Uruguay

Arrive in the beautiful port town of Colonia del Sacramento, either by road from Montevideo or hydrofoil across the Rio de Plata from Buenos Aires. The small town of Colonia de Sacramento forms an important part of Uruguay's history, it was originally a strategic Portuguese stronghold on the River Plate, controlling trade to and from Europe. Stay in the historic centre in a charming, small posada on the banks of the River Plate. Spend the day exploring the Barrio Histórico, a jumble of narrow cobbled streets lined with a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese architecture.

You will be met by your private guide and driven north through the rolling countryside, and farmland of western Uruguay to Carmelo. Sitting in the primary grape growing region of Uruguay, the area is catching up with Argentina and Chile in producing some excellent new world wines. The vineyards are beautifully kept, and for the most part, small, family-run businesses. Within the area, travellers can enjoy horseback riding, canoeing and fishing on the Rio de la Plata, a round of golf and even polo lessons. Spend two nights exploring the area from a boutique lodge where the focus is on wine, cheese and Uruguayan hospitality at its best.

You will be driven back through Uruguay’s lush countryside before arriving in Montevideo, the sophisticated Uruguayan capital. Home to over half the nation's population, the city is eclectic and vibrant. Stay in the historic centre, in a beautiful property housed in an art nouveau mansion. With your private guide you will explore the city, known for its informal markets like Mercado del Puerto, Villa Biarritz Fair and Tristan Narvaja. After exploring the city's most important sites and museums, enjoy a well-earned lunch at the famous portside market.

You will be driven to the Province of Lavalleja in the southeast of the country. Also known as the “Alps of Uruguay”, It's known for its rugged countryside, characterised by granite hills, caves and rivers. Situated on a sprawling vineyard in the Maldonado region Uruguay, your hotel is a modern retreat for wine lovers. It was designed to disappear into its rugged surroundings thanks to its mirrored façade, keeping the focus on the rustic scenery. Within the hotel grounds, guests can enjoy the various walking and hiking trails as well as horseback riding. During your stay you will enjoy visits to the local olive oil plant and nearby vineyards.

En route to your final stop, the fashionable coastal town of Jose Ignacio, you will visit the intriguing Casapueblo, designed by the renowned Uruguayan artist Carlos Páez Vilaró. Spend three nights in a sophisticated art-filled hideaway, a owrking estancia perched on a hilltop. Surrounded by serene pampas where horses and cattle roam free, it is just short drive from the beaches, bars and chic boutiques of town. Spend your days relaxing poolside, taking long walks along the coast, surfing, sailing or exploring the amazing sand dunes of Cabo Polonio with their sea lion colonies. You will be transferred back to Montevideo to connect with your flight home.

From Montevideo, transfer via road then take the ferry to Buenos Aires and explore iconic sights such as Casa Rosada, colourful La Boca and monumental Recoleta Cemetery. Enjoy Argentina’s superb gastronomy at some of the continent’s best restaurants. And no trip to Buenos Aires is complete without witnessing the allure of Argentina's famous dance, The Tango. An excursion will take you to one of Argentina's oldest estancias to learn about the life traditions of its gauchos, before an authentic asado or bbq.  If you have more time, head northwest to otherworldly Salta, west to Mendoza Valley's winelands, north to mighty Iguazu Falls, south to Bariloche's lakes or further south to El Calafate, gateway to Argentinian Patagonia.