7-Nights Best of Uruguay: Carmelo, Montevideo & Jose Ignacio — CALL

Avanti Destinations: Best of Uruguay

Day 1 Carmelo
Upon arrival in Colonia del Sacramento you will be met (at the port, bus station, or transfer from Montevideo Airport) and taken for a delicious lunch at Charco Restaurant. In the afternoon, meet your guide for a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Colonia del Sacramento. Visit to the historic buildings, old forts, and Spanish and Portuguese Museums that make up the most important historic sites in this old Portuguese City and UNESCO world heritage site. After the tour, enjoy a Mate tasting, complete with a sampling of local cured meats in an authentic Colonia restaurant. Finally, transfer to the Carmelo Resort and Spa, a luxurious Hyatt property located on the outskirts of Carmelo, surrounded by vineyards.

Centrally Located Hotel In Carmelo, ( L )

Day 2 Carmelo
Today your morning is at leisure to enjoy this amazing resort's many amenities. Indulge in a spa treatment or play a game of tennis. In the afternoon, enjoy a winery tour starting with a visit to a small and charming chapel, nowadays a national monument known as La Calera de las Huérfanas (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 selection. After a wine tasting, we will continue towards Finca Narbona Winery. This beautiful winery is located in what was originally the Estancia Narbona, founded in 1740 in the outskirts of Carmelo. The varieties grown in the vineyards of Finca Narbona are Pinot Noir and Tannat, and there are new vineyards of Syrah and Petit Verdot. After exploring the vineyards and another tasting, transfer back to your hotel.

Centrally Located Hotel In Carmelo, ( B )

Day 3 Carmelo, Montevideo
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Montevideo. Take a tour of the lively Port Market (Mercado del Puerto) and enjoy a typical Uruguayan parrilla at Cabaña Veronica Restaurant, inside the market. Like their neighbors in Argentina, Uruguayan parillas (or open-air grills) offer up a variety of delicious flavors, including a many grilled meat selections. 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). Your time in Montevideo will be spent at the luxurious Sofitel.

Centrally Located Hotel In Montevideo, ( B,L )

Day 4 Montevideo
Morning pick up for a short panoramic city tour of the neighborhoods of Montevideo and their most important attractions. Continue to Juanico Winery, 40 minutes north of Montevideo, for a tour with a wine tasting and a delicious lunch. Spend your afternoon at leisure, or add on an optional tour the visit to the atelier of a local artist who works with leather. 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.

Centrally Located Hotel In Montevideo, ( B,L )

Day 5 Montevideo, Jose Ignacio
After breakfast, depart in direction of Punta del Este, one of the most famous beach resorts of South America. On our way we will visit Piriápolis. 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. This artistic creation 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. In the afternoon, check in to your chosen hotel.

Centrally Located Hotel In Jose Ignacio, ( B )

Day 6 Jose Ignacio
After breakfast, head to the region of Garzon, also known as the "Uruguayan Tuscany". Enjoy a visit to the amazing Garzon Winery, including tasting of their fine wines. Built atop a rocky outcrop, the winery offers amazing views of the vineyards located within rocky hillsides with mineral-intense, well-draining soils that create high-quality grapes. After the visit, enjoy a tour along the hills of Garzon that will take us to the sleepy town where we will visit the main square, chapel and train station. Suggested lunch (not included) at "El Garzon" restaurant (owned by the renowned Argentinean chef, Francis Mallmann). Your afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the village of Jose Ignacio with its selection of excellent restaurants, small boutiques and beautiful beaches.

Centrally Located Hotel In Jose Ignacio, ( B )

Day 7 Jose Ignacio
The Charrúas were a group of Amerindians who lived in the territories of what is now known as Uruguay and surroundings. They fiercely resisted Spanish colonization and so over time the word "charrúa" acquired connotations of courage, strength, fierceness, warrior pride and victory in the Uruguayan culture. Whatever Uruguayans describe as "charrúa" means part of their roots as a country and nation. Enjoy a full day in the area of the Garzon lagoon, a small secret paradise declared a Natural Reserve, as the Charrúas would. The visit starts with a welcome drink and Uruguayan picada. Your host will lead you to a secret day camp to enjoy a traditional Uruguayan day enjoying surrounding nature and delicious asado (outdoor grilling). You will be able to enjoy the lagoon by canoes or stand up paddleboard. After enjoying a typical lunch, you will have time for a well-deserved "siesta" on a hammock, or enjoy a horseback ride along the forest, beach or lagoon. The day finishes with a typical merienda (afternoon tea) including a mate tasting, typical bizcochos, tarts and biscuits.Transfer back to Jose Ignacio.

Centrally Located Hotel In Jose Ignacio, ( B,L )

Day 8 Jose Ignacio
After breakfast, meet your driver for the transfer to the airport in Punta Del Este or Montevideo, and on to your next Avanti Destination!

Centrally Located Hotel In Jose Ignacio, (B)