Practical and well-organized tours make exploring Montevideo’s highlights straightforward. For wine enthusiasts, two standout options lead the pack: a comprehensive 6-hour Wine and Culture Tour hitting two family vineyards, and the excellent Castillo Viejo experience, which pairs wine tasting with a memorable Mediterranean lunch. The private walking tours earn our recommendation for their flexibility and local insights, while the self-guided audio option works well for independent travelers watching their budget. For an authentic look at Montevideo’s wine and culture, these are our favorite tours:
Good To Know
- The Montevideo Wine and Culture Tour offers a highly-rated (4.9/5) 6-hour experience visiting two family-run wineries and providing a cultural city center sightseeing option.
- The Castillo Viejo Winery Experience is a 100% traveler-recommended guided tour with a Mediterranean-inspired lunch menu and notable 12-month oak-aged Cabernet Franc.
- The Custom Private Walking Tour allows for ticket bookings, tour customization, and food/drink breaks, catering to individual preferences and accessibility needs.
- The Self-Guided Audio Tour “Montevideo’s Culture and History” provides offline access to key cultural sites through the VoiceMap app for a budget-friendly exploration.
- Most tours cater to adults 18 and over, with booking policies, transportation options, and cancellation policies that vary across providers.
Montevideo 6-Hour Wine and Culture Tour With Guide
For those seeking an immersive oenological experience in Montevideo, the 6-Hour Wine and Culture Tour with Guide offers a captivating glimpse into Uruguay’s renowned winemaking industry.
Spanning 6 hours, this highly-rated tour (4.9 out of 5 stars from 26 reviews) takes visitors to two family-run wineries, where they’ll taste an impressive selection of 6 different wine varieties, including the famous Tannat.
Paired with local cheese, bread, and cured meats, the tasting also includes an extra brut sparkling wine and two red reserve wines.
The tour further explores Montevideo’s cultural heritage, with an optional stop in the city center for sightseeing.
Included in the experience are round-trip transfers, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, a paired lunch at a boutique winery, and gratuities.
Catering to adults 18 and over, this private tour ensures an intimate and personalized journey through Uruguay’s wine country.
With a minimum of 2 people per booking and non-refundable policies, advance planning is recommended to secure this exceptional wine and culture experience.
Read our full review: Montevideo 6-Hour Wine and Culture Tour With Guide Review
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Guided Tour of Castillo Viejo Winery and Wine Tasting and Lunch
Travelers seeking an intimate and unique Uruguayan wine experience will delight in the Guided Tour of Castillo Viejo Winery and Wine Tasting and Lunch. The tour offers a 100% traveler-recommended private experience, with a Badge of Excellence and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
The guided tour of the Castillo Viejo Winery and a delectable lunch await. The menu features a Mediterranean Table starter, followed by a choice of meat, pasta, fish, vegetarian, or celiac-friendly main course, and a decadent chocolate volcano dessert with cream ice cream.
Private transportation can be arranged, with hotel pickup in Montevideo available for an additional cost.
With 17 stellar reviews, the tour is widely praised for the quality of the wine, food, and service. Highlights include the 12-month oak-aged Cabernet Franc and the knowledgeable, informative staff.
Guests appreciate the beautiful setting and the overall pleasant dining experience. Free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance make this tour a hassle-free and memorable Uruguayan adventure.
Read our full review: Guided Tour of Castillo Viejo Winery and Wine Tasting and Lunch Review
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Private Custom Tour With a Local Guide in Montevideo
A private custom walking tour with a local guide in Montevideo offers travelers a chance to explore the city at their own pace and discover hidden gems.
The tour, priced from €60 per person, has received 8 reviews with a 3.8/5 rating. Included in the experience are helpful ticket bookings, local guide pickup, tour customization, food/drink breaks, and local transportation. Personal expenses and car transportation, however, are excluded.
Pickups are available at accommodations or the cruise terminal, with a convenient meeting point arranged if outside the city center. The tour may end at a different location unless specified in advance.
The experience is accessible, with service animals allowed and wheelchair and stroller accessibility.
Reviews have been mixed, with some noting language barriers and last-minute changes, while others praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, as well as the one-on-one experiences and local cuisine recommendations.
The host has acknowledged the feedback and expressed a commitment to improvement.
Read our full review: Private Custom Tour With a Local Guide in Montevideo Review
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Montevideos Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Exploring Montevideo’s rich culture and captivating history is made easy with the self-guided audio tour, “Montevideo’s Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour.” Accessible through the VoiceMap app, this experience allows visitors to uncover the city’s past at their own pace, with offline access to informative audio, maps, and geodata.
The tour begins outside the Mercado del Puerto/Port Market and ends at the Museo del Tango, covering key cultural and historical sites along the way. Priced at $5.20 per person, the tour provides lifetime access and can be started, paused, or restarted at any time.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transportation and welcomes service animals.
With operating hours available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM, this self-guided tour offers convenience and flexibility. However, the cancellation policy is non-refundable, and past reviews have mentioned issues with the app’s functionality, though the stories were considered interesting.
Read our full review: Montevideos Culture and History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Montevideo?
The best time to visit Montevideo is during the spring and fall months, when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller. Visitors can enjoy the city’s vibrant culture, beaches, and outdoor activities without the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
How Accessible Are the Guided Tours for Individuals With Disabilities?
Many guided tours in Montevideo offer accommodations for individuals with disabilities. Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly paths and audio guides are often available. It’s best to inquire about specific needs when booking a tour to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Guided Tours?
Most guided tours in Montevideo don’t have age restrictions, though some may have minimum age requirements for children’s safety. It’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand to ensure the tour is suitable for all participants.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Guided Tours?
Tour companies typically have flexible cancellation and refund policies. Many allow free cancellations up to 24-48 hours before the tour, with partial or full refunds. Policies can vary, so it’s best to check the specific terms when booking a tour.
Do the Guided Tours Include Any Special Dietary Accommodations?
The guided tours generally don’t include special dietary accommodations, but some operators may be able to accommodate certain requests if notified in advance. Clients should inquire about dietary needs when booking to see if any options are available.
The Sum Up
Montevideo offers a range of guided tours that let you explore the city’s wine, culture, and history. Whether you prefer a group tour or a private custom experience, there’s an option to suit your interests and travel style. With knowledgeable local guides, you’ll gain insight into Montevideo’s rich heritage and attractions. Ultimately, these tours provide a convenient and enriching way to make the most of your time in the Uruguayan capital.