During this 5-day tour exploring the western vineyards of Uruguay, you will visit Colonia del Sacramento to witness the rich history of this old town. Then, head to the Carmelo region to discover three different vineyards and learn about the history of wine-making in Uruguay. Delight in multiple varieties of premium wine in each vineyard. Finally, enjoy a sunset river cruise to appreciate the coasts of Uruguay.
Highlights
Explore the rich history of Colonia del Sacramento
Discover area of Carmelo, visiting 3 different vineyards
Enjoy a sunset river cruise and appreciate the beautiful coasts of Uruguay
Learn about the wine-making process and characteristics of Uruguay's wines
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrival at Port of Colonia del Sacramento and Hotel Transfer with Guide (Private Service).
Begin your journey with a local guide on the Walking Tour of Colonia del Sacramento with museums & mate tasting (Private Service).
Explore the enchanting city of Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by the Portuguese and the subject of disputes between the Spanish and Portuguese crowns for years, Colonia's rich history is beautifully preserved. Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets under the guidance of your local expert, uncovering landmarks like the old city gate (Porton de Campo), the historic Calle de los Suspiros (Street of Sighs), charming squares, and the local church, Iglesia Matriz. The tour includes a mate tasting session and entrance tickets to local museums.
You kick off your day with a transfer to Bodega el Quinton, where you can indulge in a tour of the vineyards and olive plantations, followed by a delightful wine and olive oil tasting session. Your journey then takes you to La Vigna Cheese Farm, where you'll gain insights into the local cheese-making process and savor some of the finest cheese varieties in the region, all under the guidance of the knowledgeable "Cheese Architect." Agustin and Lucila, the proprietors of La Vigna, have created a unique and eco-conscious establishment that focuses on sustainability and organic production. You'll have the opportunity to sample some of the most delectable and inventive cheeses. If you're interested, there's an optional cheese-tasting lunch at La Vigna, though it's not included.
In the morning, you'll have a private transfer (no guide) to Carmelo.
As the day draws to a close, prepare for an unforgettable experience: the Rio de la Plata Sunset Cruise (approximately 1.5 hours).
Embark on a serene journey through the Delta's islands, where the waters of the Río de la Plata and Rio Uruguay converge. This unique location marks the "kilometer 0" point for both rivers. Your adventure commences just before sunset at the secluded marina of Club del Faro, where you'll board a classic boat guided by our experienced captain. Explore the tales of the Uruguayan coast and its shipwrecks, and raise a toast to an incredible sunset!
Day 4: Calera las Huérfanas and the local wineries
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Meet your local guide for a visit to Calera las Huérfanas and the local wineries:
La Calera de las Huérfanas National Monument: This place's history dates back to the 18th century when the Jesuits established themselves in the northern part of the Province of Colonia in Uruguay. They continued their mission and constructed the first buildings in 1741. Here, a diverse group of people, including Indians, slaves, and priests, would gather. Following the expulsion of the Jesuits by the Spanish crown, Don Juan de San Martín assumed control of the estancia and discovered 1500 grapevines, which marked the birth of wine production in Uruguay.
You will then visit two wineries in the Carmelo region:
Bodega El Legado: A family-owned winery that traces its roots back to Bernardo Marzuca and his family, who decided to repurchase the family vineyards that had once belonged to Bernardo's father. The winery represents the legacy they continued by tending the land and crafting wine. Today, the winery is known for producing highly exclusive fine wines using a unique technique in Uruguay. Their vineyards follow a free vertical cord system, allowing the vines to express themselves fully. What began as a hobby for the Marzuca family evolved into a profound passion as more people were captivated by their wines. The winery tour includes a guided exploration of the vineyards, wine cellar, and production area, followed by a tasting of 3 wines paired with cheeses, salamis, and olives.
Bodega Cordano: A small, family-run winery led by Ana Paula Cordano and her husband, the fifth generation of the family. The tour encompasses visits to the production areas and vineyards, along with a stop at the "Almacén de la Capilla," a vintage grocery shop founded in 1855 by Antonio Cordano. The experience culminates with a tasting of 3 of their finest wines and a delectable homemade lunch.
After your wine adventures, return to your hotel.
Day 5: Return Home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, get on a private transfer (without a guide) to Colonia del Sacramento Port.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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I've worked with Adventure Life before in planning trips and appreciate the quality of trips they put together. They use knowledgeable local guides, comfortable lodgings, and assist with transportation. I find trip planning stressful, so am happy to turn it over to them. They work within our parameters of time, budget, activity level, and types of activities to give us great experiences!
Kaesa Footracer
1 day ago
I was reading and it was a good story I need to recommend it
Delilah DeLee
3 days ago
We have been working with Adventure Life for 5 years now and it is very easy to plan out our trips. Our holidays include customization of activities and side trips along with the standard packages available on the Adventure Life website. Kevin, Jess, Mary Rose and their teams have many recommendations that have enhanced our travel.
Joe
1 week ago
We went to the Patagonia on the Chile side and Perito Moreno in El Calafate, Argentina. Eric of San Diego handled our trip with expertise. The preparation went smoothly, despite some changes on our part with scheduling conflicts. He offered great advice which made us feel at ease with all decisions on the trip. It was truly a great experience.
Evelyn and Edwin
1 week ago
We had a great experience- they were very helpful in trip planning and making sure we got to do all the activities and see the places we wanted. There were some things we couldn't do/see due to the time of year being the rainy/low season and they steered us away from those. We had never been to Costa Rica before and it gave us a good overview of this lovely country.