Classic Colombia
Colombia is a colourful land of vivid contrasts: from the revitalised Medellín, to the colonial churches of Cartagena, this 12-night itinerary includes all the highlights.
Colombia’s recent rebirth into one of South America’s most popular destinations is long overdue. This open and welcoming country combines impressive colonial heritage with bright and progressive modern cities with an enviable urban ‘cool’ factor. Your trip begins with the bustling Andean capital city of Bogotá where the booming business districts and vibrant ‘Gourmet Zone’ coexist alongside the quirky wood-beamed edifices of the colonial La Candelaria neighbourhood. From here, you will briefly leave modernity behind and travel back in time with a stay in the traditional Coffee Zone, enjoying the slow pace of rural life in these fertile green valleys. For those who look past the horrors of its recent history, the city of Medellín is a stylish and artistic city where the hugely positive impact of inspired social mobility policies is on full display. Finally, you will visit the cobblestoned streets of Cartagena de Indias – The Jewel of the Caribbean – and enjoy absorbing the sense of history here in the sultry tropical heat.
Trip highlights
2 nights in the vibrant Bogotá at the Four Seasons hotel with a private city tour.
3 nights in the Coffee Region at Hacienda Bambusa with an exclusive coffee experience.
A private full day tour of the Coffee Region’s key attractions including Salento, Filandia and Cocora Valley.
3 nights in Medellín at Hotel Park 10 with a city tour and full day trip to Guatapé.
4 nights in Cartagena at Casa San Agustín with a full day tour of the historic city centre.
Enjoy a private day trip to the paradisaical Rosario Islands in the Caribbean Sea.
Map of your holiday
Day by Day itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive into Bogotá
Arrive into Bogotá and transfer to your luxury hotel for the next two nights.
Suggested accommodation – Four Seasons Hotel
DAY 2
Explore Bogotá
Enjoy a half day tour of Colombia’s vibrant capital city, including the sweeping panoramic view from the Monserrate Hill.
DAY 3
Travel to the Coffee Region
Fly to the Coffee Region and transfer to Hacienda Bambusa, a charming cacao farm, where you will spend the next three nights.
Suggested accommodation – Hacienda Bambusa
DAY 4
Discover the nealby areas of Salento, Filandia and Cocora Valley
Set off on a private full day tour of the region’s highlights: the colourful towns of Salento and Filandia, with a walk through the surreal landscapes of the Cocora Valley.
DAY 5
Coffee experience
Today you will learn more about what makes this region tick – coffee! Enjoy an exclusive coffee experience at a nearby hacienda.
DAY 6
Fly to Medellín
This morning you will fly onward to Medellín and check in to your hotel for the next three nights.
Suggested accommodation – Hotel Park 10
DAY 7
Explore Medellín
Enjoy a half day tour of Medellín with a local guide and learn more about the tumultuous history of this booming modern city.
DAY 8
Visit Guatapé and El Peñol
Today you will drive into the picturesque countryside of the State of Antioquía and visit the colourful lakeside town of Guatapé, enjoying a breath-taking view from the top of El Peñol.
DAY 9
Travel to Cartagena
Fly to Cartagena de Indias on the Caribbean Coast for the final four nights of your trip.
Suggested accommodation – Casa San Agustín
DAY 10
Enjoy a full day tour of the city
Today your expert guide will take you on a full day tour of this photogenic colonial city. Enjoy exploring baroque churches, Spanish fortresses and the Inquisition Palace.
DAY 11
Take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands
Board a boat in the harbour for a private full day trip to the Rosario Islands. Enjoy a swim or a snorkel in the clear waters and a delicious local lunch on the beach.
DAY 12
Free time in Cartagena
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city. In the evening your guide will take you for an exclusive rum and chocolate tasting evening to experience the flavours of the Colombian Caribbean.
DAY 13
Fly home
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
The price for this itinerary is GBP £4,720. (US Dollar pricing also available)
This is a per person price, based on 2 people travelling and sharing a room.
What’s included
12 nights in luxury accommodation as listed above
Private transfers and tours with an English speaking guide and driver
All internal flights in economy class seating
What’s not included
International flights (discuss your specific requirements with us)
Travel insurance
Any visas you may require
This is a guide price. Please enquire and we will provide a full personalised quote for you. All our itineraries are tailor-made to your own requirements so can be modified however you wish.
FEATURED HOTELS
Four Seasons Casa Medina
The Four Seasons Casa Medina is a luxury 5-star hotel in the Casa Medina area of Bogota. Long established as one of the best hotels in Bogota, it is easy to see why.
Hacienda Bambusa
This traditional hacienda, boast a stunning location in a sweeping valley, is an unspoilt paradise. Hidden away in the southern coffee region, Hacienda Bambusa is accessible only via narrow winding roads, bordered by verdant hillsides and fields of pineapple, manioc and bamboo.
Park 10
Located close to Parque Lleras, the Park 10 Hotel has easy access to the excellent bars and restaurants that this area is famous for. If you would rather stay within the hotel, it too has wonderful dining options in its 2 restaurants; La Fragata and La Terrraza.
Casa San Agustin
A luxurious small hotel lovingly restored and reimagined for a new generation of travellers, exquisite Casa San Agustín echoes Cartagena’s fresh contemporary style and colourful Caribbean sensibility. Refined yet relaxed, its trio of colonial era white-washed buildings exudes the warmth of a magnificently appointed private residence.