zCharms of Colombia

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the stylish Medellin Royal Hotel, ideally located in the exclusive El Poblado district in the heart of the city. The rest of this day is yours to relax and explore as you wish.

Founded by the Spanish in 1616 in the lovely Aburra Valley, Medellin is the country’s second largest city. Following its turbulent years in the 1980’s and early 1990’s, this historic city has emerged as a leading example of South American progress and civic culture - and today’s guided sightseeing will trace this fascinating history. You’ll see some of the landmarks linked to the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar including the Central Cemetery where he’s buried. You’ll also admire the outdoor sculptures that grace the downtown area, including works by Fernando Botero, the celebrated Colombian artist. Tour the expansive art collection of the Museum of Antioquia and ride the Metro Cable - enjoying the aerial views of town as you travel to the Santo Domingo neighborhood. A guided tour through the collection of the Spain Library, a striking architectural landmark, offers further insight into Medellin’s remarkable transformation over the decades.

After a scenic tour of Arvi Park and lunch, you’ll continue your exploration at Pueblito Paisa, a living museum that recreates a turn-of-the-century Antioquian town, complete with a town square and traditional stone fountain. Then travel to the small town of Sabaneta, just outside of the city, where you can sit down in a local café and sample the regional liqueur as you learn more about Colombia’s countryside traditions. Your guided sightseeing ends in Parque Lleras, one of Medellin’s most popular commercial districts. Your in-the-know guide is happy to make recommendations if you would like to enjoy some of the area’s boutiques, galleries and cafes on your own. Otherwise, you can return to your hotel with your guide.  Meals B+L

We’ll take you to the airport today for your included flight to Bogotá, where you’ll be escorted to the elegant Sofitel Victoria Regia.  This afternoon’s sightseeing begins in La Candelaria, the city’s finely preserved Colonial district. With your expert guide, you’ll explore Plaza de Bolivar, the vibrant heart of Bogotá, as well as historic landmarks like the Cathedral, Cardinal’s Palace and San Agustin Church. You’ll also tour the Museo del Botero, housed in a renovated Colonial-era mansion. In addition to a wonderful collection of Fernando Botero’s own contemporary works, the museum includes the personal collection donated by this respected local artist – including paintings by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Chagall and Monet.  Meals B

Your comprehensive sightseeing this morning begins at the local Flower and Fruit market, where we sample fresh local and exotic fruits. Next, ascend Montserrat Hill for enthralling views over the city and surrounding mountains.  After lunch, continue to the Museo del Oro, highly regarded for its important collection of pre-Columbian gold, with artifacts dating back almost 2,500 years. Meals B+L

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight into the heart of Colombia’s coffee-producing region. Upon arrival in Pereira, a vibrant town situated in the foothills of the Andes Mountains, you’ll be escorted to the Hotel Sazagua, an enchanting retreat built in the style of a traditional hacienda. After time to refresh, your exploration of the famed Coffee Triangle begins at the Hacienda San Alberto, a working farm surrounded by vast coffee plantations. Learn about the entire cultivation process from seedlings to the final roasting of this world-famous coffee, and gain insight into why Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape was recognized in 2011 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour includes lunch and a coffee tasting.  Meals B+L+D

Today’s excursion begins with a scenic drive through the countryside to Salento, a charming town famed for its traditional bahareque architecture. Throughout town, but especially along Calle Real, you’ll find one and two-story whitewashed homes adorned with brightly painted doors, windows and balconies. Founded in 1842 as one of the first Spanish settlements in the region, Salento is also a wonderful place to immerse in the timeless rhythms of typical Antioquian life.

Continue your journey deep into the heart of the breathtaking Cocora Valley, home to 200-foot tall wax palm trees – the revered national tree of Colombia. Return to your hotel where you’ll have time to refresh and relax before dinner.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport in Pereira for your included flight via Bogotá to Cartagena. Upon arrival you’ll be escorted to the lovely Bastion Luxury Hotel within the ancient ramparts of this historic World Heritage city.

Cartagena was once one of the wealthiest ports in the West Indies. It’s recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the most extensive and complete fortified cities in the Americas. Along with Havana and San Juan, Puerto Rico, it was an essential link in the West Indies’ sea routes and provides a unique look into important chapters of world exploration and maritime trade in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

You’ll begin your guided sightseeing this afternoon at the Convent of La Popa, built in the early 1600’s atop a commanding hill with sweeping views over Cartagena and the bay. At San Felipe Fort, constructed in the 17th century to protect the city, you’ll learn more about Cartagena’s colorful history and development. Continuing inside the walled city, you’ll have time to explore Las Bovedas: Built into these massive ramparts along the seafront, this colonnaded arcade houses a series of vaulted rooms that were used by the Spanish to store provisions and munitions. Today, they’re a great place to shop for gifts and mementos. After time to browse, your guided sightseeing finishes with a tour of the Convent of San Pedro Claver, founded by Jesuits in the 1600’s. During your guided walking tour, you’ll also stop in Santo Domingo Square to enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed tangerine juice, a local favorite.  Meals B

Today is yours to explore more of Cartagena at your own pace. It’s also a great opportunity to just enjoy the Colonial ambience and verdant grounds of your luxury resort. If you wish, you might also join an available full-day excursion to the Rosario Islands. The adventure includes roundtrip transfers (a scenic 1-hour boat ride), welcome fruit punch and lunch. You’ll find beautiful beaches with snorkeling gear, kayaks and bicycles available for rental.  Meals B

You’ll be escorted to the airport today for your onward flight.  Meals B