9-Day Uruguay's Art and Architecture

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This morning, head into Montevideo for a city tour. The main points of interest will be in the historic city centre where you will visit the Plaza de Constitucion with the cathedral and the colonial town hall. Then you will proceed to the Congress Building, Mercado Agricola Montevideo, passing by the Obelisk to Batlle and Ordoñez Park and the Centenario Soccer Stadium where the very first World Cup final was played. Afterwards, visit Pocitos Beach and take a stroll along to Ramirez Beach.

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Today you will visit the Torres Garcia Museum, housing the works of one of the best-known Uruguayan artists. Joaquin Torres Garcia was an Uruguayan plastic artist, also known as the founder of Constructive Universalism. Continue to Palacio Taranco in the heart of Montevideo. The French-style building hosts the Museum of Decorative Arts containing paintings, sculptures, textiles, ornaments and European furniture. It features also a very interesting collection of classical art and archaeology.

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Drive to Piriapolis, built during the Belle Epoque and made to look like Côte d’Azur. Visit the Argentino Hotel, which takes you back to 1930s luxury. The next stops will be at Portezuelo and Punta Ballena for sweeping views. Then, visit Casa Pueblo, the home and atelier of the Uruguayan artist, Carlos Paez Vilaro. The dazzling white complex resembles Spanish-Moroccan earthen architecture perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. You'll arrive in Punta del Esta mid-afternoon.

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Embrace the opportunity to visit two of the area’s most renowned museums, Ralli and Pablo Atchugarry Foundation. Enjoy a scenic drive through Punta del Este’s most fashionable and impressive neighbourhoods. Visit Ralli Museum with its fine collection of paintings and sculptures by noted Latin American artists in the Beverly Hills district. Visit the Pablo Atchugarry Foundation, a magnificent space that beautifully juxtaposes art and nature. In the afternoon, relax on Punta del Este’s beaches.

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This morning, you'll return to Montevideo. Upon arrival, visit the Salvo Palace, an emblematic building in Montevideo's Independence Square. Originally built as a luxury hotel, the project failed. Today it consists of many apartments and offices. Your guide has plenty of exciting stories to tell about this special building! Just a few steps away is the beautiful Solis Theatre, built by an Italian architect, Carlo Zucchi. It opened in 1856 and is a centrepiece of the cultural life in Montevideo.

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After breakfast, transfer to Colonia del Sacramento. You'll be greeted at the terminal and driven to the historical centre to stroll along the picturesque cobblestone streets of Uruguay’s oldest city. One of the highlights is Calle de Los Suspiros, often used as scenery for historical films. Colonia complements its archaeological values with natural beauty; the River Plate and the monuments that stand out on the horizon, such as the cathedral and lighthouse. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

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This morning, you'll drive into the Uruguayan countryside to the Juanico Winery. Considered one of the largest and most famous wineries in the country, it combines modern technologies with colonial beauty. The first vines were planted in 1835, and the area’s soils, climate, and temperatures are ideal for different grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. As you visit the winery, admire its state-of-the-art processing machinery and end your tour with a wine tasting guided by an oenologist.