1. From Montevideo: Colonia Day Trip & Sightseeing
If you like Art, Architecture, Culture and World Heritage sites, then this experience is perfect for you. Your guide will start by talking about Uruguay and its history. This is a beautiful drive. Colonia is the agricultural department, so you will see lots of cattle, sheep and soya plantations. Before arriving, your driver will take a special trip to Nueva Helvecia formerly known as Colonia Suiza, who have maintained Swiss traditions and customs to this day. There are several groups, including "Los Alegres Alpinos", and the "Alpenveilchen Grupo de Danzas", who still practice the songs and dances of their ancestors. You will then make your way to Colonia stopping at Plaza de Toros (former bullring). It officially opened on January 9, 1910 to 7,000 spectators featuring the most famous Bullfighters of the time, Ricardo Torres and his brother Manuel from Spain. The arena hosted a total of eight fights before bull fighting was prohibited by the Uruguayan national government in 1912. When in operation it could host 10,000 spectators. It is designed in typically Moorish style. The bull ring was part of a tourist complex including a racecourse, which is still in operation. You then have plenty of free time to have a local lunch and to explore the old Historic Plaza including the Fort, which used to be a Portuguese Settlement. There will be plenty to see including vintage cars and cobbled streets. In the afternoon you will return to Montevideo with many fond memories!