Uruguay’s best tours center on two main highlights: the UNESCO-listed Colonia del Sacramento and the country’s excellent wine country. The historic quarter of Colonia offers wonderfully preserved Portuguese colonial architecture, while family-run wineries like Castillo Viejo showcase Uruguay’s distinctive Tannat wines through intimate tastings and cellar tours.
I especially love the walking tours through Colonia’s cobblestone streets – guides bring the 17th-century buildings and fortifications to life with fascinating stories. The wine tours earn high marks for their personal touch, with many vintners hosting visitors in their homes for tastings paired with local cheeses and olive oils.
Check out these top-rated tours that showcase the best of Uruguay’s history and wine culture:
Key Points
- Castillo Viejo Winery Tour offers a unique underground tasting room experience with a high recommendation rate and personalized food options.
- Colonia Del Sacramento City Tour provides a 3-hour exploration of the historic city’s neighborhoods and landmarks at an affordable price.
- Guided Tour of Castillo Viejo Winery features a 100% recommendation rate, a chocolate volcano dessert, and multiple dietary options.
- Castillo Viejo Premium Tasting Experience offers a highly-rated tasting of the winery’s finest wines with pickup service available.
- Uruguay offers diverse tour options that emphasize personalized experiences, flexible booking policies, and opportunities to explore the country’s cultural and culinary heritage.
Castillo Viejo Winery Tour Sommeliers Selection Tasting
The Castillo Viejo Winery Tour with Sommeliers Selection Tasting offers visitors a high-end wine experience.
With a 97% recommendation rate from 33 reviews, this private tour provides a personal tasting with knowledgeable guides. The experience includes a cheese and cold cuts platter, homemade breads, and a selection of the winery’s finest wines.
Priced from $37 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option. Pickup from Montevideo is available for an additional cost, and the tour takes place at the Castillo Viejo winery in Las Piedras, Canelones.
Guests praise the family-run atmosphere, engaging tours, and unique underground tasting room ambiance, though some suggest enhancing the food quality and pairing instructions.
Read our full review: Castillo Viejo Winery Tour Sommeliers Selection Tasting Review
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Colonia Del Sacramento: City Tour Walking and Van Tour
For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to the historic city of Colonia del Sacramento, the City Tour Walking and Van Tour offers an engaging and immersive experience.
Priced at $30 per person, this 3-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s oldest neighborhoods, showcasing the Calle de los Suspiros, Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Plaza de Toros – the only one in South America.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and live guides available in multiple languages, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Colonia del Sacramento’s rich history and modern charm.
Comfortable attire and shoes are recommended to navigate the city’s cobblestone streets.
Read our full review: Colonia Del Sacramento: City Tour Walking and Van Tour Review
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Guided Tour of Castillo Viejo Winery and Lunch
Visitors seeking a deeper understanding of Uruguay’s winemaking heritage can embark on a guided tour of the Castillo Viejo Winery, located in the picturesque region of Canelones.
The tour includes a delectable lunch and has received a 100% recommendation rate from 17 reviews, earning the winery a Badge of Excellence. Guests can expect a personalized experience, with options for meat, pasta, fish, and vegetarian/celiac menus.
The tour culminates in a decadent chocolate volcano dessert. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and service animals are welcome.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and private transportation available, this tour offers a memorable and flexible wine-tasting experience.
Read our full review: Guided Tour of Castillo Viejo Winery and Lunch Review
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Castillo Viejo Winery Tour and Premium Tasting
A premium wine tasting experience awaits guests at the Castillo Viejo Winery in the picturesque region of Canelones, Uruguay.
The tour includes a tasting of the winery’s finest wines accompanied by a platter of cheeses and cold cuts. Conveniently, pickup service is available from hotels in Montevideo, the airport, or the Port of Montevideo for an additional cost.
With a perfect 5.0-star rating from 4 reviews, this private tour ensures an intimate experience for your group. Infants and service animals are welcome, but the winery isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Booking is straightforward, with a reserve now and pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. At just €34.68 per person, this premium tasting tour is an excellent value.
Read our full review: Castillo Viejo Winery Tour and Premium Tasting Review
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Recap
Uruguay offers a diverse range of tours that allow visitors to enjoy the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. From the historic charm of Colonia del Sacramento to the renowned Castillo Viejo Winery, these experiences provide a well-rounded perspective on the unique attractions that make Uruguay a captivating destination. With options to suit various interests, travelers can create a tailored itinerary to make the most of their time in this captivating South American country.