Draft program for Rio Carnaval 2003

21^st February to 5^th March

This is the draft program for our trip. We will try to combine day and night activities. The good thing about Rio is that most of the night-outings start late, around 11.00pm. So, we will have time to rest before going out.

This is a flexible program that should reach the group and the participants interests. There are some group activities, which we all should be involved in, such as going to the Samba Schools Rehearsals.

• Day 1- Friday 21^st : check- in, shopping for basic groceries if required. Dinner in Copacabana and night-out at Suvaco de Cristo: a Club with one of the best Batucada (Brazilian Percussion) following the best local music. Group Activity.

• Day 2- Saturday 22^nd :  day at the beach in Copacabana and Ipanema. Lunch at a Churrascaria (famous Brazilian BBQ). Big night: party/rehearsal with Ala Bons Amigos at Mocidade Samba School. Group Activity.

• Day 3- Sunday 23^rd : visit to Morro de Santa Teresa. At night: special out-door rehearsal at Mocidade Samba School. Optional.

• Day 4- Monday 24^th : shopping day! The best Brazilian stuff you want to take home such as, CDs, instruments, clothes, souvenirs, etc. Optional. Night open.

• Day 5- Tuesday 25^th : tourist day visit to Corcovado and/or Sugar Loaf and/or beach. Night: Rehearsal at Salgueiro Samba School. A night of pure samba, cerveja and caipirinha. Group Activity.

• Day 6- Wednesday 26^th: trip to a famous tourist destination near Rio. Night: local club or bar. Optional overnight stay.

• Day 7- Thursday 27^th: return to Rio

• Day 8- Friday 28^th: day free. Night: Samba School Rehearsal. Optional.

• Day 9- Saturday 01^st: carnaval party on the streets of Rio. Night: Samba Ball. Group Activity.

• Day 10- Sunday 02^nd : sleep in, you will need it! Night: Watch the first night of the Samba Schools Parade at Sambodromo from 8:00pm until 7:00am. Group Activity.

• Day 11- Monday 03^rd: relax at the beach for the most important day of the Carnaval. Night: Party at Ala Bons Amigos in the suburbs of Rio, try the costume and Parade with Mocidade Samba School. Group Activity.

• Day 12- Tuesday 04^th: the day after: sleep in. Night: Free.

• Day 13- Wednesday 05^th:  Ash Wednesday, sad day, packing, bye-bye Rio.