Marvelous Bogota and Cartagena

Make your way to the International Airport to board your flight to Colombia. Enjoy in-flight meals and services. Upon arrival, you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore this city at your own pace. Colombia's captivating capital is a nine-million-metropolis that stretches over 40 km from north to south and 20 km from east to west. Situated in the center of the country and 2650 meters above sea level, Bogotá is the raised and rising economic and industrial powerhouse of the country. The national legislature, the Supreme Court of Justice, and the residence of the President of the Republic (Casa de Nariño) reside here, surrounding the grand Plaza de Bolivar in Bogota's picturesque historic center. Here in \"La Candelaria\", colorfully painted colonial buildings house excellent museums and galleries, libraries, and cafés, all set against the magnificent backdrop of the Andean Mountains which lie east of the city. The Monserrate Church and the Virgin of Guadalupe reside here on the mountain tops and overlook Bogota. They offer the most incredible views across the maze of buildings, buses, and barrios, showcasing the eclectic mix of modern and historic and an increasingly cosmopolitan city.

Overnight in Bogota

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken on a tour of the city. This tour will start in the Plaza de Bolívar (the city’s main square), which is surrounded by federal government buildings, and continue into the old colonial part of the city better known as “La Candelaria”, the San Francisco Church, and the Gold Museum. The tour will end with a trip in a cable car to the top of Monserrate Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the city.

Overnight in Bogota

Optional: Half Day Tour Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Colombia is the land of Magical Realism and its sights alone do justice to the claim. On our tour into the high plains north of Bogota we visit a true masterpiece: the unique salt cathedral of Zipaquirá. The impressive piece of ecclesiastical "architecture" was carved out of a salt mine 120 meters below the ground in the fifties. We round off our visit with a stent to the village of Zipaquirá itself. Located about 50 km north of Bogotá it offers enchanting sights as we walk across its main square.

At the arranged time you will be transferred to the Armenia airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Head on a tour of the city. This fascinating half-day tour will start at the Convent of La Popa* (the highest point in the city) and continue to the Castillo de San Felipe, an immense fort filled with history and mysteries hidden in its stonewalled tunnels. Leaving the castle, visit the monument of Zapatos Viejos — the “Old Shoes”. The most impressive monument is the gigantic defensive wall that surrounds the old city and overlooks the sea and its well-preserved colonial architecture. During the rest of your visit, you will see the city’s churches, museums, plazas, restaurants, shops, and jewelry stores. This combination of treasures makes Cartagena deserving of the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site! You will never forget this wonderful destination.

*Note: If La Popa is closed, this visit will be replaced with the San Pedro Claver Convent.

Overnight in Cartagena

Today you will have a full day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or unwind on the beach. Cartagena de Indias was founded in 1533 and is probably the most attractive city in South America today. The old part of the city is also called “the walled city”, where Cartagena conserves the beauty of its' colonial past. Narrow streets flanked by heavy oak doors, gorgeous, flowered balconies, and friendly and welcoming people give Cartagena the perfect combination of colonial history and cultural attractions. Beautiful beaches close by, such as the Rosario Islands, invite visitors with their crystal-clear waters and the wide variety of tours and excursions there are to choose from.

Overnight in Cartagena

Optional: FD Isla San Pedro de Majagua Incl. Lunch
You depart from the peer "Muelle de la Bodeguita" by speedboat and head over to the Rosario Islands. Your destination: The picture-perfect Caribbean island Isla Grande complete with clear waters, white sandy beaches and palm trees. Upon arrival at the island you are greeted with a delicious fruit cocktail. Today's program is to relax, soak in that Caribbean sun and enjoy the activities offered on the island (not included) like e.g. snorkeling. Your stay on the island includes a typical lunch featuring coconut rice and fish and a dessert. In the afternoon we return to Cartagena.

Notes: Port taxes will not be included (USD 12 pp to be paid locally); This tour does not include hotel pick up or drop off (unless you buy the tour including private transfers) and you will have to meet the group/tour guide in Muelle de la Bodeguita; The trip will be conducted in the company of an international group of tourists, under the supervision of a bilingual guide; The entrance to the aquarium costs 13 USD per person and will not be included. Please note that there’s no individual tour guide on board — just a general one for the whole group.

Optional: Rum Tasting with Chocolat in Getsemaní
Tour duration: 1 hour approx.

The Spaniards transformed America by bringing new goods and customs to the continent. On the other hand, we Americans took many of them and transformed them, to create an identity and product of our own. This is the case of sugar cane, which was taken to another level, and today is the base of one of the most exquisite drinks in the world. Venture into a fun world learning about the Caribbean's most famous drink, RUM. We pick you up from your hotel and start our tour walking to the picturesque neighborhood of Getsemani. In the Bar El Arsenal we meet with Abraham Dau, who owns the most complete collection of Colombian rums in the country, and is considered one of the best 5 mixologists in Colombia. On this journey of flavors we will try 8 different Colombian rums, cataloged as the best in the world - some as shots, others we sip, and others in cocktails. This whole explosion of flavors is accompanied by the best Colombian chocolate; a combination that you will surely never forget.

Includes: walking transfer hotel-bar-hotel (hotels located in the Historical Center or Getsemaní), welcome cocktail, 8 Colombian rum drinks, ES/EN mixologist and full availability of the place, water, taxes.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. At the arranged time, you will be transferred to Cartagena Airport for your departure flight.