Excursions – Accompanying Persons

In addition to the WCN 2007 official Social Program and Networking Opportunities all Accompanying Persons may wish to take time out to enjoy Rio’s attractions by joining the variety of excursions specially organized throughout the five days of the Congress.
All excursions depart from and return to four main locations in Rio: Barra de Tijuca, Leblon, Ipanema and Copacabana. The pick-up points will be available on the website and in the Final Program distributed to all participants during the Congress.

Excursions can only be guaranteed for a minimum participation of 20 people.

You may book excursions while registering for the Congress.

Half Day Excursions

Corcovado
In the traditional district of Cosme Velho, you will be transported by train up the hill to the magical Corcovado Mountain at the heart of the Tijuca Forest. Heralded by many as “The Wonder of Rio”, the 120 ft. high statue of Christ – Christ the Redeemer – stands right at the top of this impressive Mountain. The views over the city and
the bay from Corcovado will be unforgettable.

Dates: Sunday 22 and Tuesday April 24, 2007
Departure: 09:00
Duration: 4 hours
Price: US$ 37.00
Price per person includes transportation and an official Tour Guide.

Sugar Loaf Excursion
From the exclusive district of Urca, you will take a charming “Sugar Loaf ” cable car to the top of the 1.003 ft. mountain to marvel at the magnificent views of the city. The Sugar Loaf cable car, invented by the Brazilian engineer Augusto Ferreira Ramos was inaugurated on October 27, 1912 and celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2002. The first cable car in Brazil and the third in the world has since become a trademark of Rio. To-date the Sugar Loaf has served its city by transporting a staggering 31 million visitors. Enjoy the spectacular vista of the ctiy’s unique landscapes, returning back to base to tropical vegetation and rare plant species – some of which can only be found in two niche points on the entire planet.

Dates: Sunday 22 and Tuesday April 24, 2007
Departure: 14:00
Duration: 4 hours
Price: This special excursion is included in the accompanying
person’s fee.
Price for registered delegates: US$ 38.00

Rio’s Botanical Gardens
When the Portuguese Nobility came under threat from Napoleon’s military forces, they fled to Brazil and established their Government headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Among many other benefits, Rio gained a gunpowder factory - located at the original site of the old Rodrigo de Freitas Sugar Mill. Delighted by the natural beauty of its surroundings, D. João – Rio’s Regent Prince of the era installed the Gardens which then became
the Royal Horticulture Gardens. The first plants to be imported originated from the Gabrielle Garden in France – a gift from Luiz de Almeida Vieira e Silva as to D. João VI, who later modernized the Gardens to acclimatize the precious species brought from the West Indies. Since 1822 the Gardens have been visited by many distinguished scholars and royalty. Most recently Princess Sayako of Japan visited the Gardens for the opening of the Japanese Garden. Take this great escape to Rio’s Botanical Gardens where you will find an outstanding and wide variety of tropical plants and flowers from Brazil and other exquisite corners of the globe.

Dates: Monday 23 and Wednesday April 25, 2007
Departure: 09:00
Duration: 4 hours
Price: US$ 22.00
Price per person includes transportation and an official Tour Guide.

Secrets of Old Rio
Explore the old quarters of Rio on foot. Expert tour guides will show you around Rio’s Historical Center blessed with charming architecture and traditional customs and commerce. During the tour you will visit the Sao Bento Monastery, the Praça XV Square, the Candelaria Church, the French - Brazilian House, the old Market Street, and the Imperial Palace, ending with Rio’s famous delicatessen – Confeitaria Colombo, to perhaps take some treats home.

Dates: Monday 23 and Wednesday April 25, 2007
Departure: 13:00
Duration: 4 hours
Price: US$ 22.00
Price per person includes transportation and an official Tour Guide.

Full Day Excursions

Tropical Island Tour
After a 90–minute trip to the fishing village of Itacuruça, you will cruise along the crystal clear waters of the Sepetiba Bay on a traditional Rio schooner. There will be a special stop for those who wish to go for a swim and maybe some diving. Followed by tropical buffet lunch on one of the islands with plenty of time to explore before returning back to base.

Date: Sunday April 22, 2007
Departure: 08:00
Duration: 8 hours
Price: US$ 65.00
Price per person includes transportation, an official Tour Guide, the boat trip and lunch.

Petropolis
The former Petropolis Imperial City, the “Orgãos” Mountain, is only one hour from Rio de Janeiro. You will visit the Imperial Museum and the summer residence of the Imperial Family during the 19th Century and marvel at an impressive art and jewelry collection, including the famous Imperial Crown. You will also visit the Crystal Palace and the Sao Pedro de Alcantara Neo Gothic Cathedral.

Date: Monday April 23, 2007
Departure: 08:00
Duration: 8 hours
Price: US$ 38.00
Price per person includes transportation and official Tour Guide.

Be a Carioca for One Day
Carioca is the term for a Rio de Janeiro native - a nickname used by the Indinans for the first white men to have settled in what is known today as Rio de Janeiro. This amazing tour will take you on the Sugar Loaf, introduce you to the delights of Corcovado, to the Maracanã Stadium for soccer fanatics, the Sambódromo (the famous location of the Samba Schools’ Parade during the Carnival) and Rio’s historic city center.

Date: Tuesday April 24, 2007
Departure: 08:00
Duration: 8 hours
Price: US$ 84.00
Price per person includes transportation, an official Tour Guide, entry and lunch.