Silversea Luxury Cruises À MONTEVIDEO

Discover Montevideo by bicycle on this half-day tour. To really see this city there is no better way to discover all it has to offer then from the seat of a bicycle.

Bike Tour

Departing the pier on your bicycle, follow your guides as they take you on a memorable, scenic tour around this thriving city. Ride directly from the port area on your way to the Old City. It is here that you will see such highlights as Independence Square, Salvo Palace, Solis Theatre, Mercosur Building, Rodo Park, Punta Carretas Lighthouse.

Enjoy the sea breeze as you ride along the coastal road with the sea at your side. There will be plenty of great photo opportunities to take memorable pictures of the sites along the way of your day in Montevideo. Make a stop on the way back at a local venue for a coffee or refreshment and typical pastry.

Following an approximate 2.5-hour ride return to the pier.

Experience the city with this complete tour of Montevideo´s monuments, parks and gardens. Journey on to Spiniglio Winery for an unforgettable experience: the visit of the Bodega, a cooking class, BBQ lunch, a taste of local wines and be provided with a Milonga and Tango performance.

Montevideo City

Depart the pier area on your motor coach en route to Independence Square, at the center of which stands a monument dedicated to national hero José Gervasio Artigas and his Mausoleum. Facing the Independence square is the Government House (Presidents Museum) and the Solis Theatre. Proceed your drive along the main commercial street 18 de Julio lined with shops, cafés and office buildings. A photo stop will take place at the Legislative Palace, the Parliament building were Congress and Senate meet. This impressive building is the pride of Uruguay and was constructed between 1908-1925 with 52 kinds of local marble and 12 types of wood. Drive to Batlle & Ordoñez Park, passing by the Obelisk, La Carreta monument (Covered Wagon) and the Soccer Stadium, continuing to the residential area of Carrasco. Continue your drive along the coast toward the district of Cuchilla Pereira, also called " The Wine Land ", about 30 minutes away from downtown area.

Spingolio Winery

Founded in 1898, this winery is full of history. Visit the wine cellar and the old machinery museum. Afterwards, join local Chef on a cooking journey to discover the flavors of Uruguay. Enjoy homemade lunch (typical BBQ) paired with local wines (white, red and great reserve), learn how to prepare chimichurri sauce and local sweet.

At the wine vault of the 1800's you will have the chance to enjoy a performance that recreates the era in which the tango emerged in the Rio de la Plata. Dancers and Singers will make you feel you are being transported back in time. Your tour will then return you back to pier and the ship via your motor coach.

Enjoy a day of golf playing 18 holes at the Club de Golf del Uruguay in beautiful Montevideo. Originally began as a society of 30 members in 1922, the club was originally named "Uruguay Golf Club" but slowly changed its name to "Club de Golf del Uruguay" as it was Considered a more Castilian (Spanish) expression.

Club de Golf del Uruguay

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the Golf Club located in the center-south area of the city of Montevideo along the coast of the Rio de la Plata in the residential area of Punta Carretas The location of the field and the design of Dr. Mackenzie provide a setting of elegance and refinement which can be seen in few cities around the world.

The club is situated in the middle of a beautiful residential area, in a park of 36 hectares (89 acres) in a panoramic spot and just five minutes from the town centre.

The greens are broad and bunkers very well protect most of them; the tree-lined fairways are quite narrow in some cases, whilst several holes have out of bounds.

Hole number 2, a par 4 of 447 yards with out of bounds to the left, wide fairway and a cross bunker at the level of the 200 yards. Hole number 14, a par 5 of 531 yards with out of bounds to the left, a water Hazard 60 yards to the green and Bunkers at both sides of the green. Hole number 16 has been recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the 500 Best holes in the world.

Embrace the scenic beauty and Colonial past of Colonia del Sacramento during a full-day tour of this charming old city. Founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the Río de la Plata, the city was of strategic importance in resisting the Spanish. After being disputed for a century, it was finally lost by its founders. The well-preserved urban landscape illustrates the successful fusion of the Portuguese, Spanish and post-colonial styles.

Depart the pier for the approximate 2-hour, 115-mile (about 180-kilometre) drive to the beautiful city of Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest city in the country. En route, take in pleasant rural settings offering marvellous views of the Uruguayan countryside.

Walking Tour

Upon arrival in Colonia del Sacramento, take a walking tour along the cobblestone streets and stone walls of the Old City. Highlights of your visit include the streets of Santa Rita, San Gabriel, the Matriz Church, San Pedro Road, the Bastion del Carmen, Puerta del Campo, and Plaza Mayor 25 de Mayo. The famous Street of Sighs, or 'Calle de los Suspiros', is often used as a setting for historical films.

The historic sites are complemented by the natural beauty of the city, as evidenced by the La Plata River and the emblematic monuments that stand out on the horizon, including the cathedral, lighthouse and nearby Real de San Carlos Bullring.

Following lunch at the Charco Hotel restaurant. Enjoy some free time to shop or browse.

At the place and time advised by your guide, re-board your coach for the approximate 2.15-hour return drive to the pier.

Depart the pier and drive 45 minutes to "Barrio Sur", the neighborhood where Candombe was born more than 200 years ago acknowledged by UNESCO as "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity". Along the way your guide will point out notable and historical places that make up the people and culture of Montevideo today. At your first stop, the most award-winning Comparsa (Candombe Group) in Uruguay will welcome you and invite you to their headquarters for a 3 hour Candombe workshop, performance all while sipping on some authentic local wine.

In 1943 the Silva Brothers created the main rhythm of Candombe with the formation of a group called Cuareim 1080. The Silva family is still today the highest referent of Candombe and the one who will open the doors of their house and their "comparsa" to experience Candombe from its deepest roots. More than 40 drums will be available for you try, costumes, hats, exquisite wine, laughter, emotion and power to provide you with the most Uruguayan experience that exists.

You will leave this immersive cultural experience dancing to the rhythm of a string of Candombe drum as you make your way back to the port (15 minute drive).

Take a 2 hour drive out to Montevideo win country for a day filled with history, food and of course wine. The Spinoglio winery dates back to 1898 bought by the Spinoglio family in 1961, today the estate is run by the 4th generation of family making wines in Uruguay. Your visit to this winery will provide insight into Uruguyan past ans present with beautiful century-old French casks on display alongside modern wine making technology.

After your tour in the winery, sit back and relax for a priavte cooking demonstration & lunch with a local chef who will serve up the best Uruguyan meal in the city carefully pairing each dish with a tasty glass of wine.

After your immersive lunch experience, board the coach and head back to the pier.

Start your tour with a 25 minute scenic drive where your will discover the various ecosystems along the West of Montevideo that play host to a wide range of exotic birds. It's a journey that will take you through Uruguay's coastal forest and into the untamed wetlands. You don't need to be an avid bird watcher to appreciate the vibrant species found here, including the White-Faced Ibis, Long-Tailed Reed Finch, American Oyster catcher, Green-Barred Woodpecker, Brown-Hooded Gull and many others. Peer through binoculars at various viewpoints to get a colorful look at these wonders of nature in their natural habitats.

After 2 hours of bird watching venture through Santiago Vazquez, explore the terrain surrounding Lecocq National Park and stroll atop the white sands of Penino and Pascual Beaches. Along the way, refresh with mineral water and refuel with bananas, apples and Uruguay's famed pastry - bizcochos.

The adventure concludes with a lovely stroll along the sandy shores where breathtaking panoramas and exotic bird watching opportunities are sure to be found before making your way back to the ship.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite beauty and flavours of the Juanico region during this memorable, half-day tour and tasting excursion to the historic Juanico Winery.

Juanico Region and Winery

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive northwest of Montevideo to the Juanico Winery. One of the Juanico region's leading wineries, the Juanico Winery features approximately 700 acres (about 233 hectares) of vineyards capable of producing up to 1.5 million gallons. The privileged soil and micro‐climate of the Juanicó Region has turned this area into a renowned viticulture site. The first vineyards in the region were planted in 1835. Today, the best classic varieties are grown using an intelligent canopy management system based on organic agriculture principles.

Juanico Wine Varieties

Among white varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Gris. Red varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and the flagship Uruguayan variety Tannat, which produces a full‐bodied red wine that has carved a niche for Uruguayan wines. Presently, Uruguayan winemakers have entered their wines into very competitive markets, where they are receiving international recognition and gold medals at the most prestigious international wine competitions.

Juanico Vineyard Tour, Wine Tasting and Coastal Drive

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the vineyards and company's facilities, which are equipped with state‐of‐the‐art processing machinery, and a wine cellar, built in 1840. After you are comfortably seated in the wine cellar with a plate of cold meats, cheeses and bread, one of the winery's oenologists conducts a tasting of some of their top wines. At the conclusion of your visit, re‐board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier along the coastal beach road.

Board your Van/Minibus and depart the port for the scenic, approximately 75 minutes drive through the residential areas: Cantegril, San Rafael, Parque Golf and Portezuelo venture along the coastal road and through the countryside, taking Route 12 to Lote 8, located in Eden Valley, a spot of rugged beauty, strategically located at the foot of Dos Hermanos hill, northwest of Punta del Este.

Its numerous natural streams with very good water, further contribute an advantage to grow olive trees on the slopes, which has allowed adding up an excellent production to the beauty of the rolling land. The estate has enough water, key element in plant development to ensure a growing speed similar to that of the Mediterranean basin, main area of olive production in the world. Its climate is very much like the Mediterranean, with mild winters, rainy falls and springs, dry and warm summers.

The Extra Virgin olive oils are produced from estate own olives, harvested by hand. They undergo a cold extraction system with Pieralisi technology. Upon extraction, they are stored in stainless steel tanks under controlled atmosphere. All our oils have an acidity lower than 0.2 %. Your visit of Lote 8 is highlighted by a taste of 3 different olive oils, cheeses and homemade breads.

After your approximately 3 hours experience re-board your transportation vehicle, drive along La Mansa beaches and transfer back to pier.

Experience the splendid sights, sounds and history of Montevideo during this picturesque, half-day excursion through the city, and a tour and tango performance at Bar Fun Fun.

Montevideo City. Monuments, Parks and Gardens

Depart the pier for scenic drive through Montevideo City, and explore its monuments, parks and gardens. Your first stop is next to Independence Square; in its centre stands a monument dedicated to national hero, José Gervasio Artigas, and his Mausoleum. Facing Independence Square, see the Government House (President's Museum) and Solis Theatre.

18 de Julio, Legislative Palace and Prado Neighbourhood

Next, re-board your coach and drive along the main commercial street, 18 de Julio, which is lined with shops, cafés and office buildings. A photo stop is made at the Legislative Palace, the Parliament building were Congress and Senate meets. Constructed between 1908 and 1925 with 52 kinds of local marble and 12 types of wood, this impressive building is the pride of Uruguay. Drive past the Prado neighbourhood, where one of the oldest parks in the city hosts the famous La Diligencia sculpture (The Stage Coach), and a monument to the last Charrua Indians.

Batlle & Ordoñez Park, Plaza Virgilio and Bar Fun Fun

Upon arrival at Batlle & Ordoñez Park, a photo stop is made at the La Carreta monument (Covered Wagon) before resuming your drive past the Obelisk and Soccer Stadium, and on to the residential area of Carrasco. Here, a photo stop is made at Plaza Virgilio, home to a monument dedicated to fallen Navy soldiers and excellent views of the city. Leaving Plaza Virgilio, drive along the coast and past beautiful beaches, then stop for a guided tour of the Bar Fun Fun, a glass of 'uvita' (typical drink), tango music and a performance of this beautiful dance. Founded in 1895, Bar Fun Fun is considered a living monument Montevideo's culture. It is well known that Carlos Gardel used to go frequently to the bar, one night in 1933, at that same counter, in honor of the Uvita (classic bar drink, made by his owner) he sang a chapel for those present and signed a photo that it is still displayed at the bar.Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the Old Town of Montevideo. Upon arrival, you will start a 2.5-hour walking tour through the Old Town's narrow streets. Along the way, you will take in an eclectic blend of architecture and arts dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Your walking tour will continue on with a visit to the Plaza Zabala: the only fenced square in the Old Town, a charming late 19th century spot with a Monument dedicated to the city's founder, Bruno Mauricio de Zabala. Walk past the former home of General Fructuoso Rivera, Uruguay's first president and the well-preserved, early-19th- century building the Museum of National History.

Stop at the Constitution Square to browse through the stalls of the Flea Market and also find some of the best preserved buildings from the Spanish Colonial period. Walk by the Cabildo (former Town Hall from 1804), the Cathedral (1790-Spanish Neoclassical). Revel in the Italian influence in architecture from buildings like the Club Uruguay with its fantastic facade (by Luigi Andreoni -1884) and the marble Water Fountain, (a sculpture by Gianni Ferrari- 1871). A close walking distance away is the Solis Theatre (1842) recently restored and the centre of Montevideo's artistic activities. Visit Independence Square, centered by the huge horse mounted statue of General Jose Gervasio Artigas (National Hero) and his Mausoleum. Stop for lunch at the Port market to enjoy some traditional Uruguavan Asado, sausages, cheeses and local desserts.

Return to the ship.

Explore Montevideo at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Montevideo (within Montevideo city limits only) at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Montevideo (within Montevideo city limits only) at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Montevideo (within Montevideo city limits only) at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the history Montevideo with this 3 hour walking tour through the old and new city. Uncomver the mysteries and the charm of the old city as you walk through the streets with your expert guide and marvel at the European inspired architecture from the 20th century learning about the unique Art Decor style brought over after the war.

Your first 45 minutes of the tour will take you through Old Town towards Plaza Independencia (Independence Square), the most important square in Montevideo connecting the Old city with the new downtown area. As you walk through her get a chance to see man of the city's iconic landmarks such as the Palacio Salvo and the Teatro Solis. Continue the walk towards downtown passing by the Congress building and the Agriculture Market offering an array of locally grown produce and specialty items.

The last hour of the tour will take you through the former Carrasco Hotel, Navy square, Engineering and Architecture faculties and the Buceo neighborhood before making your way back to the port.

Discover the beauty, history and culture of Montevideo during a picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion to this splendid city.

Montevideo, MAM Local Market

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Montevideo's former Agricultural Market (MAM). Built between 1905 and 1915, this market is located in an area which led to several roads that connected most parts of the city. During the first decades of the 19th century, this was where most products that supplied Montevideo could be found. Today, one of Montevideo's best architectural works of art offers a wide variety of products and services, including handcrafts, spices, entertainment for children, local pastries, etc. Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to the Port Market.

Port Market, Carnaval Museum, Candombe

During your visit to this impressive, wrought-iron structure, see a variety of 'parrilladas' and outstanding seafood restaurants. Leaving the Port Market, stop by the Museo del Carnaval (Carnaval Museum). Nobody does Carnival like the Uruguayans, who keep up the festivities for 40 days. Whilst Carnival is popular among many countries worldwide, Candombe can only be found here. This UNESCO World Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a Uruguayan music and dance form that originated from African slaves, and was brought to Uruguay in the 18th century. To this day, it is considered an important aspect of Uruguayan culture.

Bar Facal, Lock Fountain, Wine Tasting

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the historic Bar Facal, one of the most emblematic venues in Montevideo. Not only is it one of the oldest bars in the city, but also offers a daily tango performance every day at noon. Upon arrival, see its famous Lock Fountain, where couples from all over the world leave their love mark, then proceed for a tasting of two Uruguayan wines. The country's soil and microclimates attracted winemakers over a century ago; today, Uruguay produces a wide variety of award-winning, internationally-renowned fine wines.

Lunch, Mate Tea, Presidents Museum and Artigas Mausoleum

Enjoy a lovely lunch of chivito (traditional Uruguayan food) and an opportunity to taste mate, an infusion made by steeping yerba mate, the dried, ground leaves of the llex paraguarensis plant, in hot water. Different from other infusions, Mate is mostly drunk communally with a bombilla (straw), and is one of Uruguay's most sacred rituals. After lunch, your final visits are at the Presidents Museum, that was the first government house, and at the Artigas Mausoleum, where Uruguay's National Hero's ashes can be found. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore the champagne-making process from up-close during this interactive, full-day World Cruise Collection winery excursion with lunch.

Montevideo, Varela Zarranz Winery

Newly-designed especially for our valued World Cruise guests, your World Cruise Collection tour begins with a scenic, approximately 45-minute drive north-east to the Viña Varela Zarranz (Varela Zarranz Winery).

This winery utilises traditional production methods, with the latest modern technology applied to the elaboration of the wine, as evidenced by the vast collection of French oak and modern barrels. The cellar and house, founded in the late-19th century, are among the earliest in Uruguay and have great historical value.

Vineyard and Wine Cellar Tours, Interactive Sparkling Wine Production, Special Presentation

Your arrival is welcomed by the owner, who escorts you on a guided tour of the vineyards and wine cellar.

Along the way, discover how the Varela Zarranz Winery produces the most recognised sparkling wine in Uruguay. After primary fermentation, blending (or assembling, in champagne) and bottling, a second alcoholic fermentation occurs in the bottle. The bottles are aged on the lees between six and 36 months, after which the lees must be consolidated for removal. The bottles then undergo a process known as remuage (riddling). You are invited to become part of the removal process, working together carefully in each step of this particular elaboration method. Afterward, receive a bottle you have helped to make, with a special label with your name and signed by the winery's winemakers.

Wine Tasting with Local Specialities, Interactive Cooking Demonstration with Lunch

Next, participate in a tasting of four types of premium Varela Zarranz wines (Petit Grain Muscat, Tannat Open Cellar, Gran Reserva Guidaí Deti and Maria Zarranz Extra Brut) accompanied by a selection of local specialities. Enjoy live and interactive cooking with Uruguayan Chef followed by a delicious lunch.

Your World Cruise Collection tour concludes with an approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.