Montevideo Tour - Who havs one like this?

[dshimizu]

Someone on the Prisendamin 2011 (Grand South American/Antarctic voyage) described an interesting tour: Montevideo Wine Tasting & City Museum Tour. Anyone know who offers a tour like this?

 

Visit Cerro de Montevideo (Montevideo hill) at an elevation of 400 feet. Atop the Cerro is the fortress Museo Militar Fortaleza General Artigas (Fortress General Artigas Military Museum) with ancient uniforms, weapons, cannons and other military items.

 

Visit Bouza Winery that was built in 1942 in the likeness of French chateaux. In 2002 the abandoned winery was restored while retaining the original concepts. It was created to appreciate the flavors and aromas of an exclusive cellar, away from the noise and frenzy of the city. There will be a guided tour through the winery, the vineyards and the large classic car collection, followed by a wine tasting session with snacks.

 

Visit the Museo del Gaucho y la Moneda (Cowboy and Coin Museum) located in a rococo 19th-century mansion. It has articles and displays about the everyday life of the gauchos, from traditional garb to the detailed silver work on the cups used for mate. A large collection of South American and European coins are on the first floor.

 

Visit the Museo del Carnavall (Carnival Museum) that has wardrobes of the most out-standing artists, historical photography and scale models, all illustrating the historical evolution of the Ecuadorian carnival.

 

Stop at the Mercado de los Artesanos which has a variety of artisan works in a closed-air market known for its high quality items. The craftsmanship in the market is excellent with a variety of hand-made goods such as hats, scarves, clothing, jewelry, purses, wallets, shoes and masks. The leather goods include wallets, purses, shoes, clothes, masks and wall hangings. Although many of the goods are slightly more expensive than on the street, they are of a higher quality and in much greater variety.

 

Drive along la Rambla to view the beaches on the Rio de la Plata. Make photo stops at the two bronze full size monuments 'La Diligencia Empantanada' (the coach stuck in the mud) and 'La Carreta' (the coach). Also make photo stops at Plaza Independencia, Teatro Solis and Palacio Salvo.

 

At the end of the tour you can be dropped off at the 'Mercado del Puerto' which is only two blocks from the ship terminal. It is the traditional ‘meals place’ inside an English building. You must at least stop to see the very large fire pits for cooking all types of meat. There are many casual eating spots as well as sit down restaurants. Lunch is not included in the tour, so this is a interesting place to eat if you do not wish to return to the ship for lunch.

 

This tour is 5 to 6 hours long with pickup and return to the ship cruise terminal. It is in a Mercedes Benz van with both a driver and an English-speaking guide. All entrance fees and the wine tasting with snacks are included in the tour price. The tour cost is $85 USD cash per person, payable $50 USD at the beginning of the tour and $35 USD at the end of the trip at the port.

[r&rd]

We did a fairly similar tour in January with Tours by Locals. Gabriel was our guide who created an itinerary that matched what we wanted to see. We didn't do the museum but that could be added on. We only had 5 hours in port but we did the city, the coast, Bouza winery and the mercado.

[Bowie MeMe]

We took a ship excursion out to a huge working ranch on the river outside of Monte Video. This was so much fun with horse back riding, hay ride to the river, dancing and cultural show and a wonderful BarBQ. Wine was included in the BarBQ and the meats were outstanding. The whole family from 2 yo grandson to the 75+ matriarch were the hosts and it was like visiting friends. We really enjoyed this great excursion that ended with a city tour. Frankly the city is not large and not fancy and 40 minute tour was really really stretching it IMHO.

Have a wonderful time.