9-DAY URUGUAY’S ART AND ARCHITECTURE

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)

A bright, spacious and comfortable hotel set in the heart of Montevideo, Vivaldi Hotel is a cosy retreat that offers a warm welcome to Uruguay.

Huge bay windows, beds you can sink into and hearty breakfast selections are among the refineries of Vivaldi Hotel. To complete the experience, starting your morning with a quick dip in the hotel pool will completely change your day!
Ranging from standard to apartment-style rooms, Vivaldi has all that you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Address: Vivaldi Hotel, Blanca del Tabaré, 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.

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

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

Today you will visit the Torres Garcia Museum, housing the works of one of the best-known Uruguayan artists. Joaquin Torres Garcia was an Uruguayan plastic artist, also known as the founder of Constructive Universalism. Continue to Palacio Taranco in the heart of Montevideo. The French-style building hosts the Museum of Decorative Arts containing paintings, sculptures, textiles, ornaments and European furniture. It features also a very interesting collection of classical art and archaeology.

Set in Montevideo’s old town, Museo Torres Garcia is a celebration of one of Uruguay’s most innovative 20th-century artists.

Established by his wife after his death, the gallery is dedicated to the life-works of Joaquin Torres-Garcia although with the foundation that aims to preserve collections of his works, writings and photographs of the artist.

Joaquin Torres-Garcia was an Uruguayan-Catalan artist who was born in Montevideo, however, he spent most of his life in Catalonia. Having thrived through Spain’s most poignant creative eras, Torres-Garcia is perhaps best-known for his work with Gaudi, contributing stain glass windows to his Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Palma Cathedral in Mallorca.

Torres-Garcia travelled much of Europe in the early 20th- century, receiving commissions for murals, artworks and various other works and showcasing in exhibitions with some of the most famous artists of the era and meeting Picasso, a friend that would change his works forever and find his way to Neoplasticism.

⚐ guided

Address: Sarandí 683, 11000 Ciudad Vieja, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

Creating in the former residence of the Ortiz de Taranco family, the Museum of Decorative Arts is an emblematic building in the centre of Montevideo.

Created from the foundations of an old comedy theatre, the family home was created at the turn of the 20th century. The museum was created in 1972 and the building was declared a historical monument in 1975. The museum is decorated with some of the original furniture and fittings, it houses a collection of paintings and sculptures created by the Ortiz de Taranco family that is considered to be of great historical and artistic value.

On the first floor of the building, you can see the colonial architecture that the building was first created in.

⚐ guided

Address: Palacio de Félix Ortiz de Taranco, 25 de Mayo 376, 11100 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

Drive to Piriapolis, built during the Belle Epoque and made to look like Côte d’Azur. Visit the Argentino Hotel, which takes you back to 1930s luxury. The next stops will be at Portezuelo and Punta Ballena for sweeping views. Then, visit Casa Pueblo, the home and atelier of the Uruguayan artist, Carlos Paez Vilaro. The dazzling white complex resembles Spanish- Moroccan earthen architecture perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. You’ll arrive in Punta del Esta mid- afternoon.

From: Montevideo
To: Punta del Este

On the way, you’ll stop in Piriapolis to visit Hotel Argentino, then stop at Portezuelo and Punta Ballena for sweeping views up and down the coast before we visit the Museum Casa Pueblo.

In 1930 Francisco Piria, creator of the Piriápolis spa, after having made 22 trips to Europe, created this hotel with the likeness of the great hotels on the Côte d’Azur in mind. He imported everything from the best utensils to the most modern laundry machines to recreate life in Europe.

This laid the foundations for what became a hotel pioneer of health tourism. where visitors could enjoy the use of Thalassotherapy, the therapeutic use of seawater. To this day, Hotel Argentino maintains a philosophy of creativity and innovative development to maintain its reputation and its creators legacy.

Address: Rambla de los Argentinos, 20200 Piriápolis, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay

Casapueblo was created by the well-known abstract artist, Carlos Páez Vilaró who built this as has workshop and summer home. Since the artist’s passing the house has become a retrospective of his life work with the additions of a hotel and cafeteria.

It all started with a small wooden hut made from found wood, this was Vilaró’s first atelier. Then, inspired by the Greek island of Santorini and a hornero bird’s nest, the plan to create Casapueblo was born. Spread out over thirteen floors covering the hillside, Casapueblo took 36 years to complete.

Today, the museum is attached to a 20-room hotel. The museum itself is divided into four rooms, each named after Vilaró’s greatest inspirations. There are also many terraces where you can enjoy unrivalled sunset views.

⚐ guided

Address: Museo Taller Casapueblo Ruta Panorámica, 20003 Punta Ballena, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay

Located in the heart of the Punta del Este peninsula, a short distance from the lighthouse and two blocks from the Port, Atlántico Boutique Hotel offers the perfect combination of chic and contemporary design, comfort and excellent service, in the best location in Punta del Este.

The hotel has 45 recently renovated rooms and suites, many with splendid views of the sea. The hotel rooms and suites are distinguished by offering a perfect combination of modern and contemporary design, light and comfort, using warm materials in light tones.

Atlántico Boutique Hotel has a charming garden with a heated swimming pool during the summer and a solarium equipped with lounge chairs and chairs, ideal for those who prefer to enjoy the hotel instead of the beach. During the summer season, the pool bar offers cocktails and finger food.

Address: Atlántico Boutique Hotel, 2 de Febrero, Punta del Este Maldonado Department, Uruguay

Embrace the opportunity to visit two of the area’s most renowned museums, Ralli and Pablo Atchugarry Foundation. Enjoy a scenic drive through Punta del Este’s most fashionable and impressive neighbourhoods. Visit Ralli Museum with its fine collection of paintings and sculptures by noted Latin American artists in the Beverly Hills district. Visit the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation, a magnificent space that beautifully juxtaposes art and nature. In the afternoon, relax on Punta del Este’s beaches.

Set in the heart of Punta del Este’s Beverly Hills, Museo Ralli is a contemporary art museum surrounded by beautiful gardens in a building that reflect colonial architecture in a truly unique way.

As the building was specifically created to host a museum, you’ll find beautiful space and light at every turn. The museum has a collection of artists from the Americas, as well as some internationally renowned artists from all over the world. Each artist is selected to tell a story and reflect on the world to give light to a new perspective.

⚐ guided

Address: Los Arrayanes, 20100 Punta del Este, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay

The Fundación Pablo Atchugarry is a non-profit institution that celebrates the work of Pablo Atchugarry, an Uruguayan sculptor.

Created with the spirit of promoting all things creative, this is a social and cultural project lives through the work of its creator. A place of unity between art and nature, birdsong will follow you between lakes and an undulated landscape where sculptures “germinate” as well as other artistic manifestations.

The buildings started with Atchugarry’s workshop, a building with three rooms with several stages for a variety of shows, a restaurant, an art studio, and a permanent exhibition of Atchugarry’s work. A 30-hectare sculpture park surrounds the foundations.

Fundacion Pablo Atchugarry hosts the national Biennial of Young Creators, as well as a didactic program for the schools of Maldonado Department.

⚐ guided

Address: Ruta 104 Km. 4,500, 20005, Departamento de

Maldonado, Uruguay

This morning, you’ll return to Montevideo. Upon arrival, visit the Salvo Palace, an emblematic building in Montevideo’s Independence Square. Originally built as a luxury hotel, the project failed. Today it consists of many apartments and offices. Your guide has plenty of exciting stories to tell about this special building! Just a few steps away is the beautiful Solis Theatre, built by an Italian architect, Carlo Zucchi. It opened in 1856 and is a centrepiece of the cultural life in Montevideo.

From: Punta del Este
To: Montevideo

You’ll be driven to Montevideo by a Spanish-speaking driver.

Palacio Salvo is a conversation starter. Over the years, the building has excited and horrified architecture lovers for years, however, more often than not, people have been disgusted by its appearance.

The architect, Mario Palanti, originally created the Palacio Salvo to be a luxury hotel, however, it never happened. Today, the Gothic-style palace has everything you could possibly imagine. Today, the building has rooms and apartments that vary in quality, attracting an impressive range of people to occupy them. Rumour has it, you can bump into your standard working-class Uruguayans on one floor and multi-million dollar businessmen on the next.

With so much going on in this centrally-located building, walking past or spending some time walking around has become an attraction in Montevideo, and a must for those who are partial to people-watching!

⚐ guided

Address: Palacio Salvo, Plaza Independencia 848, 11100 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

Since opening in 1856, Solis Theatre has been at the centre of creativity and the most renowned theatre in the country where the beginnings of Uruguayan opera took place.

Inspired by Ancient Rome, the theatre was designed by Italian architect, Carlos Zucchi. It was later renovated to improve acoustics. Sitting on the border of Montevideo’s old town, Solis Theatre is beautiful inside and out.

⚐ guided

Address: Buenos Aires S/N, 11000 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay

A bright, spacious and comfortable hotel set in the heart of Montevideo, Vivaldi Hotel is a cosy retreat that offers a warm welcome to Uruguay.

Huge bay windows, beds you can sink into and hearty breakfast selections are among the refineries of Vivaldi Hotel. To complete the experience, starting your morning with a quick dip in the hotel pool will completely change your day!

Ranging from standard to apartment-style rooms, Vivaldi has all that you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Address: Vivaldi Hotel, Blanca del Tabaré, Montevideo Montevideo Department, Uruguay

After breakfast, transfer to Colonia del Sacramento. You’ll be greeted at the terminal and driven to the historical centre to stroll along the picturesque cobblestone streets of Uruguay’s oldest city. One of the highlights is 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 lighthouse. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

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

Just a few minutes walk from from some of the main sights of Colonia del Sacramento such as Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento, Museo Portugues and Plaza de toros Real de San Carlos, the three-star Don Antonio Posada is perfectly placed to explore the town.

The bright, comfortable rooms offer all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Each morning, a buffet breakfast is served and guests can enjoy the outdoor pool and relaxed terraces during the day time.

Address: Don antonio posada, Ituzaingó, Colonia del Sacramento Colonia Department, Uruguay

This morning, you’ll drive into the Uruguayan countryside to the Juanico Winery. Considered one of the largest and most famous wineries in the country, it combines modern technologies with colonial beauty. The first vines were planted in 1835, and the area’s soils, climate, and temperatures are ideal for different grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. As you visit the winery, admire its state-of-the-art processing machinery and end your tour with a wine tasting guided by an oenologist.

From: Colonia del Sacramento
To: Montevideo

This morning, you’ll leave your hotel and drive 43 kilometres into the Uruguayan countryside to the Juanico Winery.

Considered one of the largest and most famous wineries in the country, it combines modern technologies with colonial beauty. The first vines were planted in 1835, and the area’s soils, climate, and temperatures are ideal for different grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Marselan, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir.

Discover Uruguay’s signature wine, Tannat, which won several international awards. As you visit the winery, admire its state- of-the-art processing machinery and its impressive wine cellar built-in 1840. You’ll end your tour with an exquisite wine

tasting guided by an oenologist.

⚐ guided

Address: Ruta 5 Km 38,200, 90400 Juanicó, Departamento de Canelones, Uruguay

A bright, spacious and comfortable hotel set in the heart of Montevideo, Vivaldi Hotel is a cosy retreat that offers a warm welcome to Uruguay.

Huge bay windows, beds you can sink into and hearty breakfast selections are among the refineries of Vivaldi Hotel. To complete the experience, starting your morning with a quick dip in the hotel pool will completely change your day!
Ranging from standard to apartment-style rooms, Vivaldi has all that you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

Address: Vivaldi Hotel, Blanca del Tabaré, Montevideo Montevideo Department, Uruguay

Today concludes your memorable Uruguay sightseeing tour. You will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the airport for your flight back home.

From: Vivaldi Hotel
To: Montevideo Airport