Colombia will fill you with awe as you take in the well-preserved colonial homes and Spanish castle walls. Marvel at the subterranean cathedrals and a city’s rebirth seen through displays of public artwork. Your custom tailored tour will immerse you in a country unlike any other with panoramas of Bogota’s glinting rooftops set beneath Andean peaks and the unique architecture of Medellin’s public library, which resembles black boulders propped against the hillside. Whether lingering on a...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Bogota – Arrive in the Bustling Capital of Colombia
Bogota dances to the traditional rhythm of salsa music that fills the hearts and souls of Bogotanos, represented in the bright artwork that drapes over the walls of the city, on the dance floors in the vibrant clubs, and in the cafes in which the delicate aromas of tropical fruits blend with traditional flavors made anew. Your flight will land at El Dorado Airport where you will meet your private transfer at baggage claim. Your first views of the city will come in the form of the rustic-red hues of the sunlight that bounces off of the rooftops and bricks built around the residential buildings that hug the slopes of the Andean hillsides.
The green forest carpets the summit of Cerro de Monserrate as it rises out of the city’s northeast topped with an opulent church and panoramic views of the city. You can see the funicular traversing the slopes to reach the peak before returning to the hill’s base. Colonial homes border the cobblestone streets in the historical district known as La Candelaria, which was established in the 16th century. The church of San Francisco was erected in the 1560s and decorated with a large wooden altar surrounded by gold leaf-covered columns.
It is the oldest church in the city, having survived earthquakes and tumultuous governments. You will take in the riots of color draping the colonial structures of the historical neighborhood, along with adorning walls and buildings around the city. The murals share the stories of Colombia’s past and contemporary living conditions, acting as satire, political rebellion, or even cultural celebration for artists and communities across Bogota, as seen through the unique portrayal of the country’s birdlife on a wall overlooking the brick walkway of La Candelaria.
What's Included:
Day 2
Bogota – Enjoy a Historical City Tour to View the City’s Museums and Culture
Day 3
Villa de Leyva – Discover the Tiers and Layers of the Salt Cathedral
Day 4
Medellin – Tour the Charm of Villa de Leyva before Transferring to Medellin
Day 5
Medellin – Explore Medellin’s Vibrant History and Surrounding Landscape
Day 6
Cartagena – Fly to Cartagena for a Walking Tour of the Antique City Center
Day 7
Cartagena – Relish a Day at Leisure to Explore or Relax as you Prefer
Day 8
Cartagena – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Witness the cityscape of Medellin while riding the cable-metro, a network of public transit cable cars that crisscross the skyline
- Enjoy an immersive tour of Bogota’s culture with a tour that winds through the historical neighborhoods and wealth of museums, including the Gold Museum
- Travel more than 600 feet underground inside the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, located outside of Bogota and home to unique statuary
- Explore the stunning streets of Cartagena, which effortlessly blends colonial history with contemporary life accented with Caribbean Ambiance
- Discover the inspiring and distinctive artwork of Fernando Botero decorating museum galleries and public plazas across the country
- Relish a day trip around the Islas del Rosario, an archipelago off the Cartagena coast with crystal waters, white sand beaches, and snorkeling
- Visit the enchanting town of Villa de Leyva for to discover the historical charm of the colonial streets and architecture hidden in Andean plains
Detailed Description
Glamour and history, charm and delight create a vague outline of Colombia’s splendor. Cable cars crisscross Medellin’s skyline as exotic fruits fill the open-air markets across the country. Sapphire water brushes against the sandy shores of the east coast and emerald canopies carpet the Andes Mountains. Experience the music, discover the flavor and see the riotous colors during your 8-day tour and relish your immersion into a country that can only be defined by its unique charms. Your journey will begin with your arrival in Bogota, the capital of Colombia. Meet your private transfer at baggage claim before reaching your hotel located on the colonial streets of the city’s oldest neighborhood.
The next day, your guide will take you on a private tour of Bogota’s bustling streets. Visit the main square of Plaza Bolivar before discovering the beauty of the Botero Museum and the wonderment of the Gold Museum. Venture to the top of Monserrate by way of the funicular for the spectacular views of the city below. The following day, you will leave the city behind and reach the marvelous subterranean halls of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. Wander through the cavernous space to view the harmonious architecture before continuing Villa de Leyva for the evening.
After a sumptuous breakfast the next morning, your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the preserved colonial town decorated with terracotta tiles and cobblestone streets. Return to Bogota for your short flight to Medellin, where your private transfer will escort you from the airport to your luxurious hotel overlooking the bordering forest. The next day, you will have a private guided tour to discover Medellin’s past and present beauty. Stroll through Botero Sculpture Park and ride the cable car metro high above the city before visiting the botanical gardens. Travel next to Cartagena, meeting your private transfer at Rafael Nunez International Airport.
Your guide will lead you through an introductory tour of the labyrinthine streets of Old Town, taking you to Plaza de los Coches, Plaza Pedro Claver, and inside the Inquisition Palace. The next day is at your leisure to indulge in the remarkable sites and embrace the culture of Cartagena. Spend time in the cafes or wander the vibrant streets of the more contemporary neighborhood of Bocagrande. You could also take a boat ride to the archipelago known as Islas del Rosario to enjoy the sand and sun. Conclude as your private transfer meets you at your hotel and escort you to the airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$7,800 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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