Treasure of Colombia

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Bogot

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Bogot with Avianca. (N)

Day 2: Villa de Leyva

Early morning arrival and transfer by road to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombias finest colonial towns. En route stop at Tunja and Boyac bridge, the site of the turning point in Colombia’s struggle for independence. Stay 2 nights at the Posada de San Antonio. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Villa de Leyva

Full-day tour of this beautiful town of cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses. Visit the nearby 120-million-year-old kronosaurus fossil and the Dominican convent. (B)

Day 4: Bogot

Transfer by road back to Bogot, stopping at
Zipaquir en route to see the remarkable salt
cathedral, built inside an old salt mine. Stay at
the Novotel Bogot Parque 93 for 2 nights. (B)

Day 5: Bogot

Morning visit to Paloquemao market with its array of flowers and exotic fruits. Continue with a walking tour of the historic La Candelaria district, see Boteros art collection and visit the Gold Museum, featuring one of the worlds most complete collections of ancient gold artefacts. Afternoon at leisure or optional cable-car ride to Monserrat hill for panoramic views. (B)

Day 6: Fly to Pereira

Fly to Pereira in the coffee region, declared a world heritage site by Unesco. Visit a local coffee farm to learn about the growing and production of high quality coffee beans. Afternoon at leisure and stay for 2 nights at the Hacienda San Jos, an old colonial-style house with delightful gardens. (B)

Day 7: Coffee region

Today explore the verdant Cocora valley, famous for its wax palm trees the tallest in the world. Take a walk into the cloud forest and visit the traditional villages of Filandia and Salento. (B, L)

Day 8: Medelln

Travel by road to Medelln (journey time approximately 5-6 hours), stopping at a scenic lookout for views over the Cauca river. Stay for 2 nights at the Hotel Poblado Alejandria. (B)

Day 9: Medelln

A full-day tour to learn about the cultural and
social transformation projects of the city. Visit
Cerro Nutibara hill for panoramic views, the
curved sculptures by local artist Fernando
Botero and the gigantic outdoor escalators.
Lunch is at Via Cocina, a community project
providing healthy food training for low-income
local residents. (B, L)

Day 10: Fly to Cartagena

Transfer to the airport and fly to Cartagena, a beautiful Caribbean city with old colonial mansions, overhanging flower-filled balconies and small plazas. Stay at the characterful Hotel Kartaxa or Santa Catalina for 2 nights. (B)

Day 11: Cartagena

Half-day tour of Cartagena, including a walking tour of the old town, a visit to the impregnable Spanish fort, San Felipe, and San Pedro Claver church with its fine stained-glass windows. (B)

Days 12-13: Fly to London via Bogot

Morning at leisure in the historic city or an optional visit to the national aviary. Overnight flight to London via Bogot with Avianca. (B) (N)