Argentina & Uruguay with Ali Jackson

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place at a local restaurant, just a brief 5-minute walk from the hotel. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Argentinian flavors, a great opportunity to try the renowned red meat cuts. Please note that a bottle of water and a glass of wine are included. Additional beverages can be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

7:00 AM.: Breakfast is included at the hotel. Dazzler Palermo Hotel provides a continental-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, fresh fruits, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After breakfast, gather in the hotel lobby to meet your guide and fellow travelers. Enjoy a short 20-minute transfer to Recoleta, an upscale and culturally rich neighborhood in Buenos Aires known for its elegance, historic charm, and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through its streets, soaking in the neighborhood's elegance and ambiance. Explore the revered Recoleta Cemetery, renowned for ornate mausoleums representing various architectural styles. Following this, a brief 30-minute transfer will take you to La Boca, a colorful and vibrant neighborhood steeped in cultural heritage. Experience the lively Caminito street, where street dancers perform tango, the country's national dance. Marvel at the Boca Juniors soccer stadium, a cherished gem. Next, a 20-minute transfer will lead you to Plaza de Mayo, a pivotal square in the city and the nation. Learn about its historical significance and the surrounding impressive buildings from your guide. As you explore, your guide will pause at street stalls, providing opportunities to sample typical foods and interact with locals, allowing you to relish the most traditional Argentinian cuisine. You'll easily recognize the Italian influence in some street foods like pizza and ice cream, followed by the Argentinians' passion for meat showcased in spectacular empanadas and crispy choripanes. The inclusion of food tasting depends on availability and the group's interests, typically offering 3 or 4 snacks per person. Concluding the tour, a 25-minute transfer will return you to your hotel, allowing for some free time to relax. Note that the tour involves covering about 1 to 1.5 miles on foot. The order of stops and the duration at each attraction will be decided by the guide on-site, tailored to the group's interests.

Today's tour includes several stops where your guide will introduce you to delectable local cuisine. We'll begin at a typical Buenos Aires café such as Gato Negro or Tortoni, where you can savor local churros and medialunas. Next, we'll visit a pizzeria like Guerrin to experience pizza and empanadas, followed by a stop at an ice cream shop like Cadore for a delightful dessert. Please note that each stop includes a portion per person, and additional food and beverages can be purchased on-site.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Dazzler Palermo Hotel provides a continental-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, fresh fruits, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a 40-minute transfer to the port. There, you'll embark on a ferry crossing the Rio de la Plata, known as the widest river in the world. The ferries are modern, well-equipped vessels with various amenities, and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas, a great opportunity to relax and enjoy the journey. Onboard cafes and snack bars offer refreshments and meals. The journey across the river typically lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, offering time to unwind and appreciate the panoramic views of the river and its surroundings. Upon arrival in Colonia, a short 5-minute transfer will take you to your hotel. You'll have free time to settle in at your own pace and enjoy lunch. Please note that the luggage allowance is a 44lb baggage and a carry-on.

After your arrival and check-in at your hotel in Colonia, embark on an enthralling walking tour right from your hotel's doorstep. Follow your guide through the time-honored historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento, a city steeped in history since its Portuguese founding in 1680. This captivating walking tour explores many landmarks, each holding profound historical significance. Traverse the iconic City Gates, stroll through the evocative Street of Sighs, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Main Square. Our path leads to the revered San Francisco Church ruins, a poignant testament to the region's antiquity, being the oldest ruins in the country. Discover the Lighthouse, visit the Governor’s House, and marvel at the architecture of the Sacramento Basilica. Colonia's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts enchanting cobblestone streets and a wealth of attractions within a few blocks. Please note that this walking tour covers approximately 1 to 1.5 miles on foot. Once concluded, you can return to your hotel or seek out a delightful restaurant for dinner. This presents a perfect opportunity to savor the typical Chivito Uruguayo.

Overnight in Colonia del Sacramento

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Don Antonio Posada provides a continental-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, fresh fruits, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

Your morning trip begins with a 1 hour and 45-minute ride from Colonia del Sacramento to La Rablada ranch, where you'll enjoy a deep dive into rural life. After that, continue your journey for another hour to reach Montevideo city. Along the way, you'll see the beautiful views of the La Plata river and get a peek into the peaceful life on local farms.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Colonia del Sacramento as you check out of the hotel. Step into the vehicle for a scenic 1 hour and 45-minute journey through the Uruguayan countryside, arriving at La Rablada—a traditional ranch nestled along the coast of the La Plata River. This authentic working ranch, with a long family tradition, paints a vivid picture of rural life on an Estancia. Here, the fields meet high cliffs that abruptly overlook the beach coast along the River Plate. While the highlight of La Rablada is the chance to engage with your Uruguayan hosts, there are various activities available. You can opt for a countryside tour, bird watching, or immerse yourself in the daily routines of gaucho life, like sheep shearing or milking. The area is perfect for a short walk along the river's coast to stretch your legs. Around midday, the Estancia serves a traditional asado, a local barbecue, accompanied by an array of salads and locally produced wines, showcasing the region's authentic flavors. Seize the opportunity to savor the typical tastes of the area. After this delightful experience, resume your journey to Montevideo by vehicle, where your hotel awaits for relaxation and refreshment. The afternoon in Montevideo is free for you to explore. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on dining options, as there are numerous choices within close proximity to your hotel.

Your visit to the ranch offers the perfect chance to experience the most traditional South American food: the Asado. Locals name this barbecue, prepared by gauchos, which includes various cuts of meats, sausages, and salads. The lunch also includes wine, soft drinks, and water for a complete and satisfying experience.

Overnight in Montevideo

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Dazzler Montevideo Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, fresh fruits, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

In the afternoon, a 15-minute transfer will transport you to a traditional neighborhood for an immersive experience. You'll visit the rehearsal site of Cuareim 1080, the legendary Uruguayan candombe group, delving deep into the rhythm's essence, feeling the passionate beats, and engaging with local musicians. The space brims with costumes, drums, allegorical carts, photos, and the energy of this music scene. Settle in to enjoy a screening that unveils the history of this captivating rhythm, followed by a presentation featuring the main three instruments: the Chico, Piano, and Repique drums. Local musicians will equip you with a drum, guiding you in a hands-on lesson to play these instruments. Each drum holds a unique sound and significance, a fascinating discovery in itself. The session culminates with a communal gathering around the drums, where everyone participates in a rhythmic ensemble, expressing themselves freely. To conclude, raise a toast with regional wines. Please note that one glass of wine is included, and additional beverages are not available for purchase during the experience.

Overnight in Montevideo

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Dazzler Montevideo Hotel provides a buffet-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, fresh fruits, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.

After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, a 15-minute transfer will transport you to the port, where you'll board the ferry for your journey back to the vibrant city of Buenos Aires. While the ferry sails, soak in the panoramic views of the river and its picturesque surroundings. Upon arrival at Buenos Aires Port, a 40-minute transfer will bring you to your hotel. You'll have free time to settle in, enjoy lunch at your leisure in a nearby restaurant, and explore the surroundings of the hotel.

In the evening, a brief transfer will whisk you away to a lively rooftop bar, offering a delightful setting for a farewell dinner against the backdrop of a sunset embracing the city's skyscrapers. This relaxed dining experience features a finger-food menu, showcasing a variety of delicious local flavors. Following the dinner, as you raise toasts with your fellow travelers, the night progresses to our next destination. Afterward, venture to a traditional Milonga, where locals gather to dance the iconic Tango. This authentic gem within Buenos Aires grants you a glimpse into the passionate world of Tango—observe locals warming up, practicing steps, and feel free to join the rhythm. Classes are available for an additional fee if you're eager to learn. Witness the delicacy and sensuality of this dance, a mesmerizing display of Argentine artistry. Please note, this is not a staged Tango show; instead, you'll visit a club where locals dance organically. Once you've indulged in enough Tango, you have the choice to return to the hotel with a short transfer or continue enjoying the Buenos Aires nightlife for a few more hours at your leisure.

Later in the afternoon, a brief transfer will take you to a rooftop bar for your final dinner with fellow travelers. Indulge in a finger-food menu showcasing traditional Argentine flavors. Included in the dinner is one non-alcoholic beverage and your choice of wine, beer, or a cocktail, with additional drinks available for purchase at the venue. Please note, the menu might vary depending on the confirmed location. Following dinner, you'll take a transfer to the Milonga.

Overnight in Buenos Aires.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Dazzler Palermo Hotel provides a continental-style breakfast with a diverse selection, including scrambled eggs, cold cuts, local pastries, yogurt, cereals, bread, jams, orange juice, fresh fruits, and hot drinks. The specific offerings may vary depending on your confirmed hotel.