DAY 1 : Depart the USA to Brazil

Brazil, occupies approximately half of the South American continent. Here we will marvel at the world’s widest waterfalls, enjoy Rio’s world famous beaches, and learn about one of the most colorful cultures and dynamic Jewish communities in the world. We will then journey to Argentina, where we immediately feel the fusion of South American energy and European sophistication in Buenos Aires.

DAY 2 : Rio de Janeiro

Arrive in Rio de Janeiro where you will be met and assisted by Yona Tours representatives and transfer to your hotel. You may use the hotel pool and facilities. Relax by beach hotel. By evening after dinner enjoy panoramic sightseeing through the most interesting avenues and squares of the city. Then transfer to your hotel.

DAY 3 : Rio de Janeiro

Today we visit "Corcovado" one of seven new wonders of the world. Enjoy one of the most majestic views of Rio de Janeiro: the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon, the Lagoon. The Christ of the Redeemer statue, which has 38m in height and was made of reinforced concrete clad in a mosaic of thousands of triangular soapstone tiles, and also will have a chance to see some of the most beautiful views of the city. Then we will visit the world-famous “Sugar Loaf”, a 1300-foot granite cone, rising from Guanabara Bay. A spectacular cable car ride takes us to its summit where we will enjoy magnificent views of the city, beaches and bay. Return to your hotel for some beach time. After dinner return to your hotel.

DAY 4 : Tijuca Rain Forest

Take a morning tour from Rio to the Tijuca Rain Forest. The tour includes an easy hike, giving you the chance to spot monkeys, birds, butterflies and tropical flora. You'll be amazed by the remarkable contrast of a tropical rain forest right in the middle of a big city. Then Venture outside the center of Rio de Janeiro to visit the beautiful “Santa Teresa” neighborhood. The unique Santa Teresa district is located in the outskirts of Rio and enchants locals and visitors with its street art and eclectic architecture. Next, we will visit the Escadaria Selarón (Selaron stairs), a colorful tiled stairway, work of a self-taught Chilean artist Jorge Selarón. 215 steps that he entirely covered with tiles collected in urban areas of Rio or donated by visitors from all around the world. Since 1990, Selarón has laid over 2000 tiles, mainly red-colored: unique pieces representing a “tribute to the Brazilian people”. This afternoon we visit some of Rio’s Jewish sites including the Hebraica, Rio’s largest Jewish club, Rio’s largest active synagogue. Tonight, enjoy an optional folklore Brazilian show "Plataforma" featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, "samba" bands and spectacular costumes in a wonderful display of Brazilian folklore and carnival.

DAY 5 : Sao Paulo

After breakfast transfer to airport and fly to Sao Paulo. The city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is an active metropolis as well as an industrial, commercial, and financial powerhouse. The tour starts with a panoramic drive through main historical and cultural attractions of São Paulo like, São Paulo’s Municipal Theater (significant for its architectural), St. Francis church (18th century church), Tea Bridge and City Hall (an imposing building made entirely of travertine marble). Our next stop will be held at the Municipal Market (Belle époque confection of stained glass and a series of vast domes, specializing in fresh produce and dried goods, a great place to sample classic delights). Discover what is the most traditional food market in São Paulo, a great place to learn more about Brazilian goods and its gastronomy.

DAY 6 : Sao Paulo

Explore some of the most historically city areas such as “Higienópolis” and “Bom Retiro” that are those where Jewish groups mostly settled down along the late 19th-century fleeing from wars and religious persecution. Jewish history in Brazil dates to the time of the voyages of Christopher Columbus. Sao Paulo is home to about 76,000 Jews this makes Sao Paulo a very significant cultural center for Jewish life within Brazil. Visit Club Hebraica, the largest and most important Jewish country club and center in Sao Paulo. Then by afternoon visit “Liberdade” (home to the largest Japanese community outside of Japan in the world) and “Ibirapuera Park” (It’s importance to São Paulo is comparable to that of Central Park to New York City). The last region you´ll visit is Vila Madalena neighborhood (a bohemian area full of art studios and which possesses the best murals in town). This is where the famous Batman´s alley is located, considered to be the craddle of Graffiti and Street Art in São Paulo. At this sight, a stop of 20 minutes will be held. Then after visiting some shopping area come back to hotel and prepare for Shabbat, candle lighting, shabbat prayer and dinner.

DAY 7 : Sao Paulo

After prayers in one of the local synagogues and lunch enjoy Shabbat with the local community and have some relaxation.

DAY 8: Sao Paulo-Iguassu Falls

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Iguassu Falls. Upon arrival take a walking tour of the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls. Stroll around catwalks and admire the beauty and abundance of one of the world's great natural wonders spanning over two- and one-half miles across with 275 separate cataracts. You will drive to the Iguazu Falls National Park, where you will enjoy intimate views of the “Iguazu River” and the falls, as well as a hike through the park. (No Dinner).

DAY 9 : Iguazu Falls-Argentina

Join us on this fantastic full day exploration of the enchanting “Iguazu Falls” on the Argentinian side. Lower and upper walkways give you an up close and personal waterfall experience. Truly one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world, these falls will take your breath away.

DAY 10 : Buenos Aires

Transfer to airport and fly to Buenos Aires capital of Argentine. Enjoy an exciting Buenos Aires tour of the city’s highlights. You will start your tour in the city center, on the beautiful Plaza de Mayo surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), San Telmo flea market and recoleta hand craft fair, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the splendid Cabildo building, which served as City Hall under the Spanish colonial rule. You will then continue to Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires’ modern, financial district, where you’ll learn about the fascinating transformation of this lively neighborhood. After dinner check in to your hotel.

DAY 11 : Buenos Aires

This morning, it's time to explore the wonders of Buenos Aires' Jewish Heritage. Start with a visit to the Grand Synagogue, the Libertad, built at the beginning of the century and at one time the center of religious activity in Buenos Aires. Following is a visit to the Jewish Museum which vividly depicts the history of the Jewish community then visit Israel Embassy Plaza and Amia Federation. By afternoon visit “Caminito”. Caminito which translates as “little street,” wasn’t always a street. It was originally a stream; when the water dried up, railroad tracks were built on the dry bed. When the tracks were removed, it became a landfill. Today it is considered one of Buenos Aires’ most colorful streets. Located in the neighborhood of La Boca, the street is a good place to watch artists at work and view their completed works. Visit “Recoleta Cemetery”. This cemetery isn’t just an ordinary cemetery. It’s where the elite of Buenos Aires and Argentina are buried, including the country’s former presidents. The cemetery is a good place to view fantastic marble mausoleums and best statuary, sculpted by notable artists. Have some free time for shopping. Buenos Aires has some of the best shopping. Palermo is the most trendy part of Buenos Aires, so you can expect the shopping to be quite good. Full of boutiques shop and name brands catering to men and women alike, the streets of Palermo Soho are a shopping Paradise and you will find that most shopping can be done within a few blocks in Palermo Soho.

DAY 12: Buenos Aires-U.S.A

Transfer to airport for your flight. Welcome back to U.S. Begin planning your next trip with Yona Tours.