Pearls of Uruguay
Discover the most exquisite highlights and exclusive experiences, our pearls of Uruguay. Taste one of the best Tannats of Uruguay – the Luz de Luna of Narbona; discover the difference in taste of the three Extra Virgin Olive Oils of Colinas de Garzón and enjoy a good book at the stunning cantilevered pool of Playa VIK.
DAY 1: COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO & CARMELO
Arrival to Colonia Del Sacramento and transfer to Charco Restaurant for a delicious lunch. Afternoon walking city tour along the cobbled streets of the old town of Colonia Del Sacramento; visit to the old buildings, old forts and Spanish and Portuguese Museums and the most important tourist spots of this Old Portuguese City form the XVII century that has been declared Patrimony of Mankind by the UNESCO. Afternoon transfer to the Carmelo Resort & Spa A Hyatt Hotel, located in the outskirts of the small town of Carmelo in the vineyard area, just one hour north of Colonia del Sacramento. Accommodation at Carmelo Resort & Spa A Hyatt Hotel.
DAY 2: WINERY TOUR CARMELO
Morning at leisure to enjoy the Carmelo Resort & Spa A Hyatt Hotel.
Winery tour in the area starting with a visit to a small and charming chapel, nowadays a national monument known as La Calera de las Huerfanas (The Lime Quarry of the Orphans, named after an orphanage in Buenos Aires that was supported with the production of lime). 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 that had been planted by the missionaries: this was the birth of wine in Uruguay. We will then continue to the Cordano winery where; depending on the season, guests may be able to see the harvest, bottling or grape manual selection. After a wine tasting, we will continue towards Finca Narbona Winery. The winery Narbona is located in what was originally the Estancia Narbona, founded in 1740 in the outskirts of Carmelo. Narbona has recently signed an agreement with EnoRolland; the expert advice of the consultant oenologist Michel Rolland was a decisive turning point in the quality of their wines. The varieties grown in the vineyards of Finca Narbona are Pinot Noir and Tannat, and there are new vineyards of Syrah and Petit Verdot. Accommodation at Carmelo Resort & Spa A Hyatt Hotel. B
DAY 3: MONTEVIDEO
After breakfast, you will be picked up and enjoy a private transfer to Montevideo. You will be taken to the lively Port Market to (Mercado del Puerto) and enjoy a typical Uruguayan parrilla at El Palenque Restaurant. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of the old city (the colonial historic neighborhood) and visit several museums and the Solis Theatre (museum selection subject to preferences and opening times). Accommodation at Sofitel. B, L
DAY 4: CULTURE & WINERIES IN MONTEVIDEO
Morning pick up for a short panoramic city tour of the neighborhoods of Montevideo their most important attractions. Continue to Juanico Winery, 40 minutes north of Montevideo, for a tour with a wine tasting and a delicious lunch. Afternoon at leisure, or if of interest we can organize the visit to the atelier of a local artist who works with leather (not included). Luis Alberto will show you how he creates his leather sculptures and during a hands-on-session, you can experience working with this very typical Uruguayan material. Accommodation at Sofitel. B, L
DAY 5: PUNTA DEL ESTE & JOSÉ IGNACIO
After breakfast departure in direction of Punta del Este, one of the most famous beach resorts of South America. On your way we will visit Piriapolis. The city was founded by Francisco Piria, who was an alchemist; this is why there are many symbols of alchemy, can still be seen throughout the small city. You will be able to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view from the San Antonio Hill. Continue to Casapueblo a strange, quirky and beautiful construction created by Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró which was his residence, workshop, atelier, hotel and museum. In Punta del Este discover the Mansa and Brava beaches, the residential neighborhoods such as Beverly Hills, San Rafael and Cantegril Golf. We will cross the unique undulated bridge that connects the city center with the boho-chic area of La Barra. In the city downtown area you can stroll along main avenue Juan Gorlero, visit the yacht port and enjoy an almost infinite number of luxury boutique stores, cafes and bars. Continue to Playa VIK Hotel in José Ignacio in the afternoon. Accommodation at Playa VIK. B
DAY 6: COLINAS DE GARZON
After breakfast, guests will be transferred to Colinas de Garzon, where the best olive oil of Uruguay is produced. For those who enjoy the taste of new experiences, spectacular views, top quality wines and olive oils, this will be a wonderful visit. You will be able to learn all the secrets of the extra virgin olive oil and explore the olive plantations and Boutique Production Plant. It is an invitation to discover the origins of this product and its elaboration process. You will then enjoy a tasting of the fine wines and olive oils of Colinas de Garzon, served with selected home-made cheeses. Between the months of March and June, guests can also learn to and participate in the harvest.
Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the village of José Ignacio with its selection of excellent restaurants, small boutiques and beautiful beaches. Accommodation at Playa VIK. B
DAY 7: ANASTASIO
After breakfast, transfer to Estancia Anastasio, a small secret paradise in the natural Reserve of the Anastasio & Garzon Lagoons. The visit starts with a welcome drink at the charming construction, formerly house to local fishermen, which has been converted into a small cozy restaurant. You will be able to choose between two of the different proposed activities: biking, horseback riding, canoeing, Stand-up paddle, cooking classes, yoga & yoga sup. You will be fascinated by the landscape that surrounds you! Enjoy a typical Uruguayan barbecue for lunch and a well deserved siesta on one of our hammocks during the afternoon. Choose another activity in the afternoon and have a typical merienda including a mate tasting, Uruguayan bizcochos, tarts and biscuits. Transfer back to Jose Ignacio. Accommodation at Playa VIK.
DAY 8: RETURN
Transfer back to Punta del Este Airport or Montevideo Airport.
Carmelo Resort & Spa, the Unbound Collection by Hyatt – Carmelo (Day 1 – 2)
Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa – Montevideo (Day 3 – 4)
Playa VIK – José Ignacio (Day 5 – 7)
Highlights & Tastes of Uruguay
Immigrants introduced both cheese and wine to Uruguay hundreds of years ago and nowadays the country is rich in vineyards, wineries, artisan cheese producers and boutique olive oil plants. Discover the touristic highlights of Uruguay always combined with a culinary highlight. Be ready to be surprised by a variety of exquisite flavors!
DAY 1: COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO
Arrival to Colonia Del Sacramento and transfer to Hotel Charco (or similar) located in the historic part of the town. Walking city tour along the cobbled streets of the old town of Colonia Del Sacramento; visit to the old buildings and forts and Spanish and Portuguese Museums and the most important tourist spots of this Old Portuguese City form the XVII century that has been declared Patrimony of Mankind by the UNESCO. Afternoon visit to the winery Los Cerros de San Juan with tasting. You will be able to taste the tannat, Uruguay’s signature wine. Tannat is to Uruguay what Malbec is to Argentina. The tannat grapes originated from southwestern France and brought to Uruguay almost 250 years ago by a French Basque immigrant and the variety is characterized by its softer tannins when compared with the “old wines” from France.
DAY 2: COLONIA – CALERA DE LAS HUÉRFANAS – WINERIES EL LEGADO & CORDANO
After breakfast, transfer towards the area of Carmelo. The tour starts with the visit of La Calera de las Huerfanas (the Orphans Lime Quarry) Jesuit Ruins where the Uruguayan history of wine begins. We will then continue to the El Legado winery where; depending on the season, guests may be able to see the harvest, bottling or grape manual selection. After a wine tasting, we will continue our tour towards Bodegas Cordano winery where we will learn about the production processes and history about the vineyard. We will then continue towards Finca Narbona Wine Lodge where guests will enjoy dinner and spend the night. B, L, D.
DAY 3: FINCA NARBONA
Morning at leisure. Picnic lunch in the vineyards and late afternoon wine and cheese pairing tasting in the cellar guided by the sommelier of Finca Narbona (includes three different Narbona wines and seven choices of cheese). Accommodation at Finca Narbona Wine Lodge. B, L
DAY 4: MONTEVIDEO
After breakfast, you will be picked up and taken by private transfer to Montevideo. On arrival, enjoy lunch at the vibrant port market. Take a walking tour of the Ciudad Vieja (the colonial historic neighborhood) and visit several museums and the Solis Theater (museum selection subject to preferences and opening times). Spend one night in the capital of Uruguay at Hotel Alma Histórica in the historic Ciudad Vieja neighborhood (or similar). B, L
DAY 5: WINERY & ESTANCIA CHARABON
Morning pick up for a short panoramic city tour of the rest of the city and visit of one winery in the region of Montevideo. Afterwards, private transfer to Estancia Charabon, where you will enjoy the last hours of the day – relax by the swimming pool with a glass of wine or why not enjoy a ride through the rolling plains! Dinner at the Estancia. B, L, D
DAY 6: TREKKING FROM VALIZAS TO CABO POLONIO, INCREDIBLE SAND DUNES AND SEA LIONS
After breakfast, transfer to small village Barra de Valizas, where a local guide will meet us to start an unforgettable tour to Cabo Polonio Village. After a short walk around the town, we will start the trekking along the coastline that will take us towards the incredible shifting sand dunes. We will trek up the Buena Vista Hill from where a fantastic view of the ocean can be appreciated and continue down towards Cabo Polonio (4 hours trek). After a delicious seafood lunch at a local seaside restaurant, we will visit the lighthouse and sea lions reserve (one of the biggest ones in the world!). In the afternoon a 4×4 truck drive towards the main entrance of Cabo Polonio where a private transfer will take guests back to the accommodation at Estancia Charabon. B, L, D
DAY 7: CHARMING VILLAGE GARZON
Private transfer to Colinas de Garzon Extra Virgin Olive oil boutique plant, which awaits you for a visit to their production facilities followed by a tasting of their award-winning olive oil together with a selection of cheeses and Garzon Wines. Afternoon visit of close by Pueblo Garzon, a small, picturesque village just 30 minutes from Jose Ignacio, where time seems to have stood still: people buy their fuel in a petrol canister and stroll around the central square, where everyone knows everyone and gathers for a chat. Accommodation at Posada Casa Anna within the town of Garzon. B.
DAY 8: CHEESE & WINE IN PUNTA DEL ESTE REGION
Today you will get to know the gourmet Punta del Este. Visit the Alto de la Ballena winery, one of the newest wineries of Uruguay and one of the few in the area of Punta del Este. After a rich wine tasting, we continue on to Nonno Antonio artisan cheese farm, where you can observe the cheese production and enjoy the homemade cheeses during a tasting. Following a drive all along Punta del Este’s coastline, you will be transferred to Jose Ignacio, where you will spend the night at Posada del Faro (or similar). B
DAY 9: COOKING CLASS AT ESTANCIA ANASTASIO
After breakfast, transfer to Estancia Anastasio where we will experience firsthand the good tastes of the area. We have designed a special cooking class to expose you to the best that the local products have to offer. You will spend a lovely day with hands on instruction by one of our professional local chefs so that you take not only your memories home, but also some great recipes and techniques to add to your own collection. Lunch and afternoon enjoying the lagoon with one of the activities offered: canoeing, horseback riding or stand-up-paddle. Afternoon transfer back to Posada del Faro where you will spend the last night (or similar). B, L
DAY 10: RETURN
After breakfast, private transfer to Montevideo airport or port.
Charco Hotel – Colonia del Sacramento (Day 1)
Finca Narbona – Carmelo (Day 2-3)
Alma Historica – Montevideo (Day
Estancia El Charabon – Rocha (Day 5 – 6)
Casa Anna – Garzon (Day 7)
Posada del Faro – Jose Ignacio (Day 8-9)
Highlights of Active Uruguay
Uruguay with its beautiful rolling plains and rich nature is the perfect location for your active holiday. Discover the highlights of the country combined with active elements: biking in Montevideo and Colonia, horseback riding at the Estancias and a sand dune trekking in Rocha.
DAY 1: COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO
Arrival to “Colonia Del Sacramento” and transfer to Plaza Mayor Hotel (or similar) located in the Old town of the City. Bike tour along the cobbled streets of the old town of Colonia and the riverside boulevard to the Casa de los Limoneros, where you will enjoy some nice drinks in their beautiful garden. Afternoon ride back to Colonia, where you can discover its cobbled streets full of small bars, excellent restaurants, art and craft shops, museums and a yacht harbor.
DAY 2: MONTEVIDEO
After a transfer with regular bus to Montevideo, enjoy lunch at the vibrant port market. Take a walking tour of the Ciudad Vieja (the colonial historic neighborhood) and visit different neighborhoods during a cycling tour along the riverside boulevard. Spend one night in the capital of Uruguay at Hotel Plaza Fuerte (or similar). B,L
DAY 3: WINERY & ESTANCIA GUARDIA DEL MONTE
Morning pick up for a short panoramic city tour of the rest of the city and visit of one winery in the region of Montevideo. Afterwards, bus ride to Castillos, where you will be picked up and taken to Estancia Guardia del Monte, where you will enjoy the last hours of the day on the Castillos Lagoon. Dinner at the Estancia. B, L, D
DAY 4: A TRADITIONAL ESTANCIA
We wake up in Guardia Del Monte, a traditional estancia with outstanding landscape beauty and important ecosystems containing a great variety of birds and native scrublands. We will enjoy some quality birdwatching along the large area of marshlands and wetlands both of which are teeming with bird life (more than 400 species in this area), otters, coypus and capybaras. We will be able to spot the graceful black-necked swan (largest populations in the world found here), the rare white goose, the pink flamingo (a species of flamingo with very bright pink pigment and quite common in Uruguay) and many ducks and other birds such as the largest bird in South America – the ‘ostrich-like’ “ñandú” (American rhea). After a typical “asado lunch” we will enjoy some horseback riding to explore the estancia surroundings. Dinner and accommodation at Guardia del Monte (Please note that depending on the season, we might stay at Guardia del Monte or Charabon Estancia and the available activities will be adapted to the area). B, L, D
DAY 5: TREKKING FROM VALIZAS TO CABO POLONIO, INCREDIBLE SAND DUNES AND SEA LIONS
After breakfast, transfer to small village Barra de Valizas, where a local guide will meet us to start an unforgettable tour to “Cabo Polonio” Village. After a short walk around the town, we will start the trekking along the coastline that will take us towards the incredible shifting sand dunes. We will trek up the “Buena Vista Hill” from where a fantastic view of the ocean can be appreciated, to continue down towards Cabo Polonio (4 hours trek). After a delicious seafood lunch at a local seaside restaurant, we will visit the light house and sea lions reserve (one of the biggest ones in the world!). Afternoon 4×4 truck drive towards the main entrance of Cabo Polonio where a private transfer will drive guests back to the accommodation at charming little Posada Valizas where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night. B, L, D
DAY 6: PUNTA DEL ESTE
Take a regular bus from Valizas to Punta del Este where you will have time in the afternoon to discover the neighborhood La Barra where your hotel is located. Accommodation at Hostal de la Barra (or similar). B
DAY 7: PUNTA DEL ESTE
Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Punta del Este. We will visit the most important attractions: “Juan Gorlero Avenue”, the yacht’s port, the residential areas, the lively La Barra where we will cross the famous undulated bridge just before arriving to the Brava Beach of Punta del Este. We will finish at the lovely Casapueblo, a strange and attractive construction designed by the renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró where we will visit his museum. Accommodation at Hostal de la Barra or similar. B
DAY 8: RETURN
After breakfast, transfer to the bus station of Punta del Este and regular bus to Montevideo bus station. From there, a private transfer will take you either to the port or to the airport.
Hotel Plaza Mayor – Colonia del Sacramento (Day 1)
Don Boutique Hotel – Montevideo (Day 2)
Estancia Guardia del Monte – Rocha (Day 3-4)
Posada Valizas – Rocha (Day 5)
Hostal de la Barra – Punta del Este (Day 6 – 7)
Family Highlights of Uruguay
Uruguay is a country where family traditions are very strong; children of all ages will learn while having fun, discover nature and culture while sharing with the locals. Biking, horse riding, cooking, surfing, canoeing, painting and tasting new flavors are just some of the experiences we can offer!!
As a very family-friendly destination, we have prepared this itinerary in order to keep the small people entertained and engaged whilst making it a great trip for the whole family! This itinerary includes some of our favorite child-friendly activities that will make family holidays as much fun for the parents as they are for the children.
DAY 1: COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO
Arrival to Colonia Del Sacramento and transfer to Plaza Mayor Hotel (or similar) located in the Old town of the City. Enjoy a bike tour along the cobbled streets of the old town of Colonia and the riverside boulevard to “Real de San Carlos”. Visit the “Plaza de Toros” (bullring) and the old train wagons and have fun at “Tunel del Ayer”, where the whole family can dress up in historic clothes for a remembrance picture. After lunch (not included), enjoy a half day fishing experience at the marina of the “Bastion” Sculptor Park next to the sailing boats and yachts. A local guide will assist you and provide all the necessary equipment to spend a lovely afternoon fishing and learning not only fishing techniques but also to respect and care for nature.
DAY 2: MONTEVIDEO
Morning transfer to Montevideo and visit to the vibrant Port Market where you will enjoy lunch at one of the many typical “parrillas”. Take a walking tour of the Ciudad Vieja (the colonial historic neighborhood) and visit the atelier of a local leather whose work has been recognized by the UNESCO with the Award of Excellence for Handicrafts. Luis Alberto Gutierrez has dedicated his life to creating leather sculptures inspired in local popular elements as our famous “Tango”, our “Murgas” and “Candombe” (both of them music elements of the Uruguayan Carnival) and the Gaucho iconic countryside figure. Climb up to the mystery of Alberto´s studio located in downtown Montevideo where we will find many of his leather sculptures in different steps of the creation process. Learn about the art of working with leather and participate in the creation of an emblematic Gaucho sculpture. With the guidance of Alberto, feel the leather in your hands and witness the birth of a new creation! An amazing experience for the whole family!
Accommodation at My Suites Hotel (or similar). B,L
DAY 3: WINERY & ESTANCIA GUARDIA DEL MONTE
Morning pick up for a short panoramic city tour of the rest of the city and visit to a special winery located within the border of Montevideo and Canelones Provinces. Much has been said of wines, wineries and vineyards but very seldom do people get to know “the artist behind the art”. This tour is about discovering the winemaker behind an amazing wine. Manuel Filgueira, enologist, wine lover and owner of “Los Nadies” boutique winery will receive you with all his family and open the doors of his winery and home. The visit starts with a horse riding tour of the vineyards, followed by a tasting and typical family lunch! Manuel will cook for you and show you the secrets of his wine. Afternoon private transfer to Estancia Guardia del Monte, where you will enjoy dinner and a good nights sleep at the Estancia. B, L, D
DAY 4: A TRADITIONAL ESTANCIA
We wake up in Guardia Del Monte, a traditional estancia with outstanding landscape beauty and important ecosystems containing a great variety of birds and native trees. We will enjoy some quality birdwatching along the large area of marshlands and wetlands both of which are teeming with bird life (more than 400 species in this area), otters, coypus and capybaras. We will be able to spot the graceful black-necked swan (largest populations in the world found here), the rare white goose, the pink flamingo (a species of flamingo with very bright pink pigment and quite common in Uruguay) and many ducks and other birds such as the largest bird in South America – the ‘ostrich-like’ ñandú (American rhea). After a typical asado lunch we will enjoy some horseback riding to explore the estancia surroundings. Dinner and accommodation at Guardia del Monte (Please note that depending on the season, we might stay at Guardia del Monte or Charabon Estancia and the available activities will be adapted to the area). B, L, D
DAY 5: HORSEBACK RIDING FROM VALIZAS TO CABO POLONIO, INCREDIBLE SAND DUNES & SEA LIONS
After breakfast, transfer to small village Barra de Valizas, where a local guide will meet us to start an unforgettable tour to Cabo Polonio Village. After a short walk around the town, we will start the horseback riding along the coastline that will take us towards the incredible shifting sand dunes. We will hike up the Buena Vista Hill from where a fantastic view of the ocean can be appreciated and continue down towards Cabo Polonio (4 hours trek). After a delicious seafood lunch at a local seaside restaurant, we will visit the lighthouse and sea lions reserve (one of the biggest ones in the world!). In the afternoon a 4×4 truck drive towards the main entrance of Cabo Polonio where a private transfer will take guests back to the accommodation at Zen Hotel Boutique where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night. B, L, D
DAY 6: JOSE IGNACIO / LAGOONS & BIKING
Bike from La Paloma to the Rocha Lagoon and then enjoy canoeing across the lagoon. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the shores of the lagoon and continue onto the town of Jose Ignacio. Accommodation at Posada del Faro (or similar). B, L.
DAY 7: ANASTASIO LAGOON &THE TOWN OF GARZON
Morning transfer to the region of Garzon known as the “Uruguayan Tuscany”, a landscape full of olive trees and vineyards where we will visit Colinas de Garzon Extra Virgin Olive Oil Production Plant. Enjoy a tractor tour along the olive plantations, visit the production plant and finalize the tour with a wine and olive oil tasting, while children enjoy a bottle painting activity. After the tour, visit the town and participate on a typical “asado” lunch at the Old Train Station. Accommodation at Posada del Faro (or similar). B
DAY 8: RETURN
After breakfast, transfer to Montevideo. On your way you will visit Punta del Este and the “Area Indigena”, a natural reserve in the region of Solis. The tour finishes either at the port or at the airport.
Charco Hotel – Colonia del Sacramento – (Day 1)
Hotel My Suites – Colonia del Sacramento – (Day 2)
Estancia Guardia del Monte – Rocha (Day 3-4)
Zen Hotel Boutique – La Paloma, Rocha – (Day 5)
Posada del Faro – José Ignacio – (Day 6 – 7)
