World Youth Day 2013: Rio de Janeiro

Stylish, sophisticated Rio thrills visitors with its beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, and innovative buildings. Most impressive may be the soaring cathedral, whose vast interior can accommodate 25,000 people. Four enormous stained-glass windows throw colored light down on the space, unbroken by columns or other supports. Back outside, you may feel that you've escaped to Paris -- the theater house and art museum were modeled after Paris's ornate Opéra Garnier and Louvre museum.

Jump in what may be your most spectacular glass-elevator ride ever. Sugar Loaf Mountain (named because it resembles the ceramic mold used to refine sugar cane) rises up from the intersection of Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. You'll take a glass-sided cable car up the peak, where you'll find amazing views of the entire city and beyond.

Rio's most spectacular landmark, up close and personal. Go up Corcovado ("hunchback") Mountain on a Swiss-made cogwheel train, through the lush Tijuca National Forest, and arrive at the top to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer that gazes out over the city. The views from the mountain are astounding, as is the statue itself. It stands almost 100 feet tall and weighs over 1000 tons.

Indulge in the flavors, sounds, and sights of traditional Brazilian culture, from samba dancing to capoeira martial arts.

Your flight home is overnight. You will return home on Day 12.