Montevideo, Uruguay - Panama Canal, Central America and Mexico Cruises

Take in the highlights of the city, visit Pitamigilio’s House, and listen to the sounds of tango music.

Your panoramic drive will take you into the old town, passing by many historic sites including Constitution Square, the Cathedral, Colonial Town Hall and the Solis Theatre. Marvel at Independence Square which features a monument dedicated to Uruguay’s national hero, General José Gervasio Artigas. Continue past the Prado neighbourhood, hosting the famous sculpture La Diligencia (the stage coach), view the obelisk, La Carreta (covered wagon monument) and the football stadium. Stop at Plaza Virgilio to view the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy, and enjoy excellent views of the city.

Visit Pittamiglio’s House for a glass of local champagne, while tango music is played by musicians. Humberto Pittamiglio was an acknowledged engineer and architect of Montevideo born in Italy in 1886. This castle is a genuine labyrinth of 1300 square metres distributed in
architecture of unfounded levels, that become broken as they follow one another without apparent logic, representing the successive transformations of man in its passage through the earth life.

Note: There is a moderate amount of walking on this tour with several steps at the Congress Building and at Pittamiglio’s house.

Step back in time with a memorable trip on a steam train to Colon and then take in the highlights of the city by coach.

You will embark the steam train directly from the pier so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your ride to Colon station. After your exciting steam train ride, your awaiting coach will take you on a highlights tour of the city of Montevideo.

Drive past the Prado neighbourhood, home to one of the oldest parks in the city which hosts the famous sculpture La Diligencia (the stage coach). You will have the opportunity to stop and admire this celebrated piece before continuing on past the monuments to the last Charruas Indians. Enjoy a photograph stop at the Congress building before continuing to the Batlle & Ordoñez Park, view the Obelisk, La Carreta (Covered Wagon) monument and the Football Stadium.

Explore the residential area of Carrasco stopping at Plaza Virgilio to view the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy and enjoy excellent views of the city. Driving onwards take in the views of the striking coastline and its beaches.

Your scenic return drive will take you into the Old City, where you will have time at Independence Square at the centre of which stands a monument dedicated to Uruguay’s national hero, José Gervasio Artigas, also known as ‘the father of Uruguayan independence.’

Note: Guests are required to negotiate several steps to embark the steam train. This tour may return slightly earlier than scheduled if traffic is light.

A unique opportunity to witness the great and worthwhile work of the SOS Children’s Village Organisation.

SOS Children’s Villages are an independent, non-governmental social development organisation that works to meet the needs and protects the rights of children without parental care, providing a family-based care system that continues until adulthood. Families are built for children in need, so every child can belong to a family, where they can grow up loved and sheltered.

The village you will visit is situated on the outskirts of Montevideo, about ten miles to the east of the city. At present this is home to 85 children and youngsters living in 14 families, each in its own house. The village also includes the home of the village director, communal hall and a gym. Join the children for some activities, which may include painting, gardening, cookie-baking and handcrafting with the girls.

Note: There is minimal walking on this tour around the village over paved surfaces. A donation to the Organisation has been included in the tour cost. The order of the visits may change in accordance to the village co-ordinators. For more information please visit www.sos-childrensvillages.org.

This city tour is perfect for a comprehensive overview of Montevideo´s monuments, parks and gardens.

Your scenic drive will take you into the old town, passing by many historic sites including Constitution Square, the Cathedral, Colonial Town Hall and the Solis Theatre. Marvel at Independence Square which features a monument dedicated to Uruguay’s national hero, General José Gervasio Artigas. Your drive continues past 18 de Julio, the main street of the commercial area lined with shops, cafés and office buildings, before stopping for a visit inside the Congress Building. Constructed between 1908 and 1925 with local marble of 52 colours and 12 types of wood, this immense building is the pride of Uruguay.

Leaving the old town area, drive past the Prado neighbourhood, where one of the oldest parks in the city hosts the famous sculpture La Diligencia (the stage coach). You will have the opportunity to stop and admire this celebrated piece before continuing to view the monuments to the last Charruas Indians. Before leaving the Prado area, stop at the Batlle and Ordoñez Park; view the obelisk, La Carreta (covered wagon monument) and the football stadium.

The final call on this tour will be in the residential area of Carrasco. Stop at Plaza Virgilio to view the monument dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of the Navy, and enjoy excellent views of the city. On your charming return drive, take in the views of the striking coastline and its beaches.

Note: There is approximately one hour of intermittent walking on this tour.

Experience the lifestyle of a Uruguayan gaucho on this visit to the Estancia La Rábida; a day of relaxation and enjoyment.

Your tour begins with a scenic drive, allowing you to enjoy the sights of Montevideo city, including a stop at Independence Square and the Congress Building.

Travel to Estancia La Rábida, where a traditional Uruguayan family will welcome you into their home. This authentic working ranch with its 650 milking cows produces 12,000 litres of milk daily, with a little help from some state of the art technology.

Enjoy the perfect blend between rustic simplicity and cultural refinement, which characterise La Rábida. The ranch is a chosen location of Uruguayan Government officials, where distinguished guests are entertained and offered an authentic glimpse of Uruguayan life.

The scenery around the ranch is stunning with fields stretching onto high cliffs overlooking the striking beach coast of Rio de la Plata. Luncheon will be a traditional asado (barbeque).

As you relax and enjoy the ranch, take in the country sights and local birdlife or learn about the daily chores of gaucho life, such as sheep shearing or milking. The friendliness of the owners and staff at this unique place of beauty will leave you with a feeling that the ranch is a home away from home.

Note: This tour involves moderate walking over some muddy surfaces. Guests must be able to climb in and out of a dray truck or carriage on their own. Comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Seating at luncheon will be on straw bales.