Experience Uruguay’s energetic capital like a local by browsing two popular markets and relaxing along La Rambla, the popular promenade that runs along the coast. Near the pier, you will find the Montevideo Agricultural Market, a National Heritage site affectionately known as MAM. The locals mostly come for the extraordinary fruits and vegetables, and many of the vendors will offer samples that will be indicative of Montevideo’s cuisine. You can also expect to be offered samples at the Ferrando Market, a much newer attraction packed with fine restaurants and shops selling gourmet products. Like MAM, it is an excellent venue for people-watching. Another candid glimpse at local life awaits you along La Rambla, the popular promenade that follows the coast. A favorite of walkers, runners and bicyclists, La Rambla is probably the ultimate place to take in the local life. To really live like a Uruguayan, try mate, a traditional caffeinated drink that is a national obsession.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Browse two markets, one a National Heritage site, the other known for gourmet products.
• Sample a variety of fresh produce and unusual dishes and treats at the markets.
• Enjoy a slice of life by walking along La Rambla, Montevideo’s coastal promenade.

Admire the architectural landmarks in downtown Montevideo and then enjoy a sampling of local wines while watching a culturally significant dance performance.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive in the heart of downtown, passing architectural gems such as the Solis Theatre, Uruguay’s oldest theater. Nearby, you will pause for photos of Independence Square, where a statue of General José Gervasio Artigas, the father of Uruguay, stands by his mausoleum.

Another photo stop awaits you at the Legislative Palace. This glorious neo-classical building was constructed nearly 100 years ago with more than 50 types of marble.

You will also pass through the Obelisk of Montevideo, which celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the country’s first constitution, Batlle Park, a lovely urban greenscape named for Jose Batlle y Ordóñez, a former president of Uruguay. Here, you will see Centenario Stadium, site of the first World Cup soccer championship, and photo stop at “La Carreta,” a bronze sculpture that depicts the area’s 19th-century oxcart drivers.

Then, head for the district of Cuchilla Pereira called “ The Wine Land “, about 20 minutes away from the city downtown area to Bodega Spinoglio, a real winery full of history funded in 1898. Following a tour of the grounds and old machinery museum, you will be treated to a tasting of national wines and delicious local snacks.

To enhance your enjoyment, you will watch a performance that recreates the era in which the tango emerged in the Rio de la Plata. Dancers and Singers will make you feel you are being transported back in time and that are part of the Uruguayan history of the late 1800’s. After this uniquely Uruguayan experience, you will return to the pier.

Prepare for a memorable day at an estancia in the countryside, where a traditional Uruguayan family opens their home and welcomes you for the day. You’ll also see the highlights of Montevideo during an orientation drive. Enjoy the views of Montevideo with a stop at Independence Square to see the many sites including the Solís Theatre, Palacio Salvo and a statue of General Artigas, considered the father of Uruguay. Drive through the suburbs and countryside to Estancia La Rabida where a traditional Uruguayan family opens their home and welcomes you for the day. The estancia is set in a 2,470 acre, century-old ranch used to produce 12,000 liters of milk daily. It is used by the Uruguayan government when entertaining guests offering them an authentic glimpse of Uruguayan life. Part of the fun is travelling to the river by choice of a hay truck, an old model T or horse drawn carriage. A traditional barbeque (asado) is served accompanied by a variety of salads and national wines. Enjoy a walk around the farm if you choose.

See the most renowned landmarks in downtown Montevideo and watch a tango performance. After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely drive through Montevideo, a capital city so vibrant and cosmopolitan that nearly half of Uruguay’s population calls it home. It is no wonder considering Montevideo’s magnificent landmarks, many of which you will see. Among them is wonderfully, historical Independence Square and the Legislative Palace, a glorious neo-classical building constructed nearly 100 years ago with more than 50 types of marble. You will also pass through tree-lined Prado, a neighborhood dotted with early 20th-century mansions. Then, it’s on to Batlle Park, a lovely urban greenscape named for Jose Batlle y Ordonez, Uruguay’s president from 1911-1915. Here you will see Centenario Stadium, site of the first World Cup soccer championship, and “La Carreta,” a bronze sculpture that depicts the area’s 19th-century oxcart drivers, which local artist Jose Belloni unveiled in 1919. Continue your drive to Carrasco neighborhood and take a photo stop at a monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy follows, after which you tour continues with a visit to the tango venue, Baar Fun Fun. Upon arrival, you will be offered a complimentary beverage and be entertained with traditional Tango music. Then, head to “The Cradle of Tango”, BAAR FUN FUN, founded in 1895 and considered for its history and present, a living monument Montevideo’s culture. Preserved intact to this day it has witnessed the conversations and bohemia of the most renowned tango artists of the Rio de la Plata. It is well known that Carlos Gardel used to go frequently to the bar, one night in 1933, at that same counter, in honor of the Uvita (classic bar drink, made by his owner) he sang a chapel for those present and signed a photo that it is still displayed at the bar.

Sample a selection of prime Uruguayan beef paired with craft beers at a popular downtown brew pub. On the drive there, you will stop for photos of landmarks such as Independence Square, the glorious Legislative Palace and La Carreta, a bronze sculpture that depicts the area’s 19th-century oxcart drivers. Commentary will describe their significance. Montevideo is just as well-known for its delicious high-quality beef, as most cattle are grass-fed in natural pastures. At the Matute brew pub, you will sample selections of beef from different breeds of cattle raised in different areas of Uruguay. The meats will be cooked in a cast-iron skillet rather than grilled to help maintain their natural juices and nutrients. Thoughtfully chosen beers will be served to complement the beef dishes. They may include a refreshing lager, a red IPA and a malty porter, brewed on the premises in a process that you will be shown.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample several types of premium beef from different areas of Uruguay at a brew pub.
• Enjoy a selection of craft beers brewed on site that complement the beef dishes.
• Pause to snap photos of downtown landmarks on a panoramic drive through Montevideo.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy the highlights of Montevideo and a visit to one of the leading vineyards in the region, for a wine tasting and lunch. A drive through the city introduces you to its many highlights. See the Solis Theater, Independence Square and many more. Stop for photos of La Carreta monument and Legislative Palace before heading to the countryside to visit a leading winery.

Uruguayan wines compete every year on the world market and win prizes. The privileged soil and micro-climate of the region has turned it into a renowned viticulture site. The first vineyards were planted in 1835 and today, the best classic varieties are grown based on organic agriculture principles.

Tour the vineyards and facilities equipped with state-of-the-art processing machinery as well as the cellar. Enjoy a wine tasting of some of their top wines, conducted by one of the winery’s oenologists. A Uruguayan style “Asado” or barbecue, accompanied by estate wines compliments your experience.

A bicycle tour around Montevideo is a fun, interesting and entertaining way of getting to know the city and learn about its history. After a short safety briefing, you’ll follow your guide through the port area and explore the old city. Stop at Independence Square, see Salvo Palace, the Solis Theatre, Mercosur headquarter, Rodo Park, Punta Carretas Lighthouse and Pittamiglio Castle are some of the highlights.

Discover Montevideo, the modern capital of Uruguay, the country’s commercial, industrial and cultural center. Drive by Independence Square, with its impressive mausoleum and monument honoring the national hero General Jose Gervasio Artigas.

See the Congress Building and drive through the residential area of Carrasco with its white-sand beaches and mansions along the Rio de la Plata. A brief stop will be made at Plaza Virgilio, where you’ll see a monument dedicated to the fallen marines and enjoy a panoramic view of the city before your scenic coastal drive back to the pier.