I did a tour after embarking not with Stern, but another company aboard (marcie petlover would know, as I think they always come aboard in SA). They gave us a fully licensed tour guide for the day, and took us to the airport for 10 p.m. flight, but of course, it included the requisite visit to their store. Unlike Stern, I don't remember that it had a storefront, I remember going upstairs. Driver and guide were so nice, and guide was especially eager to show the sites. Quite honestly, I felt uncomfortable, and probably spent money in their store that I would not otherwise have done. Just me.

We kept our luggage in their van, as the store and the sights were in opposite direction of the airport.

Another cruise, used a private guide in Rio arranged by pwolftx and it was great! All lct people, and we visited many sights, had a great lunch at one of those traditional Brazilian restaurants (lots of meat). I just don't remember his name.