WINE, WILDLIFE & ESTANCIAS

Day 1 Arrive Montevideo

Arrive in Uruguay's capital, Montevideo, and drive a short distance west out of the city to a quiet and blissfully rural, elegant estancia to unwind after your journey. Perhaps enjoy a spa treatment.

Overnight: Country house hotel

Day 2 Estancia Life

Relax and explore the immaculate gardens and extensive grounds and absorb the superb Uruguayan hospitality. Enjoy a long lunch - a traditional Asado cooked on the barbecue will certainly be on the menu, and afterwards a much-needed siesta beside the swimming pool.

Overnight: Country house hotel

Day 3 Montevideo to rural estancia

Your car will be delivered to your estancia hotel located just outside Montevideo. From here, drive to Guichan in the north-western province of Paysandao and on to a charming, colonial estancia. . After lunch, spend the afternoon walking, riding or relaxing with a good book beside the pool.

Overnight: Working estancia

Day 4 Guichón

A day of action, either riding across the Cerros Chatos (Flat Hills), or on the water with a canoeing journey along the Queguay River. Alternatively, enjoy a blissful day of total relaxation at the Almiron Salt Hot Springs with massages included.

Overnight: Working estancia

Day 5 Esteros De Farrapos

After breakfast visit the National Park of Esteros de Farrapos and the Islands of the Uruguay River, recognised by the RAMSAR Convention as the biggest wetland area of the world. You will be met by a local guide who will introduce you to the biodiversity of the park, and help you identify the abundant wildlife. There are over 200 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, 14 reptiles, a great variety of butterflies and amphibians. The park is also home and refuge to the last Uruguayan panther. After your visit, continue driving west to the town of Dolores, in the agricultural heart of Uruguay.

Overnight: Central hotel

Day 6 Carmelo Visit the city of Mercedes

Wander, explore and get lost in the old city's squares, swinging by the cathedral, monuments and popular Rambla (riverside promenade). Visit the Maua Castle for a dash of fascinating history and to sample the delicious wines and olive oils produced on site. Enjoy lunch on the shores of the Black River and afterwards, you can visit Fray Bentos for a bit of retro-fun, and the Anglo Industrial Museum recently declared a protected UNESCO Industrial Heritage site. After a busy day on foot, make the short journey of 1 1/4 hours to Finca Narbona Wine Lodge.

Overnight: Narbona Wine Lodge

Day 7 Carmelo Vineyards

If some exercise sounds appealing, fill the morning cycling to Punta Gorda, a stunning viewpoint to see the Kilometer Cero on the River Plate. Cycle back in time to collect a picnic lunch to enjoy in the vineyard. Spend a relaxed afternoon at ease and look forward to a delicious dinner, accompanied by a fabulous wine list.

Overnight: Narbona Wine Lodge

Day 8 Colonia  

Set off after breakfast to the city of Colonia del Sacramento. Enshrined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the narrow cobbled streets, stunning architecture, pretty river front location and charm of the colonial quarter prove to be the perfect way to spend the last day. Visit Iglesia Matriz, Uruguay's oldest church and the centerpiece of pretty Plaza de Armas and enjoy lunch (and dinner!) Colonia's hottest new eatery, your hotel's Bistro. Tucked down a colonial side street, sit on the spacious deck overlooking the River Plate's shoreline and enjoy delights such as grilled squid with caponata and steak with chimichurri, complemented by liberal glasses of local wine.

Overnight: Charco Hotel

Day 9 Depart

Either drive back to the airport at Montevideo for your onward flight or take the high speed ferry across the Rio Plata to Buenos Aires and Argentina.