Enjoy privileged access to winery owners, private tours, and exclusive tastings of the wines which are making Uruguay famous around the globe. Luxury accommodations, pristine beaches, and gourmet cuisine round out what is sure to be one of the most memorable trips of a lifetime.
Estancia Vik, Jose Ignacio, Uruguay
Day 1: Arrival to Montevideo
Welcome to Uruguay! Your Santiago Adventures representative will meet you at the airport or upon your arrival via the “Buquebus” from Argentina. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Uruguay’s vibrant capital at your own pace. We can provide suggestions of places to visit as well recommendations for excellent restaurants.
Expansive Montevideo is Uruguay’s energetic and eclectic capital city, rich with culture and locals eager to share it with you. Uruguay has the most writers, musicians, poets, and artists per capita than most countries, and this creativity contributes to the thriving theater, arts, and club scenes that characterize Montevideo today. The city is filled with colorful cafes, cozy tango bars, and trendy restaurants with international influences. Make sure to take time to explore the colonial neighborhood of Ciudad Vieja, stop in at the historic Teatro Solis, stroll through the Plaza Independencia, and visit the 19th century mansion Museo Casa de Rivera.
Meals Included: On clients’ own (recommendations: La Perdiz in Punta Carretas)
Day 2: Montevideo – Gourmet Wine Select Tour
Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 10:00am to set out on your first Uruguayan wine adventure. The tour begins at the Bodega H Stagnari, where you will enjoy a private tour of the vineyards and winery as well as a tasting of four of their award-winning wines. Winery owner and winemaker Hector Stagnari has won the most awards for his Tannat of any winemaker in Uruguay. Next, you will head to the boutique Bodega Bouza for a gourmet three-course lunch paired with delicious local wines. Following your meal, you will have a private, guided tour of the bodega as well as a special visit to the winery owner’s vintage car showroom.
At the conclusion of the tour, private transfer will take you to breathtaking Punta del Este, known as the “St.-Tropez of South America,” and the fishing village turned exclusive resort town of José Ignacio.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Punta del Este & José Ignacio – Gourmet Wine Adventure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the pristine beaches of Punta del Este before meeting your guide in the lobby of the hotel at 10:00am. You’ll first head to Bodega Alto de la Ballena for a private tour of the vineyards and tasting of four wines with the owner and winemaker. Next, you’ll drive to the 7-star Estancia Vik for a gourmet wine tasting and three-course lunch. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the property. Estancia Vik is a 50,000 square foot Spanish-colonial estancia which includes an incredible vaulted wine cellar, crafted using local brick masterfully fit without the use of grout. Like its sister property Playa Vik, Estancia Vik features an expansive collection of local and international art.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
The 75-foot infinity pool at Playa Vik is an excellent spot for a sunset dining experience
Day 4: Punta del Este & José Ignacio – Sunset Gourmet Experience
Enjoy the day free to relax and experience the pristine beaches of the Uruguayan coast. Around 5:30pm, meet your guide in the lobby and set out to visit Bodega Narbona in nearby La Barra for a private wine and cheese tasting. You will then return to Playa Vik, where an amazing three-course dinner awaits you alongside the 75-foot granite infinity pool, which seems to stretch toward the horizon and a brilliant sunset. This is sure to be one of the absolute highlights of your trip.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Return to Montevideo
As your time in Punta del Este comes to a close, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some free time before private transfer takes you back to Montevideo for your international flight, or on to your next South American adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Recommended trip combinations:
Aerial view of Estancia Vik
This tour is available to begin every day, all year round.
We recommend October to April as the ideal time of year to visit.
Price per person (US$):
*based on a minimum of 2 travelers
*Prices valid through August 31st, 2013. Please inquire for new rates.
Wine tasting at Bodega Alto de la Ballena
Price Includes:
Price Does Not Include:
Playa Vik
Estancia Vik
Mantra Hotel Resort
Miradores de Laguna Garzon
More information to come soon! In the meantime, ask your Santiago Adventures Travel Specialist for hotel details.
