ITINERARY INSPIRATION

WINELANDS OF URUGUAY

When you think of South American wine, intense Argentine Malbec or a zesty Chilean Sauvignon Blanc are two which will probably spring to mind. But for true lovers of wine, a visit to South America’s second smallest nation is a must.
WINELANDS OF URUGUAY

ABOUT THE ITINERARY

Uruguay has been producing wine for over 250 years and it is most famous for its Tannat grape, which was brought over by French-Basque immigrants in the late 1800s. The growing conditions in Uruguay are perfect for Tannat, which in many ways is similar to the wine growing region around Bordeaux. It means Uruguayan wines are close in structure, style and taste to Old World wines, but at a fraction of the cost.

On this wine and culinary tour you will discover some of the best vineyards the country has to offer, many of which are still small and family-owned and run. You will also have chance to discover other famous exports of Uruguay, including a visit to a boutique olive oil distillery and a chance to try the local favourite of asado (barbeque).

Staying in some beautiful hotels along the way and with your own driver so you can enjoy as much of the local tipple as you like, our ‘Winelands of Uruguay’ is a mouth-watering journey through one of South America’s most charming countries.

 

ITINERARY INSPIRATION

DESIGNED BY SPECIALISTS

Bear in mind, these are just a starting point as all holidays are customised to the specific requirements of our guests. Whether you prefer a different style of accommodation, a greater focus on a particular interest or to go to a different destination all together, every itinerary is created individually around your preferences.

DAY 1

MONTEVIDEO

Overnight flight to Montevideo.

Note: There are currently no direct flights between the UK and Uruguay. The quickest and most direct route is via Madrid with Iberia or Air Europa.

DAY 2

COLONIA DEL SACRAMENTO

You will arrive into Montevideo in the morning, where you will be met and driven 2 hours west, to the charming town of Colonia del Sacremento.

Colonia is the perfect place to start a trip to Uruguay. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for it’s relaxed pace of life, cobbled streets, forts and fascinating history (it was once a strong hold for both the Portuguese and Spanish empires).

After lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Rio de la Plata, your local guide will take you on a walking tour of the historic town, visiting the old-town, the lighthouse and with a stop to enjoy the local herbal drink, maté.

Stay: One night at Charco Hotel – bed & breakfast

Winelands of Uruguay | The Ultimate Travel Company
DAY 3

CARMELO

To the west of Colonia is one of the country’s most famous wine growing regions, Carmelo.

After breakfast on day three your guide will drive you to the beautiful Cordano wine estate, which is where your journey into Uruguay’s wine lands really begins.

Depending on the season you will either be able to see the harvest, bottling or grape selection, before enjoying a delicious tasting.

The Winelands | Grape | Ultimate Travel Company
DAY 4

EL LEGADO

From Cordano your journey continues to the celebrated El Legado winery, a boutique family-owned vineyard and the perfect spot for a traditional barbeque lunch (vegetarian options are available!)

You will then continue to your home for the next two nights, the much revered Narbona Wine Lodge. Dating back to 1740 and now part of the Relais & Chateaux group, you truly feel like you are stepping back in time when you arrive. Over the next two days you will enjoy a tasting of Narbona’s famous Pinto Noir, Tannat, Syrah and Petit Verdot and will also have chance to wander their extensive vineyard, relax by their refreshing pool and visit other wineries in the local area. Narbona is also famous for making its own cheese and dulce de leche, so make sure you have space in your suitcase to bring some home with you.

Stay: Two nights at Narbona Wine Lodge – bed & breakfast

DAY 4-5

MONTEVIDEO

After breakfast on day 4 you will be driven to the nation’s capital, Montevideo.

The journey takes approximately 3 hours and on arrival you will have a delicious lunch in the vibrant port market (famous for it’s mouth-watering asado). Your guide will then take you on a walking tour of Ciudad Vieja (the colonial historic neighbourhood), where you’ll be able to see the beautiful art deco architecture and the impressive Plaza de la Independencia.

The following day you will see a different side to the city, the modern and vibrant part of the Capital.

Alma Historica Boutique Hotel | Uruguay | Ultimate Travel Company

With your guide you will visit the Carnival Museum and discover the Spanish tradition and African roots of the Uruguayan Carnival. Afterwards you will have an exclusive visit to the studio of a Candombe drums luthier: “Lobo Nuñez”. As low profile and approachable as only he can be, Lobo Nunez is a very renowned personality in the music world. Together he’ll share with you his fantastic stories about growing up in Uruguay and he will even give you a lesson on how to play his homemade drums.

Stay: Two nights at the Alma Historica Boutique Hotel – bed & breakfast

DAY 6-7

PUEBLO EDÉN

After breakfast on day 7, you will be transferred to the Province of Lavalleja, also known as the “Alps of Uruguay”.

When Charles Darwin traveled to the region of Maldonado in 1832 he discovered a different landscape compared to the rest of Uruguay. “An inhabitant of the Pampas would see in it an alpine region,” he wrote. In fact amidst the hills and valleys with outstanding views of western sunrises, this region has its own charm.

The journey takes you through a magnificent range of hills, before arriving at your home for the next two nights, Sacramonte. A landscape hotel that invites to relax, meditate and drink wine on top of the hill, Sacramonte truly is one of a kind.

In the afternoon you can explore the vineyards on foot, explore the trails within the grounds or even go for a swim in the rivers which run through the property. In the evening you’re invited to a sunset tasting and dinner at one of the hotel’s stunning view points, overlooking the hills of the “Sierras de Caracoles”. Here you will be introduced to some of the wines which come from the Pueblo Eden region.

On your second day at Sacromonte you will walk (or can be driven) to the Lote 8 Olive Oil Boutique Plant. Olive oil is one of Uruguay’s most famous exports and you will have chance to see how it is produced at one of the country’s finest refineries. After learning how it is made and a tasting, you will continue to Viña Eden Winery to enjoy lunch. During the afternoon, we suggest an optional YOGA class overlooking the vineyards in the privacy of your refuge or we you can simply relax in your private plunge pool and enjoy the scenery.

In the evening a private Dinner at “La Casona” in Pueblo Eden hosted by Sacromonte is included.

Stay: Two nights at Sacromonte – full board

Winelands of Uruguay | The Ultimate Travel Company
DAY 8-10

JOSÉ IGNACIO

Your final stop in Uruguay is the chic beach resort of José Ignacio. Home to windswept beaches, beautiful hotels and some excellent low-kay restaurants.

The journey from Pueblo Edén takes roughly 1 hour, but en route you will stop at Casa Pueblo, a strange and attractive construction designed by the renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. After a visit to the museum, continue onto Punta del Este along the Mansa and Brava Beaches, before arriving at José Ignacio.

The final two days of your holiday are for you to relax. Your hotel is one of the finest in José Ignacio and is right on the beach front. You can relax here by the swimming pool or explore the sleepy town of José Ignacio. For those who want to squeeze in a final winery, a short drive from José Ignacio is the famous Garzón Winery. A 240 hectare wine estate, with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and coast.

Stay: Three nights at Bahia VIK – bed & breakfast

DAY 11-12

FLY HOME

After breakfast on day 11 you will driven back to Montevideo where you will board your overnight international flight home.

THE PRICE BREAKDOWN
12 days from £5,980 per person

PRICE INCLUDES

  • Private transfers
  • Bed & breakfast
  • Full-board at Sacromonte
  • Visits to wineries and other activities mentioned

PRICE EXCLUDES

  • International flights
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“BEAUTIFULLY ORGANISED AND PERFECT RECOMMENDATIONS. ”
“What a fantastic trip organised by Ultimate. They listened to what we wanted and set up perfect destinations for us. Everyone was friendly and professional from the office in London through to on-the-ground support. The organisation of pick-ups, connecting flights and so on, went like clockwork.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“MY FIRST PORT OF CALL FROM NOW ON. ”
“Efficient, friendly and helpful throughout. made everything a million times easier, Ultimate Travel Company will by my first port of call from now on.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“FANTASTIC!”
“Sophie went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic honeymoon. We had 0 stress relating to planning and everything was taken care of from the moment we stepped off the plane. Sophie anticipated what we wanted when we didn’t even know ourselves. We will certainly be booking with Ultimate again.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“PROBLEM FREE EXCELLENCE.”
“Efficiently organised, everything went like clockwork. This is all the more remarkable since the tour involved considerable complexity.”
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
“AN EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE COMPANY.”
“We have continued to ask Ultimate Travel to make our distant overseas travel arrangements for many years and they have always given us great service.”
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL

ITINERARY INSPIRATION

Bodega Garzón, Uruguay
CONTACT

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP WITH US

"*" indicates required fields

Sign up to newsletter updates

MAKE AN ENQUIRY