COLOMBIAN IMAGES

After breakfast this morning, begin your tour of Bogota at the famous food market, Paloquemao, located in the heart of the city. Then it’s a short drive to Monserrate, where from a height of 10,000 ft. you can see the spectacular views of the city. Accessed by funicular or cable car, it feels like a separate world. Beyond the chapel with its 17th century Fallen Christ, enjoy the exquisite local food stands offering everything from chocolate and tamales to soups, sausages, and handicrafts. Walk through ‘La Candelaria’, a historical neighbourhood in downtown Bogota featuring cobble stone streets and Spanish Colonial and Baroque architecture. Then visit the Gold Museum that showcases 34,000 gold pieces as well as 20,000 bone, stone, ceramic, and textile articles belonging to 13 Pre-Hispanic societies. (B)

Following a delicious breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Medellin. Enjoy the remainder of the morning at leisure. Early this afternoon, get to know the history of Pablo Escobar and his impact on Medellín. You will better understand why Pablo Escobar is still the most controversial person in Colombia’s recent history. (B)

Today, experience the coffee culture on a typical Colombian farm. Departing Medellín, enjoy a scenic ride through unique landscapes and then revel in this unique opportunity to observe the entire process of coffee making – from the plant to the cup. Stroll through the coffee fields learning more about growing and collecting the coffee beans. After an authentically inspired countryside lunch, you will get an insight into the roasting process and how to prepare your next cup of coffee in the best possible way. (B,L)

This morning after breakfast, the city comes to life when you visit the “Pueblito Paisa” and enjoy breathtaking views over the city. Explore famous Botero Square with an exhibition of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures have become a landmark of the city. Take the Metrocable, constructed to make the inner city more accessible to people from the outskirts, up to Santo Domingo, once a notorious area of gang violence in Medellín. Today, it allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of the local population. In the Comuna 13 district with its unique electric escalators, you observe another innovative project that improved the quality of life of the people of Medellín. (B,L)

This morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, visit the massive Fortress of San Felipe, the largest fort the Spaniards built in South America. After, head to the city center and discover landmarks such as the official entrance to the walled city and the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj). Learn all about the city of Cartagena while strolling along its colorful streets, winding alleyways, and main squares. At the end of the tour, visit the convent of San Pedro Claver. (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a one-hour cruiCartagenase to the Rosario Islands. Because of its underwater riches, the islands were declared a national park. Bask in the sun and enjoy small beaches with crystal clear water where you can swim or snorkel. Savor an included lunch as part of today’s tour. In the afternoon return to Cartagena. (B,L)

Your last day in Cartagena is yours to delight in at leisure. Take a walk through the city, do some last-minute shopping, or relax at the beach – the choice is yours. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)