Montevideo
Included meals: Breakfast. Half-day city tour (4h). Your excursion today begins with a drive along the Rambla, a 22 km long coastal road on the banks of the Rio de la Plata, heading towards Carrasco. Along the way, you will see the Pittamiglio Castle, designed by an alchemist. Next, you will visit Plaza Virgilio, which has a monument for the fallen marines. From here, you have a great view of the city, ideal for taking unique souvenir photos. Then, you will continue to the upscale residential area of Carrasco, today one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Montevideo. Here, you can admire impressive villas and expansive gardens, reminiscent of the time when the area was an elegant seaside resort. The next stop will be at Parque Batlle y Ordóñez with its monument 'La Carreta' (the wagon), followed by a drive past the famous Centenario football stadium, where the first World Cup final took place. Next, you will head to Mercado Agrícola, an old fruit and vegetable market located in a historic building from 1913 and recently restored. The wide selection of products makes a visit worthwhile: here you will find many stores, restaurants, and stalls that offer both local and international delicacies. The next stop is the Palacio Legislative, the seat of the Uruguayan parliament, which you will admire from the outside. The impressive government building is a source of pride for Uruguay. It was constructed between 1908 and 1925 from marble in 52 different colors and from 12 different types of wood. To round off the tour, you will explore the old town (Ciudad Vieja) of Montevideo on foot, where the architecture and art of the 19th and 20th centuries await you. You begin at the 'Independence Square' with the former presidential palace (built in 1842) and the Palacio Salvo (built in 1922), which was the tallest building in South America at the time of its completion. Close by stands Teatro Solis, built in 1856, which has recently shone in full splendor after its renovation. The next stop is the 'Plaza de la Constitución' (Plaza Matriz). Here you will find the best-preserved buildings from the Spanish colonial period, such as the old town hall (Cabildo) from 1804 and the Spanish neoclassical cathedral. An Italian influence in the architecture is also noticeable, for example, in the fountain of Gianni Ferrari. The last stop is the harbor market (Mercado del Puerto), an impressive old market hall; a lively place full of life, where local artists and street musicians perform. Additionally, numerous parrilladas compete for the guests' favor with exquisite grilled meats. Afterward, you will be transferred to the hotel or have the opportunity to explore the city on your own. The beautiful old town of Montevideo is excellent for discovering on foot: here you will find many interesting museums, artists showcasing their works, cozy cafés, and restaurants. A lunch at Mercado del Puerto is definitely recommended! The afternoon is at your leisure. Optionally, you can book the following excursions: Optional: Old town with Mate tasting. Accompany your guide for a tasting of the famous Mate beverage, made by pouring 'Yerba Mate' (dried and crushed leaves of the Illex Paraguariensis shrub), which is one of the most significant and popular traditions in Uruguay. Visit a local restaurant where you can enjoy a Mate tasting along with homemade pastries from the region. Your guide will explain how the drink is prepared and share more interesting details about Uruguay's national drink. Or Optional: Wine tasting at Bodega Carrau (approximately 3h 30min). Min: 2 persons - Max: 10 persons. Carrau is one of the oldest wineries in the country, founded in 1887 and restored by the Carrau family. The colonial estate and picturesque park with the vineyards make it a perfect place to learn about some of the best wines in South America. The winery represents the century-old family tradition in a dreamlike landscape and reflects the growth of Uruguay's emerging top wines. The Carrau family plays a central role in this story, which originates from Catalonia. Bodegas Carrau always strives for the highest quality. The craftsmanship lies in the family tradition, passed down from generation to generation. The winemakers still preserve a valuable document showing that Don Francisco Carrau Vehils acquired the family's first vineyard in Catalonia on April 2, 1752. Look forward to a tour of the winery and a tasting of 4 wines, accompanied by empanadas (stuffed pastries). Note: Minimum 2 people, maximum 10 people. The service includes private transfers and a guide. The tour and the English-speaking guide at the winery will be shared with other international guests. The winery is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Mid-range: Overnight stay at Hotel Vivaldi 3* or similar (standard room). Comfort class: Overnight stay at Hotel Aloft 4* or similar (Aloft room).