Overview & Highlights
Self-drive in friendly Uruguay, a peaceful little country wedged between Brazil and Argentina. The well-paved, empty roads are a pleasure to drive and you stop off along its unspoilt coast and inland at welcoming ranches and wine lodges.
- Buenos Aires: Walking tour of Montserrat and San Telmo
- Colonia: Guided walking tour with traditional cheese and wine tasting
- Montevideo: Guided walking tour with market barbecue lunch
- Countryside ranch: Activities on the estancia
Uruguay, wedged between the behemoths of Brazil and Argentina, is a holiday destination offering a real sense of breathing space. It's the size of England but with a population of just 3.5 million, not much greater than that of Wales. The gently rolling countryside is dreamily bucolic - the famous beef cattle graze nonchalantly accompanied by a multitude of birds, whose song at sunrise is as enchanting as the unspoilt little towns and increasingly chic range of hotels and restaurants.
Getting around is most satisfyingly achieved with the freedom of your own hire car. Our self-drive holiday explores the UNESCO jewel of Colonia, Carmelo’s vineyards, Montevideo’s art-deco streets, Rocha's glorious countryside and the beaches of José Ignacio. There’s about 900km of driving over nine days and you’ll have the support of pre-booked accommodation allowing you to explore at your leisure.
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires, transfer to your hotel in Recoleta.
Day 2
Guided walking tour in central Buenos Aires.
Day 3
Ferry across the River Plate to Colonia in Uruguay.
Day 4
Collect your hire car, drive to Carmelo at the head of the estuary.
Day 5
Day at leisure at a wine lodge near Carmelo.
Day 6
Drive to Montevideo, Uruguay’s pleasant capital.
Day 7
Guided walking tour of Montevideo.
Day 8
Drive east shadowing the coast to Rocha.
Days 9-10
At leisure on a working estancia.
Day 11
Drive to the small but upscale boutique-style beach resort José Ignacio.
Day 12
At leisure in José Ignacio.
Day 13
Drive back to Montevideo airport to drop off your car and take your international flight.
What our clients say
97% of our clients rated their experience with us as Excellent or Good.
Overall, the holiday was excellent. As a single traveller, it was great that the group - a mixture of couples, pairs and singles got on very well together, which added to the enjoyment. The specialist guides were very good especially our guide at Cusco, Machu Picchu and Pisac.
PW, Beaconsfield
Tailor made holiday
Our specialists have been expertly crafting award-winning tailor-made holidays to Latin America for 40 years. We would be delighted to create a truly personalised trip which perfectly matches your wishes and requirements.
Ben Line - Travel Consultant
Ben fell in love with Latin America on a six month backpacking trip from Colombia to Mexico in 1995. Since then he has explored most of South America, including living in Peru for a year. He is now Manager of the Tailor-made Department.
Things to do
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