Exploring Epic Uruguay

Buenos Aires is undoubtedly one of the world's greatest cities to visit and an important destination on many of our Argentina tours. Centre of the world's fifth largest economy at the turn of the 20th Century, the city an abundance of classical architecture and tree lined boulevards reminiscent of its European counterparts.

Buenos Aires has one of the largest Jewish communities in the world; this active social group of Argentines has been making its mark on the country's culture since the 1860s.

This tour follows the traces and traditions while visiting the Jewish neighbourhood of Once, and in an informal way we will meet some of the area's residents who will explain us all the benefits and turmoil of living in Buenos Aires.

This visit will mostly be a sightseeing tour with our guides introducing the lives and living of this important Argentine community. If available, we will be able to meet a rabbi (subject to confirmation) who would gladly share his thoughts with the visitors.

Spend your time relaxing and exploring this wonderful city. You have our top recommendations for activities, restaurants and shopping so that you can make the most of your time here.

Punta del Este is definitely one of South America’s most glamorous resorts, home to beaches, elegant seaside homes, high-rise apartment buildings, luxury hotels and glitzy restaurants. This tour will take you through Punta del Este’s main attractions, including the Juan Gorlero Avenue, the artisans' market, the port, the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church and the lighthouse. You will also drive over the bridge to La Barra with its beaches, favoured by surfers, and colorful houses. Stopping in Punta Ballena you will see Casapueblo, a unique and quirky building constructed by the famous Uruguayan artist, Carlos Paez Vilaró. Here you will see the most stunning views of the ocean and a spectacular sunset.

Enjoy a tour around the olive plantations and factory at Colinas de Garzon, where you will see how the humble olive is turned into one of the world's finest ingredients. You'll get to taste the olive oil along with wine and local cheeses. You will then head to Bodega Garzon, one of the biggest in the country, and enjoy a tour around the vineyards and winery, where you will get to taste the wines. Finally, you will enjoy a three-course lunch with wine and coffee.

The best way to describe La Barra is an exclusive yet quiet, semi-rural suburb on the edge of Punta del Este, and part of the popular ‘Uruguayan Riviera’. With its fair share of celebrity visitors and elite countryside estates, the peaceful village of La Barra enjoys a less crowded stretch of coastline yet is within easy reach of the entertainment and beaches.

Capital of South America's second smallest population, Montevideo has a presence and sense of culture that belies the small population of the country. There is a rich mix of architecture here, drawn from the influence of the various Europeans who chose to settle in the city, from the British to the Spanish and French, making it a fascinating city to explore on foot.

This four hour tour will take in the highlights of Montevideo and also visit some places in town that will give visitors a feeling of Uruguayan life and culture. Walk around the Old City and enjoy the European architecture of the buildings, visit the Gaucho Museum and the traditional Port Market, perhaps seeing Candombe performances, art galleries and visiting the different craft shops of the area. Finally, stroll through the neighbourhoods of Carrasco, Punta Gorda and Pocitos and the lovely Rambla along the coastline.

Today you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Colonia del Sacramento. Wind your way through the stone streets discovering the fort, Spanish and Portuguese houses, and the port. You'll also explore the downtown area and the Rambla, which borders the Old City and where you'll fine the Real de San Carlos where the Plaza de Toros, the Hipodromo and the old harbor can be seen.

Visit La Calera de las Huerfanas, Jesuit ruins located in the outskirts of Carmelo. It was the Jesuits who first planted vines within this estancia and began the history Uruguayan wines in this region.

A wonderfully relaxed city, Carmelo is a serene spot along the River Plate and an ideal getaway for those looking for an alternative to the busier parts of the Uruguayan Riviera. The 100 acres of vineyards around Carmelo, make it only slightly smaller than the country’s largest wine regions, with a microclimate perfect for grape growing. The wine production here is small and often family-run, adding to its charm. Along with wine tasting, the surrounding areas offer numerous outdoor pursuits from canoeing, polo, fishing to horseback riding.