CULTURAL JOURNEY TO BRAZIL
ART, HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE



Deep in the heart of the South American continent, east of the Andes and south of the Amazon, lies a land that is like no other...Brazil. Known for the exuberance of its carnaval, the mysteries of its Macumba black magic,and the extraordinary beauty and friendliness of its people, it is also home to a surprising diversity of cultures and an astonishing wealth of breathtaking artistic achievements.

Join us as we discover the rich cultural treasures of Salvador da Bahia, where African roots are deep, Candomblé ceremonies light up the hillsides at night, and graceful capoeira dancers perform the ritualistic movements of their rebellious slave ancestors. Explore Cachoeira, bastion of Portuguese, Bantu, and Sudanese traditions; Belo Horizonte, showcase of contemporary Brazilian architecture; and colonial Ouro Preto, a UNESCO "Cultural Patrimony of Mankind." Visit old gold-mining towns, where exquisite architectural masterpieces bespeak the riches of bygone eras; captivating colonial cities, overflowing with magnificent baroque churches and mansions; and pretty villages that once harbored subversive political figures and national heroes. Share the habitual joie de vivre of the carioca people of Rio de Janeiro as you savor one of the worlds most festive and exciting
cities.

Along the way, attend informative presentations on the distinctive traditions of Brazilian art. View works by the country's foremost architects, sculptors, painters, landscape artists, and jewelers at fine museums and art galleries. Meet collectors and professors of art, and visit with outstanding local artists, including J. and Babalú Cunha, Carlos Bracher, Marly Faro, and Rosangela Rennó. Take in spectacular folkloric shows and sample the distinctive flavors of a cuisine that reflects its people's unabashed dedication to pleasure.

Prof. Carlos Roquette, a distinguished expert on Brazilian culture, will accompany your group throughout its journey, sharing his insights and expertise as you take in the varied cultural aspects of this exciting nation.

Come with us and experience Brazil.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Thirteen-day/ten-night program

Salvador da Bahia
Three nights at the deluxe Hotel Pestana Bahia
Welcome cocktail and hors d'oeuvres
City tour including Campo Grande, Municipal Square, Rio Branco palace, Lacerda's Elevator, the Pelourinho histori cistirct*, Cathedral of Bahia, São Francisco Church, Dique do Tororó, and the Mercado Modelo
Visit to the Afro-Brazilian Art Museum
Visit to the Roberto Alban Gallery
Visit the Bahaia Museum of Modern Art and its lovely gardens and the Carlos Costa Pinto Museum, containing over 3,000 works of art
Visit to the atelier of J. and Babalú Cunha
Excursion to working plantations and Cachoeira's historic center
Enjoy an authentic forklore show at Solar do Unhao

Ouro Preto (Unesco)
Two nights at the deluxe Pousada Mondego
Visit to Belo Horizonte en route to Ouro Preto, with a city tour including Pampulha Lake district with dwellings by architect Niemeyer, Chapel of São Frnacisco and exploration of the Museum of Contemporary Art
Ouro Preto* City tour, including the Church of St. Francis of Assis, the Museum of the School of Mines, the Church of Our Lady of Pilar, the Oratorio Museum and the Opera House
Visit to the atelier of famous painter, Carlos Bracher
Excursion to Mariana with curatorial visit to the Archdiocesan museum (religious art and exquisite antique furniture), and the churches of Our Lady of the Assumption and Our Lady of the Conception, with works by artists Aleijadinho and Ataíde
Organ concert at the cathedral
Excursion to São João Del Rei, ancient political and commercial center

Tiradentes
One night at the superior first-class Pousada Solar da Ponte
City tour viewing the Church of Santo Antônio, Fountain of São José das Botas, and Congohas do Campo with its stunning life-size soapstone sculpture of the 12 prophets and 66 statues in polychromatic woodwork

Rio de Janeiro
Four nights at the superior first-class Hotel Praia Ipanema
Excursion to Corcovado Mountain with its Christ the Redeemer statue and to Rio's Botanical Garden
Visit to Ipanema with private visit to Marly Faro's gallery and bistro with an art exposition prepared and presented by the sculptor/curator and brunch in the gallery
Private guided tour of Stern Headquarters with lecture of the famed precious and semi-precious gems of Brazil
Architectural tour of Rio in conjunction with presentation by Prof. Roquette
Curatorial visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MAM) and its gardens
Excursion to Sugar Loaf Mountain with cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception at Urca Hill on the return
City tour including Ruins Park and visit to atelier of Brazilian artist Rosângelo Rennó
Visit to Chácara do Céu Museum with its outstanding collection of modern art and Braziliana
Tour of the Contemporary Art Museum designed by Oscar Niemeyer, with private farewell cocktail reception

EXCEPTIONAL VALUES:
Resident Art Historian / Tour Director
Daily breakfast; nine lunches and seven dinners in atmospheric restaurants with local wine, water, coffee or tea; five cocktail receptions
Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
All transfers and handling of two mediumpieces of luggage
All entrance fees for sites mentioned in itinerary
All taxes and service charges
All gratuities
Extensive pre-tour information including a Practical and Cultural guide
Visa assistance
Travel bag, name badge, passport wallet, and luggage tags

OPTIONAL FEATURES:
Round-trip, economy-class air transportation including U.S. departure tax
Comprehensive insurance coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, baggage, illness and accident
Four-night post-tour extension to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro


AVAILABLE FOR GROUP AND INDEPENDENT TRAVEL IN 2005 - 2006
Contact Travel Plans International for complete details
(800) 323-7600