I used to travel alone. I am keen on organizing things, keeping track of my schedules and maximizing the time spent to one place. I am the type of person that when I travel, I see to it I will visit the must-see places in the area.
When planning my route/itinerary, I list all the attractions and have an advance reading on it. Some say it is better to DIY (do-it-yourself) tour, check on the mode of transportation on how to get there and see for yourself. This time, that does not work for me. I knew myself I can do it but I never attempted to do it. I find it more interesting and informative when you come to join a group tour. Well, it comes at a price but for me, it’s still worth it.
Why? In a group tour, itinerary is already organized by the agency. All you have to do is to hop on the coach and listen to what your guide was saying. If you have an advance reading, you can participate in asking questions or clarifications. The places of interest also were already planned and they are really focusing on the significant one. The price also includes convenience that you don’t have to fall in line for an entrance tickets.
In my case, I signed up an online membership on a tour agency, Viator. I already have tried and tested their services when i went to Europe, they have travel agency tie ups and in Rio, they have Grayline Rio de Janeiro.
I booked for a Half-day Sugar Loaf Mountain tour and part of their itinerary was a quick city tour. My pick-up time was at 8:30am in front of my hotel. They were on time. We drove out of Copacabana after the last pick-up stop near my hotel. It was worth knowing a little history of the city. It was interesting to note that Rio de Janeiro alone have more than 100 tunnels connecting several neighborhoods.
We went straight to the Sambadrome, a 700-meter hall where the samba schools dance their way during the Carnival every February. She told us that every Samba school is allowed only 1 hr and half to finish dancing the whole stretch of Sambadrome in order to cater all other participants.
Along the way, she explained to us the Favelas. She also added some insights on the railways, and other exciting neighborhood. We passed through the main street of downtown Rio, its Sunday and nobody is there. She told us that the financial district is primarily for business only. No residential buildings in the area.
We passed through the arches in Lapa, it was known to be an aqueduct before but now, a tramway connecting Santa Teresa neighborhood to the city center. Near the Arches is the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro. As per my tour guide, more weddings are celebrated here. If you want to get married here, you need to book at least 2 years before your big day.
We had a quick visit at the Cathedral. It is magnificent. I love its architecture. I love its stained glass all the way to the ceiling. In the outside, you cannot tell if it’s a church because of its design. But it’s very nice. We were given 15 minutes to explore the place: photo opportunity, bathroom break and etc.
The bus was just waiting outside, we boarded our bus and we’re off to the Sugar Loaf. Passing along the neighborhood of Flamengo and Botofago, it’s nice to see the city even if it is that quick.
Been here: August 9, 2015
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