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Essential Colombia 08 Mar, 2025

FAMILY VACATIONS / Colombia

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Amazing Experience

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Overview

Trip Overview

This 11 day visit to one of Latin America’s most colourful countries will challenge everything you think you know about the land that invented ‘magical realism.’ If you’ve never heard that phrase before, pack a book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the local literary star who popularised it.

The cosmopolitan city of Bogota is rich with history, particularly around La Candelaria, Plaza de Bolivar and the Cathedral of Salt. You’ll also visit the world’s best gold museum, with a chance to party the night away in the Zona Rosa, and zip to bird's eye views at Monserrate, the pilgrimage point overlooking the city.

A major cultural and culinary centre of Colombia, Medellin has shed a violent past to emerge as one of the country's 'must-visit' destinations. Enjoy a city tour including the Parque de Bolivar, along with a free day to explore the sights that interest you, or perhaps embark on a tour of the nearby coffee producing regions and towns.

Finally, Colombia’s most popular ‘tourist’ city Cartagena was one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas. That heritage gives the city a distinctly different feel from its neighbours. Pay your respects at the monastery of La Popa, or visit the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fortress.

Highlights

Departures

Daily

 

Trip Includes

  • Round trip transfers between airports and hotels
  • 10 nights' accommodation
  • Half day Bogota City Tour plus Monserrate Hill
  • Half day Zipaquira Salt Mine
  • Half day Medellin City Tour
  • Half Day Cartagena City Tour
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire,

Bogota Airport to Bogota - Old Town

 

The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Autograph Collection

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Taking inspiration from local Colombian artists and culture, The Artisan D.C. Hotel offers a unique experience unlike anything else in the city. Proudly showcasing the vibrant energy of Bogotá, putting a contemporary twist on boutique. Located in the city's Financial District, situated near many prominent destinations, such as the U.S. Embassy in Colombia and Zona G, which is home to some of the city's finest restaurants. Visit Osaki Restaurant for a selection of delectable Asian cuisine and stop by The Cooper Lounge Bar for lighter fare, paired with handcrafted cocktails. After an eventful day, immerse yourself in our luxury rooms and suites situated in two uniquely styled towers. Complete with complimentary Wi-Fi, pillowtop mattresses and marble bathrooms.

The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Autograph Collection

La Candelaria Walking Tour with Botero Museum

La Candelaria, Bogota's historic heart, is the city's oldest district and birthplace, represented by the iconic Plaza Bolivar, which is surrounded by grand colonial buildings and churches. The Plaza's centerpiece is a statue of Simon Bolivar, set amidst the Palace of Justice, Colombian Congress, and the dominant Primary Cathedral. Beyond the square, the labyrinth of streets and alleys reveals La Candelaria's captivating character. Vibrant and bustling, it is a hub of student life and commerce, encapsulating Colombia's past and present. Nestled in La Candelaria, the Botero Museum showcases Fernando Botero's iconic "oversized" art, an emblem of Colombian creativity. This exhibition spans two floors, displaying his canvases and sculptures alongside works by renowned artists like Dali, Monet, and Van Gogh, some donated by Botero himself. Amidst Bogota's liveliness, this museum offers a serene artistic escape. After walking the streets of La Candelaria and exploring the Botero Museum, your guide will return you to your hotel.

 

Traditional Tejo & Craft Beer Tasting

Today, set out to enjoy a bit of local life by playing a traditional game of Tejo, and sample a few craft beers along the way. Craft beer has surged in popularity worldwide in recent years, and Colombia is no exception. The days of large breweries are gone, and in their place are unique microbreweries crafting Colombia-inspired beers. With your guide leading the way, you’ll visit a local brewery, learn about their project, and of course taste their creations. Later, you’ll learn how to play the immensely enjoyable game of Tejo. A traditional Colombian game, it merges sandbag tossing with explosives; yes, you read that correctly. In a Tejo match, lanes separated by fencing contain explosive firecrackers. Players throw a metal puck into a clay pit, aiming to trigger explosions. Points are earned for detonations or proximity to the target. Tejo, often viewed as a rural activity, is a trendy pastime in Bogota at a number of upmarket bars and venues. Today, you’ll try your hand at Tejo while enjoying a beer and connecting with locals in a lively atmosphere. Before long, you’ll be returned to your hotel.

The drive north of Bogota leads through the ancient territory of the Muisca Indians to the famous Zipaquirá underground salt cathedral. The road winds through picturesque countryside, rural towns, and villages, leading to Zipaquirá, a town where salt has been mined for centuries, with the underground cathedral now being the main attraction. Crafted from miners' tunnels, this pilgrimage site is remarkable for its religious and artistic significance, as well as its engineering. The cathedral's history dates to the 1930s when miners built the first shrine for protection. In the 1950s, a formal church dedicated to "Our Lady of the Rosary" emerged, followed by the modern cathedral in 1995. Descend into the mine through intricately carved halite rock salt stations. At the deepest point, the grand cathedral with a towering 16-meter (52-foot) cross awaits. Operating for religious and cultural events, it can hold over 3,000 worshippers. The cathedral highlights technology, dedication, and local artistry. After touring the cathedral, enjoy a leisurely lunch before being returned to your hotel in Bogota.

Bogota - Old Town to Bogota Airport

 

Cartagena Airport to Cartagena - Old Town

 

Cartagena by Night with Dinner & Sundowner Cocktail

Experience Cartagena's vibrant day-to-night transformation. Daytime brings lively streets filled with vendors and locals, while nights light up with a different energy. As the temperature cools, Cartageneros take to bars, restaurants, and plazas. Younger residents dance to salsa beats, while their elders enjoy fine dining. This tour offers a taste of Cartagena's nightlife, starting with a cocktail at a sea-view lounge like Café del Mar. Then, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, each with its unique charm. The night ends at a local bar, perhaps Cafe Havana, where salsa rhythms and local dances create an unforgettable atmosphere. After a night out enjoying vibrant Cartagena, you will be returned to your hotel.

 

Hotel Nacar Curio Collection

4 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Hotel Nacar Curio Collection is off Route 90A in the historic centre of Cartagena. Housed in a restored historic landmark, the hotel features two towers offering an authentic, colonial ambiance as well as a modern elegance. Enjoy snacks and cocktails by the pool and city views from the terrace bar.

Hotel Nacar Curio Collection

This half-day experience takes in two of the most iconic sights in Cartagena. Located just outside the historic old town, the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fortress is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks and is a formidable example of military might and architecture. Rising above the skyline, from this dominant vantage point the Spanish kept watch over the entrances to the city both by land and sea. San Felipe is the largest Spanish-built fortification in the New World, and along with the ramparts and stone walls was part of the city's defence against marauding pirates. Built on top of the San Lázaro hill, construction began in 1536 and continued for some 200 years. Underneath this amazing structure is a labyrinth of tunnels, many of which are still accessible. The sun-soaked fortifications are a living breathing history book, steeped with tales of old. The La Popa Convent sits in a privileged position, and is the highest landmark in the city. The convent started life as a humble and modest wooden chapel in the early 1600s but was later fortified and expanded to its current majesty. The cool, leafy, flower-filled courtyard and patio lead out to a viewing platform. From here there are panoramic vistas that stretch out over the city, old town, the bay of Cartagena, and the Caribbean Sea beyond. Inside the small chapel is the immaculate gold-plated and carved alter and ornate decoration dedicated to the "Virgin de la Candelaria", patron saint of the city. The convent still plays an important role in the life of the city's Catholics and is often full to bursting on religious holidays.

Indulge in the perfect pairing of fine rum and decadent chocolate with a local expert mixologist and rum sommelier. Discover Colombia's mastery of these exquisite treats. Local rums, aged for rich flavors, and a variety of chocolates, from sweeter to bitter, will be expertly paired for a sensory experience like no other. Learn about distillation processes, Colombia's love for rum, and its rise in the global cacao industry. This delightful combination unveils the treasures of Colombia's flavors, evoking stories of pirates and camaraderie. Rum and chocolate - a truly tempting indulgence.

Cartagena - Old Town to Cartagena Airport

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