The Culture and Coffee of
COLOMBIA Includes return flights, internal flights, all transfers, hotels, daily breakfast, guide, excursions & extras 11 NIGHTS FROM
£1799 per person
Your JOURNEY
A South American adventure that knows no boundaries, this 11-night fully-escorted tour of Colombia is one that you’ll never forget. Beginning in Bogota, you’ll travel and visit the likes of Armenia, Cocora Valley, Salento and more, all the while experiencing incredible excursions to gain insight into the rich history and culture of beautiful Colombia, from its Spanish colonial influence and the spirit of change and progress to the proud coffee regions and exceptional gastronomy. Among several guided tours, you’ll also visit Bogota’s famous Salt Cathedral, embark on an interactive coffee tour and bask in the pleasant weather of Medellin, also known as the City of Eternal Spring. This incredible package also comprises all your international and internal flights, all transfers, daily breakfast, three lunches and an English-speaking tour guide throughout. The adventure of a lifetime awaits…
What’s INCLUDED Return flights Internal flights to Armenia, Medellin and Cartagena English-speaking tour guide throughout All transfers Daily breakfast Three lunches Bogota guided city tour Visit to the Salt Cathedral Interactive coffee tour Visit to the Cocora Valley Guided walking tour of Salento Guided tour of Medellin Guided tour of Marinilla and New Peùol Cartagena guided city tour 3 nights in Bogota at BH Parque de la 93 (or similar) 2 nights in Quindio at Hacienda Combia (or similar)
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3 nights in Medellin at BH Poblado (or similar) 3 nights in Cartagena at Armeria Real (or similar)
PLEASE NOTE that the local Operator reserves the right to make minor changes to the itinerary and trip arrangements (including flights, transport, hotels or other services). In case of significant changes, all clients will be informed prior to departure. PLEASE NOTE Insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
COLOMBIA
Officially the Republic of Colombia, Colombia sits largely in the north of South America and is bordered by Panama on the northwest, Venezuela and Brazil on the east, and Peru and Ecuador on the south. Colombia is an incredibly diverse region in both its culture and its geography and is the only American nation to be named after discoverer Christopher Columbus. The country strongly reflects its history
as a colony of Spain, adopting the Spanish language and elements of its cuisine while the agriculture and coffee production are indeed among some of the country’s most popular elements. There’s no such thing as a trip to Colombia without a coffee tasting experience to sample the richness of flavour in the delicious black elixir that is grown in a thriving environment thanks to the region’s stellar combination of climate,
soil and rainfall. But Colombia’s fascinating culture doesn’t stop there. Arguably the world’s best country for birdwatching, Colombia is home to nearly 2,000 different species of birds which can be observed at a number of natural reserves, and the Pacific Coast is also the perfect place for admiring the humpback whales and marine turtles.
The Culture and Coffee of Colombia
ITINERARY
DAY 1 Upon arrival in Bogota, the capital of Colombia, you’ll be transferred from the airport to your hotel. BOGOTA Bogota is Colombia’s thriving capital city, a booming metropolis that has seen a resurgence of popularity in recent years. The place where colonial traditionalism and vibrant cosmopolitanism come together in perfect harmony, Bogota boasts preserved buildings among cultural museums, local restaurants and buzzing bars, not to mention unmissable street art since the city decriminalised graffiti in 2011. The city is located in the centre of the country and enjoys an exceptional climate due to its altitude of approximately 2,600 metres but exploring Bogota is a must to achieve the full Colombian experience. Highlights of the city include the Gold Museum, Bolivar Square and the hill of Monserrate for extraordinary panoramic vistas over the beautiful capital.
DAY 2 After breakfast, you’ll have a welcome meeting with your tour guide in the hotel lobby. Then, you will enjoy a half-day city tour of Bogota for a fascinating insight into the city’s past. You’ll admire the likes of Bolivar Square, Comuneros House and Santa Clara’s Church Museum before visiting the Gold Museum and the Quinta de Bolivar House Museum. End the tour with a climb of the hill of Monserrate for a striking view of the city before returning to your hotel.
DAY 3 After breakfast, you’ll visit the Salt Cathedral, a catholic chapel inside a salt mine buried 180 metres underground. As the name suggests, everything is made of salt including the dome, the magnificent sculptures, the 14 stations of the Via Crucis, and an optical illusion of a cross.
The Culture and Coffee of Colombia
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DAY 4 After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Armenia. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to your hotel followed by an interactive coffee tour in the afternoon. Experience authentic coffee culture as you partake in a coffee tasting, a basket workshop, the five senses experience and learning about the coffee making process. ARMENIA Not to be confused with the country that sits between Asia and Europe, Armenia is the capital city of the Quindio department in western Colombia and is framed by the Andes Mountains. This underrated metropolis sits directly in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle thus is a perfect jumping-off point to explore the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Armenia is home to the National Coffee Park, also known as Parque del Café, which is a theme park dedicated to the culture and history of Colombian coffee. Shows, themed attractions, mechanical and water rides centred on coffee are in abundance here, perfect for those with families, while those who’d rather simply drink the caffeinated beverage won’t be disappointed with the plethora of coffee shops found on every corner. Additionally, Armenia is the ideal location for nature lovers due to its abundance of green spaces and mesmerising botanical gardens that feature striking biodiversity and unmissable flora and fauna, not to mention the Butterfly Garden at the Quindio Botanical Garden.
The Culture and Coffee of Colombia
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DAY 5 After breakfast, you’ll visit the Cocora Valley, a natural reserve where you’ll have the chance to explore the biodiversity of the flora and fauna. You’ll see the tallest wax palm in the world before enjoying a lunch of local cuisine. You’ll then be transferred to the village of Salento for a walking tour through the majestic colonial streets. SALENTO A small town that packs a mighty punch, Salento sits to the west of Bogota and is known for its colourful buildings and winding colonial streets. The scenic views here are second to none with the incredible landscapes and the surrounding valleys guaranteeing to take your breath away with every glance. The famous Cocora Valley is what draws visitors to Salento thanks to its lush greenery and gigantic wax palm trees that are the tallest in the world. Hiking through the valley is the best way to embrace the beautiful nature but horseback rides are available to take you to the palm tree area. The breath-taking views continue at Santa Rita Waterfall which is often described as something out of a fairytale due to its majestic and isolated surroundings. Moreover, Salento’s main square is truly charming and sits at the top of a hill with a small church and a backdrop of beautiful mountains. Here is also where you’ll find an extensive amount of restaurants with the addition of pop-up food stalls on the weekend serving delicious local and international cuisine.
DAY 6 After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Medellin. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. MEDELLIN Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its temperate weather, Medellin is the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province and is fast-becoming one of the country’s most visited cities for a myriad of reasons. Known for its natural beauty, museums and public artwork, Medellin also has a fascinating history but has since shaken its negative reputation and was hailed the most innovative city in the world in 2013 by the Urban Land Institute. Among must-visits in this vibrant metropolis are the Meseo de Arte Moderno – also known as the MAMM – which features galleries of up and coming Colombian artists, the colourful town of Guatapé famous for its multi-coloured alleyways and the quaint colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia. Perhaps the city’s most famous attraction however is Communa 13 which was once Medellin’s most notorious neighbourhood but has since become a platform for political and social expression. Due to graffiti being decriminalised in Colombia in 2011, the impressive graffiti and gorgeous murals range from skulls to flowers and laughing children, while the iconic orange escalators are also a sight for sore eyes.
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The Culture and Coffee of Colombia
ITINERARY
DAY 7 Enjoy breakfast, which will then be followed by a full-day tour of Medellin, which is also known as the “City of the Eternal Spring” thanks to its pleasant weather. Medellin is also famous for its innovation thanks to the Comuna 13 neighbourhood which has been transformed from an epicentre of violence to an area of social transformation where art and graffiti has become a symbol or overcoming and hope. You’ll then get the Metrocable for a beautiful view of the city followed by a local lunch and a visit to Botero’s Square to see 23 bronze sculptures by famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. DAY 8 After breakfast, you’ll journey west towards the village of Marinilla with is colonial houses followed by a visit to New Peñol, which replaces the old flooded village. Here, you can visit the dam, which is a perfect viewpoint to see the 220-metrehigh Peñol’s Stone. You’ll then enjoy a local lunch in Guatape before returning to Medellin.
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The Culture and Coffee of Colombia
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DAY 9 After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the rest of the day at your leisure. CARTAGENA The jewel in the Colombian crown, Cartagena is nestled along the Caribbean coast and boasts an abundance of preserved beauty and rich history throughout every square metre. The UNESCO World Heritage Old Town has a breath-taking atmosphere that can’t be compared and the streets are lined with vibrant colonial squares, buzzing bars and restaurants, colourful buildings and an infectious energy from the locals. Moreover, the traditionalism of the Old Town perfectly juxtaposes the modern area of Bocagrande which has been whimsically designed as a scaled-down version of Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana and features highrise hotels, shopping malls and palm-lined beaches. Cartagena is also well-known for the San Felipe Castle, the Emerald Museum, Convento de la Popa and the many street markets, all of which are definitely worth a visit.
DAY 10 Enjoy breakfast before enjoying a half-day city tour of Cartagena. You’ll pass from the modern area of Bocagrande through the traditional neighbourhood of Manga to the old city. You’ll visit the San Felipe’s Castle and walk through the streets of the city to learn about its rich past, ending with a visit to the Emerald Museum.
The Culture and Coffee of Colombia
ITINERARY
DAY 11 After breakfast, enjoy your last full-day in Cartagena at your leisure. You can also embark on one of the optional excursions on this day at your own expense (listed on the next page). DAY 12 After breakfast, your Colombian adventure has come to an end and you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
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CARTAGENA OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS If you want to enhance your Colombian escape even further, there are a range of optional excursions and activities available during your leisure time in Cartagena (Day 11). From salsa dance classes to a chocolate museum tour, there is truly something for everyone. PLEASE NOTE: The following activities are at your own expense and can be organised by your representative.
CARTAGENA OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
SAN DIEGO AND CHOCOLATE MUSEUM TOUR from £39 PER PERSON Lasting around two hours, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a guided walking tour around the neighbourhood of San Diego, visiting the likes of The School of Arts, The Women’s Jail and more. The tour concludes at the Chocolate Museum where you’ll learn the techniques and history surrounding the creation of cocoa. Please note: This is a shared activity with a group of up to 14 people. The activity lasts around two hours operating from Monday to Sunday and includes pick-up from your hotel only.
GRAFFITI IN GETSEMANI from £39 PER PERSON After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll embark on a guided walking tour of the Getsemani neighbourhood, visiting local craftsmen who specialise in the likes of shoemaking, woodwork and tailoring. Then, you will be taking to an area known for its spectacular graffiti before stopping at a local restaurant for a drink to conclude the tour. Please note: This is a shared activity with a group of up to 14 people. The activity lasts around two and a half hours and operates from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). The excursion includes a refreshing drink and pick-up from your hotel only.
CARTAGENA OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
THE MAGIC OF GETSEMANI AT NIGHT from £79 PER PERSON You’ll be picked up at your hotel at night for a walking tour of Getsemani to admire the streets decorated with graffiti before witnessing the street shows on Trinidad Square. The tour continues to the 1968 Salsa Show Bar where you’ll enjoy live entertainment and a delicious dinner. Please note: This is a shared activity of up to 14 people and operates from Monday to Saturday (excluding holidays), lasting between two and three hours. Dinner and pick-up from your hotel only are included.
CARTAGENA ON CANVAS from £79 PER PERSON After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll begin a guided tour through the modern and old city of Cartagena, including a photo opportunity at El Castillo de San Felipe. You’ll then be transferred to a workshop where you’ll have the chance to learn about great Cartagena painters and let a master painter guide you into creating a canvas painting of one of the monuments visited on the earlier tour. You’ll be able to take your painting home. Please note: This is a shared activity with a group of up to 14 people. The activity lasts around four hours and operates from Monday to Sunday. Return transfers to your hotel and a refreshing drink is included.
CARTAGENA OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
SALSA DANCING IN CARTAGENA from £39 PER PERSON After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of downtown Cartagena. The tour concludes with a salsa class at a local dance academy led by a professional teacher. Please note: This is a shared activity with a group of up to 14 people. The activity lasts around two hours and operates from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). Pick-up from yuor hotel only is included.
GESTEMANI TOUR WITH A RUM AND CHOCOLATE TASTING from £79 PER PERSON After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll embark on a 45-minute guided walking tour of the Getsemani neighbourhood. Afterwards, you’ll visit a bar where an expert mixologist will take you through the tasting of eight Colombian rums accompanied by complementary chocolate. Please note: This is a shared activity with a group of up to 14 people. The activity lasts around two and a half hours and operates from Monday to Friday (excluding holidays). Pick-up from your hotel only is included.
SALSA DANCING AT THE BARS OF CARTAGENA from £79 PER PERSON You’ll be transferred from your hotel to a local dancing academy to learn the basics of Latin salsa dancing by a professional teacher. Afterwards, you’ll be able to apply your new knowledge on a tour of the several salsa bars and clubs in the city led by the salsa instructors themselves. You can enjoy either a cocktail or a local beer on your journey through Cartagena. Please note: This is a shared activity with a group of up to 14 people. The activity lasts around three hours and operates from Thursday to Saturday. Pick-up only from your hotel, salsa bar tickets and one cocktail or local beer are included.
Fleetway is a well-established company which has been successfully in business for over 45 years. Our aim is to supply bespoke luxury holidays at market leading prices. Our dedication to quality and customer service, we believe, is unparalleled and all travel services sold to our customers are fully protected, financially and otherwise, under our ATOL and ABTA licences, furthermore for additional protection we issue ATOL certificates with every holiday booked with us.
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PLEASE NOTE that the local Operator reserves the right to make minor changes to the itinerary and trip arrangements (including flights, transport, hotels or other services). In case of significant changes, all clients will be informed prior to departure. Available limited time only | Published in JANUARY 2020
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