DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Colombia
Depart for Colombia. Arrive in Medellín, named the "City of Eternal Spring" because of its year-round mild temperatures; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Medellín
DAY 2, Saturday - Medellín City Tour
This morning, take a tour of the city. Arrive at Botero Plaza, accented by the artist's metal sculptures and home to the Museo de Antioquia with its collection of Botero's paintings. Continue to Barefoot Park, a zen-inspired public area that encompasses a small bamboo forest and sandy areas. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free, or join the optional tour to the Santa Elena area, one of the most typical "Antioqueño" towns, where the "Silleteros" tradition, linked to the flower production of the area, was born. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner
Optional: Half Day Santa Elena (PM)
Overnight: Medellín
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3, Sunday - Full Day in Medellín
Spend a full day at leisure, or join the full day optional Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol. Drive through the Eastern Highlands of Antioquia to the Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol), a 656-foot high monolith, with the opportunity to climb more than 700 stairs to reach the top for panoramic views of Guatapé Lake and the surrounding mountains. Continue with a visit to the town of Guatapé. After lunch, take a boat ride on Lake Guatapé. Return to the hotel in Medellin
Optional: Full Day Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol
Overnight: Medellín
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Monday - Flight to Cartagena
Depart Medellín on a flight to Cartagena. Embark on a city tour this afternoon. See expansive views of the city as you make your way to the San Felipe castle-fortress. At the walled city, walk through the multicolored houses and buildings of the Old City of Cartagena. Then, on to "The Vaults", archways built in the late 1700's, within the walled city that were used to store armaments. Remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Cartagena
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Tuesday - Full Day in Cartagena
Today is at leisure, or participate in the optional Emerald Jewelry Workshop. Learn the art of jewelry making from trained craftsmen at FEJOCAR, a private non-profit jewelry school. Upon completion of the class, you will receive a diploma and one piece of jewelry that you designed. In the afternoon, perhaps participate in the optional half day Bird-watching at the Colombian National Aviary. During the tour, enjoy a refreshing drink or ice cream before returning to Cartagena
Optional: Emerald Jewelry Workshop (AM)
Optional: Half Day Bird-watching at the Colombian National Aviary (PM)
Overnight: Cartagena
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Wednesday - Flight to Bogota
A morning flight takes you to the city of Bogota. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, or join the optional tour to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, built within the chambers of a salt mine, located more than 500 feet beneath the surface. After your visit stop by the café, located in one of the underground tunnels, to have a delicious Colombian coffee before returning to Bogota
Optional: Half Day Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (PM)
Overnight: Bogota ▲
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Thursday - Bogota City Tour
This morning, embark on a city tour of Bogota. Visit the colonial section of La Candelaria. Stop at Plaza de Bolivar, Palace of Congress, the Cardinal's Palace and the colonial church of El Sagrario. Afterward, on to the Gold Museum with its collection of pre-Hispanic native gold crafts. Then, time permitting, stop to play an energetic local game of Tejo*, the national sport of Colombia. Learn how to play and try your hand at throwing the disk. This afternoon, spend time at leisure, or take the optional Funicular Train Ride** that transports you up to Monserrate Mountain, offering panoramic views of downtown Bogota. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
*Colombian laws prohibit all people under 18 from entering places where tejo is played
**Funicular train ride may be substituted with a cable car ride without notice
Optional: Monserrate Funicular Train Ride (PM)
Overnight: Bogota
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Friday - Depart Colombia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Colombian highlands may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider.
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