Day 1: Montevideo, Uruguay

Welcome to Uruguay! On arrival in Montevideo, clear immigration, collect luggage, and proceed through customs. You are greeted in the arrivals hall by a representative from Big Five Tours & Expeditions, who assists with your luggage and escorts you to your waiting vehicle for the 40-minute drive to your hotel.

Alma Histórica in front of the most beautiful and romantic plaza in Montevideo, Plaza Zabala, in the historic center of the city. Nearby are restaurants, theaters, cafes, bookstores and historic houses.
Alma Historica Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Montevideo

Montevideo historic Candombe workshop & Uruguayan gastronomy culture.

Join your guide to explore the modern area of Montevideo with a stop at the Carnival Museum to discover the Spanish tradition and African roots of Uruguay’s carnival. Visit the studio of Candombe drum maker Lobo Nunez, a renowned figure in the music world who shares stories of Uruguayan culture.

The afternoon is at leisure before you venture out this evening for a memorable introduction to Uruguay’s gastronomic culture. Begin with a mate tasting paired with local pastries, including dulce de leche and bizcochos, followed by a Uruguayan picada with regional cheeses, olives, and salamis. Dinner includes a typical asado (barbecue) with mollejas (sweetbreads) and chorizo (sausage), served with fresh salads made with locally sourced ingredients, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. You will learn why the Uruguayan asado is grilled with wood, not coal. Assorted desserts will include butia and chocolate salchichon. A specialized sommelier pairs the right wines with the meal and offers tips on how to choose your wines to build your cellar. Your culinary adventure will end with Uruguayan liquors. Alma Historica Boutique Hotel – (B,D)

Day 3: Montevideo / Carmelo

Jesuits & Wine

After breakfast, you are transferred for three hours to the wine region of Carmelo, an hour north of Colonia del Sacramento. En route, stop at the ruins of “La Calera de las Huerfanas” where the first vines of Uruguay were planted by the Jesuits in the 17th century. Originally, it was the helmet of the “Stay of the River of Cows” managed by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) from 1741.

In the late afternoon, take a sunset cruise along the Rio de la Plata, continue to Finca Narbona, a farm, winery, and wine lodge six miles from the town of Carmelo. It boasts one of the best restaurants in Uruguay in a rustic setting with high-quality local produce accompanied by some of the country’s finest red wines. The lodge has five rooms, each named after a type of wine, with beautiful wooden floors, antique furniture and modern facilities including air-conditioning. It sits in what was originally “Estancia Narbona”, a ranch founded in 1740. This winery has signed an agreement with EnoRolland (the technical and enological consultancy firm belonging to the prestigious and world-famous French winemaker Michel Rolland) for advice in preparing its first premium wine. Tannat Suite is located on the first floor, overlooking the vineyards. It has an exterior Wood Stove with a private terrace. Finca Narbona – (B)

Day 4: Carmelo

Wineries

The day begins with a visit to Cordano Winery, where you witness the harvest, bottling, or grape manual selection, depending on the season. After a private wine tasting, continue to El Legado winery, a boutique family-owned winery, for lunch. This evening, relax in nature with a romantic picnic in the vineyards. The grape varieties planted at Narbona include Pinot Noir, Tannat, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.  Finca Narbona – (B,D)

Day 5: Carmelo / Colonia del Sacramento

Colonia Historical

Today you are driven to Coloniade Sacramento, and you will check in at the El Charco Hotel, which has a strategic location in the historic town with magnificent views of the river.

Located in Barrio Histórico, Charco Hotel is next to the Municipal Museum and Casa Nacarello. This hotel is home to a bistro and a bar. Savor a meal from the comfort of your room with room service, or get a quick energy boost at the café.  The individually furnished and have an array of amenities, including iPod docks, espresso makers, free local calls and 42-inch LCD TVs, and free WiFi. The White Room offers a colonial style conducive to calm with its brightness, space, and silence — an atmosphere that represents a journey in itself. Enjoy a romantic dinner with river views.

After lunch at Charco Bistro, join your guide for a walk in Colonia’s historic center, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Colonia, Uruguay’s oldest city, was founded by the Portuguese in 1680. Today, the old city reveals its colonial roots in its cobblestone streets and stone walls. The streets of Santa Rita, San Gabriel, the Matriz Church, San Pedro Road, the Bastion del Carmen,and  the famous “Calle de los Suspiros” (Street of Sighs) have all been used as backdrops for historical films.

Stop at “El Buen Suspiro”, built by the Portuguese in 1720. This cozy spot specializes in picadas. Sample local wines by the bottle or glass, accompanied by spinach and leek tarts, ricotta-and-walnut ‘truffles,’ local cheese, sausage, soups and salads, and homemade desserts. Reserve ahead for a fireside table in winter, or while away a summer afternoon on the intimate back patio. Continue to Puerta del Campo and Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo. Charco Hotel – (B,L,D)

Day 6: Colonia / Puebleo Eden

Tour Bodega Alto La Ballena & Olivos de las Ánimas

The experience begins with a transfer to the olive plantations of Olivos de las Animas, where you will learn about the process of producing extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy a delightful tasting and an exclusive lunch at the home of the passionate owner, Martin Robaina.

Then, you will head to Bodega Altos de la Ballena, a charming family-run winery nestled on the rocky outcrops of Punta Ballena. This exceptional location allows the wines to benefit from the unique climate of the hills and the refreshing influence of the Atlantic Ocean.  After a guided tour and tasting, you will be driven towards the Carape Hills, the road turns into a fascinating trail.  The landscape starts to unfold, and you suddenly reach your destination: Sacromonte.

Taking advantage of the wild beauty of the sierras of Maldonado in eastern Uruguay, the Sacromonte Landscape Hotel defies all expectations of a luxury retreat by treating each guest room as an isolated cabin set amid rolling hills, lush grasslands and clusters of vineyards. The hotel invites relaxation and meditation. Drink wine on top of the hill! Take time to contemplate a dazzling landscape; embrace nature and experience the Uruguayan wild forest at its purest. Sacromonte is wine, vineyards, landscape, architecture, and sustainability, all geared in perfect synchrony.

Check in at your glass cabin, called “Refugio” or Shelters. It is remarkably camouflaged across 250 acres of pristine nature. The cabin is outfitted with mirrored glass walls to not only blend into the landscape seamlessly but also to reflect and amplify the stunning scenery. Taking advantage of the wild beauty of the sierras of Maldonado in eastern Uruguay, the Sacromonte Landscape Hotel defies all expectations of a luxury retreat by treating each guest room as an isolated cabin set amidst rolling hills, lush grasslands, and clusters of vineyards.

Designed by the Brazilian and Uruguayan studio MAPA Architects, the cabins combine the radical modernism of Philip Johnson’s Glass House with local, natural materials such as wood and stone, allowing the architecture to harmoniously blend into the landscape while offering guests a haven of comfort and sophistication. Sacramonte Landscape Hotel – (B,L,D)

Day 7: Pueblo Eden

Hike in Sacromonte

After a delicious breakfast in the privacy of your refuge, set out to hike to Lote 8, an olive oil production plant for an olive oil tasting. Uruguayan olive oils have important international recognition. Enjoy lunch at Viña Eden Winery, one of the best wineries in Uruguay and sample exquisite wines such as Marselan, Tannat, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In the gastronomic areas you will have a tasting accompanied by regional products. You will also be able to enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch.

This afternoon is at leisure with the option for a private yoga session. This evening, enjoy a private dinner at “La Casona” in Pueblo Eden hosted by Sacromonte. La Casona is a spectacular and dazzling house built in the late 1800s. This historic stone property was the general store of Mataojo Town. It has been superbly restored and renovated, completed in early 2012. This is a true architectural gem with 12-foot-high walls. The garden offers a quiet refuge and contact with the area’s native flowers and fauna.   Sacramonte Landscape Hotel – (B,L,D)

Day 8: Pueblo Eden / Punta del Este/ Jose Ignacio

La Soleada and brief Punta del Este

The day begins with a visit to Estancia La Soleada, a traditional estancia where Rebeca’s family works the land, breeds cattle, and horses. You will hike in the hills, where you can appreciate a lovely view of the region. Enjoy a traditional lunch of empanadas, traditional parrilla (beef, sausage, black sausage, and other specialties), and fresh vegetables. After a family music performance, try Rebeca’s homemade pastries and learn about the local life in the countryside.

After the delicious lunch, you will be driven along Route 12 towards the coast. Along the way, stop to take in the remarkable Casapueblo, a spectacular property on the hillside designed and built by the renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez Vilaró. It took more than 36 years to finish.  Continue to the main attractions of Punta del Este, including the marina and port, usually frequented by a colony of sea lions. Continue to the undulating bridge of La Barra and local towns, famous for its antique shops and charming stores.End with a visit to the MACA and Atchugarry Foundation & sculpture park.

End your journey in Jose Ignacio, where you check in to your hotel. Ayana Beach House

Secluded wooden house, perfect for larger groups (up to 8 people), boasting breathtaking ocean and Skyspace views. An ideal setting for relaxation and privacy. (NO direct access to the beach).   Ayana Beach House – (B)

Day 9: Jose Ignacio
Bike Ride to Rural Jose Ignacio

Enjoy a bike ride along the rural roads of Jose Ignacio that lead to the local lagoons. Heading out from your hotel in José Ignacio (or from the lighthouse if you are staying outside of town), we will first tour the town, the lighthouse, and the Main Square. We will then continue on Route 10 towards Laguna Garzon. After a stop at the lookout of “La Lengüeta” and the circular bridge, we will continue biking along quiet roads, weaving between the private ranches scattered throughout the countryside, trying to spot deer, capybaras, and the wide variety of birds that inhabit the local lagoons and wetlands. We will return along picturesque trails known only to locals. Please note that this tour may include trails at El Caracol, La Marquesa Ranch, and/or Anastasio Lagoon, depending on the other tours you have booked. We will always make sure you do not repeat locations.  Ayana Beach House – (B)

Day 10: Jose Ignacio

Horseback Ride at Sunset with Dinner under the Stars

A beautiful plan for an evening, this outing combines a lagoon horseback ride with an unforgettable alfresco dinner under a sky full of bright stars. There is something very special about riding at sunset – the deep orange and red colors of the sky, the silhouette of the horses crossing the countryside towards the lagoon, and our arrival back to the fire pits, burning light into the night sky. We will learn how to prepare the “asado” (barbecue) in the traditional Uruguayan way. It is not just about the food, but also about sharing the meal preparation over a glass of wine by the fire.  Ayana Beach House – (B)

Day 11: Jose Ignacio / Montevideo / Depart

Enjoy a leisurely morning before checking out and transferring to Montevideo Airport, where a representative will assist you with check-in for your international flight. (B)

Land only, Double Occupancy: Per person per day: $