Carnival tour - Samba School Rehearsal Experience

PRIVATE TOUR

Enjoy the carnival’s energy by visiting a Samba School rehearsal and watching a live performance by the Drums section and samba dancers.

Overview

Carnival is the biggest popular party in Brazil, a country known for its plurality and the magic of its music. How about participating a little in this universe experiencing the joy of rehearsals at the biggest Samba Schools in Rio de Janeiro?

Samba schools are local organizations traditionally associated with a particular neighborhood, having a solid community basis since it was in Rio de Janeiro that they began in the 1930s. They prepare themselves throughout the year for the Official Carnival Parade that takes place every year in February.

From October to January, the samba schools hold their rehearsals, an event for the community to learn the Samba and choreography of the year. They are also open to the public who want to see and feel up close the performance they offer every year at Sambódromo Avenue.

In this experience, we will take you to a traditional Samba School headquarters and immerse you in the carnival culture along with its passionate components and locals.

There, you will watch the performance of beautiful dancers and the flag-bearers couple, who will introduce you to Samba’s fascinating rhythm and dance.

The night’s highlight is the drums section (percussion orchestra) performance, the heart of the samba school. More than sixty musicians play percussion instruments simultaneously in perfect harmony. And you can even live this experience by playing along with them during the rehearsal!

Come with us, enjoy a genuine Carnival experience, and live a night to remember!

Book your tour
What includes

Included:

  • Accredited bilingual tour guide;

  • Roundtrip transportation from South Zone locations (for other regions, please consult the additional price)

  • Tickets for the event.

Not Included:

  • Food and Drinks;

  • Tips for your local guide.

Important Information
  • The itinerary can be changed due to weather and/or adverse conditions at the expense of the local guide.

  • Minimum of 2 people to book this experience.

  • You must book this tour at least 48 hours in advance.

  • Our tours are private. That is, prices vary depending on the size of your group. The greater the number of people, the lower your rate per pax.
  • This tour is not appropriate for children.
Frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.)
How can I book this experience?

Click the ‘Book your tour’ button. Choose the date you want and the number of people taking the tour. Then add to cart. Click on the cart icon in the lower right corner of your screen to open your shopping cart. Fill in the primary contact information and then ‘Continue’ to be directed to payment. Once your reservation has been processed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with all the information about the experience.

Our online booking system is simple and secure, and we accept various credit and debit cards. But if you prefer, you can make your reservation directly with our sales team by e-mail: sales@riodejaneirobycariocas.com or by phone (WhatsApp): +55 21 99552-3996.

Is it possible to have this experience without being private?

Our experiences are private to offer you a safer, more personalized, and more comfortable experience. By opting for a private tour, you can enjoy the company of your loved ones or a select group of friends without worrying about strangers. This creates a more unique environment, allowing for greater flexibility regarding the itinerary, the pace of the tour, and even adjusting the schedule to your personal preferences.

Our guides will be exclusively available to you, offering in-depth information and interesting stories and answering all your questions. This will ensure you have an enriching experience, learning about the local culture, history, and traditions more intimately.

What should I wear or take on the tour?

There is no general rule of what to bring or use. Still, we recommend bringing an identification document (it doesn’t have to be the original), money, and a lot of energy and excitement. Any specific recommendations will be noted on your voucher.

Can this experience be done with children?

No, this experience is not appropriate for children.

What happens if, on the day of my experience, it rains or there is bad weather?

We do not cancel tours due to bad weather, so the tour will take place even with rain and/or cloudy weather, except in cases of force majeure. We adapt the script or, if possible, change the date. If you cancel the tour less than 48 hours in advance (except in extreme cases), there will be no refund as per our cancellation policy.

Do you pick it up and return it to my accommodation?

Yes, this experience includes transportation to and from your place of accommodation as long as it is located within the area of the south and center zone. For other regions, an additional fee will be charged. Please consult our team for more information.

What are the preventive measures against covid-19 adopted on the tours? Do I need to be vaccinated or follow them?

As part of our commitment to Safe Travels, we follow all security measures recommended by the UNWTO and city laws. All our guides and drivers are fully vaccinated, and our vehicles are sanitized.

As per the national rule, visitors must be vaccinated or have a negative COVID test to enter the country. Face masks are no longer mandatory, but we recommend using them for people with health problems. 

What do I do if I need to cancel my tour after booking?

You must request the cancellation of your experience by e-mail to the following address: sales@riodejaneirobycariocas.com. Once we receive your order, we will determine the refund due as follows:

– If you cancel 7 (seven) days or more before the start of the tour: no cancellation fee, i.e., a full refund.

– If you cancel between 6 (six) and 3 (three) days before the start of the tour: 50% cancellation fee. If you paid in full for your experience, we’ll issue you a 50% refund of the amount paid.

– If you cancel less than 48 hours (2 days) before the start of the tour: 100% of the cancellation fee, i.e., there is no refund.

If your tour is carried out by one of our suppliers, the cancellation will be carried out according to the supplier’s rules.

I have a question that doesn’t appear in this FAQ. How should I proceed?

If you have any other questions about our services, please contact our team at +55 21 99552-3996 or by e-mail: sales@riodejaneirobycariocas.com.

Meet Your Tour Guide

As a typical carioca, Monique’s day begins with a stroll along the Copacabana boardwalk and ends at a very bohemian bar, preferably accompanied by a traditional Roda de Samba. Her guided tours are full of history and local lifestyle, all in a very extroverted, friendly and fun way.

Main local of the tour​

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