Classic Colombia

Fly to Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, set more than 2,590m above sea level. Founded by conquistadors in the 16th century, Bogotá today is a modern metropolis with a moderate year-round climate. On arrival at El Dorado International Airport meet your A&K representative who will transfer you to your colonial style accommodation in walking distance of the gourmet zone recognised for its wide selection of restaurants. Stroll out on your own, soak up the cool European atmosphere filled with museums, street art, markets and cafés, and perhaps even taste your first unforgettable Colombian coffee.

Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá

Explore Bogotá, starting at Paloquemao Market, a colourful canvas of fruits and culinary ingredients, food stalls serving local delicacies and displays of native flowers. Proceed to La Candelaria, the oldest part of the city, distinguished by its many colonial-era buildings. Visit the nearby main square of Bogotá and the Plaza de Bolivar, surrounded by some of the country’s most important and iconic buildings, including the National Capitol, the Palace of Justice, the neoclassical Cathedral Basilica of Bogotá and Primada de Colombia. Continue to the Botero Museum, housed in a restored colonial mansion. Peruse its impressive collection, featuring numerous works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero as well as pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Monet and others.

Next, discover the celebrated Gold Museum, the world's largest collection (over 34,000 dazzling pieces) of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts, which you observe up close alongside your guide. After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, journey to Monserrate, located in the hills to the east of the city. Ascend this 3,048m peak by funicular railway or cable car to take in inspiring vistas of the city.

Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá | Meals: B

Fly to Armenia, in Colombia’s renowned coffee region, and continue to a coffee plantation for an immersive visit. Discover the heritage of Colombia´s coffee culture as you enjoy a guided walk through the fields and facilities, learning about the entire coffee production process and taking part in a tasting that challenges you to differentiate between coffee qualities. Finish with a wonderful cup of coffee as you look out over a breathtaking landscape.

Hacienda Bambusa | Meals: B

Visit one of the most emblematic sites of the coffee region, the majestic Cocora Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a walk guided by an expert who explains the site’s importance as a haven for the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree. Afterwards, explore the municipality of Salento, walking its colourful streets, visiting the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint and perusing local handicrafts. Continue to Filandia, a fine example of the architectural conservation underway across the region. Cap off your visit with a stroll through the town and a drink in its picturesque square.

Hacienda Bambusa | Meals: B

Fly to Medellín, located in the fertile green hills of the Antioquia region. Known as the City of Eternal Spring due to its idyllic climate, Medellín is a city fizzing with civic pride, arts and innovation. On arrival meet your A&K representative who will transfer you to your boutique accommodation. Drop your bags, unwind on the rooftop terrace, or step out to visit the craft stalls at El Poblado Park.

El Cielo Hotel | Meals: B

Explore Parque San Antonio, also known as La Plazoleta, where there are 23 sculptures by the famous local artist Fernando Botero before visiting the Museum of Antioquia to marvel at its pre-Columbian treasures.

Continue on to one of the oldest parts of the city and the Plazuela de San Ignacio to see the baroque San Ignacio Church and statues of historical figures. Visit a number of Medellín's beautiful public parks, including the modern Parque de las Luces, and pass by the Metropolitan Theatre and the government buildings in the Alpujarra area.

Next, ride on the Metrocable gondola lift system for views over the once-notorious neighbourhood of Santo Domingo Savio, and now an example of the social transformation the city has undergone. Stop in the Comuna 13 neighbourhood to learn more about public renovation projects undertaken here and visit a business they positively impacted. Finally, Ride Like a Local by tram and cable car, which have greatly improved community accessibility.

El Cielo Hotel | Meals: B

Journey to picturesque Guatape, admiring breathtaking Antioquia along the way. Stroll Guatape’s cobblestoned streets past colourful pastel-painted buildings, admire the beautiful surrounding scenery, and view massive Peñol rock — believed to be a meteorite — situated in the middle of the city’s scenic reservoir. For the adventurous, climb up its 654 steps (additional cost) to the top for a fantastic view of the surrounding area.

After lunch, explore the area further on a boat trip around the reservoir before returning back to Medellín.

El Cielo Hotel | Meals: BL

Private transfer to Medellín airport for your flight to the vibrant port city of Cartagena, the jewel in Colombia’s crown. Considered one of the most exquisite colonial cities in Latin America, it is famous for its pastel-coloured colonial-era architecture, bougainvillea draped balconies, cobbled streets and the grand churches of its old walled city. On arrival you will be met by an A&K representative and transported to your luxury small hotel at the heart of Cartagena’s handsome old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This afternoon, sample dishes served from small stalls in every corner of the old city, the heritage of the Spanish, African, Arab and Chinese immigrants who shaped Cartagena’s culinary culture. Savour the melting pot of influences found in each bite and taste the original versions of the recipes that have inspired today’s Colombian cuisine.

Casa San Agustin | Meals: B

Starting at the imposing Castle San Felipe Barajas. Walk around the fortress to learn about its construction and explore the underground galleries, tunnels and passageways. Continue to Cartagena's colonial walled city and walk its picturesque streets and plazas. Visit the church of San Pedro Claver, with its fine collection of stained-glass windows, as well as Bolivar Park, an urban oasis surrounded by elegant balconied buildings, majestic shade trees and four fountains offering peaceful background ambience. In the centre of the square is an equestrian statue of Simon Bolívar, the Venezuelan-born soldier and statesman who spearheaded Latin America’s liberation from Spanish rule.

Stop at the Inquisition Palace, which has a magnificent baroque entrance hall and torture chambers where presumed heretics were tried and executed and visit the 16th-century cathedral.  

Casa San Agustin | Meals: B

Departing by speedboat from the city, travel though the Bay of Cartagena and past the twin forts of the San Jose and San Fernando out into the Caribbean Sea to the sun-splashed Rosario Islands. Surrounded by clear waters and some of the best coral reefs in Colombia, the islands now form a national park. Enjoy an opportunity to relax on white-sand beaches, swim or snorkel before returning to Cartagena in the afternoon.

Casa San Agustin | Meals: B

Private transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: B