Your first day is free, allowing you to arrive into the Colombian capital at any time – look for an earlier arrival if you’d like more free time to explore the area around your hotel. At whatever time you arrive at Bogotá airport, we’ll be waiting for you in the arrivals lounge to take you to your hotel in a modern, air conditioned car.

After breakfast on day two we’ll meet you in the hotel reception to begin your tour of the historic ‘La Candelaria’ centre of the city, where you’ll walk to ‘Plaza Bolivar’ with it’s impressive collection of surrounding buildings that include the National Capitol, The Palace of Justice, Liévano Palace, and the Primary Cathedral of Bogotá. Next up is a visit to the famous Gold Museum to admire one of the most impressive collections of pre-Hispanic metalwork in the world.

 
Your walking tour finishes with the visit to the colonial house museum of ‘Quinta de Bolivar’ which was the residence of Simon Bolivar after Colombia’s war of independence. Inside is an exhibition dedicated to the amazing life of this towering figure of Colombian and Latin American independence. Before lunch, to top off your feature-packed morning, we will continue by cable car to the famous lookout point on the summit Mount Montserrat, which offers unforgettable views over the whole city.

In the afternoon we’ll travel to the small town of Zipaquirá located approximately one hour from your hotel. En route through the northern districts of Bogotá you’ll appreciate the extensive urban areas full of innovative and cosmopolitan architecture, and after passing through some pre-Columbian era towns, we’ll arrive at Zipaquirá city – home of the famous underground Salt Cathedral. Upon descending (200 m / 650 ft) into this old salt mine you will appreciate why this impressive underground tour-de-force of architectural beauty and engineering prowess is a sacred place of pilgrimage for the Colombian people, with it’s impressive caverns, sculptures and light displays.

Your Bogotá city tour highlights include: La Candelaria, Plaza Bolivar, National Capitol, Palace of Justice, Liévano Palace, Bogotá Cathedral, Quinta de Bolivar Museum, Gold Museum, Zipaquirá, Mt Monserrat, Salt Cathedral

After being collected from your hotel in Bogota for your quick 45 min flight to the coffee region of Colombia, we’ll be waiting in to take you to your hotel of choice from a selection of the excellent ‘hacienda’ traditional hotels in this region, many of which located inside their own coffee plantations or extensive grounds. You will then have the afternoon to relax and soak in the atmosphere, or, if you prefer we can arrange an additional tour to a nearby attraction – such as Cocora Valley to see the famous
giant palm trees that are a national treasure of Colombia.

On day two, after a delicious breakfast, you will visit the excellent Recuca Coffee Farm where you will spend the morning learning about, and interacting with, the coffee farming and production process. Here you can dress up in traditional coffee farming clothes whilst learning all about the coffee producing process from bean to cup with demonstrations of how all the equipment works – both traditional and modern, plus walk among the extensive plantations, and have a go at picking some ripe coffee beans yourself.

Finally, before lunch, it’s time for the all-important coffee tasting!

 
After lunch you will visit the ‘National Coffee Park‘ to learn more about this fascinating ‘Coffee Triangle’ region of Colombia, with time to enjoy the many attractions inside this popular park which include a museum and exhibition with in-depth information all about the history of this important Colombian crop, plus gardens, forests, a traditional country house and Quindian town, an indigenous tribe burial ground… and even a theme park, with 3 roller coasters, and a cable car system & chairlift to transport you between all the many attractions. The museum and exhibition are well worth the visit in and of themselves, and the additional attractions make it a great location for families also.

Your coffee region tours include: All entrance fees, private air conditioned transport

Depending on how your domestic flights work out on day five, you might have a few free hours to relax in the peaceful grounds of your coffee farm hacienda before it’s time for us to take you to the airport for your next adventure in the Colombian Caribbean. As you might expect, the weather is warmer and more humid on the Caribbean coast, so prepare yourself for the wall of tropical heat as you walk out of the aeroplane! In Cartagena you have the option of staying in the very popular old city with it’s historic buildings, old world charm and luxury, or, if you prefer some all-inclusive resort style relaxation, we can find you a great hotel overlooking the ocean which is only ever a short taxi drive from the historic part of the city – ask us for some suggestions so you can select a hotel you’ll like – maybe you’d like to stay in 2 hotels to get the best of both worlds. Whichever options you decide on, we’ll be waiting to take you there in private air conditioned luxury when you arrive in the airport. You’ll then have the rest of the day free to relax and soak in the Caribbean atmosphere.

 
On day six, after a tasty traditional buffet breakfast, you’ll have some free time either to walk along the beaches or explore the area around your hotel in the historic center – depending on which hotel you choose. Then, after lunch, we’ll take you on a tour of Cartagena, where you’ll find out why it’s known as ‘The Magic City’ ‘The Fantastic’ and ‘The Romance Capital of America’ …among others! Your tour includes a visit to ‘Castillo San Felipe’ the impress fort built to defend the port of a once mighty empire, plus you’ll climb up to the convent on Cero de Popa, offering you excellent views out over the city – both old and new. We’ll also take you on a quick walking tour of the historic center as an introduction before you have your more in-depth tour tomorrow (there is a lot to see!). Last stop for the day is a visit to an emerald workshop and museum where you’ll learn how they make beautiful jewelry, by hand, with some time free at the end to pick up some original souvenirs, should you wish to.

Ask your guide for some great restaurant suggestions at the end of your tour so that you can make the most of your evening in Cartagena, the old city looks beautiful when lit up at night and the atmosphere in the narrow cobbled streets in the evenings is unforgettable.

Your tour includes: All entrance fees, private air conditioned transport.

On day seven we’ll take you an a more in-depth tour of this incredible city, since there is so much to see and learn that one half day tour can never do it justice. You’ll visit all the main areas of interest that we didn’t have time for yesterday, including some often overlooked gems that don’t draw the crowds like some of the more well known plazas and buildings – all the while learning about the rich history of this magical and historic place from your passionate local guide – who can, of course, speak fluent English.

From it’s pre-Colombian beginnings, to it’s heyday as a prosperous trade hub for the Spanish Empire and beyond – Cartagena isn’t just a pretty face, it has a fascinating history also. Make sure you have plenty of free space on your camera, because you’ll be stopping to take photos every few minutes, guaranteed!

 
Day eight is a free day at your leisure. If you are in one of the all inclusive beach resort hotels then you might like to have at least one full day (and the rest!) to take full advantage. Alternatively, you may want to have the day free to walk within the old city walls and pick up some souvenirs and savour some delicious local cuisine in one of the numerous fine restaurants. Or you might like to add one of the many additional tours we have available in and around Cartagena, such as a boat trip to the unique and idyllic tropical paradise of the Rosario Islands, or the spectacularly beautiful and expansive Tayrona National Park – which we highly recommend as an optional add-on. There is so much to see and do here that you may want to consider adding an extra day or more to give you time to see more of this truly unforgettable part of Colombia.

Your in-depth city tour includes: All entrance fees, private air conditioned transport.