Buzios

Head along the Atlantic coast from Rio, passing lagoons and wild, surf-lashed beaches to the chic beach village of Búzios. The low-key, but upmarket, European-style resort is renowned for art shops and fine dining. Here a peninsula of cliffs and low hills is dimpled with little coves and speckled with boutique-style hotels.

Day 1: Transfer by road (2.5-3hrs) from Rio de Janeiro to Búzios, crossing the spectacular 12km Niterói Bridge over Guanabara Bay. Once a tiny fishing village, Armação dos Búzios is now one of Brazil’s most sought-after and lively beach resorts.

Days 2 & 3: The centre of Búzios is just a short walk away and has a good selection of restaurants, bars (some with live music) and boutiques. Secluded beaches in craggy bays and nearby tropical islands can be reached by schooners and there are beaches dotted around the town.

Day 4: By road back to Rio de Janeiro to continue your holiday or to the city’s airport for your international flight or beginning of your group tour.

Breakfast daily.