Brazil with Michael Palin

Michael Palin's Brazilian odyssey begins in the North East, where modern Brazil was born. He starts in the city of Sao Luis before traveling down the coast and dropping in on the vaqueros - Brazilian Cowboys - who work on vast cattle ranches. In Salvador he learns to drum with the famous Olodum school and has a lesson in how to cook Bahian-style.

Michael travels through the very heart of Amazonia. He meets the Yanomami tribe and talks to their spokesperson about the threats to their way of life. He visits the magnificent Manaus Opera House and samples some exotic Amazonian foods in Belem. Traveling to the upper reaches of the Xingu River he is welcomed to the Wauja tribe, one of the most colorful of all the Brazilian indigenous peoples.

On the road to Rio, Michael visits the source of Brazil's great mineral wealth - the state of Minas Gerais and its giant mines. On to Rio de Janeiro, host to the next Olympics and World Cup. Michael learns how to celebrate a goal like a Brazilian radio commentator, and books a room in one of the city's famous 'love hotels'!

On his final leg of his journey, Michael starts in the picture perfect town of Parati where he meets up with Prince João de Bragança, heir to the defunct throne of Brazil. In Embraer and Sao Paolo Michael meets some of Brazil's successful politicians, heads of business and TV soap stars, who all have mixed opinions on Brazil's future.