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TRAVEL PACKAGES:

All Holiday Packages offered by Alternative Travel & Rainbow Cruises exclude the cost of Airline Tickets and Airport Taxes.

The best possible airfare will be sourced for you at the time of booking one of these packages.

Airline Ticket costs are subject to the date of departure, length of stay and ‘specials' on offer by the various airlines.

Airport Taxes are subject to currency fluctuations and only applicable on the day that the ticket is issued.

Have you ever considered spending New Year's Eve in the most exciting gay city in the world? A city where you could wake up in the morning and go to the beach?
And at night watch one of the most fascinating fireworks in the world?

If you say yes to any of these questions, it´s time to spend your New Year's Eve in Rio, just get ready and Alternative Travel will take care of everything: - we book your hotel or private apartment; - we make your reservations for a gala dinner, boat dinner or private gay party; - we organize any other tour that you may want to do before the big event.

BRAZIL

The long-lasting impression most visitors leave Brazil with is of carefree, colourful people dancing and celebrating in the street parades at Carnaval, and of a passion for life and exuberance of spirit that charms visitors from around the world. Tourists descending on the country's fabulous cities, such as hedonistic Rio de Janeiro, can enjoy the five-star hotels, shopping malls, beautiful beaches, sunny skies and inspirational restaurants without really having to confront the hundreds of shantytowns (favelas) where the poorest of the poor eke out a living in the shadows of the skyscrapers.

With booming mining, agricultural and manufacturing sectors, Brazil has the highest GDP in Latin America and is expected to be one of the world's dominant economies by the middle of this century. Brazil also caters well for business tourism and is a favoured destination for conventions, congresses and expos, particularly the city of Sao Paulo, which is the country's largest city and the business capital of Brazil.

Being so vast, larger than continental United States, Brazil offers a variety of cultures and topographies. The range is evident in the contrast of the Amazon rain forest to the mountain towns of Minas Gerais, the urban jungle of Sao Paulo and the vast central plateau around Brasilia and the world-famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. It all adds up to an exotic and exciting Latin American mix where the common denominators are samba, sunshine, sultry smiles and soccer.

RIO DE JANEIRO

Why?   Bikinis on the beach, Samba in the streets, a stunning setting with the Sugarloaf Mountain as a backdrop, the world famous carnival … how many more reasons can there be to book a holiday in Rio de Janeiro, the vibrant heart of Brazil?

When?   Rio rocks all year round, with holiday beach weather the order of the day every day. It is therefore always a good time to travel to Rio de Janeiro, but party people are particularly attracted to travel to Rio de Janeiro for 'Carnaval', held annually in January or February, when the samba schools parade through the streets in their brilliant costumes. Carnaval is the cherry on the top for a Rio de Janeiro holiday.

Who for?   A holiday in Rio de Janeiro is custom-made for sultry sun-lovers and revellers. Everybody who enjoys beach holidays can also make the most of the 62 miles (100km) of beaches that flank the city.

ATTRACTIONS:

Corcovado

The distinctive statue of Christ the Redeemer, arms spread to welcome the world, is the symbol of Rio de Janeiro and one of the seven New Wonders of the Modern World. It rests on top of Rio de Janeiro's Corcovado Mountain, 2,330ft (710m).

Sugar Loaf

The summit of Rio's unique 1,299ft high (396m) belvedere, named Sugar Loaf because of its resemblance to the loaves of sugar used by the Portuguese colonists, can be reached by a two-stage cable car ride.

Botanical Gardens

Rio's Botanical Gardens were created in 1808 by the Prince Regent of Portugal as a temporary site for acclimatising imported plants. Today it is home to some 2,600 species of plant life, particularly bromeliads and orchids.

Ipanema

Immortalised in a popular song, 'The girl from Ipanema', this part of Rio offers not only its legendary beach, but numerous excellent hotels, bustling nightlife, sophisticated shopping opportunities and quality restaurants, all within walking distance of each other. Ipanema (the name, incongruously, means 'bad water') is famous for setting fashion trends, particularly in the line of skimpy swimwear, and fashion fundis should look out for the famous bikini boutiques like Salinas , Blue Man and Bum-Bum . Also do not miss exploring the Rua Garcia D'Avila to shop for designer fashion, jewellery and furniture. Visit the Amsterdam Sauer Museum of Gems here for a workshop tour. There are numerous other streets in Ipanema to explore as well, including the attractive commercial street Visconde de Piraja that is lined with speciality shops, bars, restaurants and some of Rio's best boutiques. Visit the hippie fair at General Osorio Square on Sundays for wooden sculptures, handcrafts, exotic musical instruments and artworks.

Copacabana

This famous Rio beach neighbourhood was just a small fishing village until a new highway changed the face of it sometime in the 1900s. The Copacabana Palace Hotel first opened its doors in 1923, and since then the area mushroomed with Neoclassical and Art Nouveau skyscrapers, penthouses and apartments. Visitors still flock, as they have always done, to the glamorous Palace Hotel, the place to be seen. Sometimes the visit is only to have tea or a meal at the famed Cipriani restaurant. The beach itself has white sand and calm water and is festooned with kiosks. It is a popular spot for beach sports like soccer and volleyball, and a good place to sunbathe. Copacabana beach is particularly popular on New Year's. According to tradition, visitors dress in white and congregate here to celebrate in their droves, counting more than two million people during this time.

Estádio do Maracanã

Built over 50 years ago for use in the Soccer World Cup, this stadium is the largest on the continent, seating a crowd of over 95,000. The stadium is currently used to host the local soccer league games, and is the home of the Brazillian soccer team. The Maracana is also often used by international acts visiting Brazil as a performance venue - Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney being among the big names who have played here. Inside the ground is a Hall of Fame honouring soccer greats such as Pele, Roberto Dinamite, Romário, Valdo and Bebeto all of whom have been honoured by having their footprints cast in the sidewalk

Tijuca Forest

The world's largest urban forest, Tijuca spans 7,900 acres (3,200ha) and sits on Rio's doorstep. Inside the forest, walkabouts will lead you past caves, waterfalls and an abundance of exotic and rare flora and fauna.

Rio Scenarium

The most festive spot in what is arguably the most festive city in the world. Rio Scenarium is a three floor dance club dedicated to sultry, sweaty summer salsa nights. The decor is interesting, set in an abandoned antiques warehouse.

Nightlife

Home to Carnival, samba and the Copacabana, it's not surprising that the nightlife in Rio de Janeiro is one of a kind and Cariocas (Rio's residents) will make a party out of just about any social gathering. Whether you're looking for a relaxing bar or lounge to sip on a couple of 'chopps' (draft beer), or you're in the mood for a big night out at a hip and happening dance club, Rio de Janeiro has it all.

A popular way to warm things up is to start off in the cooler early evening at one of the numerous beach bars for a coconut juice or cocktail. Head off to one of Rio de Janeiro's trendy beach communities, such as Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon and explore the bars and clubs, but be warned, some of these places may not grant entry to people wearing shorts and T-shirts or flip-flops.

Head off to a trendy restaurant for a late dinner with friends and then at around 11pm, when most clubs open, check out who's playing at the Rio Scenarium or Carioca da Gema. Lapa is a popular spot for revellers as well as Gamba.

Live music and dancing is also big in the entertainment scene in Rio de Janeiro and there is a wide variety, such as Samba, Bossa Nova, rock, MBP (Brazilian pop), blues, jazz and much more. If you search hard enough, there is sure to be a gig happening somewhere in this vibrant city on any given night.

Pick up a cope of the Friday editions of the O Globo, O Dia or Jornal do Brasil newspapers for listing on nightlife and entertainment in Rio de Janeiro.

Weather

The climate of Rio de Janeiro is classically tropical, meaning it is hot and humid most of the time. Sea breezes however, modify temperatures somewhat, and cold fronts coming in from the Antarctic during winter and autumn cause a measure of unpredictability. Summer brings heavy, but short, rain showers and very high humidity. Winter, between December and March, is drier with many warm, sunny beach days.

Travel Documents

Entry requirements for South Africans: A valid passport is needed, but no visa is required by South African nationals if travelling on holiday or business for up to 90 days.

Yellow Fever inoculations are compulsory. The inoculation certificate needs to be carried with your passport.

Packages starting from US$830 in double accommodation! (Excluding Airfares)

Make your reservation now for an unforgettable New Year's Eve .

Contact: LEON NEL. leon@alternativetravel.co.za

ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL
PO Box 2409
Cresta 2118
South Africa
Tel:   +27 (0)11 476 6999
Mob: +27 (0)82 349 5424
Fax:  +27 (0)11 507 5127
Fax:  086 551 0714