Colombia: A Big Surprise

Colombia: A Big Surprise

Our newest destination is a rising star on the South American continent. The country of Botero and Garcia Marques has borders both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean and has so much to offer the visitor. Beautiful colonial cities, spectacular countryside as well as tropical Caribbean islands. What makes this  country so special is that tourism has barely developed. You will notice the warm hospitality and charming small boutique hotels. Please come and visit!

Program

Day 1: Amsterdam – Bogota
Arrival at the airport and transfer to the capital Bogota. Overnight in Hotel Morrison, located in Bogota’s lively nightlife district, in the immediate vicinity of lovely restaurants, shops and the nightlife.

Day 2: Bogota
A guided walking tour  through La Candelaria, Bogota’s historic centre with it’s historic Spanish mansions, beautiful squares, churches and palaces. The main square is Plaza Bolivar and not far from here you will find the Museo Botero. And don’t forget to visit the beautifully designed Museo de Oro.

Day 3: Bogota – Villa de Leyva
Today you will depart by private car with a driver and your first visit will be to the salt cathedral at Zipaquirá.  The journey then continues to Villa de Leyva, located at an altitude of 2,140 m and is one of the most beautiful Andean towns in the country.

Day 4: Villa de Leyva
Today you will visit Villa de Leyva, its churches and the Plaza Mayor, that is with 14,000 m2 the largest square in the country. The tour will then continue with a visit to the observatory El Infiernito.

Day 5: Villa de Leyva – Bogota – Santa Marta
Today you will return to Bogotá for drop off at the airport for your flight to Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. After arrival, transfer to Tayrona National Park for a wonderful stay at the seaside in the Eco Habs, with cabanas with nice sea views.

Day 6,7 & 8: Tayrona National Park
The 15,000-hectare Tayrona nature reserve runs partially along the coast and is home to over 300 bird species, 770 plant species and is an important nesting area for sea turtles. Explore the park via the landscaped walking paths.

Day 9: Santa Marta – Cartagena
Transfer to Cartagena, to stay in the most beautiful city in South America. Founded in 1533 by the Spaniards, Cartagena was an important transit port for the gold treasures from South America and had to be protected from pirates and robbers. Overnight in La Passion.

Day 10 & 11: Cartagena de Indias
The historic centre of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its beautiful colonial houses, charming squares and narrow streets which were built by the Spaniards. Cartagena can be compared to Seville, but then with a Caribbean atmosphere. There are a wide choice of restaurants, shops, cafes and nightlife.

Day 12: Cartagena – Rosario Island
By boat to Isla del Rosario, a tropical island and the perfect place to relax. Overnight in San Pedro de Majagua (can also be booked as a day trip).

Day 13: Rosario Island
The Parque Nacional Natural Corales del Rosario is one of 46 national parks in Colombia and was founded in order to protect beautiful coral reefs. There are three ecosystems along the coast with lagoons, mangroves and tropical forests. It is the ideal place for water sports such as diving, walks with an eco-guide, a canoe or a bicycle tour.

Day 14: Rosario Island – Cartagena
Boat transfer from San Pedro de Majagua for the return to Cartegena and transfer to Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara, one of the finest hotels in the city. It is housed in a monastery dating from 1621 and still largely intact. With a lovely pool and spa.

Day 15: Cartegena – Amsterdam
Afternoon transfer from Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara to the airport for your return flight

Price from € 3500 per person including flights, 14 x overnights in charming hotels with breakfast, excursions by private car with driver, two domestic flights.

 

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