a recent development, the restoration of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront evokes images of the seafaring activities of the 19th century. At the end of the day, gourmets and lovers of sophisticated entertainment have a treat in store as the choice for your evening's repast is vast.

Once we arrive at the hotel, freshen up and meet for dinner at the world famous Siba Restaurant. (not included - reservations required)

Cape Town | November 26 2023 | Day 7
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning transfer to the Table Mountain cableway for a wonderful view of the city. The Table Mountain ticket is included (weather dependent). The afternoon is at your leisure.

Cape Town | November 27 2023 | Day 8
Breakfast at the hotel and the day is at leisure.

Cape Town | November 28 2023 | Day 9

Breakfast at the hotel.   Full day Robben Island and District Six Museum Tour.    This morning walk to the ferry terminal with a guide. Your Robben Island tour will start at 9:00am (weather dependent). The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. Please note that Robben Island has implemented a new procedure for all passengers booked on the Robben Island tour. Guests are required to show proof of passport/ ID and fill out an indemnity form before boarding the vessel to Robben Island. They may bring copies of Identification should they wish to rather keep the original at the hotel.

The Robben Island Tour includes: A return boat trip across Table Bay, a visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison, interaction with an ex-political prisoner, a 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary, the opportunity to explore the Murray's Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop.
Return to the Waterfront for lunch own account. After lunch visit District Six Museum. As a result of the Group Areas Act, 60 000 Capetonian families were forcibly removed from this once vibrant area between 1966 and 1982. The District Six issue remains crucial.


Return to your hotel.

Cape Town | November 29 2023 | Day 10
Breakfast at the hotel and the day is at leisure.

OPTIONAL HALF DAY WINELANDS TOUR (NOT INCLUDED)
What is the best feature of the Cape Winelands? It’s true that it is renowned for its crisp white and classic French-style red wines, but it also has a stunning wealth of natural rustic beauty with vast estates shaded from the African sunshine by giant oak trees and towering mountains overlooking lush valleys. On this half day tour we will have a cellar tour and wine tasting at a wine estate, and a wine tasting at a second estate. Enjoy a Stellenbosch orientation tour and return to Cape Town.

OPTIONAL FULL DAY PENINSULA TOUR (NOT INCLUDED)
Breakfast at the hotel and head out for a full day Peninsula tour. Embark on a spectacular journey around the Cape Peninsula taking in all the highlights and breath-taking beauty of this world-renowned Cape. Travel through historic suburbs, charming fishing villages and awesome viewpoints on your way to Cape Point, where the mighty Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

The tour then heads along Chapman's Peak Drive. With a towering mountain above it and a sheer drop below, this part of the road is renowned for its spectacular 180° views of the Cape Peninsula making it a favoured spot for photographers. Our journey now reaches the tip of the Cape Peninsula, a dramatic view point located in an 17,750 hectare nature reserve. Looking out over the shining sea from the Cape Point Lighthouse truly makes you feel like you are standing at the edge of the world. Funicular ticket is included. After a stop for lunch at Bertha’s Restaurant in Simons Town, you will head to Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of African penguins. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and spend the evening at leisure.


egypt-newyork.png

Cape town/NewARK | NOVEMBER 30 2023| Day 11

Return to Newark, NJ

Depart: Cape Town, November 30, 2023 (Optional)

Arrive: Newark, NJ

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Cape Town airport in time for your flight home. Normal check out times apply.

 

INCLUDED in your land only purchase price

  • 5 Star Hotels, bed and breakfast basis, deluxe room based on double occupancy.

  • 2 nights at Safari on full board – standard suite based on double occupancy.

  • All transfers with meet and assist group flight.

  • Sightseeing on a cruise with a private English speaking guide

  • Meals as indicated on itinerary

    .

Land Packages / Land

Land (Double Occupancy) $4500 per person

Land (Single Occupancy) $6600 per person
________________________________________
Prices are based presented with land only.
Land airport transfers are based on guests who arrive and leave the same time as the group.

* Deposit
(Land Only) $500.00 per person non-refundable deposit upon booking
* Second payment - $500.00 payment by August 15, 2022
* Third payment - $500.00 payment by November 15, 2022
* Fourth payment -$500.00 payment by March 15, 2023
* Fifth payment - Final Payment August 1, 2023

All prices subject to change before deposit.
*** All deposits after August 14, 2022 requires a $500.00 non-refundable deposit in addition to payments due based on the payment schedule. PURCHASING OF CANCEL FOR ANY REASON TRAVEL PROTECTION STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AT TIME OF DEPOSIT.

NOT INCLUDED (International Airfare sold separately)

  • Exclusions:

    ·       Personal items

    ·       Tips & Gratuities

    ·       Travel Insurance

    ·       Visa/passport handling fees

    ·       Meals unless listed in itinerary and all drinks

    ·       Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 2pm and check out 10am) 

    ·       A guide to stay with the group at Kapama River Lodge

    ·       Any increase in Government or local taxes

    ·       Please Note: Additional Bio-Security requirements may be implemented by your destination (s) after the group has booked. Should we learn of any such requirements between now and the group’s departure we will inform you. Any extra costs associated will be passed on to the group and included in the final invoice.

 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING COVID-19
AND IMPACT ON TRAVEL (Please read both)

Zenbiz Travel, LLC Terms & Conditions

Goway Terms & Disclosures.
Please be advised that you are considering, or intending to proceed with, international travel at a time when COVID-19 is a known global risk. Any person choosing to proceed with travel with that in mind, does assume and accept responsibility accordingly for the risks, potential loss and limitations that may apply. 

Goway Travel Ltd advises that COVID-19, and the health and security measures around COVID may impact parts of your trip and may affect the operation of some travel services. Any country you travelling to, from or via, and the airline(s) you are traveling on, may all have strict requirements to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

These requirements may include, but are not limited to: 

·       Wearing of masks at airports, while on an aircraft, and when out in public. 

·       Compulsory requirements to have adequate health & travel insurance coverage. 

·       Requirement to be fully vaccinated before being allowed to enter or transit a country. 

·       Being fully vaccinated or be tested for COVID-19, before being allowed to board any flight.

·       Subject to pre-screening or screening to enter your destination country or any transit countries. 

·       Subject to quarantine/isolation periods in any country subject to screening results. 

·       Having proof of vaccination or health status, when staying in hotels, dining, sightseeing, etc. 

·       Changing restrictions on sightseeing, due to closures or other public health concerns. 

·       Limitation/restrictions on travel to your destination by your country of residence/citizenship. 

·       Possible compulsory quarantine on return to your country of residence/citizenship. 

NOTE! For ALL TRAVELERS flying to (including returning to) the USA - Effective Dec 2021, until further notice 

All passengers over 2 years must present a negative COVID-19 viral test result, or proof of recovery from COVID in the past 90 days, to the airline prior to boarding USA bound flights, or boarding will be denied. This is regardless of vaccination status. Currently, the test must be taken no more than 1 day before the flight to the USA. These requirements may change at any time. Passengers may still have to complete any mandated quarantine requirements, if applicable. Locating and accessing COVID testing sites in destination, and paying the costs for COVID tests are the full responsibility of the traveler. These costs can be up to $300, as a guideline. 

COVID-19 is causing constant & ongoing changes in the application of the above types of measures. The way  a country, government, airline or airport chooses to deal with the threat of COVID is constantly changing. 

It is your responsibility to keep yourself and members of your traveling party (travel companions) informed of, and meet, all requirements in relation to your trip and any COVID based restrictions, and we suggest these are constantly monitored until your trip is complete, as they can change at any time even while travelling overseas.

Any additional expenses or fees incurred, or any loss (including missed or non-refundable trip components), resulting from airline or government requirements & restrictions, will be the sole responsibility of the traveler. 

Goway Travel Ltd is not liable for any loss due to failure to read and understand this information, as the considerations included in this document may be critical to your upcoming trip. Goway Travel Ltd.’s regular booking conditions and policies also apply. 

For more information, before travelling Goway Travel recommends you consult either the Canadian or  US Government websites for any specific travel advisory information pertaining to your destination.

COVID Information Websites: 
There are many websites offering information – the following are a sample that you could use for information. Please check the date for the updates you are reading as not all sites update at the same time. 

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/noticescovid19

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm

https://www.travelpulse.com/resources/covid-travel-map

https://covidcontrols.co/traveller-entry/vaccinated

 

unsplash-image-kfxEUCTUeyg.jpg