Day 1 (4th March) London – Rio de Janeiro
Departure from London to Rio de Janeiro. 

Day 2 (5th March) Rio de Janeiro – the Carnival begins!
Arrival in Rio de Janeiro and transfer to the hotel. During the transfer the English-speaking guide will give helpful information about Rio and the Carnival event.
This is the official start date of the Carnival in Rio 2011, and there's a lot happening. You can choose to visit some of the famous sights in Rio such as The Christ statue or the Sugarloaf Mountain, or relax on one of Rio's famous beaches: Copacabana or Ipanema. 
But in the afternoon why not catch the "Banda Ipanema" which gathers at the General Osório square in the Ipanema district. This is a Carnival street band and a parade with a zany mix of people in outlandish costumes following the band in this procession of music, dance and craziness. You can walk with the parade - dressed up or not - and it’s free. Another famous street band parade this day is the Cordão do Bola Preta, one of the most traditional bands parading downtown in Rio and starts at 4 pm: the meeting place is at Rua Sacadura Crabral, 373 (Cinelândia). All you have to do is to turn up and join in. It's free too.
This evening also hosts the Magic Ball at the Copacabana Palace Hotel. This legendary ball is the most famous Carnival ball in Rio, and the natural choice for glamour and sophistication. Luxury costume or black tie/evening dress is required, and a number of international and local VIPs are always among the guests. All tickets include buffet dinner and free open bar. All tickets provide access to all ballrooms. Best value is the standing ticket. Although it has no seat assigned, tables are available in the veranda and other areas close to the buffet. Prices for the Copacabana Palace Ball are around U$ 950 for a standing ticket.
Another famous Ball this night is the Mangueira Carnival Ball where the School will have it its entire drumming group, its principal samba dancers, the flag bearer and her escort. It is a genuine samba night; you can dance all night or just watch and enjoy the crowd. Entrance fee approximately U$ 95 for a standing ticket. 

Day 3 (6th March) Rio de Janeiro – Carnival at the Sambódromo
Relax during the day and prepare for the one of the highlights of the Carnival: the parade at the Sambódromo. This is "THE" Parade, the highlight of Carnival, the must-see show which has made Rio de Janeiro the Carnival capital of the world. The entire Carnival revolves around these two nights. The schools belonging to this group are especially magnificent and sumptuous. The two nights are similar in terms of set-up: 6 of the best 12 samba schools march on both Sunday and Monday. Doors open at 17:00, opening ceremony at 20:00, parades start at 21:00.
Transfer from the hotel to the Sambódromo (the Samba stadium) to sector 9, the tourist sector; in this sector all seats are numbered. There are snack bars, refreshment stands and restrooms in each Sambódromo sector. In addition, everybody has access to a promenade behind the bleachers within the Sambódromo that is lined with restaurants, ice-cream stands, souvenir shops and more restrooms. Transfers back from the Sambódromo are available every hour, so when you have seen enough, ask the hostesses when the next bus goes. The Sambódromo on Samba Parade days is considered to be the safest place in South America. There is a very high concentration of international celebrities, politicians and royalties among the crowd! 

Day 4 (7th March) Rio de Janeiro – Carnival
Day at leisure to relax.
Maybe Copacabana or Ipanema Beach can tempt you after a night at the Samba stadium? But the Carnival in Rio is far from over: the “Beer Ball” takes place today, and tickets are available for standing, VIP Seat or a table for 4 people. Outrageous street bands are parading: one of the more popular is ”Rancho Flor do Sereno” starting at the "Bip Bip" bar in Copacabana (Rua Almirante Gonçalves 50). Samba Land (Terreirão do Samba) is of course open and a good option when the street parade is over. 

Day 5 – 8 Rio de Janeiro – at leisure.
Day 5 is the last official Day of the Carnival in Rio but the party goes on! There is one very popular Ball this day rounding up the Carnival. The Gay Costume Ball is an institution, and the most famous of all balls. Broadcast live to the entire country, the Gala Gay closes Carnival with a runway entrance where drag queens and their admirers show off their costume extravaganza. It's the most straight of the gay balls and attracts a huge crowd - gay or straight. 
There are several options for sightseeing: if the weather is good, a Tropical Island boat tour is recommended, or a visit to the colonial city of Petropolis. Not to mention all the wonderful things to see in Rio itself. 

Day 09 (12th March) Rio de Janeiro – London
The last day in Rio de Janeiro. Normally flights leave in the evening from Rio to Europe, so you have this day for some shopping, sightseeing or the beach. Ask for late check out when making the reservation. Transport to the airport on your own. 

Day 10 (13th March) arrival in London. 

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The package includes:

Return direct flights from London to Rio de Janeiro including all taxes and fees.
Arrival transfer in Rio de Janeiro to the hotel
7 nights at 3 star accommodation including breakfast.
Carnival tickets to sector 9 including return transfers from the hotel to the Sambodrome, for either March 6th or 7th.