Buenos Aires Highlights

This scenic Buenos Aires tour showcases the city's spacious parks, fashionable shops, and famed architecture. From motoring by the vibrant Caminito Street Museum in the renowned La Boca barrio, where the first Italian immigrants settled in 1851, to driving along the the world's widest boulevard, the city's Latin flavor and European structural influences will absolutely amaze you.

Buenos Aires is the most popular travel destination in South America. After visiting these must-see tour sites, you will know why. Plaza de Mayo is the heart of this capital city and the site of the May 25, 1810 revolution, which led to Argentina's independence. It's now the country's political hub, bordered by La Casa Rosada, a baby pink building, and office of the Argentine President.

Equally astounding is the 19th-century Neoclassical facade of the Metropolitan Cathedral (housing the Mausoleum of General San Martin, the primary leader responsible for Argentina's independence) and the regal Cabildo (the Colonial Town Hall). These sights will remind you of a European capital enhanced by Argentine style. Then there's the giant Obelisk of Buenos Aires, a National Historic Monument marking 100 years of government. This impressive structure is surrounded by an LED light district reminiscent of New York City's Times Square. The Buenos Aires entertainment industry movers and shakers can be seen there.

At the end of your tour, you will be dropped off at your choice of 3 exciting locations within the city to explore or enjoy shopping in this vibrant city.

Buenos Aires is a cultural, South American mecca and even has the highest concentration of theaters in the world. For first time visitors, this Buenos Aires tour is a total delight. Bring your camera and an appetite for adventure on this comprehensive and convenient tour of Argentina's magnificent metropolis.

Please Note: This tour offers drop-off to your choice of 3 exciting locations within Buenos Aires to explore or shop at your leisure after the tour: the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, the Galerias Pacifico Shopping Center, or the Puerto Madero Waterfront. The tour does not include drop-off at the pier and is not available to guests on embarkation or disembarkation day as it does not accommodate luggage.

Highlights of Montevideo

Experience personal attention, away from the large group tours offered by the cruise lines, when you book the Highlights of Montevideo City tour. This comprehensive tour includes visiting the Old Town (Ciudad Vieja), Port Market, Parliament Palace and much more.

Begin directly at the pier and board your comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and be provided with excellent local, knowledgeable guides. The eclectic city of Montevideo is also the capital of Uruguay and the 8th city on the 2013 MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index for Latin America.

Your first stop is in the historic Old Town, where you can view beautiful buildings from colonial times. The old part of the town is held by Spanish military fortifications whose stone walls set the boundaries of the fortified San Felipe y Santiago city by the guarded fortress named Ciudadela. See also the Solis Theatre, The Cabildo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Museo Torres Garcia and other museums. There are also many galleries, cafes and antique shops in the area.

Next you will see Plaza Independencia (Independence Square) close to the city center. On this square you will see the statue and the Mausoleum of General Artigas, a Uruguayan national hero. Also view the Presidential offices, Palacio Estevez, Palacio Salvo and the Ciudadela Gate. Continuing you will see the Parliament Palace, inaugurated in 1925. The symbolism and neoclassical architectural style represents the democratic values of the country.

From the Parliament area, you will take a scenic ride to Mercado Agricola Montevideo (MAM), one of the last iron-built markets in the Montevideo. What began as a humble fruit and vegetable stand in 1913 has since expanded twice into a shopping mall a city block in length offering a variety of goods. You will find today there are still vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2006 the building was refurbished and helped to revitalize the entire neighborhood.

After your introduction to some of the history of Montevideo you will next travel to the Obelisco De Los Constituyentes. This bronze and granite obelisk was inaugurated in 1938 as a tribute to the writers of the nation's first constitution, dating to 1830. The sculptor of this work of art is the famous Jose Luis Zorrilla de San Martin.

Continue to the area named Parque Batlle, or Battle Park, where you can stroll through the largest public park and green space in the city. While here, pause at La Carreta, a stunning bronze monument depicting oxen pulling a covered wagon that was created in 1934 by Jose Belloni. Next to the monument you will also see the famous Estadio Centenario, the soccer stadium inaugurated in 1930 for the World Cup in which Uruguay was victorious. On July 18, 1983 it was declared by FIFA as a World Football Historical Monument, being the only construction of its kind in the world.

Buceo neighborhood gives you the chance to see the naval combat of 1814 that was fought with the victory of Admiral Guillermo Brown that marked an important moment in the wars for independence for South America. You will be able to appreciate the building of the Damaso Antonio Larranaga Zoological Museum, known today as the Oceanographic Museum, built in 1925 with its Arab style that was originally built as Cafe Morisco. Later make your way to the beautiful sands of Pocitos Beach and pose for a photo at the Montevideo sign. Admire the picturesque view from here as you look upon Pocitos Bay.

Conclude your tour traveling to the Punta Carretas neighborhood and make a stop at the 62-foot tall Punta Brava Lighthouse, also known as the Punta Carretas Lighthouse. If time allows you may be able to enter the lighthouse and climb to the top if you like.

Make a stop for a brief look at the Port Market, (Mercado del Puerto) and admire the iron structure that was built in Liverpool. At present, this area is one of the most typical gastronomic centers of the city where locals and visitors can taste the delicious Uruguayan meat which is cooked on the big barbecues. A great number of artists also perform in the surrounding area turning the streets into large theaters. Return along the River Plate enjoying city views back to port area and your ship.

This tour is perfect for those who are short on time but want to gain a great overview of the city. Reserve your seat on this special tour today.