Itinerary

Day 1 Montevideo
Upon arrival you will be met and taken to your centrally located hotel. Today’s afternoon excursion starts with a drive along the Rambla, a 22km long road that borders the Rio de la Plata coastline, towards Carrasco. En route you will have a look at the Pittamiglio Castle, designed by an alchemist. Afterwards you will stop at Plaza Virgilio with a monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the navy. Here you can enjoy an excellent view of the city, a great spot for photographers. Continue to the elegant residential areas of Carrasco, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Montevideo. You will be able to marvel at huge mansions and gardens that remind of the old times, when the place was an elegant seaside resort. Then head to the Battle and Ordoñez Park with its memorial “La Carreta” (Covered Wagon) and continue to the Centenario Football stadium, where the first world cup final took place. Afterwards you will visit the Mercado Agricola, the former agricultural market of Montevideo. This beautiful old building, which dates back to 1913, was newly restored. Inside you find shops, green groceries, coffee shops and restaurants with local and international cuisine. A few minutes away from the market lies the Palacio Legislativo, the seat of the Uruguayan Parliament, which will be visited from the outside. This impressive building was constructed in the beginning of the 20th century using beautifully colored local marble and shows abundant decoration. To top the tour off, you will walk through the historic center of Montevideo (Ciudad Vieja) with its narrow streets, architecture and art pieces from the 19th and 20th century. First you will see the Independence Square with the monument of the national hero Jose Gervasio Artigas surrounded by the former presidential palace (Palacio Estevez, built in 1842) and the Palacio Salvo (built in 1922), the highest building in South America at the time of its inauguration. Not far from the square you will find the Solis Theater which dates back to 1856. Since its refurbishment it has gained back its former splendor.Your next stop is at the “Constitution Square” also known as “Plaza Matriz”, where you can admire the best preserved buildings from the era of Spanish colonial rule, like the Colonial Town Hall (Cabildo) from 1804 and the Spanish neoclassical Cathedral. Furthermore you can appreciate Italian influences on architecture here, for example on the fountain by Gianni Ferrari that also contains several symbols of free masons. The last stop is the old market hall at the port of Montevideo (Mercado del Puerto), a lively place with street musicians and local artists showing their handicrafts. There you can find various Parrilladas that offer excellent barbecues. The tour will end with the transfer back to your hotel or you can stroll through the historic center on your own. The old city is easily explored on foot: you will find interesting museums, cozy cafes and various restaurants. A lunch at the Mercado del Puerto should not be missed. Overnight in Montevideo.

Day 2 Montevideo-Piriapolis-Punta del Este-Montevideo
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and will drive about 140km to Punta del Este, the famous beach resort and favorite vacation spot for the jet set. On the way to Punta you will stop in Piriapolis a popular seaside resort among Uruguayans and Argentineans. You will see “Hotel Argentino” that used to be one of the most famous hotels of South America in the 1930s and will be able to enjoy a spectacular view from the Hill “Cerro San Antonio”. Afterwards you will continue your trip to Punta del Este and will stop at Punta Ballena for sweeping views up and down the coast. Here you will have the possibility to visit Casapueblo, the home and atelier of late internationally renowned artist, Carlos Paez Vilaro (entrance fee not included). The dazzling white complex, resembling Spanish Moroccan architecture, is situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. Vilaro built it in 1958 with his own hands, using only traditional tools. After this stop you will get to know the elegant neighborhoods of Punta del Este and will see the “wavy” bridge that leads to the small town “La Barra” You will have time for lunch and will be able to explore the center of Punta del Este by yourself before you head back to Montevideo for overnight.

Day 3 Montevideo
Full day at leisure or you can take one of the following optional tours. Visit of Bouza Boutique Winery including wine tasting and lunch – approx. 4h The Bouza Boutique Winery is located at the source of the Melilla Stream, at only 15km (9 mi) from Montevideo. The winery is part of a harmonious milieu, surrounded by vines and native woods. The vineyard is composed by 10 hectares of Tannat, Merlot and Chardonnay plants, of ages ranging between 20 and 40 years. Also 13 hectares with new plantations of Tannat, Merlot, Tempranillo and Albarino, selecting high quality and low productivity clones. Bouza Winery was built using the basic structure of an old winery functioning in the area since 1942. It was restored maintaining the original idea. Wine varieties: Albarino (white wine), Chardonnay, Merlot, Tannat Merlot, etc. The tour starts with a visit to the vineyards and orientation on process, observing the nature with a wide diversification of fauna and flora, a collection of antique cars like a Ford T 1926. Ford A, Citroen 1950, 1980, Alfa Romeo Spider 1960, or 1926 train wagons among others. Afterwards, a wine tasting of the different varieties will take place followed by a lunch. After lunchtime, you will have some time to relax and enjoy the marvelous atmosphere at the winery, before you return to your hotel. Or you can take the following: Horseback riding in the natural paradise of Penino and Pascual beaches approx. 4h-(approx. 2-2h30min riding the horse) Spend a few hours immersed in Uruguay’s stunning natural beauty on this exciting guided horseback riding tour. A scenic drive across the city will bring you to Playa Penino, where your unique adventure will unfold. After a brief safety orientation, you will be paired with your horse and saddle up for a memorable trot across the beach, enjoying beautiful views of the sparkling Rio de la Plata and Santa Lucia River along the way. Afterwards, you will savor an array of local pastries and be taken back to your hotel.for overnight.

Day 4 Montevideo-Colonia Del Sacramento-Buenos Aires
Transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal. You will board a very comfortable regular bus including air-conditioning to Montevideo (without guide). The Journey to Colonia del Sacramento will take approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival your tour guide will pick you up at the bus terminal and you will enjoy a comprehensive city tour. 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 it, until finally the Treaty of Saint Ildefonso awarded it to Spain. Today the Old City has a lot to say about its Colonial past. Visit the picturesque streets of Colonia del Sacramento, the eldest city in the country, recently declared World Heritage by UNESCO. 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 a scenery for historical films, Puerta del Campo, Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo. The past can still be felt, in the city’s cobblestone streets and stone walls. Colonia complements its archaeological values with natural beauty, the permanent company of the Uruguay River and the emblematic monuments that stand out on the horizon, such as the cathedral and the lighthouse, and very nearby, the Real de San Carlos bullring. The city tour ends at the ferry station where you will board the Buquebus to Buenos Aires (approx 1 hour). Upon arrival in Buenos Aires transfer from the pier to the hotel. Buenos Aires is not only the capital of Argentina; it is also one of the 10 most important metropolises in the world and the center of the political, economic and intellectual life of the country. This cosmopolitan city with great European cultural influence displays a refined taste in its cooking, in its boutiques and in the elegance of its inhabitants. Almost 12 million people live there and can enjoy the plentiful night life visiting tango bars, cabarets, discotheques, restaurants or eternally open bars. During the day, a wide variety of attractions is offered museums, art galleries, tasteful shops, fascinating antiques, large green areas, parks, wide tree lined boulevards, clubs and sporting events. The Italian-Spanish descent of the inhabitants has formed this modern metropolis. Feel the flair, above all in the Italian old quarter La Boca and in the wide streets with cafes from the turn of the century. At the Plaza de Mayo, in the political center of town, is the starting point of this tour through this exciting capital. The widest street of the world, the very famous opera house and also the shopping street Florida make Buenos Aires unforgettable. This evening you can take the following optional tour. Argentina culinary experience (3h 30min) . On shared basis This tour is designed to give you an introduction to the best of Argentine cuisine and culture. This is not a cooking class, but a fun and unique experience, where you will meet and dine with people from all over the world. The international team of guides are on hand to spoil you and take you through every step of this culinary journey. Each guest is welcomed with a drink. At first you will try Patagonian trout tartar served with Torrontes wine. Choose from the gourmet fillings and create your own empanada learning the traditional “repulge” technique for beef as well as cheese and ham fillings. Enjoy a typical Argentinian picada with grilled provoleta cheese, sliced chorizo sausage, mollejas (gizzard) and homemade chimichurri. Learn the most important Argentinian gestures during a short class. Enjoy what many are claiming to be the very best steak in Argentina, cooked to order and accompanied with velvety mash potatoes and a variety of roasted vegetables marinated with rosemary vinaigrette. These top of the line thick cut filet steaks have a unique 24 hour preparation method that sets apart from the rest. Vegetarian, pescetarian and celiac options are available on request. Two distinct Malbec wines, from boutique wineries in Mendoza, paired to complement food. Learn about and enjoy unlimited wine throughout the dinner. White wine is also available on request. Enjoy a cuartirolo cheese tasting with dulce de batata (produced of sweet potato) and dulce de madera (Argentina is the only country in the world where a special kind of wood can be eaten). For desert make your own alfajores, Argentina’s national sweet, where biscuits, dulce de leche, melted chocolate fondue and coconut shavings combine to delight the senses. Finally, get taught about the history and etiquette of mate, Argentina’s national pastime, and prepare it from scratch among yourselves. A fun and dynamic way to approach Argentina cuisine and Argentinean habits while meeting other international travelers. Overnight Buenos Aires.

Day 5 Buenos Aires
After breakfast you will be taken on a city tour. During your city tour in Buenos Aires you will drive along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest avenue of the world, you will pass close to the Colon Theatre, one of the world’s best known opera houses. Visit the famous Avenida de Mayo that runs into the Plaza De Mayo, surrounded by the Casa Rosada (Government House), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo (first City Hall, built during Spanish rule). At the other end of Avenida de Mayo the cupola of the Congress building can be seen. Stop and inside visit of the Metropolitan Cathedral, this imposing neo classical building is Argentina’s main catholic building. The mausoleum of General San Martin (the National Hero) is located inside the Cathedral, and Pope Francisco used to celebrate religious services in this Cathedral when he was cardinal of Buenos Aires city. Stop at the famous Cafe Tortoni, the oldest literati cafe of the city. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack. Your next stop is La Boca, a most colorful area with the famous street Caminito. Continue to the north area passing by Palermo and visit the Recoleta area, one of the city’s most glamorous spots. Here you will see elegant boutiques and excellent restaurants, surrounded by centennial trees. The heart of the neighborhood is Recoleta cemetery. The cemetery is the center of this aristocratic neighborhood, and the most relevant personalities of Argentina’s history rest in this place. The mausoleums and pantheons reflect the architectural diversity emerging from the different cultural tendencies Argentina incorporated in its formation as a nation. The cemetery is considered to be one of the most impressive monuments of Argentina. 30min stop includes visit of Eva Duarte’ s grave, known as Eva Peron (Evita). This evening you will enjoy dinner and a tango show at the famous La Ventana tango house. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 6 Buenos Aires
Today full day at leisure or you can take one of the following optional tours. Tigre Tour. Drive along the Northern residential districts of the city, until getting to San Isidro, a colonial and aristocratic area. You will see the mansions and houses in front of the River Plate. You will continue the driving to Tigre, a charming area near Buenos Aires city where a great number of summer residences, yacht clubs and rowing clubs attract the week-end activity of many “Portenos”. The Tigre Delta with its rivers, streams and numerous green islands is one of the most attractive areas for visitors. The continuous sediment of the Parana River, which gives the river and estuary their particular brownish-red color, forms the Delta islands. Enjoy a boat excursion (1 hour) along the innumerable channels of the Parana-Delta to see some of the hundreds of islands covered with luxuriant vegetation. Drive back to the city via the Panamericana highway. You can also chose to take the optional A Day at the countryside visiting Estancia Santa Susana (7h) On shared basis. Enjoy a complete day at the pampas. Carriages and horse rides will show you the charm of Argentinian countryside, its scenarios and the incomparable wild aroma. Barbecue will be served with variety of salads and local dessert. After lunch, the folklore show will begin with its music and dances. The day will end enjoying typical estancia’s activities, regional games as “carrera de sortijas”, where two teams gallop at full tilt under a wooden arch and try to pass a pin through a small ring hanging from the arch.After the local games demonstration, transfer back to the city. Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Day 7 Buenos-Aires-Iguazu
After breakfast transfer to the domestic airport for the flight to Iguassu (not included). In Iguassu transfer to the hotel and check in. Then follows a walking tour to the Argentinean side of the falls. While on the Brazilian side of the falls one can enjoy a better panoramic view, the Argentinean side offers paths leading very close to the different waterfalls. The first stop is at the Visitor’s Center and proceed from there to the Inferior Circuit, the down-river falls, and then to the Superior Circuit, the up-river cascades. The Ecological Jungle Train leads visitors to and from the most impressive observation point of the falls, The Devil’s Throat. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 8 Iguazu
In the morning visit of the Brazilian side of the falls. Walking along the paths following cascades and then along the catwalk that leads very close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat to enjoy magnificent views. Take an elevator to go up to the road in order to board the coach which will bring back to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Iguassu.

Day 9 Iguazu-Rio de Janiero
This morning transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro (not included). Upon arrival in Rio transfer to your hotel, Rio de Janeiro founded in 1556, the city of St. Sebastian of Rio de Janeiro became the capital of the Colony of Brazil in 1776. In 1808 the Portuguese royal family fled Napoleon and settled in Rio. This brought a surge of progress and the city became the main cultural, political and economic center of the Portuguese empire. In 1889, when the republic was proclaimed, Rio was confirmed as the country’s capital, which it remained until 1960, when the construction of the new capital, Brasilia, was founded. Rio is situated in a 15 mile strip of land, wedged between mountains and sea. There are some thirty miles separating downtown Flamengo, from far-flung Recreio, bordered on one side by the blue sea, on the other by verdant hills. Between them lies a colorful state of mind called CARIOCA, with almost 8 million locals who samba their way through life, relaxed and high-spirited. That is just the way it should be in Rio, surrounded by natural beauty on all sides, with Christ the Redeemer perched on top of Corcovado blessing the city and Sugar Loaf, one of the most famous postcards of the country. Overnight in Rio.

Day 10 Rio de Janiero
Leaving the hotel and proceeding as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train or van for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain at 2,454ft high. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look at the forest’s lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands. After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, you will descend by train. The tour proceeds passing by Rio’s world-famous beaches as far as the Urca District to board a cable car for a two-staged ascent up Sugar Loaf Mountain at 1,280 ft high. Then coming down and proceeding along Guanabara Bay and Flamengo Park as far as downtown. Visit the downtown area, passing by the financial and business center and by other attractions such as the Candelaria Church, Saint Sebastian Cathedral, Lapa Arches, Municipal Theater, National Library, Fine Arts Museum, and by the Sambadrome, site of Rio’s famous Carnival parade. This evening you can enjoy an optional Rio by Night show. Visit a folklore and Carnival show featuring skilled dancers, entertainers, samba bands and wonderful costumes in a wonderful display of Brazilian folklore and Carnival. Overnight in Rio.

Day 11 Rio de Janiero-End of Tour
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport or you can extend your stay in lovely Rio. You can also continue with one of our many other tours of South America.

Additional nights available