Day 2 – Bogotá - In the Footsteps of the Past - Colourful Markets, Pre-Columbian Ritual Objects & the Monastery on the Mountain

The capital of Colombia is located at an altitude of 2640m, on a high plateau in the Andes. Due to its proximity to the equator, the weather is spring-like all year round. In the morning, we will start our short city tour with a visit to the Paloquemao Market. In the market, we will be able to take in the scent of colourful flowers and to taste various exotic fruits. Afterwards, we'll pay a visit to the world-famous Gold Museum. Here, we will come close to the myth of "El Dorado" (The City of Gold), as we will be able to marvel at over 38,000 of the museum's gold objects - the silent witnesses to history.
After this, we will take a stroll through the Plaza Bolivar - the very place where the Colombian independence movement originated in the early 19th century. From here, we will continue to the birthplace of the city of Bogotá: The Plaza Del Chorro Del Quevedo.
In the afternoon, we will pamper ourselves in the hotel's wellness area, with various health and beauty treatments, such as with the chocolate or aromatherapy. A sauna, whirlpool and Turkish steam bath will also invite you to relax.
In the evening, once we're fresh and revitalised, we will take a trip on a cable car to the local mountain Monserrate. Up here at 3200m and seated at the Santa Clara Restaurant, we will be able to enjoy a magnificent view of the illuminated metropolis. This restaurant was built in the village of Usaquien in 1924 and then moved all the way up the mountain some 50 years later.
Overnight stay again at ****Hotel De La Opera. Today a vast and varied breakfast is included at the hotel.
Travel time: 70 min (17 km), Walking time: 50 min (2 km), Cable car ride 2x 15 min.

Day 3 – Let's Go to Where the Coffee Grows!

A one-hour, morning flight will take us to Armenia - the centre of Colombian coffee farming. On the way to our accommodation, we will stop at a coffee farm and learn more about the coffee production process, all the way from its harvesting to its export. Here, we will also find out why the Colombian coffee from this area is one of the best highland coffees in the world.
We will also walk around the plantation to have a look at the seedlings, saplings and fully grown coffee bushes. After this, the processing of the harvested fruits will be explained to us. And of course, we will also have the opportunity to taste different types of coffee.
We will spend the late afternoon at a very special hotel, which boasts a magnificent view of the surrounding coffee plantations. Here, you'll be able to admire how the architecture harmonises beautifully with the surrounding nature. The suites are nestled in the vegetation and have large windows and terraces as well as bathrooms, with mountain or forest views. They also have green rooftops, fit for stargazing, as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi. The hotel's own Restaurant & Bar - "Basto" - serves locally inspired, slow-food cuisine with local ingredients.
Overnight stay at **** Bio Habitat Hotel (Grand Master Suite). Today a vast and varied breakfast is included at the hotel.
Driving time: 70 min (50 km), walking time: 60 min (2 km), flying time: 1h.

Day 4 – In a Vintage Jeep through the "Zona Cafetera", to the Most Beautiful Colonial Villages

After a leisurely breakfast at the coffee hacienda, we will head to Filandia, a small, picturesque colonial town.
There, we will explore its small streets, which are surrounded by colourful houses with lovingly plant-adorned balconies. From the Mirador de Filandia, a viewing tower, you will be able to look out over the entire surrounding landscape. We will also be able to enjoy coffee and cake at the Helena Adentro Restaurant, before continuing on through the Cocora Valley to Salento.
The magical Cocora Valley is one of the most scenic places in the country. Venturing into the cloud forest of the valley, we will be able to admire the national tree of Colombia, which grows up to 60 metres in height: The Wax Palm.
Afterwards, we will all board a coffee region staple - the vintage, World War II jeeps called: "Willy's". During our one-hour, leisurely drive, which will include several stops, we will pass along romantic dirt roads and through a hilly landscape until we reach Salento. Salento is a dreamy colonial town, with the typical architecture of the coffee region.
In the town's small shops, beautiful boutiques and jewellery factories, we will be able to see everything that can and is made from the coffee bush. We will stroll through the colourful alleys and shops and be able to admire the architecture typical of its settlers, from the late 19th century. Within the main square, you'll likely notice a line of small huts and from them you will be able to get the best, fresh giant trout with fried bananas. All the food here is home-made and we'll be spoilt for choice!
In the "Calle Real", 250 steps will lie before us and will lead us to the viewpoint "Alto de la Cruz". From there, we will have an excellent view of the Cocora Valley and the beautiful mountain landscape of Los Nevados National Natural Park.
Overnight stay again at **** Bio Habitat Hotel (Grand Master Suite). Today a vast and varied à la carte breakfast is included at the hotel.
Travel time: 120 min (80 km), Walking time: 40 min (1 km).

Day 5 – The Largest Salt Cathedral in the World & the "Summer Residence" of the Bishops

After finishing our breakfast on the sun terrace of our colonial hacienda, it will be a half-hour drive to the airport in Armenia, from where we will take a scheduled flight back to the capital. Once in Bogotá, we will drive 90 minutes further north, to the city of Zipaquirá, which boasts a beautiful colonial old town and several 18th century buildings.
There, we will take a walk, deep into a salt mine, where we will be able to marvel at the city's unique Salt Cathedral - its cloister and massive chapels are quarried completely out of the salt rock there. All the stations along our path are differently designed and make use of an interplay of light and shadow in the vaults of its galleries. Finally, we will reach the actual cathedral, complete with a centre which reaches up to 25 metres in height, and two side aisles.
After visiting the Salt Cathedral, we will then drive towards Tunja and, there, at the Sisga Reservoir, we will have the opportunity to try a locally famous fried trout dish.
The nearby bridge - Puente de Boyacá - is the very place where, in 1819, Simón Bolívar won a final and decisive battle against the Spanish colonial rulers. Here, our tour guide will have some thrilling stories to tell!
From there, it is only a short way to the town of Villa de Leyva. In colonial times, this town was the "Summer Residence" of the bishops, who visited here from the colder city of Tunja. In Villa de Leyva, you'll be able to see how the spacious and ecclesiastical buildings, in which the bishops stayed in, are preserved in an excellent state to this day. Finally and to end the day, we will have a relaxing break at one of the small, local pubs at the large Plaza Mayor.
Overnight stay at ****Boutique Hotel Casa Terra, an 18th century colonial building in the heart of the colonial centre of the town.
Today a vast and varied à la carte breakfast is included.
Driving time: 270 min (230 km), walking time: 120 min (4 km), flying time: 1h.

Day 6 – Paleontological Fossils, the Augustinian Monastery of La Candelaria & the Colourful Pottery Village of Ráquira

In the early morning, we will explore the surroundings of Villa de Leyva with a walk of just under an hour through the hills. It will be an easy ascent up the path to a beautiful view over the city and the surrounding area.
Those of us who will prefer to sleep longer will be picked up by our bus afterwards. The first stop of the day will then be the Palaeontological Research Centre. The collection of fossils found in the area provide a fascinating picture of this present-day mountain region, that was a coastal landscape one hundred million years ago.
After this visit, we will drive on to the Augustinian Monastery La Candelaria, which was built in the 17th century. The inner courtyards of the monastery will be a special highlight.
Of course, we will also make a short stop in Ráquira, a small, very colourful town that traditionally lives from pottery. In Ráquira, will visit a pottery workshop, where we will have the opportunity to make small candle holders ourselves.
Later in the afternoon, there will also be plenty of time to explore the many, small handicraft shops in Villa de Leyva.
Overnight stay again at ****Boutique Hotel Casa Terra
Today a vast and varied breakfast is included at the hotel.
Travel time: 30 min (10 km), Walking time: 80 min (2 km).

Day 7 – Through Palm groves & Tobacco Plantations to the Picturesque, Dreamy Colonial Village of Barichara

On this day, we will gradually move from the highlands to warmer areas. From Villa de Leyva, the road will first run through lush green pastureland all the way to the town of Arcabuco. From there, the road will then wind through a narrow gorge, before opening up towards the river: Río Suárez. Travelling on the slopes of the Suárez Valley, at an altitude of between 1000 and 1500 metres, our road will then lead us, through Barbosa, to the town of San Gil.
On our way, there will always be opportunities to stop and, for example, to see a traditional sugar mill or to try the typical guava jam and cuajada con melao (cottage cheese with syrup). The Caseteja near Oiba is famous for this speciality. From San Gil, it will be another half hour's drive to the town of Barichara.
Barichara is a very well-preserved, colonial town and it is considered to be the most beautiful town in Colombia. High above the canyon of the Río Suárez, this town lies at an altitude of 1300m and boasts a constantly pleasant temperature of approximately 26°C.
Overnight stay in the ****Hotelvilla Yahri, in the middle of the "La Loma" District, the most exclusive area of Barichara. A vast and varied breakfast is included at the hotel today.
Travel time: 280 min (220 km), Walking time: 20 min (1 km).

Day 8 – Walk along the King's Path to the Relic Collection of the Guane Indians

Equipped with sun hats, sunscreen, good shoes and water, we will hike downhill on the "Camino Real". The Camino Royal is a royal cobblestone path, which was built over two centuries ago and once connected the capital Bogotá with the Caribbean coast. On this path, will be able to enjoy several magnificent panoramic views over the Valley of the Rio Suarez. Those who prefer to "take it easy" are also very welcome to take our bus to our next destination!
Our next destination will be the town of Guane. Nowadays, Guane is an almost forgotten place, but was once the centre of the indigenous tribe of the same name. In the local Palaeontological Museum of the Guane Indians, with its extraordinary fossil finds as well as a collection of mummies, we will be able to delve deeper into the town's local history. Guane is also known for another delicacy, namely "sabajon", a creamy liqueur, which we will be able to taste there in all the different flavours it comes in.
In the afternoon, we will visit a small cigar factory and afterwards everyone will be able to explore this atmospheric small town on their own. Alternatively, you will also be able to simply have a good cup of coffee and a piece of cake on the main square in front of the local sandstone church and take in the local and colourful hustle and bustle of the day.
For dinner, for those who like to try out new things, we will be able to taste the local speciality "Hormigas Culonas", which literally means "big assed ants". These types of leaf-cutter ants are available roasted or, for example, served in sauce with a steak. Hmm... delicious!!
Overnight stay again at ****Hotelvilla Yahri. Today a vast and varied breakfast is included at the hotel.
Journey time: 20-40 min (13-26 km), Walking time: 0-160 min (0-10 km).

Day 9 – Off to Cartagena, the Colombian "Pearl of the Caribbean"

On this day, we will take a morning tour of Barichara, walking past whitewashed houses and through its cobbled streets. There is always something interesting to discover in its numerous small galleries and handicraft workshops. From the elevated, simple Chapel of Santa Bárbara, we will be able to have a beautiful view over the village. We will also visit a small paper factory, where paper is made from agave and pineapple fibres.
In the afternoon, we will drive across the Mesa de Los Santos Plateau to Bucaramanga Airport, from where we will travel to Cartagena, which lies on the Caribbean coast.
In colonial times, Cartagena was once the archetype of a Caribbean port: Nowhere was more money earned from sugar cane, gold and the slave trade - and no port was so often raided by pirates. To the present day, the city has remained very multicultural. Creole-Spanish, Indigenous and African influences characterise the cityscape. The city's omnipresent aroma of Caribbean cuisine and the hot rhythms of the local cumbia music provide a constant positive sensory overload.
Overnight stay at *****Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena. Today a vast and varied breakfast is included at the hotel. Travel time: 220 min (150 km)
Walking time: 80 min (2 km), flying time: 80min.

Day 10 – Tour of the Colonial Centre & Great Shopping in Pirate City

We will start this day with a drive up the hill of La Popa. Augustinian monks built a monastery on this highest point in the Cartagena area in the 16th century. From here, we will have a great overview of the Bay of Cartagena - which was once the most important colonial port city of the Spanish in South America.
Afterwards, we will visit the Fortress of San Felipe. This fortress was built by the Spanish to protect the rich Cartagena from attacks from the mainland. The Inca treasures looted by the Spaniards, and the gold and silver treasures from the mines of Peru and Bolivia, were temporarily stored in Cartagena before their shipment to Spain. In the winding corridors of the fortress, we will undoubtedly feel transported back into its history. After our visit there, we will walk back to the colonial old town.
In the afternoon, there will be plenty of time for a romantic carriage ride (costs included!) and a stroll through Cartagena's alleys, along the city wall or through its trendy districts. One such district is Getsemani - where delicious aguardiente (typical Colombian cocktails) are offered by small artfully improvised bars directly into the streets. In the many salsa bars in Getsemani, you will be able to turn the night into day. Here you'll feel free to let yourself be enchanted by the Caribbean rhythm of life!
Overnight stay again at *****Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena. Today, a vast and varied breakfast is included at the hotel.
Journey time: 40 min (10 km), Walking time: 90 min (2 km).

Day 11 – Culinary Exploration with the Costeños!

Already in the morning, a culinary experience will be waiting for us! We will visit the Bazurto Market, which rewards daredevils with some of the freshest seafood in Colombia and an immersion into the culinary culture of the Costeños. After sampling exotic fruits and juices, we will also be able to try some typical street food within this walled city of Cartagena.
But first, we will have the opportunity to have a cup of coffee in Getsemaní, the bohemian corner of the city. There, we will also be able to try some fried carimañolas with agua de coco. We will end the tour at the Portal de los Dulces, where a variety of sweet desserts will be on offer.
Together with an experienced chef, we will later prepare a three-course lunch using many of the delicious ingredients we will have seen during the day. What do you think about a ceviche as a starter, and Posta Cartagenera, with Arroz con Coco as the main course?
On this afternoon, there will also be plenty of time for your own activities, for some shopping in the old town or for simply relaxing by the hotel's beautiful pool!
In a bar, on top of the mighty city wall, we will be able to watch the sun dip, glowing red into the sea before we will give ourselves over to the rhythm in a small salsa dance school and prove that we too can dance.
Overnight stay again at *****Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena. Today a vast and varied breakfast at the hotel and a self-prepared lunch are included.
Journey time: 40 min (10 km), Walking time: 60 min (1 km).

Day 12 – Through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, to the Caribbean Beaches of the Tayrona National Park.

On this day, as we drive along Colombia's Caribbean coast, we will every now and then be able to catch glimpses of the sparkling turquoise sea. Finally, we will reach the city of Santa Marta, the oldest surviving Spanish settlement on the continent!
There, we will visit the San Pedro Alejandrino Estate, which lies just outside the city. It is where the great liberator, Simon Bolivar, had spent his twilight years. At the age of only 47, "El Libertador" tragically passed away of pulmonary tuberculosis, on the afternoon of 17th December 1830. In a small, local museum, we will not only be able to see his deathbed, but also many objects which he once owned.
After a short tour of the old town and a traditional, local lunch in an areperia, we will continue through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, to the Caribbean beaches of the Tayrona National Park.
Here, we will stay in a small, family-run hotel complex, complete with a spa, a pool and magnificent views of the Sierra Nevada. We will be located right on the beaches of the national park and it will be also where the Caribbean Sea meets the snow-capped mountains. We will be in paradise!
Overnight stay at ***(*) Hotel Finca Barlovento Cabaña & Maloka. Today a vast and varied breakfast is included at the hotel.
Travel time: 300 min (300 km), Walking time: 20 min (1 km).

Day 13 & 14 – Relaxing on Palm Beach

After 12 days of "action", we will by now have earned some well-deserved rest and relaxation in this paradise! You will be able to get pampered in the hotel SPA, take walks on the beach, sunbathe by the pool and let yourself be spoilt in the hotel's excellent restaurant!
But if you will like, you'll also be able to do some great, half-day optional tours every day!
For example:

• After breakfast, we will be able to hike through the tropical jungle and hidden villages of the Kogis indigenous people. On the way back, for some kilometres, we will be able to leisurely glide on floats on a crystal-clear river fed by the Sierra Nevada.
• After breakfast, you will be able to ride on horseback over the magical paths of the Río San Salvador as well as through rivers and beautiful parts of the untouched jungle. Lunch will be available at a farm of a local family.
• Alternatively, we will also be able to drive to a small fishing village for lunch, where we will be able to enjoy fresh fish, delicious lobster and Caribbean cocktails in a romantic setting on a beach and under palm trees.

Overnight stay at ***(*) Hotel Finca Barlovento Cabaña & Maloka. Included here is a daily, excellent, local breakfast at the finca, and lunch on the beach on the last day.

Day 15 – Farewell to Colombia, the Country Where the Only Risk is that You May Wish to Stay!

After our breakfast, we will travel to the airport in Santa Marta or in Barranquilla, and, after all these unforgettable experiences, we will start on our journey home.