The best of Uruguay (self-drive)

Day 1 - Bienvenidos a Colonia!

Reception and transfer from Colonia Port to your hotel in the historic centre.

In the afternoon, explore the city of Colonia del Sacramento declared World Heritage by
UNESCO. Founded by the Portuguese and disputed for years by the crowns of both Spain and Portugal, Colonia ́s magical history remains intact. Walk along the charming cobbled streets guided by your local guide and discover the different sites such as the old city gate (Portón de Campo), the historical street Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), the lovely squares and the local church Iglesia Matriz. Mate tasting and entrance tickets to local museums are included. Enjoy a Lunch at Charco Bistró
Accommodation at Charco Hotel in a senior room for 2 nights with breakfast.

Day 2 - Bodega El Quinton and La Vigna Cheese farm

Our local representative will deliver the car to your hotel. Meet your guide to drive to Bodega El Quinton to enjoy a visit to the vineyards and olive plantations followed by wine and olive oil tasting. Continue onto La Vigna Cheese Farm. Learn about the production of local cheese and taste some of the best cheese varieties in the area guided by the “Cheese Architect”. Agustin and Lucila, owners of La Vigna, have created a very special place guided by sustainability and organic production. You will taste some of the most delicious and creative cheeses. Suggested Optional Cheese Tasting lunch at La
Vigna (not included).

Day 3 - From Colonia to Carmelo

Meet your guide and drive from Colonia del Sacramento to Carmelo. Stop for a visit to “La Calera de las Huérfanas” National Monument (estimated distance: 70 km/43.5 mi – 55′ on route). The history of this place says, that during the XVIII century the Jesuits established in the north of the Province of Colonia in Uruguay, where they continued their mission and built the first buildings in 1741. This is where Indians, slaves, and priests would gather. After the Jesuits were expelled by the Spanish crown, Don Juan de San Martín took the administration of the estancia and found 1500 stocks of grapevine; this is how wine production was born in Uruguay.

Continue onto a Tour of Carmelo’s Wineries, with tasting & lunch. You will visit two wineries of the Carmelo’s region: Bodega El Legado, a family-owned winery, and Bodega Cordano, The visit finishes with a tasting of 3 of their best wines and a delicious homemade lunch.

Drive to your hotel, Finca Narbona where you will spend 2 nights with breakfast in suite with winery views.

Day 4 - Rio de la Plata sunset cruise

During the afternoon, drive to Puerto Camacho where will enjoy a: Rio de la Plata Sunset Cruise (1.5 hours service approx.).

Enjoy a relaxing tour through the islands of the Delta, where the waters of Río de la Plata and Rio Uruguay meet; this spot is considered to be “kilometer 0” of both rivers. The experience begins just before sunset at the secluded marina of Club del Faro where we will board a classic boat guided by our captain. Discover the legends of the Uruguayan coasts and its shipwrecks and toast to an amazing sunset!

Suggested dinner at Basta Pedro located at the Marina (Not included)

Day 5 - Welcome to Montevideo!

Drive from Carmelo to Montevideo (self-drive without guide). Leave luggage at the hotel and enjoy a Lunch at the Port Market. After lunch meet your local guide to discover the historic city center of Montevideo in depth. You will be taken from your hotel to the starting point of the tour: the former town gate located at the Independence square. Get to know the history of the adjacent buildings, and many more of the capital’s highlights.

After finishing your tour, you will go back to your hotel, Alma Historica Boutique Hotel, where you will spend 2 nights in a classic room with breakfst.

Day 6 - Modern Montevideo and Lobo Nuñez

Meet your local guide who will drive you on a tour of modern Montevideo. You will visit the different neighbourhoods of Montevideo which started developing after the demolition of the Old City Walls which took place on September 1829. Unlike the Old City, La Ciudad Nueva (the new city), was planned with wide and tree lined streets, with magnificent stores and residences.

You will also visit the studio of Lobo Nuñez, an Afro-Uruguayan drums luthier and percussionist considered a “legend” within the Uruguayan Candombe music genre. You will learn about the first signs of Carnival in Uruguay traced back to 1760, when slaves were only allowed to celebrate in certain special dates. This is a memorable cultural encounter that will give you insider access to the secret world of the Uruguayan drums!

Day 7 - Sacromonte

Drive from Montevideo to Sacromonte, near to Pueblo Edén (without guide). On the way, stop at the olive plantations of Olivos de las Animas where you will learn about the process of extra virgin olive oil and enjoy a tasting with lunch. Arriving at Sacromonte, enjoy a Welcome wine tasting on top of the hill, overlooking the hills of the “Sierras de Caracoles”. Includes tasting of 3 wines and champagne.

Accommodation at Sacromonte in a shelter room for 2 nights with breakfast.

Day 8 - Hike Pueblo Eden and Viña Eden

Pick up at Sacromonte, for an Experience Day Tour, including a pecialised guide for a hike between Pueblo Eden & Viña Eden.

Our day begins with a drive to Pueblo Eden, where we will visit the chapel and main square of the town. We will start our hike following a trail used by locals to get to the different ranches of the area. We will cross various “porteras” (countryside gates), native trees, prairies full of cows and sheep and a small stream. A beautiful landscape of slopes and rolling hills unfolds before us. Approximately 8 kms later, our hike finishes and we will head on to the Viña Eden winery for a well-deserved lunch overlooking the vineyards (lunch not included).

Day 9 - Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio here we come!

Drive from Sacromonte to Punta Del Este (without guide) and meet your local guide, for a half day city tour.

Punta Del Este is definitely one of South America’s most glamorous resorts. You will be able to see many beaches, elegant seaside homes, high-rise apartment buildings, luxury hotels and glitzy restaurants. This tour will take you through Punta Del Este’s attractions: the Main Avenue, Juan Gorlero, the artisans market, the yacht’s port, the church Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the lighthouse, the beaches and the residential neighborhoods of Golf, San Rafael, Beverly Hills, Rincón Del Indio and Cantegril. We will drive over the undulated bridge to La Barra with its beaches chosen by surfers, colorful houses, many restaurants and a more relaxed atmosphere. We will make a stop in Punta Ballena where you will see Casapueblo, a unique and quirky building constructed by the famous Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró (entrance
included). Here you will see the most stunning views of the ocean and a spectacular sunset.

Accommodation at Hotel Fasano Las Piedras or Bahía Vik Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast.

Day 10 - Garzón, Uruguay's Tuscany

Drive to Bodega Garzón, for a tour with lunch and tasting.

The tour begins with a visit to the sleepy town of Garzon, where we will stop at the main square, chapel and train station. Continue onto Garzon Winery for a visit with tasting and lunch included. Built atop a rocky outcrop, the winery offers amazing views of the vineyards perched on the hillside with mineral-intense, well-draining soils that create high-quality grapes.

Day 11 - Cabo Polonio

Drive to Cabo Polonio to meet your local guide, for a hiking tour.

After a morning drive to the small Village of Valizas, enjoy a barefoot trek across the sand dunes to the village of Cabo Polonio, where you can visit one of the largest colonies of sea lions in South America. Completely isolated from the nearby towns by a big strip of sand dunes, the village remains loyal to its charm and spirit! This marvelous 3-hour trek will take you from the middle of the desert to experiencing breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Visit to lighthouse & sea lions reserve. Then continue on 4×4 monster trucks out of the town and drive back to hotel.

Day 12 - Horseback ride to the beach

Drive to the horse barn to do a horseback ride to the beach. This ride passes through different local estancias and out onto the sandy beach of the Atlantic Ocean. Riding cross-country along these countryside trails, we will have the chance to see local wildlife such as capybaras, Ñandúes (American Rheas), mulitas (armadillos), and local deer. After crossing a forest of pine trees, we will reach the sand dunes at the beach and enjoy the freedom of riding along the shore to the rhythm of the waves. Taking in the stunning landscape of dunes and ocean that stretches out before us, we’ll ride until we reach the west arm of Laguna Garzon. A memorable experience with the best scenery of Uruguay as a backdrop!

Please note: if you do not have experience horseback riding, an alternative experience will be offered.

Day 13 - Adios Uruguay

Today drive to Montevideo harbour or airport for you departure.