Leaving Montevideo through the residential areas of Montevideo, you will be driven 85 miles to Punta del Este, one of the finest resorts in South America, gateway for the jet set. First stop at Portezuelo and Punta Ballena for Sweeping views up and down the coast (great spots for photographers), inside visit to Casapueblo, home and atelier of famous artist Carlos Paez Vilaro. The Dazzling white complex, resembling Spanish-Moroccan architecture, is situated on a rocky bluff overlooking the ocean. Vilaro built it in 1958 with his own hands, using only traditional tools. Narrow steps lead to a maze of rooms scattered on different levels and filled with the artist´s works.
Continue the drive to Punta del Este, visit to the residential areas with its elegant homes of the most sophisticated architecture such as San Rafael, Cantegril, Parque Golf and Beverly Hills. A visit will be made to Fundación Ralli. This private museum of Contemporary Latin American Art houses an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings, including works by Salvador Dali (Mondays closed).
Next we will visit La Barra and its unique hanging bridges. Along the wide variety of fine sandy beaches such as Playa Brava, San Rafael, El Emir, to downtown area, main Avenue (Avenida Gorlero) and the port. Lunch will be served at Blue Cheese Restaurant (or similar), with some free time afterwards for shopping or exploring on your own.
Departure from pier upon arrival. Approx 2:30 hrs. drive towards the west (180 km. Distance from Montevideo). Colonia is a small city founded by the Portuguese in 1680, at a time when Spain and Portugal werw in the midst of confrontations. For over a hundred years both Empires fought over it, until finally the Treaty of Saint Ildefonso awared it to Spain. Today the Old City has a los to say about its colonial past. Visit the picturesque streets of Colonia del Sacramento, the eldest city in the country, recently declared World Heritage by UNESCO. The streets of Santa Rita, San Gabriel, the Matriz Church, San Pedro road, the Bastion del Carmen, the famous “Calle de los Suspiros” (Street of Sighs) used so often as a scenary for historical films, Puerta del Campo, Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo.
The past can still be felt, in the city´s cobblestone streets and stone walls. Colonia complements its archeological values with natural beauty, the permanent company of the Rio de la Plata and the emblematic monuments that stand out on the horizon, such as the cathedral and the lighthouse, and very nearby, the Real de San Carlos bullring.
Lunch at a typical restaurant. After lunch back to Montevideo.
Complete tour of Montevideo´s monuments, parks and gardens. The main points of interest are the Old City, Constitution Square, Cathedral and Colonial Town Hall, Solis Theatre, Independence Square at the center of which stands a monument dedicated to national hero, José Gervasio Artigas and his Mausoleum. Facing the street Government House (museum of the Presidents). Main commercial street 18 de Julio lined with shops, cafés and office buildings. Congress Building: This immense building is the pride of Uruguay. It was constructed between 1908 and 1925 with local marble of 52 colours and 12 types of wood. Inside visits are only possible on week days (weekends and holidays closed), depending on Parliament activities. Drive past Prado neighbourhood, one of the oldest parks in the city which hosts the famous sculpture La Diligencia /The Stage Coach), Monument to the Last Charruas Indians, the Rose Garden and offers you the chance of spending some minutes around the Prado Hotel. Batlle & Ordoñez Park, passing by the Obelisk, La Carreta (Covered Wagon) monument and the Soccer Stadium, Residential area of Carrasco. Then will stop at Plaza Virgilio with the Monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy, and from which an excellent view of the city will offer a great spot for photographers. Return along the coast and its beaches back to the port.
FOR COSTS DETAILS:
prohr@rohrsa.com.uy