MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY

Our tour will include views of Montevideo’s monuments, parks and gardens, the main points of interest being; the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), Solis Theatre and Independence Square – at the centre of which stands a monument dedicated to national hero José Gervasio Artigas, and his Mausoleum.

Our tour will include views of Montevideo’s monuments, parks and gardens, the main points of interest being; the Ciudad Vieja (Old City), Solis Theatre and Independence Square – at the centre of which stands a monument dedicated to national hero José Gervasio Artigas, and his Mausoleum. Facing Independence Square is Government House (housing the Museum of the Presidents). The immense Congress Building is the pride of Uruguay. It was constructed between 1908 and 1925 using local marble in 52 colours and 12 types of wood. We shall stop for a visit of the interior. We will then drive past the Prado neighbourhood, one of the oldest parks in the city. Here can be found the sculpture La Diligencia (The Stage Coach); a monument to the last Charruas Indians; and a lovely rose garden surrounding the Prado Hotel. We proceed to Batlle & Ordoñez Park, passing by the obelisk, the statue La Carreta (Covered Wagon), the Soccer Stadium and the residential area of Carrasco. After our tour of the city we will head to Bouza Winery which is part of a hamonious milieu, surrounded by vines and native woods. The diversity of the native plants and animals is influenced by the proximity of the Santa Lucia River and its outlet into the River Plate, known as the widest river in the world. The winery was born as a family business, placing great care in all stages of the process, starting from the vineyard and ending in the glass of wine. Bouza Winery was built using the basic structure of an old winery functioning in the area since 1942. Wine varieties grown here include Albariño (white wine), Chardonnay, Merlot, Tannat-Merlot and many more. Our tour will start with a visit to the vineyards and information on the process. We will then be taken into the cave for a wine tasting, and lunch will be served. We will also be given the opportunity to view the vineyards collection of antique cars which include a Ford T 1926, Ford A, Citroen 1950, 1980, Alfa Romeo Spider 1960 and 1926 train wagons. We will then be transferred back to our ship. Please be aware this tour does involve a small amount of walking and is therefore not suitable for those with limited mobility.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE