wpe1.jpg (10132 bytes)     World Tour
Rio de Janeiro Marathon 2010
July 16-22, 2010


Let us know if you are interested in joining the 50 States Marathon Club on the 2010 World Tour adventure.
steveboone@aol.com

Photos of the trip from Kevin and Lucy Brosi (click here)
Photos of the trip from Steve & Paula
(click here)

Rio de Janeiro
Merlin Copacabana Hotel
July 17-21 (4 night tour)

PROTRAVEL INTERNATIONAL
www.protravelinc.com
Roxana Lewis (50 States Marathon Club member)
roxana.lewis@protravelinc.com
310-691-7477 (direct line)
800-301-3993 (toll-free)

We will be departing from Houston Bush Airport (IAH) at 8pm on July 16th and arriving in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Airport (GIG) at 8:10am on July 17th. We'll be flying Continental CO129. 
We will be departing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Airport (GIG) at 9:55pm on July 21st and arriving in Houston Bush Airport (IAH) at 6:15am on July 22nd.  We'll be flying Continental CO128.
Right now the flights are around $1135.20 for a direct round trip flight from Houston.
**You can arrange your own travel to Houston and then join the group in Houston so that we can all travel together to Brazil.  If you would like to have help booking your flight, Roxana Lewis would be happy to help with your arrangements.
**You can also book round trip from the city of your choice and meet us in Rio on July 17th. The land package offered from PROTRAVEL INTERNATIONAL is listed below.

You'll need to sign up for the race on your own.  http://www.maratonadorio.com.br/site_ingles/index_ingles.html  
Marathon (26.2 miles/42K) with bus to start: approx. $50 (by 1/31/10) approx.$56 (2/1/10-3/31/10) approx. $67 (4/1/10-5/31/10)
Half (13.1 miles/42K) with bus to start: approx. $39 (by 1/31/10) approx.$50 (2/1/10-3/31/10) approx. $56 (4/1/10-5/31/10)
Family Run (3.73 miles/6K) approx. $28 (by 1/31/10) approx. $34 (2/1/10-3/31/10) approx. $39 (4/1/10-5/31/10)

You will need a passport.

You will need to get a Brazilian Visa.  Roxana Lewis suggests using http://www.zvs.com/Step2.aspx  The price is approximately $216.  Make sure that you plan at least two weeks advance processing to avoid extra expedite fees.  You will need to submit: an application, your US passport (with 2 blank pages and 6 months validity), 2X2 passport photo, copy of your itinerary print-out or roundtrip ticket, copy of driver's license. The visa service will give you specific information.  

We will need a $100 deposit made out to 50 States Marathon Club to secure your spot in the land only service.  The remainder will need to be paid by May 14, 2010 to Protravel International.
50 States Marathon Club
19903 January Dr.
Humble, TX 77346 

Rio de Janeiro Itinerary  (details)  (optional tour details)

Depart USA - July 16th evening

Day 1: Arrive Rio de Janeiro - July 17th morning
Arrive in Rio, nestled between the mountains and the sea.  The very sound of its name evokes images of sun, fun and rhythm of the sensuous samba.  Few places on earth can match the hospitality, natural charm, beauty and excitement of this city.  That's why many Brazilians call Rio the "Cidade Maravilhosa" - the marvelous city.   Transfer to the hotel; remainder of the day at leisure.  We will be picking up our race packets (9am-6pm - waiting for details from the race) and getting ready for the big race.

Day 2: Race Day! - July 18th
Breakfast included
The morning of the race we will need to take a cab to the finish line to get on the bus.   One should not go alone because it is too early and there are very few people around - cabbies may take advantage.
Rio Marathon: Start at Recreio dos Bandeirantes - 42K run to finish at Aterro do Flamengo - 6 hour limit
Marathon Schedule
5h00: Buses begin to leave
6h45: Warm up / Stretching
7h30: Start
11h00: Awards Ceremony

Rio Half MarathonStart at Pepe Beach (Barra da Tijuca) Praia do Pepe - 21K run to finish at Aterro do Flamengo
Half Marathon Schedule
5h00: Buses begin to leave
6h30: Warm up / Stretching
7h00: Start

Family Run Schedule
Start: Aterro do Flamengo - 6K run
7h30: Warm up / Stretching
8h00: Start

The rest of the day is at your leisure. Those not participating in the races will have the entire day at their leisure.  Those interested may purchase an optional Samba Show and Dinner for $130 additional for that evening.

Day 3: Rio de Janeiro - July 19th
Breakfast included
Morning drive through the bustling city takes you to the base of Corcovado Mountain; a short and scenic train ride through the forest takes you to the summit.  Here, 2,400 feet above the city, stands one of South America's most famous and inspiring landmarks -- the 125 foot statue of "Christ the Redeemer".  The panorama of the city below is testament to why most visitors consider Rio one of the most spectacular cities in the world. The rest of the day is to be enjoyed at leisure.

Day 4: Rio de Janeiro - July 20th
Breakfast included
Half-day tour of the city, featuring the main points of interest and an excursion to the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain for a panoramic view of the city, beaches and Guanabara Bay.   In due time, return to the hotel.

Day 5: Depart Rio de Janeiro - July 21st
Breakfast included
For those interested in purchasing an optional half-day tour before flying home, let us know if you are interested and we will arrange for one.  Transfer to the airport for flight back to USA.

Price for land only services:
     * Per person based on double occupancy: $475 - Standard room
Note: All prices are subject to change until the actual confirmation of services and availability


Included:
Hotel taxes and service charges
Meals as per itinerary
Transfers and tours as per itinerary based on motor coach services

Not included:
Air of any kind
Airport taxes and Government Fees
Travel Insurance
Extras or items not included or described in itinerary
Personal expenses of any nature
Tips


Remember that the seasons are opposite ours.  July is in the winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
For ideas check: http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/Brazil/Estado_do_Rio_de_Janeiro/Rio_de_Janeiro-1504237/Packing_Lists-Rio_de_Janeiro-BR-1.html

Note from member, Edson Sanches, who has done the race many times, "Rio is safe, but people should always be with someone else, especially late at night or too early in the morning.  Any other time, just use common sense."

Members who are going: Lois Berkowitz, Paula and Steve Boone, Mike and Denise Brooks, Kevin and Lucy Brosi, Diana Burton, Lisa Donahue, Richard and Marlene Friedrichsen, Tom Hallee, Rich Holmes, David and Debbie Ingram, Jeannette Roostai, Jason Tung, Ginny Turner

Ginny Turner wants to extend her trip to Iguazu Falls and would like any interested members to contact her:    ginny.turner@gmail.com



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