Classic Colombia

Cartagena - Colombia's Caribbean jewel

You are met on arrival in Cartagena, Colombia's Caribbean jewel of history and culture, where you stay for the next 3 nights at a restored colonial property in the heart of the historic quarter.

Full day exploring Cartagena's history and culture

Today enjoy a full day exploring Cartagena with a local guide, including some of its most notable sights. You'll visit Convento de La Popa, perched high on a hilltop with fabulous panoramic views over the city, the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fort - the most extensive colonial Spanish military complex in the Americas, and Iglesia de San Pedro Claver. After lunch continue to other key sites in the Old City including Bolivar Park, the Inquisition Palace and Santo Domingo church, and end in the boho/arty Getsemani neighbourhood.

A free day for you to explore Cartagena independently. Perhaps some galleries or museums not included in your tour yesterday, or book a guided excursion. Enthusiasts for Colombia's literary giant Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who had a profound connection with Cartagena, will enjoy a walking tour through the historic quarter for the narratives and flavours that inspired his magical realism. And don't leave Cartagena without enjoying a sunset drink at one of its rooftop bars with views over the city.

Colombia's 'Coffee Zone'

Today catch a direct flight to the department of Quindio in the south of the Coffee Zone which has UNESCO World Heritage recognition for its 'coffee cultural landscape'. You are met on arrival and transferred to a small country house hotel set in attractively landscaped gardens where you stay for the next 3 nights.

Valle del Cocora, Salento and Filandia

Today enjoy a guided tour exploring some of the classic highlights of the Coffee Zone, including a circular trail through cloudforest to the point where the Cocora Valley meets the Los Nevados National Park. Here you will find swathes of towering yet graceful 'Quindian wax palms', Colombia's national tree. This area is home to several species of hummingbirds and the large, endangered Yellow-eared Parrot which relies upon the wax palms for nesting and roosting. Then travel on to the picturesque colonial town of Salento, renowned for its houses with brightly painted balconies that overhang cobbled streets. You visit the main square and Cocora viewpoint, and then continue to Filandia, another traditional town, where the woven baskets are made that coffee pickers traditionally wear around their waists as they harvest the beans.

A free day in the coffee zone to relax at your hotel or choose an optional excursion in the local area.

Medellin - Colombia's dynamic metropolis and city of Eternal Spring

Today take a short 30-minute flight from Pereira to Medellin, Colombia's second largest city. Medellin is a dynamic metropolis with a wonderful 'eternal spring' climate, vibrant cultures and an innovative spirit. Here you stay for 3 nights at a comfortable hotel in the upscale 'El Poblado' commercial district.

Medillin city tour and Comuna 13 social transformation

Today your local guide meets you at your hotel to explore downtown Medellin and hear about the city's history, culture and people. You take a ride on one of the city's impressive 'Metrocable' cable car services with stunning views across the city to the San Javier neighbourhood - also known as 'Comuna 13' - which you visit next. Along its exuberant and friendly streets you hear about the profound social transformations that set the scene for the welcoming, warm-hearted and creative communities you find here now.

A free day in Medellin to explore independently or book onto a guided excursion in the city or its surroundings

Caribbean coast at Palomino

This morning you take a short flight to Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast. Here you are met and driven along the coast to Palomino, a laid-back beach destination with a palm-fringed beach of golden sands backed by lush jungle-clad mountains. Palomino is especially popular with a young international crowd who come to enjoy its boho atmosphere and explore the jungle and community-based activities possible in the area. You spend the next 5 nights at a hotel that's right on the beach.

The first of four free days to relax at your hotel, enjoy the beach, or arrange an excursion in the local area. Possibilities include surfing, hiking, horse-riding, birding, and more.

Free day.

Free day.

Free day.

Depart Colombia

Today you are privately transferred to the airport at Santa Marta in time for your onwards international flight.