Treasures of Colombia

Day 1 BogotÃ
Arrive in Bogota and transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. Bogota is situated in a bowl beneath mountain peaks. Stay in the new town of the capital, close to the entertainment district of the Zona Rosa and the green spaces of Virrey Park. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 BogotÃ
Enjoy a half day visit to the historic centre of Bogota known as La Candelaria, with its Spanish colonial architecture and grand government buildings. See the lively main square, Plaza de Bolivar, the Cathedral, the Capilla del Sagrario and the Capitol, with the Palace of Justice. The visit continues with the Botero Museum, an inviting gallery set inside and old colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero´s works of art and in addition pieces from his own personal collection that includes works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Next head to the excellent the Gold Museum. This is possibly the worlds’ best collection of ancient and priceless gold pieces featuring detailed work of art and artefacts from some of South America’s lost empires, the gold which brought the Europeans in search of El Dorado. The museum has a permanent exhibition of some 32,000 pieces of gold, 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. Your day concludes with a visit to the Monserrate Sanctuary, a symbol of Bogotá. Ride the cable car to at 500 metres above the city for an incredible panorama of the city on one side and the Andes on the other.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 BogotÃ
This morning you’ll travel a little out of the city into the valleys and hills. Travel past fields of flowers Zipaquirá and visit the salt mine, where you can take in the amazing and unusual sight of the salt cathedral. The dome is magnificently lit and you will see the enormous cross carved into the saline rock by the Colombian artist Carlos Enrique Rodriguez. Visit the mine where there is an excellent auditorium that can seat up to two hundred people, host film screenings and events such as fashion shows. The trip ends at a mirror of water where it is possible to experience the amazing visual effects of water on carved saline rock.
You will head further into the mountains to visit one of Colombia’s xxx main exports, in the coffee triangle. Enjoy the rustic surroundings of a the Andes and experience the way of life at a traditional coffee ‘hacienda’. Learn about the preparation methods of some of Colombia’s best blends, with a tasting session included where you will be introduced to different varieties of Colombian coffee and learn about South American coffee culture. Return to the capital for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Bogotà to Cartagena
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Cartagena, and transfer to your hotel for four nights. Cartagena, or Cartagena de Indias as its full name is known, is surely one of the world’s most beautiful city’s, with a magnificent setting on a sparkling Caribbean harbour, with a wealth of colourful churches and historic buildings in bright yellow and pastel hues which shine in the tropical sun. A four night stay in Cartagena provides time to visit the main sights of the city and time to wander on your own on the well preserved narrow cobbled streets, passing peaceful square with old churches and mansions and inviting cafés and restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Cartagena
See the treasures of Cartagena on a guided city tour. Begin at the hilltop La Popa monastery where you can see the city, bay and beaches below you. Continue to the imposing San Felipe fortress, which was built on San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks and was once laid siege by Sir Francis Drake. Explore the old town, visiting the 17th Century Convert and Church of San Pedro Claver and the city walls, built as a barrier against attack from the sea and which also include the Bovedas artisan market in archways which held armaments and were later used as a prison. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the special character of Cartagena.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Cartagena
Today is at leisure in Cartagena. For a real local experience you might want to take an optional tour with a local chef to experience the food and drink of Colombia and Cartagena. Head to La Plaza de Mercado de Bazurto located in the suburb known as Pie de La Popa. This is Cartagena´s main local market and stocks the largest variety of fresh produce in the Caribbean region. Try some of the exotic fruits available and follow the expert as he is welcomed by the vendors. Then and then head to the chef’s house which offers spectacular views of the sea and a large open kitchen for a cooking lesson. #

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Cartagena
A free day in Cartagena to explore more of the old town, relax by the harbour and taste the local tropical flavours. You might want to take an optional boat trip to the beaches of the Rosario Islands about an hour off the coast from the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Cartagena to London
Transfer to the airport for a flight to London with connections through Bogota and Europe.

Day 9 UK
Morning arrival into the UK

Tour includes:

All flights specified
Private transfers
Local expert guides in resort
Inspirational sightseeing programme
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”