Montevideo cruises, Uruguay

A scenic drive introduces you to the sights of Montevideo city, including a stop at Independence Square and the Congress Building.

Afterwards, travel to Estancia La Rábida, where a traditional Uruguayan family exclusively welcomes you into their home. This authentic working ranch is the home to 650 milking cows producing 12,000 litres of milk daily assisted by state of the art technology and productivity systems.

You’ll be amazed at the perfect blend between rustic simplicity and cultural refinement which is characteristic of La Rábida. The ranch is a chosen location of the Uruguayan Government officials to entertain distinguished guests and offers an authentic glimpse of Uruguayan life.

Marvel at the scenery surrounding the ranch, with fields stretching onto high cliffs overlooking the striking beach coast of Rio de la Plata. Your delicious buffet style lunch is a traditional asado (barbeque) accompanied with wine and soft drinks.

As you relax at the ranch, capture the sights of the country and the unusual birdlife. You’ll also learn about some of the daily chores of gaucho life, such as milking a cow.

One thing that is for sure is that the friendliness of the owners and staff at this peaceful place of beauty will leave you feeling that the ranch is a home away from home.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves moderate walking over some muddy surfaces, as well as a steep walk down to the beach over uneven ground. Passengers must be able to climb in and out of a dray truck or carriage on their own. Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended. Seating at lunch will be on straw bales.

Uruguay’s oldest city, Colonia del Sacramento was founded by the Portuguese in 1680. A dispute between the Spanish and Portuguese followed, lasting for a century before it was finally lost to Spain, and today the influence of both remains in the city’s beautiful architecture. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Colonia is renowned for its Barrío Histórico (Historic Quarter), a cluster of narrow cobblestoned streets, boasting fine architecture and occupying a small peninsular protruding into the river, a natural setting that complements the town’s colonial style perfectly.

After a scenic journey of around 2½ hours, you’ll arrive at the picturesque town of Colonia del Sacramento.

At the Historic Quarter, step back in time as your knowledgeable guide brings to life the town’s colonial past. During a leisurely walking tour, you’ll pause to visit Uruguay’s oldest church dating from 1695, before enjoying exterior views of El Faro Lighthouse.

Continue by coach to the imposing bullring, Real de San Carlos (exterior view). Opened in 1910, the bullring could entertain up to 10,000 spectators, eager to watch some of the most famous bullfighters of that time. It was closed in 1912 after the sport was abolished.

A delicious lunch will be served at a local restaurant, and if time permits you'll have some free time to explore independently before the return drive to Montevideo.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is around 1 hour of walking, mainly over cobble stoned streets. The journey to Colonia del Sacramento is approximately 2½ hours each way.

Uruguay is the 4th largest wine producer in South America, attracting winemakers over a century ago with its soils and climate which are perfect for producing wine. Amongst them was Don Juan Bautista Passadore who founded the Santa Rosa Winery in 1898 and is responsible for locally developing grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pino Blanc and Chardonnay. Today Santa Rosa is a major exporter of Uruguayan wines and is best known for its exquisite Fond de Cave champagne.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome from the owner, who’ll then lead you on a brief tour of the cellars, during which you’ll enjoy a glass of their famous champagne.

Afterwards, make your way to the ‘winery cave’, which will be your dining room for the evening. Indulge in a delicious 3-course dinner, accompanied by some of the different, local wines produced at Santa Rosa. Sit back, relax and savour delicious, local Uruguayan barbeque cuisine as you enjoy live tango and folklore or candombe entertainment in this unique setting.

At the end of your evening of entertainment, there will be the opportunity to purchase authentic Uruguayan wines from the winery store before the return journey to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot and involves approximately 30 minutes of walking, as well as a few steps to enter the ‘winery cave’, where dinner is served. Santa Rosa Winery produces, stores and sells wine; the vineyards are located far from the winery and therefore will not be viewed during your visit. There is limited space on this tour, therefore booking early is recommended.