7-DAY WINE AND WORLD HERITAGE

Upon arrival, you’ll be collected from the airport by a private driver and taken to your hotel. Today, you can use your free time to discover the Uruguayan capital’s European flair and an appealing mix of architectural influences reflected in its modern skyscrapers and historic buildings.

From: Aires Puros
To: Montevideo

Alternatively, you can be collected from the airport by a private driver and collect your rental car from the city centre office later in the day.

+ optional (not included in price)

You’ll find the SORO Montevideo Hotel within the streets of Pocitos Beach, the coastline Rambla, and eclectic neighbourhood restaurants.

Within one kilometre of the hotel, you can reach the Punta Carretas district and Villa Biarritz – a market full of local vendors. The perks of the hotel include the rooftop whirlpool, indoor-outdoor dining, and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Address: SORO Montevideo, Curio Collection by Hilton, Federico N. Abadie, Montevideo Montevideo Department, Uruguay

This morning, head into Montevideo for a city tour. The main points of interest will be in the historic city centre where you will visit the Plaza de Constitucion with the cathedral and the colonial town hall. Then you will proceed to the Congress Building, Mercado Agricola Montevideo, passing by the Obelisk to Batlle and Ordoñez Park and the Centenario Soccer Stadium where the very first World Cup final was played. Afterwards, visit Pocitos Beach and take a stroll along to Ramirez Beach.

In the morning you’re taken on a comprehensive tour around the city. Your first stop will be the historic centre. You will walk through the old part of the city and to the Constitution Square with the cathedral and colonial town hall.

From here, you walk to the Solis Theatre where Carlos Gardel used to tango in the past. Afterwards, you will head to Independence Square where you will see the monument dedicated to the national hero, José Gervasio Artigas and his mausoleum.

Continue to the Uruguayan Congress Building where you’ll tour inside: this huge building is the pride of Uruguay. It was constructed between 1908 and 1925 with local marble consisting of 52 colours and 12 types of wood.

Drive to the recently opened Mercado Agricola Montevideo. The renovated Central Farmers Market is the first retail mall specialising in the sale of non-perishable food and fresh local produce. Passing by the Obelisk, you will continue to Batlle & Ordoñez Park and visit the Centenario Soccer Stadium where the very first World Cup final was played –and won by Uruguay- in 1930. Soccer and especially the local soccer league is an important part of the Uruguayan culture and your guide will tell you about the impressive history of the Uruguayan soccer team that won the World Cup twice.

Afterwards, you will drive to Pocitos Beach where you will be able to take a stroll along the promenade. Then you will continue along the Rambla to Ramirez Beach and the Parque Rodó.

There you will have some time to wander around before it’s time to “do as the locals do”: try some mate and bizcochos on the Rambla – or if it’s too hot, in the shade of the trees of Parque Rodó. Your last stop will be the famous Mercado del Puerto, the port market of Montevideo where you may want to have lunch with a glass of the famous “medio-medio”, a mix of white wine and sparkling wine, to raise your glass to a fabulous time in Uruguay.

Remark: Visit of the Congress building only possible on weekdays, depending on Parliament activities.

⚐ guided

Address: Plaza Independencia, 11100 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo sits in a bay by the same name and is a very relaxed city for a capital city. Much to the relief of those that visit, Uruguay has somehow remained off the beaten track in South America meaning all of its jewels remain unscathed.

Montevideo’s roads are well-paved, charming and quiet. The boulevards leading to the historic city centre are lined with palm trees and historic buildings, making it look like a scene from Europe. The city itself revolves around the main square, Plaza de la Independencia, which was once home to a Spanish
citadel.

From the plaza, you can find your way to the old town with its art deco buildings, colonial houses and classic landmarks like Palacio Salvo and the Solís Theatre.

⚐ guided

Address: Montevideo, Montevideo Department, Uruguay

After breakfast, you will transfer to Colonia del Sacramento. You’ll be greeted at the bus terminal and driven to the historical centre where you stroll along the picturesque cobblestone streets of Uruguay’s oldest city. One of the highlights is the Calle de Los Suspiros, often used as scenery for historical films. Colonia complements its archaeological values with natural beauty; the River Plate and the monuments that stand out on the horizon, such as the cathedral and the lighthouse.

From: Montevideo
To: Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia del Sacramento is a small colonial city founded by the Portuguese in 1680, at a time when Spain and Portugal were in the midst of confrontations.

For over a hundred years, both Empires fought over Colonia del Sacramento, until finally, the Treaty of Saint Ildefonso awarded it to Spain. Today, the Old City has a lot to say about its Colonial past.

You’ll visit the picturesque streets of Colonia del Sacramento, the eldest city in the country, declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1995. On a city tour, you’ll visit the main square Playa de Maya and the picturesque streets of Colonia del Sacramento, the oldest city in the country, recently declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

You will see the streets of Santa Rita, San Gabriel, the Matriz Church, San Pedro road, the Bastion del Carmen, the famous “Calle de los Suspiros“ (Street of Sighs) used so often as scenery for historical films.

⚐ guided

Address: Colonia Del Sacramento Colonia Department, Uruguay

Situated in an exceptional setting in front of the river, Costa Colonia Riverside Boutique Hotel is the first boutique hotel located in the charming town of Colonia del Sacramento – Uruguay.

Designed by renowned architect Martin Gomez, its 61 spacious and cosy rooms offer an ideal blend of modern design, luminosity and stunning river views.

The breath-taking river views, its historical and charming environment, and the perfect combination between luxury and comfort make Costa Colonia a year-round perfect retreat, only two hours drive from Montevideo City and 45 minutes by boat from Buenos Aires City.

Address: Costa Colonia Boutique Hotel, Joaquín Torres García, Colonia del Sacramento Colonia Department, Uruguay

This morning, you will be driven to Carmelo. Often left behind for the bigger, flashier Punta del Este on Uruguay’s coast, travellers are only just discovering what Carmelo has to offer, elite Argentinians have been flocking to this charming Uruguayan town for years. With its beautiful golden beaches on the river, rich culture and budding wine region, Carmelo is Uruguay’s best-kept secret. The town runs on its agricultural and wine industry so you are sure to eat and drink well.

From: Colonia del Sacramento
To: Carmelo

You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to Carmelo.

Narbona winery produces quality wines in a small facility along with homemade jams, cheeses and liqueurs.

You will be guided through the facilities by an enologist and learn more about the winemaking process. Afterwards, you will enjoy a wine tasting of three different local wines along with different cheeses, bread, nuts and crackers.

⚐ guided

Address: 21, 70100 Carmelo, Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

You’ll visit Almacen de la Capilla, an old country grocery store in the small village of Colonia Estrella, surrounded by quiet and natural countryside. Almacen de la Capilla was founded by Antonio Cordano at the beginning of 1900 to provide the neighbourhood with goods and to be a meeting place for
friends. Its name ‘Almacen de la Capilla’ refers to ‘Capilla San Roque’, a small chapel near the grocery store and also an attraction due to its history.

The Almacen belongs to the organic winery called “Bodega Cordano” founded by Italian immigrants, the Cordano family, in 1855. Cordano produces classical wines without any kind of state of the art machinery. All done manually like in those times.

You’ll enjoy a wine tasting of six different wines with a variety of cheese and ham.

⚐ guided

Address: Ana María Carpy Noaín (Muca), Departamento de Colonia, Uruguay

Narbona Wine Lodge hotel boutique offers give exclusive rooms where its detailed originality shows an antique decoration with modern equipment, reaching the welfare and joy of those who stay in.

Distributed in three rooms overlooking the winery and two rooms overlooking the vineyards. Stylish shelter combining comfort, amusement, fields and vineyards, ensuring peace and rest in plenitude.

All the rooms have king-size beds, balcony and private terrace, ideal to relax enjoying a glass of wine and a cheese board of the lodge’s own production.

Address: Narbona Wine Lodge, 21, Carmelo Colonia Department, Uruguay

Transfer from Carmelo to Bouza boutique winery outside Montevideo. The incredible spot is surrounded by native forests and has many hectares of vineyards with Tannat, Merlot, and Chardonnay grapes. Tour around the vineyards to see different types of vines and grapes, learn about winemaking, and see a collection of antique cars and wagons. With an oenologist, enjoy lunch accompanied by a wine tasting. Spend time relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere of the winery before returning to Montevideo.

From: Carmelo
To: Montevideo

The Bouza Boutique Winery is located at the source of the Melilla Stream, at only 15 kilometres from Montevideo.

The winery is part of a harmonious milieu, surrounded by vines and native woods. The vineyard is composed of 10 hectares of Tannat, Merlot and Chardonnay plants, of ages ranging between 20 and 40 years. Also, 13 hectares with new plantations of Tannat, Merlot, Tempranillo and Albariño,
selecting high quality and low productivity clones.

Bouza Winery was built using the basic structure of an old winery functioning in the area since 1942. It was restored maintaining the original idea. Wine varieties: Albariño (white wine), Chardonnay, Merlot, Tannat-Merlot, and more.

The tour starts with a visit to the vineyards and orientation on the process, observing the nature with a wide diversification of fauna and flora, a collection of antique cars like a Ford T 1926. Ford A, Citroen 1950, 1980, Alfa Romeo Spider 1960, or 1926 train wagons among others. Afterwards, you’ll attend a
wine tasting of the different varieties will take place followed by lunch.

⚐ guided

Address: Cno. de la Redención 7658, 12500 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

You’ll find the SORO Montevideo Hotel within the streets of Pocitos Beach, the coastline Rambla, and eclectic neighbourhood restaurants.

Within one kilometre of the hotel, you can reach the Punta Carretas district and Villa Biarritz – a market full of local vendors. The perks of the hotel include the rooftop whirlpool, indoor-outdoor dining, and a 24-hour fitness centre.

Address: SORO Montevideo, Curio Collection by Hilton, Federico N. Abadie, Montevideo Montevideo Department, Uruguay

Today, you will learn more about Tango, Carnaval and Candombe! La Cumparsita museum is in the exact place where Tango was born, you’ll explore and learn about the art of this emotional dance style. Then, move onto the Carnaval Museum where you’ll explore the mix of European and African traditions. Locals play a drum-based rhythm known as Candombe, which comes from Angola and the Congo. Candombe has remained an essential part of Uruguay’s
culture that symbolises the unity of the country.

On April 19th 1917, almost one hundred years ago, La Cumparsita Tango made its official debut. It was composed by the Uruguayan musician, Gerardo Hernan Matos Rodriguez in Montevideo and was played for the first time in the old “Confiteria La Giralda”, on Plaza Independencia.

La Giralda then disappeared and in its place, the Palacio Salvo was erected. The exact place where that orchestra played what would later be the Tango of all Tangos, was lost in time and memory. Now, that historic place has been recovered. The “Tango Museum – La Cumparsita” is located in the exact place where this famous Tango was born! It is an impressive thematic space, where one travels back in time to the early 20th century.

Afterwards, you will get the chance to dive into a totally different music and dance style: Carnival and Candombe!

Carnavale in Uruguay is a mix of European and African traditions. There are five categories that local carnavale groups compete each year. Drummers and dancers play and dance to a drum-based rhythm known as Candombe, which originally comes from Angola and the Congo.

The African slaves that were brought to South America in the 17th and 18th century used Candombe as a means to express their culture and united their history, culture and religion in music and dance moves.

After Uruguay’s Declaration of Independence in 1825, slavery was abolished and Candombe remained present in Uruguay’s culture and has become crucial in the representation of unity and equality across different races in the country.

You’ll also be introduced to Murga, a mixture of song, theatre and comedy that has its origins in Cádiz, Spain. Local Uruguayan Murga ensembles decked out with colourfully painted faces and bright creative costumes make political and social statements through opera-inspired songs – goosebumps guaranteed!

Enjoy a tour through the museum and learn about the Uruguayan Carnival from local experts. Afterwards, you will visit a Candombe demonstration with local Candombe players.

⚐ guided

Address: Plaza Independencia, 11000 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

Having only opened its door in 2006, Museo del Carnaval documents the most popular festival in the Americas through an impressive collection of costumes, objects, drums and unique insights into the traditions that surround the festival.

Welcoming both local and international visitors, Museo del Carnaval welcomes visitors to learn about the spirit of Carnaval from a Uruguayan perspective and its history of over 100 years. Behind the museum is a courtyard and cafe where you can watch performances over the ages.

⚐ guided

Address: Museo del Carnaval, Rambla 25 de Agosto de 1825 218, 11000 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

Primuseum is located in an intimate, warm and familiar place, surrounded by articles and antiques that are more than 100 years old.

Primuseum offers during the night a live Tango show with the best artists of Uruguay, accompanied by a comprehensive menu of typical local food, with the pairing of the best Uruguayan wines, including the Tannat.

During the night, Primuseum dresses up offering visitors a unique experience, where gastronomy, culture and Tango are harmoniously combined.

Address: Calle Perez Castellano 1389, 11000 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

Full of memories and good eats, you finish your Uruguay wine tour on this day. You will be picked up at the hotel and will be taken to the airport for your flight back home.

From: Montevideo
To: Montevideo Airport