Wine & Culture in Argentina & Uruguay - 7 Days

Highlights

• Learn to make the perfect empanada on a gastronomy tour in Buenos Aires
• Try your hand at wine blending (and taste your creations) at a Mendoza winery 
• Stroll along stunning waterfront views of the Rambla de Montevideo promenade
• Sample wine and olive oil at some of the oldest vineyards in Uruguay

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires (Argentina), Dinner in Puerto Madero 

¡Bienvenido a Argentina! Your flight lands in the beautiful capital city of Buenos Aires, where your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the "Paris of South America," with its leafy parks, wide boulevards, and vibrant nightlife. Wander through the neighborhoods of Retiro and Recoleta, which are full of vast green spaces, French-style mansions, and natural ravines.

Continue toward the city's center and the emblematic Avenida 9 de Julio to see El Teatro Colón, the opera house, and the Obelisk. Other highlights include the San Telmo Market for shopping and food, as well as the colorful Calle Caminito. Buenos Aires is also the birthplace of tango, full of places to both watch and learn the dance, such as Café Tortoni and El Viejo Almacen.

For dinner, head to the Puerto Madero neighborhood, the city's former main port that fell into disuse until a revitalization project in the 1990s. Today, the elegant architecture, riverside location, and diverse culinary offer make it an ideal place for lovers of good food. Do like the locals and enjoy a juicy steak drizzled with chimichurri (garlic, herb, and vinegar sauce) at a local parrilla (steakhouse). 

Day 2: South Buenos Aires Bike Tour, Best of Argentina Culinary Experience

This morning, take a bike tour of southern Buenos Aires, where the city was founded around 1580. Meet your guide, and after an equipment and safety briefing, begin your cycling adventure through the traditional barrios (neighborhoods) of the city, including San Telmo, La Boca, and Monserrat. See the historic Plaza Dorrego, one of the oldest squares in the city and home to a popular weekly market, and cruise by the gorgeous gazebos in El Parque Lezama.

See the renowned fútbol (aka soccer) stadium, Estadio Boca Juniors, and discover history at the old port, Antiguo Puerto de La Boca, as well as the political center of Plaza de Mayo. Then, hop off your bike for a quick tour of Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, a haven for native flora and fauna, as well as protected coastlines, marshlands, grasslands, and forests. Enjoy the peace in the middle of the city and spot wildlife such as black-necked swans or long-necked turtles.

Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening immersed in an Argentine gastronomy and culture tour, where you'll be introduced to a wide variety of typical food and customs, with several opportunities to make certain dishes yourself. Learn how to make your own empanada using the repulge (folding) technique, discover the spice and herb blend that makes up chimichurri sauce, explore the intricacies of making traditional maté (tea), and practice ordering the perfect steak in Spanish. 

Day 3: Fly to Mendoza, Vineyard Tour & Wine Blending Workshop

Today, you'll make the short two-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, a beautiful city located in the foothills of the Andes mountain range, known for its outdoor activities, gorgeous scenery, and most importantly, winemaking! Arrive at El Plumerillo International Airport, and take your private transfer to your hotel. 

Once you've settled in, explore the city at your leisure. Visit the Plaza Independencia, the central square, surrounded by historic buildings and landmarks such as the Casa de Gobierno and the Teatro Independencia. You can head outside of the city to the famed Bodega Catena Zapata winery, sampling various wine varieties and soaking up the incredible views of the Andes, or visit the thermal baths of Termas de Cacheuta, a natural hot springs resort.

Later in the day, visit the Malbec Clone Mother Vineyard to tour the vineyard, discover the production and winemaking process, and taste exclusive varietals from the wine cellar. Take part in a blending activity, where you'll combine two of your favorite wines from the winery. Vote on your favorite new blend, take a personalized label home, and eat a multicourse meal (paired with specific wines, of course).

Day 4: Taste the Wines of the Uco Valley 

Discover the best high-altitude wines around Mendoza today on an eight-hour guided tour of the nearby Uco Valley. Mountains and beautiful views accompany each sample of world-renowned wines from famous wineries such as the charming, historical Bodega Los Toneles, one of Mendoza's cultural treasures, or Andeluz, the pioneer of organic wine in the valley.

Sample Argentina's most famous malbec or the unique fuego blanco at more hotspots such as the multifaceted Bodega Salentein, part wine cellar, and part art gallery. Your tour will include lunch, showcasing regional specialties like tomatican (Mendozan tomato soup), locro (local stew), and flambres (cold meat).

Day 5: Fly to Montevideo (Uruguay), Montevideo City Tour

Fly from Mendoza back to Buenos Aires this morning, where a driver will pick you up and take you to the port to catch a ferry to Uruguay's capital, Montevideo. This fascinating city is known for its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and coastal beauty. After your arrival and check-in at your accommodations, explore Montevideo's most famous sites with a guided city tour. 

Start in the Old City district, where you'll walk down winding cobblestone streets and see historic buildings like the Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest public building in the city and one of the region's first churches. Visit charming squares like Plaza Matriz and Plaza Independencia, and stroll through the traditional Prado neighborhood. Along the way, be sure to stop by Mercado del Puerto to sample food at one of the famous grills.

Later, wander along the Rambla de Montevideo, an extensive promenade stretching over 13 miles (20 km) along the coast. Relax in the spacious Parque Rodó and taste authentic Uruguayan cuisine at one of the many food stalls at Abasto Market. See the oldest theater in South America, the Solís, and the neighborhood of Punta Gorda, where you'll find Plaza Virgiliond and spectacular panoramic views of the coast. The tour ends in Punta Carretas, a lively shopping area where you can spend time looking for souvenirs on your own or have dinner at one of their many restaurants. 

Day 6: Montevideo Winery Tour & Tastings

You're already an expert on Argentine wines, and now it's time to focus on Uruguay's as you visit some of the best wineries around Montevideo on this full-day tour. The experience begins at Bodega Altos de la Ballena, a small, family-run winery located on the Sierra de la Ballena. With just under 20 acres (8 ha) of grapes, the winery specializes in limited-production, high-quality wines, creating flavors that speak to the rich mountain soil and ocean breezes. 

Day 7: Tour Uruguay's Oldest Wineries, Depart Montevideo

Make the most of your final morning in Uruguay with a guided tour of the region's oldest wineries. Start at Bodega Juanicó, where you'll sample Don Pascual wines, accompanied by a table of snacks and handmade bread. This pioneering winery, which produces both whites and reds, was the first in the area to build an underground cellar in 1830, enabling incredible quality wines due to the naturally cool environment in the cellar. 

Continue to Bodega Pizzorno, located roughly 12 miles (20 km) from Montevideo in Canelón Chico, a prime area for wine production with warm days and cold nights that produce more intensely colored and flavored grapes. Tour the vineyard and taste the best selection of wines and several regional food specialties. End the tour with a three-course lunch paired with perfectly complementing wine.

After your tour, it'll be time to say goodbye to Uruguay. A driver will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight home or to your next destination. Buen viaje, wherever life takes you next!

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