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Discover the lifestyle in Uruguay's countryside as you visit one of the typical "estancias", spend the day at a traditional ranch or estancia of approximately 1,000 hectares.

Now you can get a taste of this hard-working ranch hand's life with this full-day, moderately active visit to a 100-year-old working estancia (ranch). Your adventure begins at your pier where you will step aboard transportation.

Then set out through your port city, enjoying views of Montevideo's suburbs as well as the historic Plaza Independencia. Located between Ciudad Vieja (old town) and the newer downtown, this plaza's many sites include the Solís Theatre, the Palacio Salvo and a statue of General Artigas, considered the father of Uruguay.

Travel out of the city and into the countryside during a one-hour drive that has you journeying through the breathtaking Uruguayan landscape. Step back in time as you step off your transportation at Estancia La Rabida, a sprawling 2,470-acre, century-old ranch. You will be heartily greeted by the welcoming smiles of the ranch's owners as well as by the savory smells of open-flame barbeque already grilling in anticipation of your visit.

Join the ranch owners on a tour of their estate in a caravan of charming tractor-drawn carriages and antique cars. Marvel at the beauty of the ranch's grasslands that end abruptly in high cliffs above the beaches on the coast of the Rio de la Plata.

Then, should you choose, you may revisit that long-lost childhood dream to be a cowboy or cowgirl by trying your hand at some of the gaucho's daily ranch chores. Milk a cow! See if you have what it takes to be a gaucho. And what is a gaucho if not a consummate horseman? So naturally You will be presented with an amazing demonstration of horsemanship by the ranch's actual working gauchos.

Once you've worked up an appetite - and surely you will - indulge in the delicious "asado" (barbecue) luncheon that greeted your senses upon your arrival. Dine on "carne" (meat) and sip local wine, all the while enjoying traditional gaucho dances and folk songs performed by your gracious hosts.

Following your satisfying day sampling the gaucho lifestyle, enjoy a relaxing, scenic drive back to your pier and your Princess ship in the glistening waters of the harbor there.