SELF-DRIVE EXPERIENCE AROUND URUGUAY

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO

Pick up rented car. Lunch at the traditional Meson de la Plaza + Walking Tour. Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the cobblestoned Barrio Histórico, lined with Buildings from its time as a Portuguese settlement. This ancient Portuguese Town declared World Heritage site by UNESCO witnessed great expansion battles in the XVII, XVIII and XIX Centuries between both Crowns of Spain and Portugal. Its historic preserved neighborhood takes us back to colonial times in spite of expressing intense modern beauty under old-fashioned lines. The memorable walking tour takes you to the Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), the Holy Sacrament Church, the image of Saint Peter, the Ammunition Dump, the Lighthouse, The Museums – Portuguese, Spanish, Tiles, etc. – (entrance is not included). Colonia holds a status of enormous exclusivity at the oriental (left) shore of the River Plate. Its boardwalk, as well as the Plaza de Toros and even the City Hall are filled with memories, delivering a unique and unforgettable stay in the middle of rioplatense history. Overnight at selected Hotel in Colonia del Sacramento.

DAY 2 – CARMELO

After breakfast, drive to Carmelo, where the Uruguayan history of wine began, as well as boutique family-run winery for tastings, and depending on the season, to see harvesting and bottling. Arrival at El Legado Winery.

The visit is guided by a wine expert from the Wine House, who will tour you through the premises, opening up the doors to the wine making temple, getting familiar with the distinct phases of wine making and culminating this pleasant experience at the main room where wine tasting, and   lunch   shall   take   place.   Afterwards   continue to selected hotel for the night. Overnight in hotel in Carmelo.

DAY 3 – CARMELO

Day at leisure to enjoy the surroundings of Carmelo. Overnight in hotel in Carmelo.

DAY 4 – ESTANCIA FINCA PIEDRA

Drive to a unique eco-tourist “estancia”: Finca Piedra which reveals the authentic Uruguayan country life. The Estancia opens its gate for those seeking peace, relaxation, new experiences, and adventure. Enjoy guided activities like horse rides and carriage rides along the vineyards and Mahoma hills, free activities, sports, and delicious homemade meals which can be served with delicious fine wines from its French origin vineyards. Overnight in Estancia Finca Piedra.

DAY 5 – ESTANCIA FINCA PIEDRA – MONTEVIDEO

After breakfast, drive to Juanico Winery, one of the most traditional spots at the Uruguayan countryside. The original natural stone buildings of this historic winery were built around 1830 and over time have been modernized whilst retaining their original character. Here the latest technology and the time-honored traditions live in harmony. In this way the wines can express their finest qualities. The tour includes a walk-through part of the vineyards, a visit to the winery, the antique stone buildings, and the underground cellars. At the end of the tour exclusive wine tasting and lunch shall take place. After lunch, drive to Montevideo. Overnight in Montevideo Hotel.

DAY 6 – MONTEVIDEO

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour in the capital city of Uruguay. In this panoramic tour you will observe major attractions of the city: Independence Square, Executive Tower (headquarters of the Executive power), Salvo Palace, Solís Theatre, Port Market, agricultural market, Legislative Palace, Obelisk, Centenario Stadium and much more. A tour guided by the main and picturesque neighborhoods of the city. Return through the United Nations rambla, with stop in the square to observe one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city and its coastline. Return to the hotel. Free time. In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional dinner and tango show at Primuseum. Overnight in selected Hotel in Montevideo Hotel.

DAY 7 – PUNTA DEL ESTE

After breakfast, departure to Punta del Este. Amidst luxury and natural wonders, this day starts through Rambla Naciones Unidas, the Giannattasio Avenue taking the Interbalnearia, the route paralleled by the Golden Coast, passing by the whole chain of beaches and seaside resorts Then a little bit more of route until PUNTA DEL ESTE, also called Atlantic’s Pearl, the most exclusive seaside resort town of South America that vibrates between Mansa Beach in the borders of the River Plate and Brava Beach by the Atlantic Ocean. With its extensive coast, the birth-town of the World Trade Organization receives thousands of tourists year-round. From its open-air exhibit art, the mansions of the big world stars and even its neat hotels- resort compound the sophisticated puntaesteño approach. Overnight in Hotel in Punta del Este.

DAY 8 – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, check out and drive to Montevideo.