Spend two nights exploring Argentina's capital, then head to Uruguay for beaches, vineyards and UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

Uruguay may be small in comparison to its neighbours, but it is a country home to great beaches, vast swathes of vineyards and a scattering of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This nine-night trip takes you to this often overlooked corner of South America and shows you exactly what makes it so special.

You’ll start your adventure with two nights in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, exploring its bustling streets, wonderful heritage and vibrant restaurant scene. A short flight will bring you to Jose Ignacio, one of South America’s most glamorous resorts, nestled on Uruguay‘s southern coast. Discover its many beaches, colourful houses and port then head out to discover its olive oil plantations and vineyards.

Your next stop is Montevideo, a fascinating city to explore on foot thanks to its rich mix of architecture with influence from the British, Spanish and French. Weave your way in and out of the many art galleries and markets and take a stroll along the Rambla, an avenue that goes all along the coastline of Montevideo.

You will then enjoy three nights in Carmelo, exploring the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento, Jesuit ruins and vineyards that prouduce some of Uruguay’s best wine. A fast ferry will bring you back to Buenos Aires, from where you will catch your return flight home.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-3

Buenos Aires

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Buenos Aires

Accommodation in Buenos Aires

Two nights in Buenos Aires Two nights in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is undoubtedly one of the world's greatest cities to visit and an important destination on many of our Argentina tours. Centre of the world's fifth largest economy at the turn of the 20th Century, the city an abundance of classical architecture and tree lined boulevards reminiscent of its European counterparts.

Buenos Aires Jewish City Tour Buenos Aires Jewish City Tour

Buenos Aires has one of the largest Jewish communities in the world; this active social group of Argentines has been making its mark on the country's culture since the 1860s.

This tour follows the traces and traditions while visiting the Jewish neighbourhood of Once, and in an informal way we will meet some of the area's residents who will explain us all the benefits and turmoil of living in Buenos Aires.

This visit will mostly be a sightseeing tour with our guides introducing the lives and living of this important Argentine community. If available, we will be able to meet a rabbi (subject to confirmation) who would gladly share his thoughts with the visitors.

Day at leisure in Buenos Aires Day at leisure in Buenos Aires

Spend your time relaxing and exploring this wonderful city. You have our top recommendations for activities, restaurants and shopping so that you can make the most of your time here.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Buenos Aires International airport with guide

Flight

Flight from Buenos Aires to Punta Del Este

Days 3-6

Jose Ignacio

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Jose Ignacio

Accommodation in Jose Ignacio

Punta del Este city tour Punta del Este city tour

Punta del Este is definitely one of South America’s most glamorous resorts, home to beaches, elegant seaside homes, high-rise apartment buildings, luxury hotels and glitzy restaurants. This tour will take you through Punta del Este’s main attractions, including the Juan Gorlero Avenue, the artisans' market, the port, the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church and the lighthouse. You will also drive over the bridge to La Barra with its beaches, favoured by surfers, and colorful houses. Stopping in Punta Ballena you will see Casapueblo, a unique and quirky building constructed by the famous Uruguayan artist, Carlos Paez Vilaró. Here you will see the most stunning views of the ocean and a spectacular sunset.

Olive oil tasting and vineyard tour Olive oil tasting and vineyard tour

Enjoy a tour around the olive plantations and factory at Colinas de Garzon, where you will see how the humble olive is turned into one of the world's finest ingredients. You'll get to taste the olive oil along with wine and local cheeses. You will then head to Bodega Garzon, one of the biggest in the country, and enjoy a tour around the vineyards and winery, where you will get to taste the wines. Finally, you will enjoy a three-course lunch with wine and coffee.

Day at leisure in La Barra Day at leisure in La Barra

The best way to describe La Barra is an exclusive yet quiet, semi-rural suburb on the edge of Punta del Este, and part of the popular ‘Uruguayan Riviera’. With its fair share of celebrity visitors and elite countryside estates, the peaceful village of La Barra enjoys a less crowded stretch of coastline yet is within easy reach of the entertainment and beaches.

Days 6-7

Montevideo

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Montevideo

 
One night in Montevideo One night in Montevideo

Capital of South America's second smallest population, Montevideo has a presence and sense of culture that belies the small population of the country. There is a rich mix of architecture here, drawn from the influence of the various Europeans who chose to settle in the city, from the British to the Spanish and French, making it a fascinating city to explore on foot.

Montevideo tour Montevideo tour

This four hour tour will take in the highlights of Montevideo and also visit some places in town that will give visitors a feeling of Uruguayan life and culture. Walk around the Old City and enjoy the European architecture of the buildings, visit the Gaucho Museum and the traditional Port Market, perhaps seeing Candombe performances, art galleries and visiting the different craft shops of the area. Finally, stroll through the neighbourhoods of Carrasco, Punta Gorda and Pocitos and the lovely Rambla along the coastline.

Days 7-10

Carmelo

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to your hotel in Carmelo

Accommodation in Carmelo

Colonia del Sacramento tour Colonia del Sacramento tour

Today you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Colonia del Sacramento. Wind your way through the stone streets discovering the fort, Spanish and Portuguese houses, and the port. You'll also explore the downtown area and the Rambla, which borders the Old City and where you'll fine the Real de San Carlos where the Plaza de Toros, the Hipodromo and the old harbor can be seen.

Wine Tour of Western Vineyards and Jesuit ruins Wine Tour of Western Vineyards and Jesuit ruins

Visit La Calera de las Huerfanas, Jesuit ruins located in the outskirts of Carmelo. It was the Jesuits who first planted vines within this estancia and began the history Uruguayan wines in this region.

Day at leisure in Carmelo Day at leisure in Carmelo

A wonderfully relaxed city, Carmelo is a serene spot along the River Plate and an ideal getaway for those looking for an alternative to the busier parts of the Uruguayan Riviera. The 100 acres of vineyards around Carmelo, make it only slightly smaller than the country’s largest wine regions, with a microclimate perfect for grape growing. The wine production here is small and often family-run, adding to its charm. Along with wine tasting, the surrounding areas offer numerous outdoor pursuits from canoeing, polo, fishing to horseback riding.

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer to Colonia del Sacramento

Transfer

Private transfer to Buenos Aires International Airport

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