Best of Uruguay

Itinerary Highlights

Nestled between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay is often overlooked in comparison to its neighboring countries, making it a great destination to add to your bucket list for an off-the-beaten path experience. It is home to breathtaking countrysides, charming family owned vineyards, beautiful beaches and enriching colonial towns.  

This is a great itinerary for wine-lovers and foodies alike, as you will venture though the Uruguayan Tuscany western and eastern landscapes enjoying wine, olives and cheese tastings. You will meet with small-scale producers tending to their vines using traditional techniques. Those with a keen palate will find that Uruguay's Tannat grapes, which are common in the area, create some of the best red wines in South America.  Unearthing Uruguay’s winegrowing regions is simply an effortless mélange of tasting tours, long lunches and pleasant rural drives between each lodge, making it a true highlight of this itinerary.

You will also visit enchanting towns, such as Colonia del Sacramento, listed as an UNESCO World-Heritage site, characterized by its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and historical sites. Heading to the capital, you will visit the old town of Montevideo, home to trendy cafes, art galleries, museums and antique shops. You will continue farther east to witness the natural wonders of Cabo Polonio Natural Reserve, a sleepy-fishing village of endless sand-dunes on the coast that is only accessible by walking though the dunes or by utilizing a special 4x4 vehicle. Through this rural region, enjoy scenic horse-riding trails, bike riding, bird watching or kayaking. Save the best for last as you end your stay at a barefoot luxury resort in Jose Ignacio, right outside of Punta Del Este, to enjoy its own beach with sunset-over-the ocean views.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival to the airport you will be privately transferred to “Colonia del Sacramento”. After check-in, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at Charco Bistro Restaurant set right on the Rio de la Plata, before beginning your privately guided walking tour of Colonia. Surrounded by colorful colonial houses and picturesque cobblestone streets, you will learn about its time during the Portuguese settlement and its history thereafter. You will visit the Lighthouse, offering sweeping river views, the fort and museum, to capture what makes Colonia such a rich and interesting culture.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of Mate, a drink made by infusing yerba mate and one of the most emblematic and common traditions of Uruguayan society.

Overnight at The Charco Hotel (Lunch)

In the 18th century, the Jesuits settled in Colonia to continue their religious mission in Uruguay. They chose and estancia named Belen, where the Indians and Slaves would plant fruit trees and breed cattle. In 1741, they built a small and charming chapel, now known as La Calera de las Huérfanas National Monument. After the Jesuits were expelled the the Spaniards, Don Juan de San Martin took hold of the estancia and 1,500 stocks of grapevine that had been planted by the Jesuits. After breakfast, you will pay a visit to this special monument, which resembles the birthplace of wine in Uruguay.

We will then head to Carmelo, the Uruguayan Tuscany, known for its green fields, dusty country roads and smells of rosemary and lavender. The countryside’s unspoiled beauty and humble winemakers makes this piece of Uruguay a true gem. The locally produced Tannat, made from red grape originating in southwestern France, is Uruguay’s signature wine. Though being a top-notch wine destination, Carmelo will take you back in time as you share the roads with grazing horses and cows on deserted roads. We will check-in at the hotel, followed by wine tasting at Finca Narbona, a beautifully restored farmhouse set among sprawling vineyards. Aside from its delicious cuisine and wine tastings, guests are free to wander the grounds, which is like a museum with its turn of the century objects that belong to the original owner and his ancestors.

After wine tasting, we will enjoy a relaxing tour sailing through the Delta Islands, where the waters of Rio de la Plata and Rio Uruguay meet; this location is considered to be “kilometer 0” of both rivers. Discover the legends of the Uruguayan coasts and its shipwrecks, and toast to an amazing sunset!

Overnight at Narbona Wine Lodge (Breakfast & Lunch)

The day begins with a visit to Bodega Cordano, a unique experience in the commercial world of wine making, recognized for its authentic and unforced charm. A member of the Cordano family will greet you to begin your tour around the vineyard and winemaking facility, where you will be able to witness the harvest, bottling and grape manual selection (contingent on the season). You will also visit the “Almacen de la Capilla”, a vintage grocery shop founded in 1855 by Antonio Cordano, taking you back in time as it is well conserved. Enjoy a delicious wine tasting with six of their authentic wines, along with a spread of meat, cheese, olives, bread and tomatoes, all freshly grown in neighboring farms.

You will then head to Bodega El Legado, a boutique family-owned winery that produces three types of wines: Syrah, Tannat and a combination of both. The winery’s name, which means legacy, was chosen in honor of Luis Mazurca, who purchased the land and planted the first grapevines to grow this charming vineyard. His son, Bernardo, who holds a true passion in winemaking, has continued with the family project and legacy. You will drink directly from the barrels and feel right as home as the owners are so very passionate about their wines. The visit includes the guided tour through the vineyards, wine cellar, and production area, led by the winery owners themselves. Afterwards, you will enjoy a tasting of the three different wines along with a spread of cheese and olives. Save your appetite for a typical Uruguayan asado, known as a barbecue of various cuts of different meats, cheese and vegetables cooked over a parrilla, or grill, lit by pinecones and wood.

Overnight at Narbona Wine Lodge (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast, you will be privately transferred to Montevideo and visit the vibrant port located in the old colonial town of Montevideo, El Mercado del Puerto. The port first opened in 1868 and has long served as Montevideo’s meat and produce market. The entire building is made out of cast-iron and was built and shipped from England; it now houses a number of popular restaurants serving typical Uruguayan dishes, of which you will attend one for lunch!

After lunch, you will begin your privately guided walking tour of the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), which is the oldest part of the city of Montevideo, yet is a vibrant neighborhood ranging from century-old taverns to trendy and modern cocktail bars. Breweries, cellar bars and live music, such as tango, can be discovered in the charming streets of the Ciudad Vieja.

Up until 1829, Ciudad Vieja was surrounded by a wall that protected it from potential invasions. You will learn on your private guided tour that what is left of the wall, which was torn down, was its gateway, which is now an emblem and entrance to the Ciudad Vieja. You will walk and admire the elegant buildings from the colonial era, such as the Solis Theatre and the Metropolitan Cathedral. You will be taken back to the past, as this old city retains many remnants from the colonial period, such as the iron gates, colonial street lamps, antique shops and cafes. There are many museums to visit and choose from. At Craft Travel, we recommend a visit to Museo Torres Garcia, which depicts the evolution of this talented and iconic avant-garde artist who was so experimental in his paintings and writings. Many artists regard him as the Picasso of Uruguay.

After the tour, we will visit the private studio of Lobo Nunez, an Afro-Uruguayan drums luthier and percussionists, considered a legend within the Uruguayan Candombe music genre. Candombe is a music and dance that immigrated to Uruguay with enslaved Africans. During your private tour, you will learn about the introduction of Carnival in Uruguay, tracing back to 1760, when slaves were only allowed to celebrate on certain dates. This is a memorable cultural encounter that will give you insider access to the secret world of the Uruguayan drums.

Overnight at Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast and check out, you will be privately transferred to the Province of Lavalleja, considered the “Alps of Uruguay”! When Charles Darwin traveled to this region in 1832 he discovered a unique landscape in comparison to the rest of the country. He stated “an inhabitant of the Pampas would see in it an alpine region.” With endless vivid green hills and valleys, and breathtaking sunsets, this region is also home to some of the best wine in Uruguay.

Heading towards the Carape Hills, we will reach our next destination, Sacromonte Landscape Hotel, a unique and stunning design hotel with four freestanding villas spread amongst the hotel’s 250 acres. The front of each villa looks like a mirror, allowing impressive views of the vineyard, grassy meadows and streams. Wine tastings are held on a hilltop terrace, with a focus on Tannat, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Their farm-to-table restaurant pairs perfectly with the locally sourced wines, barbecued meat and local wild boar.

Enjoy hikes on the property, horseback riding and guided walks through the vineyard and a roast of grilled lamb or wild boar prepared in the traditional Uruguayan way. At sunset, you will enjoy dinner and taste the wines on the hill lookout point, overlooking the hills of the Sierras de Caracoles.

Overnight at Sacromonte Landscape Hotel (Breakfast & Dinner)

After a delicious breakfast served on the privacy of your refuge, enjoy either hiking or biking to Lote 8, an Olive Oil Boutique Plant. The olive trees grow on the hilly slopes, and with its numerous natural streams of water, the olives grow at a similar speed to those in the Mediterranean. We will visit the production facilities followed by a tasting of their olive oil.

We will continue to Vina Eden Winery for a lovely lunch paired with wine tasting. The vineyard sits on Pueblo Eden’s rocky slopes and the mineral character of the soil and its oceanic influence create the idea conditions for unique wines.

During the afternoon, we suggest an optional YOGA class overlooking the vineyards in the privacy of your refuge (not included). A private dinner will be arranged at La Cason Restaurant, hosted by Sacromonte Hotel. La Casona is a restored historic country villa that was built int he late 1800s. It has been exquisitely restored and renovated, keeping the Uruguayan heritage intact.

Overnight at Sacromonte Landscape Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After a hearty breakfast, we will head to Choto, a farm to table restaurant home that can only be attended with a private reservation. The chef and owner, a former Argentinean comedian, will be your own chef for lunch, using all of his organic produce and meat from his very own land. The experience is as authentic and off the beaten path as it gets, while experiencing the best Uruguayan cuisine and views of the endless rolling hills. Your experience begins with a spread of homemade bread, salami, cheese, olives, pate, garlic mayonnaise and candied aubergines - everything homemade! You will be served chimichurri, creole sauce, tomatoes with onions and garlic confit. You will also enjoy green leaves with honey and ginger vinaigrette, sweet potato, squash and embers. All of these vegetables and sauces are combined with chorizos, chotos and roast ribs or lamb. The barbecue is accompanied by a rustic tannat wine from the area, beer, lemonade and a local “cleric”. To finish, you will be offered cheese with figs in syrup, seasonal fruits baked in clay, flan and pancake with dulce de leche, local grappa, tea and coffee. A symphony of flavors!

After lunch, you will continue your journey to the coast of Jose Ignacio, a great base for exploring Punta del Este and the surrounding areas. During the summer months, we recommend lodging at the luxury beach hotel, Playa Vik, located on its own stretch of beach with sunset over the ocean views. For winter months, we recommend a stay at the Bahia Vik or the Fasano, gorgeous estates right outside of Punta del Este.

Overnight at Bahia Vik (Breakfast & Lunch)

Punta del Este is one of South America’s most glamorous resorts. You will be visit various beaches, see 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 also pay a visit to Casapueblo, the iconic white buildings built by the Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Villaro. Located in Punta Ballena, it was originally a summer house and artists workshop. Now it is a museum that can be visited during your tour.

Overnight at Bahia Vik (Breakfast)

At the scheduled time, you will be privately transferred to the Montevideo International Airport for your departing flight home. Late check-out may require a supplemental cost.

(Breakfast)

• 8 nights accommodation (based on double/twin occupancy)

• Daily breakfast

• Additional meals as specified in the itinerary

• Scheduled private touring as specified in the itinerary

• All ground transfers between airports and accommodations

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international and internal flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature

• The best time to visit Uruguay is either during the summer months or shoulder season. Summer is between November and February and teemperatures around this time can reach a high of 85F. This is a great time to visit the coastal areas, as many of the beach resorts close during winter, autumn and spring. The off shoulder season (September - November and March - May) is a great time to visit as there are less tourists, the weather is still pleasant and rates are more favorable than the summer months. For the shoulder season, we recommend staying either at the Fasano or Estancia Vik outside of Punta del Este, rather than at Bahia Vik (beach property).

• Uruguay can be easily combined with various destinations in South America, as there are direct flights to Peru, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Given its proximity to Brazil and Argentina, we recommend combining a trip with one of these destinations for a week extension. Please speak with your Travel Designer for more details.