Destination: Brazil

Itinerary: Rio & The SouthEast

THREE WEEKS

This 2300km, round-trip takes you west from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo, and from there north to the mountain towns in Minas Gerais. Belo Horizonte is the transit point for the towns of Minas Gerais and for Vitoria on the coast of Espirito Santo. From there, coastal buses connect to Rio de Janeiro.

Gorgeous beaches, rain forest-covered islands and colonial towns are just some of the things you'll experience on a trip around the Southeast.

Spend a few days discovering Rio, the enchanting Cariocas (Rio dwellers) and their beaches, samba and unrivalled nightlife before heading to Sao Paulo. Along the way, you'll travel the lush Costa Verde, where you can access Ilha Grande, an island blanketed by rain forest and ringed by dozens of striking beaches, and Paraty, a charming colonial town that hosts lively festivals in a spectacular natural setting. Ilhabela is another gorgeous island of beaches, forests and waterfalls. Stop in Sao Paulo, to experience the restaurants and nightlife of one of the world's most international cities. Then head to the exquisite mountain towns of Ouro Preto, Diamantina and Tiradentes, where you can stroll the cobblestone streets of some of Brazil's finest colonial gems.

Connect in Belo Horizonte for the train ride to the coast, or catch a bus to Parque Nacional de Caparao, a thickly forested park with superb views. In Vitoria, catch a coastal bus south, where you'll pass charming fishing villages and some handsome beaches, particularly around the town of Guarapari. Further south are equally stunning beaches, from chic Buzios, to Saquarema, a surfing favorite.

On the way back to Rio, detour north to Petropolis, a cool mountain retreat. Great hiking is nearby at the Parque Nacional da Serra dos Orgaos. You can also get a taste of Switzerland at Nova Friburgo.