Montevideo & Colonia

On arrival into Buenos Aires you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s elegant, historic and cosmopolitan capital, is known as the “Paris of the South” due to its European atmosphere with glamorous avenues lined with fashionable shops and Parisian-style restaurants and cafes. Located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, Buenos Aires has many fascinating neighbourhoods to explore including the colourful and lively La Boca, home to art galleries and tango shows; San Telmo with its restored mansions and antique stores and Recoleta, the city’s most exclusive area.

Overnight in Buenos Aires

Morning at leisure.

This afternoon you will be collected from your hotel for a half day tour of the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Your tour has been specifically designed for our travellers and is based on our teams’ own experiences and expertise. Discover the history of the Plaza de Mayo Square, the site of Argentina’s most important historical events - see its surroundings and the most emblematic buildings and learn all about them. Continue onto San Telmo. Live and feel the original Tango in the neighbourhood of La Boca: walk along the famous Caminito Street. Here you will have the chance to wander around and soak up the atmosphere and if the timing is right, see a short tango demonstration. Pass by the Boca Juniors soccer stadium. Return to Recoleta. Here you will enter into the Recoleta cemetery with your guide. Experience shadowed walkways with towering marble mausoleums that are rich in Art Deco, Art Nouveau, baroque and neo-gothic architectural styles. You will find the final resting place of Eva Peron, "Evita", along with many other notable people.

Overnight in Buenos Aires

Today your guide will meet you at your hotel or a central meeting point in Recoleta and take you on a tour to see the city on foot. You will start by exploring the streets of the upscale and exclusive neighbourhood of Recoleta through a local’s eyes. Marvel at some of the classical architecture of the area while your guide points out hidden gems and must visit bars and coffee shops. Continue on through the beating heart of the city, Retiro. This suburb is home to many government buildings and you can learn more about the fascinating history of Buenos Aires, which was once one of the wealthiest and most prosperous cities in the world. Chat with your guide over a local Patagonian Ice Cream or a coffee and then jump in a taxi (or if you are feeling adventurous take a local bus!) and head over to the bohemian barrio of San Telmo. This is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires and has a fascinating past, starting as an industrial area, becoming a settlement, then home to Jesuits and inhabited by African slaves and eventually becoming one of the most multicultural parts of the city. The areas eclectic air began attracting local artists. You will explore the San Telmo market, feasting on a tasty empanada while learning about the rich history. Wander the cobblestone streets and perhaps pop into a local antique shop or visit an artisan and learn more about their expert craftsmanship. You’ll also visit an old Conventillo and the quaint Plaza Dorrego, which hosts an authentic antiques market on certain days of the week.

End your tour with a taxi ride back to Recoleta for a demonstration and tasting of yerba mate – a traditional tea that is drunk in Argentina and other parts of South America before wandering back to your hotel. If you prefer your guide can drop you off at a speakeasy bar that is hidden inside a flower shop.

This evening you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Fogón to immerse yourself in their Asado Experience. From the chefs of the famous Uco Restaurant in Buenos Aires and Butterfly in Bariloche comes Fogón - a new way of living the traditional Argentine Asado, served with a twist. A closed-door dining experience awaits you that explores new ways of serving Argentine Asado classics. While seated at the bar you’ll see, feel and taste traditional and modern grill cooking techniques up close and personal as you sit with the chefs around the parrilla. Every Asado is unique but always includes the best cuts of meat available and fire roasted seasonal vegetables. The chefs have designed the tasting menu to combine new grill techniques with tried and true Argentine recipes that elevate the Asado to new heights. The wine pairing menu has also been designed to best enhance the flavours of the ingredients, while presenting you with some of the best boutique wines from Argentina. On completion of your experience, please make your own way back to your hotel.

Overnight in Buenos Aires

Transfer to the pier this morning (Don't forget your passport, as you are off to Uruguay!)

Board a ferry to Montevideo, Uruguay.

On arrival you will be met and transferred from the port to your hotel. In the afternoon you will join a half day city tour.

Montevideo is the historic yet cosmopolitan capital of Uruguay. Situated on the east bank of the Rio de la Plata it is home to half of Uruguay’s population. The city has much to offer including the historic Old City with the Plaza Independencia at its heart and its Citadel Gate used up until 1829 to protect the city from invasion. The plaza separates the Ciudad Vieja (old town) with its art deco buildings, colonial homes and landmarks such as the towering Palacio Salvo, from the city's downtown. Other notable places of interest include the covered market of Mercado del Puerto, Centenario Football Stadium where the first World Cup was played in 1930 and La Rambla that hugs Montevideo’s scenic waterfront.

The city tour takes you into the heart of the Old City where you will visit Matriz Square, site of the first drinking water fountain in colonial Montevideo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Cabildo (First Town Hall) and the Uruguay Social Club. You will also visit the Solis Theatre, Uruguay’s most important and renowned theatre that opened in 1856 and was designed by the Italian architect Carlo Zucchi. The theatre is located next to the Plaza Independencia where there is a monument dedicated to the national hero, Jose Artigas. The tour also takes you to the Citadel Gate, Salvo Palace and Estevez Palace (Old Governmental House).

The tour continues on to the main Avenue 18 de Julio, lined with shops, restaurants, bars and office buildings and then on to Libertador Avenue where the Parliament building, called the ‘Legislative Palace ́ is located. We drive through the pleasant neighbourhood of Prado and see the Presidential House. The tour also visits the Obelisk, Battle Park, the Athletic Track, La Carreta (Covered Wagon) Monument and the Centenario Stadium.

Later you will head to the residential area of Carrasco and Virgilio Square for a panoramic view of the city. You return to downtown Montevideo via the neighbourhoods of Punta Gorda Malvin, Buceo where Buceo Port and Montevideo’s main marina are situated, Pocitos, Punta Carretas and Rodo Park and past the Mercosur Building.

At the end of the tour you will be dropped off back at your hotel.

Overnight in Montevideo

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and taken to Colonia del Sacramento, visiting a few places of interest on the way.

The first stop is at Colonia Suiza, now known as Nueva Helvecia, founded in 1862 by Swiss and German settlers and known for its Swiss heritage. Here you will see the Nirvana Hotel, Founders Square and Schoenstatt Virgin Sanctuary. The next stop is at Granja Arenas where you can sample various handmade products in this central region of Uruguay. The tour then continues on to Colonia del Sacramento.

UNESCO World Heritage listed Colonia del Sacramento is a highlight of Uruguay - one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in the country, full of colonial charm. Founded in 1680 by the Portuguese, Colonia’s cobbled streets are lined with well-preserved colonial buildings and classic cars. The 19th century lighthouse affords beautiful views of the old town and the Rio de la Plata and the town also houses an abandoned Plaza de Toros (bullfighting ring).

The tour will take you to Sighs Street, the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament, San Pedro Bastion and to the lighthouse. There is also the option to visit the Portuguese and Spanish Museums and the Tile Museum (tickets not included). You will see San Carlos Royal with its old bullring, San Benito Church and the port.

At the end of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to have lunch and explore the town further at your leisure.
Overnight in Colonia

Morning at leisure to enjoy the beautiful city of Colonia (depending on ferry departure time, before your ferry departs to return to Buenos Aires.

Transfers can be added for your onward requirements