Explore Rio with Musicians
Rio de Janeiro is a city where music seamlessly integrates into daily life. Samba is rehearsed in community spaces, played in open squares, and shared informally long before it reaches a stage. This weekend in Rio is designed to experience that everyday musical culture as it exists now.
Over the course of the journey, we spend time in places where samba is practiced and preserved, including samba schools and local rehearsal spaces. These visits offer a closer look at how musicians prepare, learn from one another, and maintain traditions through regular practice rather than performance.
A central part of the experience takes place in Little Africa, one of Rio’s most historically significant neighborhoods. Through guided walks and museum visits, we explore the Afro-Brazilian roots of samba and the social history that shaped its development. The focus is on context, musicianship, and community.
The program also leaves room for the city itself. Time at the beach, shared meals, and optional evening music gatherings allow for a relaxed pace and personal exploration. Visits to Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer provide perspective on Rio’s landscape and the environment in which its music continues to evolve.
This tour offers a clear and thoughtful introduction to Rio through music, history, and place. It is intended for travelers who want to listen closely, observe carefully, and understand how samba fits into everyday life in the city.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Rio de Janeiro & Samba School Experience
Arrive in Rio de Janeiro and check into your accommodation. Take some time to relax with a visit to the beach before gathering for an early dinner at Churrascaria Palace, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Brazilian feast. After dinner, immerse yourself in the heart of Rio’s Carnival culture with a visit to a Samba school rehearsal, where you’ll witness the passion, music, and energy that bring Carnival to life. For those who want to continue the night, an optional late-night experience awaits at Roda de Samba at Pedra do Sal, a historic open-air samba gathering.
Day 2: Afro-Brazilian Heritage & Little Africa Tour
After breakfast, embark on a cultural walking tour through Little Africa, one of Rio’s most historically significant Afro-Brazilian neighborhoods. Along the way, we’ll visit an Afro-Brazilian museum that showcases the deep cultural and artistic contributions of African heritage to Brazilian society. As we explore, we’ll hear stories of resistance, music, and community that have shaped the region. The tour will end with a delicious, authentic Afro-Brazilian lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of Little Africa. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to go shopping, relax at the beach, or explore Rio at your leisure. Dinner is on your own, with recommendations for excellent local dining experiences.
Day 3: The Soul of Samba & Carnival
Today is a full immersion into the world of Samba and Carnival. In the morning, we’ll visit the Museum of Samba, where you’ll learn about the evolution of this iconic musical genre and its impact on Brazilian culture. We’ll then move on to an exciting behind-the-scenes Carnival workshop, where you’ll get a firsthand look at the elaborate floats, costumes, and preparations that go into Brazil’s biggest celebration. During this experience, you’ll have the chance to try on Carnival costumes, learn about the artistry of the parade, and even participate in a dance or percussion session. A traditional Brazilian lunch is included during the day. The evening is yours to enjoy as you wish, whether you prefer a relaxed dinner or a night out experiencing Rio’s vibrant music scene.
Day 4: Rio’s Iconic Landmarks
Start the day with breathtaking views as we take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, followed by a visit to the towering Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After taking in these iconic sights, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace. In the evening, you can opt for a group dinner, explore the bustling nightlife of Lapa, or attend a Latin jazz performance at one of Rio’s top venues.
Day 5: Departure day
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departure.
Depart Rio de Janeiro with lasting impressions of the city’s music, culture, and daily life.
This tour is for travelers who value music, culture, and context over checklists and crowds. You enjoy well-curated experiences, smaller groups, and learning directly from local artists, musicians, and cultural insiders.
It’s ideal for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to experience Rio de Janeiro beyond the surface, through its music, neighborhoods, and daily life, while staying comfortable and moving at a thoughtful, unhurried pace.
Small Group Tours Up to 12 People
Your Group Your Dates
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Boutique Festival Experience | Small-Group | VIP Access
Your Host
Chaz Chambers
As a seasoned drummer and insightful guide, Chaz Chambers will lead you through Brazil’s inspiring culture, encouraging cultural immersion amidst the country’s unique cultural and natural wonders.
What’s included
Entry into unique music events, including a visit to a Samba School Rehearsal!
Daily breakfasts. Two curated lunches. Two dinners featuring local food.
Private group transport for all scheduled activities. Some historic areas are walking only.
Learn about Afro-Brazilian Heritage and what makes Brazilian music & culture so unique.
A deluxe double room in a four- or five-star property in Rio de Janeiro. Suite options available.
Musician and music Expert Tour Leaders, Brazilian Music Specialists, and Local guides
What’s not Included
- Round-trip flights between your hometown and Brazil.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Any recommended or required vaccinations or travel-related medications are the responsibility of the traveler.
- Lunches and dinners not specifically listed.
- Activities not included in the official itinerary, as well as personal expenses.
- Tips for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and musicians.
- Alcohol is only included where mentioned.
- Extra stays before or after the tour are not included but can be arranged at an additional cost.
“It was an incredible trip and exceeded our expectations. We had a range of musical experiences and visited important local sites.
The local guides Musical Getaways has relationships with were extremely knowledgeable and delightful company.…“
ANN
Dates And Pricing
Booking in advance ensures a wider selection of options and benefits from lower prices. Plus, flexibility is at your fingertips; feel free to switch to another trip without any fees before your final payment. For personalized assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our travel specialists at info@musicalgetaways.com.
Your Group Your Dates
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Important Itinerary Notes & Travel Pace
Find answers to the most common questions about our tours. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, please contact us.
Itinerary Structure & Flexibility
The itinerary shown above is a sample outline intended to demonstrate the overall flow, experiences, and inclusions of the tour. Specific days and the order of activities may vary depending on departure dates, samba school rehearsal schedules, and local community event availability. Rio de Janeiro is a dynamic city where community-based musical gatherings and rehearsals often shift times or locations with little notice.
We plan carefully and remain flexible, always prepared with multiple contingency options to ensure a meaningful musical and cultural experience. While minor adjustments may occur, the experiences outlined in the sample itinerary—including the exploration of Little Africa and visits to historic samba spaces—reflect what we fully intend to deliver on each tour. Final, date-specific itineraries are shared closer to departure.
Live Music Disclaimer
Because authentic samba culture is central to this program, performance and rehearsal schedules are often fluid. Changes in set times, specific artist lineups, or designated rehearsal spaces are part of the reality of a city where music is deeply integrated into daily community life. When these shifts occur, we work closely with our local partners and cultural insiders to provide equally compelling alternatives.
Travel Pace & Activity Level
his tour is moderately paced and designed for travelers who enjoy being active while exploring urban neighborhoods and historic sites. Expect regular walking, including guided cultural tours through the hilly and sometimes uneven streets of Little Africa and the historic Port Zone. Guests should also expect getting in and out of vehicles, navigating stairs in older buildings or rehearsal halls, and spending time in lively, high-energy environments like samba schools.
While this is not a high-intensity or athletic tour, it does require a comfortable level of mobility and the endurance typical of immersive city travel. The program includes time for reflection and personal exploration, but guests should be prepared for the physical nature of walking tours and the standing required during local musical gatherings and museum visits.
Accessibility & Private Tours
If you have mobility considerations, accessibility needs, or prefer a slower or more customized pace, we strongly recommend inquiring about a private tour. Given that many historic Rio neighborhoods and traditional community spaces include steep inclines, uneven sidewalks, and limited elevator access, private tours allow us to tailor the itinerary, transportation, and activity level to best suit your needs while preserving the spirit of the experience.
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