Recommend June 2012 - (Page 40)

Discovery 1 E SOUTHEAST REGION TH While ying on down to Brazil nonstop from the U.S. to one of seven possible gateways, almost everyone’s rst stop is either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. So why not visit both of these marvelous cities? Better yet, make the trip between the two by car. Following a well-maintained coastal road, along the way you’ll certainly want to stop in the colonial jewel of a town, Paraty, and stay in a pousada near one of the idyllic beaches of Ilha Grande—accessed by boat from Angra dos Reis. Convento de Santa Tere sa , Rio de Ja # neiro Because doing business is Sao Paulo’s business, South America’s largest metropolis enjoys the fringe bene ts of some of Brazil’s best hotels and restaurants, plus wonderful museums and fabulous nightlife. DAY 1: Why not start the day in the delightful Botanical Gardens whose greenhouses are abloom in orchids and other rainforest species. Include a visit to the historic Monastery of Sao Bento and/ or the grand Metropolitan Cathedral before lunch. Sao Paulo is Brazil’s nest destination for art, so plan a half-day to visit the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP), exhibiting works from Rembrandt to Picasso, along with Brazilian artists, and/or the Pinacoteca do Estado focusing on Brazilian works only. Dining out: The Paulistas love their Italian eateries, and Famiglia Mancini is a Sao Paulo institution. DAY 2: Any day but Sunday, drop in early at the enormous Mercadao, a super-duper fresh-produce market covering 135,000 sq. ft. Then leave plenty of time to visit the Museu Afro Brasil and/or Museu de Arte Moderna (MAM) at the Parque do Ibirapeura, a 400-acre parkland of lakes and gardens, plus the Japanese Pavilion and a planetarium. With the World Cup coming to Brazil in 2014, this is a good time to drop into the Museu do Futebol. Dining out: A good night for a great steak at Figueira Rubaiyat or classics of Brazilian homecooking at Bar da Dona Onca. 2 Days in Sao Paulo Everyone loves to stay and play at one of Rio’s seaside hotels, stepping out to dine Brazilian-style at a churrascaria and take in a Las Vegas-style samba review. DAY 1: Start the day early (to avoid the crowds) with a cogwheel train ride up to Corcovado, crowned by the Art Deco statue of Christ the Redeemer—it’s Rio’s most spectacular viewpoint. Hit the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema for lunch and some fun in the sun. Dining out: At Ipanema or Leblon, followed by a chope (draft beer) at a botequim (neighborhood-style bar). DAY 2: After a morning jog along the beach, it’s time for a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Make it a 4 Days in Rio de Janeiro B4 / braziltour.com http://www.braziltour.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend June 2012

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: Noble House Hotels & Resorts
Tour Talk: Artisans of Leisure
Romance on Land & Sea
Out of Africa Come Romantic Retreats
Starry-Eyed Bliss in Exotic Surroundings
Enchanting Nuptials American-Style
Honeymoons that Stir the Soul
Latin American Gems Play to the Heart
Brazil Travel Planner
Fairy Tale Honeymoons in Europe
Island Weddings Pump Up the Volume
Once-in-a-Lifetime Honeymoons
Destination Wedding Powerhouses
Fancy-Filled Mexican Weddings
'Mooning in Mexico

Recommend June 2012