T
Simple the Best Samba Experience!
The tour was amazing and so informative. Our guide Vitor was the BEST! He was veey knowledgeable, nice, friendly; he was excellent. I recommend this tour!!
Rio de Janeiro travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
Rio Carnival Backstage Experience with Samba at Carnaval Factory
+8 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 3h–3h 30min
- Price from
- $109 / person
- Location
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rating
- 4.9 / 5 · 26 reviews
- Languages
- DE, PT, EN, ES
- Group
- Small group, up to 15
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Gregtur Turismo
Description
Find out more about the Rio carnival visiting areas that the public is's normally allowed to visit. Dress up in costumes, learn the basics of samba from dancers and the history of samba, see floats, taste a caipirinha and other essentials of this celebration. After pickup at your place, your guide takes you to explore the Carnaval Factory for a behind-the-scenes look. In this warehouse, see how the showy costumes worn in the parades are made. Admire the details of the floats that parade through the sambadrome. Then, head to the exhibition hall to learn about the history of samba and Rio's carnival, which has been celebrated for over a century. During the visit, feel the atmosphere of union and emotion that is felt during Carnival. Continue to the backstage dressing rooms, where you will have the opportunity to try on some costumes. To end this experience, a professional dancer will give a brief samba class. Finally, enjoy a delicious caipirinha before being dropped at your place.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
- Start times
- 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM
- Next available
- Wed, Oct 14
- Adult (ages 1+)
- $109
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $189.
Larger groups pay less per person.
In demand: 18 of the next 78 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Cidade Do Samba
At the selected time, your guide will meet you at your hotel and drive to the Carnival Experience in downtown of Rio. Do you know how its most popular celebration is planned? We'll find out. We'll visit the backstage of the Rio de Janeiro carnival, that is, the areas behind the scenes that the public does isn't normally allowed to visit. In these rooms, we'll see how the elaborate costumes displayed in the parades are fashioned. We'll also admire the details of the floats that parade through the Marquês de Sapucaí sambadrome.
Cidade Do Samba
Next, we'll move on to the exhibition hall to learn about the history of samba and the Carioca carnival, which has been celebrated for over a century. During the visit to this special venue, we'll feel the atmosphere of unity and emotion that is felt during Carnival. It's not surprising that this event is not considered a mere party, but a way of life. The visit will continue to one of the backstage dressing rooms, where you'll have the opportunity to try on some of Rio's carnival costumes. To round off this experience, a professional dancer will give you a short samba lesson - everybody to the dance floor! Lastly, we'll enjoy a delicious caipirinha and, after an hour and a half of touring the backstage areas, we'll end this incredible visit.
What's included
Included
Professional licensed private tour guide.
Guided tour of the Acadêmicos da Grande Rio.
Hotel, airport or port pick-up and drop-off. (Within Rio de Janeiro City)
Transport by fully-equipped vehicle.
Private driver for groups bigger 4 people, otherwise the guide drives the vehicle themselves.
Samba class with a professional dancers.
Welcome caipirinha.
Costumes to wear and photograph.
Not included
Tips. (optional)
Pickup Locations & Times
PICK-UP INFORMATION: The transfer is totally private and exclusive for you and your group. P.S. Unlike the to-and-from private transfers hotel in Rio vs Carnival Factory that are conducted by our private guide, the activities may be together with other unknown tourists. • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private transfer, you choose the best pick-up point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of Rio. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS: • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private transfer, you choose the best drop-off point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of Rio. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HOTEL PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS: • As soon as the tour guide arrives at your hotel, they get the front desk to call you in the room in case you are not at the lobby. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AIRPORTS / PORT ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS: • Once you have arrived at the airport there will be a member of our staff waiting for you at the arrivals area holding a clear sign with your name on it, they will then escort you to your waiting private transfer vehicle.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.9
26 reviews
How it compares in Rio de Janeiro
- Starting price $109 is 34% above the typical $81 for tours of similar length in Rio de Janeiro
Excurgo comparison of 1,666 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Rio Carnival Backstage Experience with Samba at Carnaval Factory lasts about 3h–3h 30min. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $109 per person for this Rio de Janeiro experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $189. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.
Does this tour sell out?
It can: 18 of the next 78 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. PICK-UP INFORMATION: The transfer is totally private and exclusive for you and your group. P.S. Unlike the to-and-from private transfers hotel in Rio vs Carnival Factory that are conducted by our private guide, the activities may be together with other unknown tourists. • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private transfer, you choose the best pick-up point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of Rio. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DROP-OFF INSTRUCTIONS: • Wherever place you specify at the time of the booking. As it’s a private transfer, you choose the best drop-off point that suits your needs as long as it's within the city of Rio. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - HOTEL PICK-UP INSTRUCTIONS: • As soon as the tour guide arrives at your hotel, they get the front desk to call you in the room in case you are not at the lobby. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - AIRPORTS / PORT ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS: • Once you have arrived at the airport there will be a member of our staff waiting for you at the arrivals area holding a clear sign with your name on it, they will then escort you to your waiting private transfer vehicle. Pickup points include Shelton Hotel, Pousada Cantinho Da Paz.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 26 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Gregtur Turismo.
Reviews(26)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
K
Fun and engaging
Attended this City of Samba tour with friends and family. Was a fun and interesting tour to see this perspective of Rio Carnival, the passion, work and joy behind this famous event. Staff presented well and made the experience informative, upbeat and engaging.
C
Amazing experience....
Amazing experience. Informational, educational and fun. The costumes and props were outstanding and the perfect highlight. Would definitely recommend this tour and company. The guide Newton was awesome.
R
Amazing experience
Awesome experience. Better than expected. The guide Newton was amazing. Informational, educational and fun. Loved the costumes and pictures. Will definitely recommend. Excellent tour company.
I
Experienced the real carnival
Our pick up for the Samba experience was scheduled for 15:00. But our guide Vitor sent us a message around 14:15 saying he was in the vicinity and like to offer us an early pickup thereby he could take us to a few other attractions prior to the scheduled tour. Anyway since we were also waiting for his arrival we happily joined him at 14:30, He took us to a very old and beautiful church. We loved it. It was started in 1638 and completed in 1748. It was a unique experience. Then he took us to Samba backstage carnival show. It was an amazing experience. All the girls were very nice and we were able to see and hear how they prepare for the carnival and everything about it. I can go on writing about it but end of the day it was an unbelievable experience. Full credit should go to Vitor who kept giving us more information in addition to the girls who were also doing a great job. I would recommend it to anyone who are interested in the world renowned Brazilian carnival that comes in February or March of each year depending on the Easter festival.
Operator response
Thank you so much for sharing such a thoughtful review! ❤️🎭 We’re delighted to hear that Vitor went the extra mile by offering an earlier pickup and showing you another hidden gem of Rio before your Carnival Experience. Moments like these often become the most memorable parts of a trip. 😊 It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed discovering the history behind the Carnival, meeting the talented team behind the scenes, and experiencing this incredible Brazilian tradition up close. We’re especially happy that Vitor’s passion and knowledge helped make the experience even more meaningful. ✨ We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Vitor. Thank you for recommending this experience, and for choosing Gregtur. We hope to welcome you back to Rio for many more unforgettable adventures! 🇧🇷🎉
T
Authentic Carnaval Must Do Tour!
This is must do experience! We learned so much about Carnaval, its history and pageantry. We saw magnificent parade artifacts and costumes as well as a chance to feel a small taste of what it’s like to participate. A truly wonderful experience that you can’t miss — especially if you’ll never be in Rio for the real thing! Victor is a phenomenal 2–in-1! He is both a professionally trained tour guide and expert driver. We enjoyed getting his personal perspective on life in Rio. We felt like we were riding along with a friend. He showed us a few ‘hidden gem’ sights along the way! The tour company, Gregtur Turismo, was easy to reach via WhatsApp, responded quickly and provided us with timely information regarding how to meet our guide.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the amazing review! 🎭✨ We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed such an authentic Carnival experience and that Victor made everything even more special for you! 😊 Knowing that you felt well taken care of and welcomed means a lot to our team. We hope to see you again soon for more unforgettable moments in Rio! 💙🥁
B
Wonderful experience
I can’t recommend this experience enough. So many wonderful surprises during the tour and the ability to learn the important history of Carnaval was a gift. Thiago was an amazing guide and provided so many extra insights on the transport.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your amazing review, Brian! 😊 We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the surprises during the tour and that Thiago was able to share so much about the history of Carnaval with you. 🎉 His insights really make the experience unique! We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable experience in Rio! 🌟
A
Well organized to coordinate pick up. Our driver Leandro was an excellent communicator, very attentive to our group.
My group love the experience; their feedback was this was the best experience they’ve had on any tour. The interaction kept us engaged.
Operator response
We’re really happy to hear that Leandro made a difference during your tour and that the experience was unforgettable for your group. Interaction and engagement really do make a difference! We hope to see you again soon for more adventures in Rio!
J
Unforgettable experience
Our guide Antonio gave us almost that a private tour in our language, it was very nice to hear and know more about the carnival, he also took pictures and videos, I recommend 100%
Operator response
Muchas gracias por tu excelente comentario! 😊 Nos alegra saber que disfrutaron del tour con Antonio y que pudieron conocer más sobre el carnaval de Río. Estamos muy contentos de que haya sido una experiencia tan memorable para ustedes. Esperamos verlos de nuevo pronto! 🌟
N
Carnival Up Close
This tour provides so much history about the work involved in Carnival from the floats to costumes and choreography. It's also great fun to dress in costumes, take pictures and dance samba.
Operator response
Thank you for your great review! 😊 We’re happy to hear that you enjoyed learning about the history and work behind Carnival, and that you had fun dressing up, taking pictures, and dancing samba. It’s wonderful to know you had such an immersive experience! We hope to welcome you again on another tour in Rio! 🌟
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Carnival Backstage Experience with Samba at Carnaval Factory | 3h–3h 30min | 4.9 (26) | $109 | |
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from$109
4.9(26) Free cancellation