PRE-CONGRES TOUR 1

IGUACU FALLS – RIO DE JANEIRO     

In the very South of Brazil, in the state of Parana, at the boundaries of three countries – Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay – lies the extraordinary beauty of Iguaçu. At the heart of a tropical forest in a protected national park, the view of this imposing rift nature has created is truly breathtaking: more than 275 waterfalls within a 5 km area tumble down from different levels, inevitably haloed by rainbows. All sorts of animals – particularly birds – add the last touches to this heavenly spot.

DAY 1 – THURSDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2006 ð IGUACU
Arrival in IGUACU during the day.
Reception and transfer to Hotel IGUACU 5*.
Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon free.
Dinner outside.

DAY 2 – FRIDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2006 ð IGUACU
Day tour devoted to discovering the waterfalls:
After breakfast, departure on a walking tour of the Brazilian side. Then, transfer for a walk along the Banana Tree Path (observation of fauna, in particular birds), a boat ride on the Iguaçu River and, after an aperitif, a kayak ride along the river’s tributaries.
Lunch on the terrace overlooking the river.
Then, departure for the Argentine side: embark on a small train to visit “Devil’s Gorge” and go up-river in a dinghy up to the falls – guaranteed thrills! Then a walk along the lower walkways.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner outside.

DAY 3 – SATURDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2006 ð IGUACU / RIO
Morning free.
Optional: Helicopter ride over the falls or visit to the Bird Park.
Then, transfer to the airport for a flight to Rio de Janeiro.
Arrival in the early afternoon.
Reception and transfer to Hotel IPANEMA PLAZA 4* SUP. or similar.
Afternoon and evening free.

DAY 4 – SUNDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2006 ð RIO DE JANEIRO
Brazilian breakfast in your hotel.
Full day devoted to discovering the city.
Cable car ride up to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Lunch at the “Espirito Santa”, a charming restaurant located in the fascinating Santa Teresa district.
Ride up to Corcovado on a track-railway, where Christ the Redeemer’s statue stands.
From here, you get the best panoramic view of the city.
Return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon.
Transfer for dinner.
Dinner at the churrascaria Marius Copacabana. A churrascaria is a typically Brazilian restaurant where an army of busy waiters serves all sorts of meats on long, sword-like skewers.

DAY 5 – MONDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2006 ð RIO DE JANEIRO
Day free.

DAY 6 – TUESDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2006 ð RIO/SALVADOR DE BAHIA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight to Salvador de Bahia.
Arrival towards the end of the morning, transfer to the hotel of your choice. 
Settling-down in your room.

PRE-CONGRESS TOUR 2

RIO DE JANEIRO
THE MANY COLOURS OF A MARVELLOUS CITY

When you fly over Rio, you understand how God’s hand worked its magic, creating islands as far as the eye can see, a forest in the heart of the city, a bay, beaches, lagoons and sand banks, and, not content with all that, He added the best kind of weather to this incomparable landscape.
Rio is incomparable because of its beaches, forests and its bay, rising up to the mountain.
Rio is incomparable because of its people, who invite the whole world to come and share the “carioca” spirit.
Rio is incomparable because of its hospitality, which makes every visitor long to return.
No words will ever be enough to define Rio…

DAY 1 – SARURDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2006 ð RIO DE JANEIRO
Arrival in RIO during the day.
Reception at the airport.
Transfer to your hotel.
Registration and settling down in your room.
Day free.
Night in the hotel of your choice (See list p.55)

DAY 2 – SUNDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2006 ð RIO DE JANEIRO
Brazilian breakfast in your hotel.
Full day devoted to discovering the city.
Cable car ride up to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
From the top of this great granite rock (394 m), at the entrance to the Guanabara Bay, you discover the outlines of the "marvellous" bay, the Botafogo and Flamengo beaches and the Niteroï Bridge.
Lunch at the “Espirito Santa”, a charming restaurant located in the fascinating Santa Teresa district.
Ride up to Corcovado on a track-railway, where Christ’s statue stands.
This is the other famous great rock of Rio – the one on which Christ the Redeemer stands (30 m in height), with his arms open (28 m wide), protecting the city with all his weight (1200 tonnes). From here, you get the best panoramic view of the city.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Transfer for dinner.
Dinner at the churrascaria Marius Copacabana. A churrascaria is a typically Brazilian restaurant where an army of busy waiters serves all sorts of meats on long, sword-like skewers.
Night at the hotel of your choice (See list p.55)

DAY 3 – MONDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2006 ð RIO DE JANEIRO / SALVADOR DE BAHIA
Brazilian breakfast at your hotel.
Morning free to visit the beach or go shopping
Optional: Helicopter trip over Rio (6/7 minutes).
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and flight to Salvador de Bahia

PRE CONGRESS TOUR 4      

SEASIDE TRIP IN THE VICINITY OF SALVADOR AT THE PRAIA DO FORTE ECO RESORT HOTEL & THALASSO SPA

Located 70 Km to the north of Salvador, on the Costa de Coqueiros, in a 6000-hectare estate carpeted with coconut trees, Praia do Forte is a fishermen’s village that gradually turned into a seaside resort, but while retaining its old world charm.

You will be able to admire its tiny streets, its little restaurants and shops, and will happily roam through miles of semi-deserted beaches.

Hotel
Built on the basis of an ecological concept, respectful of the flora and fauna, this hotel would attract all nature lovers. The village is only 10 min. away on foot.

Rooms
All the rooms offer air conditioning, telephone, Internet access, minibar, locker, hair dryer and a terrace with a view of the sea (hammock).

Services
3 restaurants, with one main restaurant for dinner (magnificent buffet), snack bar and bar.
Business centre, infirmary and shops.
8 swimming pools, well-lit tennis courts, beach volleyball, football, ping-pong, playroom, nautical base, organized activities.
THALASSO SPA
Excursions in the region’s ecological reserve possible.

PROGRAMME

These prices do not include:
Transatlantic flights (price details given in the form)
Taxes for transatlantic flights (see details p.47) and for domestic flights (4€/flight)
Optional visits
Personal expenses (telephone, minibar, laundry, tips, etc.)
Assistance/repatriation and cancellation/baggage insurance
Transatlantic flights (price details given in the form)
Note: Prices in dollars are indicative and would be adjusted according to the exchange rate on the day you make your reservation (on 18/04/2006: 1€ = 1.2252$US).