Despite being one of the smallest and lesser known countries in South America, Uruguay continues to capture the imaginations and hearts of adventurous travelers who are seeking a unique and secluded destination. The areas surrounding the capital city of Montevideo are the most popular destinations, but Uruguay packs adventure into every one of its small corners. While Uruguay is a “country of experiences,” there is nothing travelers really have to do — just follow your interests and passions, and do as little or as much as you’d like on this custom Uruguay Wine Tour!
Cultural colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento, ideal for boating, fishing and swimming
City of Rivera, capital city of Montevideo and the famous resort destination Punta del Este and Jose Ignacio
Kayaking, cycling and horseback riding
Fabulous food and wine experiences
Relax on the sun-kissed beaches
Retreat to exclusive properties and lodges
DAY;
1
ARRIVE URUGUAY
Welcome to your Uruguay Wine Tour! Upon arrival to Montevideo, you are welcomed and privately transferred to Carmelo (with English-speaking driver), located in Uruguay’s picturesque wine region. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Narbona Wine Lodge
Meals
DAY;
2
DISCOVERING URUGUAY’S WINE REGION
Start your Uruguay winery tour in the birthplace of wine in Uruguay. In the XVIII century, the Jesuits established in the north of the Province of Colonia in Uruguay, where they continued their mission and built the national monument “La Calera de las Huerfanas” in 1741. Afterwards, visit two wineries in the region of Carmelo, about 80 minutes away from Colonia (the selection of wineries may vary due to their open times). Start with a visit to Bodegas Cordano, a small family-run winery which is led by Ana Paula Cordano and her family in the fifth generation. After a warm reception, visit the vineyards and the production areas. Enjoy a tasting of the Cordano wines in a special atmosphere of the Almacen de La Capilla. Continue to El Legado Winery, a boutique family-owned winery located in the Carmelo region. The winery’s name, meaning “legacy,”was chosen in honor of Bernardo’s father, Luis Mazurca, who bought the land and planted the vines. Bernardo and his family decided to continue the project and produce wines not because of a family tradition in winemaking, because they “fueled by a true passion” in what they do. The visit includes lunch and tasting of two Tannat and Sirah Wines with cheese platters, sausages, chestnuts, among other tasty delights.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Narbona Wine Lodge
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
3
COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO
Today, explore the UNESCO World Heritage Colonia del Sacramento through a city tour: Discover the little stone streets, the old edifications, the fort, port, Spanish and Portuguese houses, downtown and the Rambla, which borders the Old City to the “Real de San Carlos” where the “Plaza de Toro,” the “Hipodromo” and the old harbor can be seen.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Narbona Wine Lodge
Meals B
DAY;
4
MONTEVIDEO
Today, you are met by your guide for transfer back to Montevideo (English-speaking driver). Upon arrival, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Capital and home to nearly half of Uruguay’s population, Montevideo is a vibrant, eclectic city with a rich cultural diversity and 20 kilometers of pristine river beaches along the Rio de la Plata known locally as “La Rambla.”
Optional Activities:
Overnight Hotel Boutique Alma Historica, or Sofitel
Meals B
DAY;
5
JEWISH HERITAGE OF MONTEVIDEO
Follow the history of the Jewish community in Montevideo on a half-day city tour. Your visit starts in Old Town where Jewish immigrants first settled at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. Explore important sites that are related to the Jewish Heritage such as the Sephardic Beth Israel Temple, Ashkenazi Synagogue and the main community center, but also main highlights of the city such as the famous Parliament House (Uruguay’s pride), the Obelisk, and more. Then, enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Hotel Boutique Alma Historica, or Sofitel
Meals B
DAY;
7
PUEBLO EDEN
Visit the charming village “Pueblo Eden,” starting with Lote 8 Olive Oil Boutique Plant to tour their production facilities and to sample their olive oil and a selection of cheeses. Then, head to the rocky outcrops of Pueblo Eden and taste the wines of Viña Eden Winery, including Chardonnay, a typical Tannat Reserva and the Cerro Negro wine. After lunch at the winery, private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Hotel Fasano Las Piedras, or Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio, or a charming boutique hotel
Meals B,L
DAY;
8
URUGUAYAN COOKING CLASS
Today, enjoy a private cooking class at the home of a local chef. The experience takes place within an informal atmosphere, accompanied by a glass of good wine. Learn about the traditional local products of Uruguay such as the butia, dulce de leche, olive oil, Uruguayan cuts of meat and other typical local ingredients. Prepare the main course of the proposed menu (menu is pre-selected taking into consideration your personal preferences and any dietary restrictions). Or, if you wish, prepare the complete menu.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Hotel Fasano Las Piedras, or Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio, or a charming boutique hotel
Meals B,L
DAY;
9
JOSE IGNACIO
The physical appearance of this small town on the Atlantic coast has changed little over the past decade. For much of the year, the sandy streets of this former fishing village are quiet, the funky and stylish designer houses half-hidden behind modest fishing shacks, and tumbledown cottages shuttered and empty. Over New Years, local aristocrats and A-list celebrities transform the coastline into South America’s most exclusive yet determinedly rustic place to wine, dine and party. It’s a great scene for those seeking to be surrounded a stylish group of people.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Hotel Fasano Las Piedras, or Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio or a charming boutique hotel
Meals B
DAY;
10
JOSE IGNACIO
Enjoy two full days at your leisure taking advantage of your hotel facilities including the twenty-meter swimming pool, gym, spa, private polo field, golf green, and stable of Criollo riding horses. At the wooden boathouse, you can find kayaks, kites and wind surfers, canoes, sailboats and fishing equipment to enjoy the arroyo and lake. Nature walks and bird watching, tennis, cycling and hiking are all part of the activities available. The expansive property is host to riding and polo horses, farm animals, and native wildlife. A game room with pool table, table tennis and a variety of other games is found in the Estancia house.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Playa Vik Jose Ignacio, or Estancia Vik Jose Ignacio or a charming boutique hotel
Meals B
DAY
2
Quito
This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection
Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito
2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar
Meals B