Rory’s Travel Club Brazil Group Trip –  13th March 2026

When two Rory’s Travel Club members, Ronan from Navan and Nina from Wexford, set off on the Brazil Group Trip this March, they expected a great holiday… but what they got completely exceeded expectations.

From iconic sights to unforgettable group moments, this trip to Rio de Janeiro turned into something truly special.

First Impressions: A Trip That Delivered (and More)

Despite the long 16-hour journey, both Ronan and Nina agreed that it was worth every second.

Ronan described the trip as “way better than expected,” while Nina said it “blew it out of the water.” For both Ronan and Nina, it was their first big RTC Group Trip, and it set the bar incredibly high.

The city itself was vibrant, energetic, and full of life. From the beaches to the mountains, Rio offered a mix of relaxation and adventure that suited everyone in the Group. The members spent 10 days in Brazil, and the company they booked the trip with was Marble City Travel.

Experiencing Rio: Culture, Sights & Adventure

The group made the most of everything Rio had to offer:

• Visiting Christ the Redeemer (even if it was a bit cloudy!)
• Taking in the views from Sugarloaf Mountain
• Relaxing on Copacabana Beach and exploring Ipanema and the famous Favelas
• Hiking through national parks and caves
• The Aquarium was very popular as was the Olympic Village
• Trying out Brazilian food
• Snorkelling, jet skiing, and even skydiving for the brave members such as Maureen.

Nina highlighted how much they packed into the trip, from group excursions to spontaneous adventures. Even rainy days turned into fun experiences, like shopping trips at the Victoria centre and hunting down football jerseys. The tour guide that met the Group was also described as brilliant by the members.

One standout moment? Some of the Group watched the Ireland vs Scotland Six Nations together in the hotel bar, which the group completely took over while having RTE match commentary playing in the background.

St. Patrick’s Day in Brazil

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Rio was a major highlight for the Group.

The group dressed in green and headed to Copacabana for drinks, with some even making a special trip to see Christ the Redeemer lit up in green. It was a surreal and unforgettable way to celebrate Irish culture abroad.

The Real Highlight: The People

Both Ronan and Nina were clear that, for them, the best part of the trip wasn’t just the location. The group played a huge part of the trip, which around 30 people doing nearly everything together.

Ronan said:

“Meeting the people made the holiday.”

Nina echoed this, saying:

“Not one bad egg in a group of 30.”

From daily hangouts to shared excursions, the group bonded quickly. Whether it was chatting on the beach, planning activities, or laughing over drinks, there was a genuine sense of connection.

The WhatsApp group played a huge role too. Nina and Ronan found that the Whatsapp made it easy to organise plans, stay connected, and keep those friendships going long after the trip. In fact, there’s already talk of reunions later this year!

The Stay and the Atmosphere

The hotel itself was a big win overall:

• Great breakfast and friendly housekeeping (with thoughtful touches like chocolates)
• Rooftop terrace and pool bar were highlights
• Easy access to the beach

Ronan noted that the group quickly found a brilliant beach bar across the street with a great vibe and welcoming staff.

Tips for Future RTC Travellers

Both travellers shared loads of practical advice for future groups:

Planning & Activities

• Plan your days in advance or the night before
• Book popular tours early
• Chat with the Hotel staff and tour guide for tips and things to do and what they recommend for the local bars and restaurants
• Try to schedule key attractions between Tuesday–Friday (some close on Mondays)
• Mix sightseeing with downtime as there’s a lot to do, but also time to relax
• Try Itaway Eco Tours for the hikes to the rainforest
• Book Soccer matches early

Health & Essentials

• Buy mosquito repellent in Brazil (it works better)
• Bring antihistamines, Sudocrem, and Vitamin B complex
• Pack a reusable water bottle

Money & Transport

• Use Uber as it’s cheap and reliable
• ATMs are easily accessible
• Bring some cash, but cards are widely accepted

Safety

• Be mindful of valuables, especially on the beach
• Keep an eye on your phone and belongings
• Use common sense in busy areas

Travel Comfort

• If possible, upgrade to premium economy for the long flight
• Stay near the airport the night before in Ireland (like the Clayton Hotel) to reduce stress

Why You Should Go on This Trip

If you’re on the fence about joining an RTC group trip, then this is your sign.

From iconic landmarks and adventure-filled days to unforgettable group moments, this Brazil trip offers the perfect balance of exploration and fun.

But more than anything, it’s about the people.

You arrive as strangers and leave with friendships, shared memories, and plans for future trips.

As Nina put it:

“I would recommend RTC trips five million percent.”

And Ronan? He’s already recommending Rory's Travel Club's Group Trips to everyone he knows.

Our next Group Trips to Brazil will happen in July & November - so we very much hope we have more Members booked on for their next adventures!