Day 3 Mon Nov 3^rd, 2025

Bogotá

Today we visit “La Catedral de sal” at Zipaquira village, approx. 1-hour drive. Zipaquira area played an important role as the center of salt-trade, vital to preserve food- before the arrival of conquistadors. Today a religious sanctuary built inside the underground mines.

Lunch at “Andres Carne de res”, Located outside central Bogota, this restaurant is a sprawling 2.76-square-mile venue that encompasses 11 dining areas, two dance floors, more than five kitchens, and a climbing wall. The perfect location to enjoy the typical food of the region.

Return to the Hotel.

Dinner on your own -- a group reservation has been made at Harry Sasson: this restaurant is located at a renovated English house where classic and modern coo-exist to create a very special ambiance, thanks to the magnificent work of architect Saúl Sasson Ruiz. Famous Chef Harry Sasson offers a very well executed menu mostly based on local and imported products, exquisitely presented in harmony with colors and flavors of the region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Tue Nov 4^th, 2025

Bogotà-Medellín

After breakfast, depart to the airport and fly to Medellín.

Upon arrival, meet local guide and be transferred to the city.

No city has borne the brunt of that international infamy as much as Medellín, former home of Pablo Escobar. However, the bad days are over and you'll be more likely to find narco-warfare on Netflix's series Narcos than on the streets of Medellín.

Lunch at In Situ located in the Botanical Gardens. After lunch we will tour the Orquidiário at the Botanical Gardens designed by Mr. Restrepo.

Check in at El Cielo.

Juan Manuel Barrientos Valencia, affectionately known as “Juanma,” is a pioneering force in the culinary world, renowned for founding over a dozen innovative restaurants and bars. In April 2021, he made history by leading El Cielo Washington, DC, to earn a Michelin Star, becoming the first chef to achieve this accolade for Colombian cuisine. Recognized three times as the youngest chef on San Pellegrino’s Latin America’s 50 Best list, Juanma's influence extends beyond restaurants to hospitality with the opening of El Cielo Hotel Medellín in the vibrant El Poblado neighborhood. This luxurious retreat, inaugurated in March 2021, features 28 elegantly appointed suites with king-size beds, marble floors, wood-paneled walls, designer fixtures, work desks, security boxes, televisions, and Egyptian cotton linens. Guests can also indulge in private in-room massages for an extra touch of relaxation.

Dinner on your own, recommendations will be provided.

Hotel:  El Cielo ★★★★★
Room: Standard Suite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Wed Nov 5^th, 2025

Medellín ⇾ Guatapé ⇾ Medellín

Departure to pay a visit to Guatapé, the drive takes around two hours, during which you can appreciate the outstanding landscape of Antioquia. This town has a reservoir created by the Colombian government for a hydro-electric dam. In the middle of the reservoir is the Peñol Rock. The Peñol Rock is possibly a meteorite due to its size, walk up the stairs if you are full of energy (there are 654 steps to get to the top), to view the entire reservation, this is an optional activity otherwise you can enjoy the surroundings. We continue with a quick stop at the picturesque village of Guatapé where all of the houses are painted in quaint pastel colors.  After lunch (included), tour the Guatapé reservoir by boat (30 minutes) before returning to Medellin, rest of the afternoon and evening free.

OPTIONAL culinary experience:

Dinner reservation at El Cielo restaurant, listed as one of the top 50 restaurants in Latin-America by chef Juan Manuel Barrientos Michelin Star holder.

The menu is divided into an 18-course gastronomic moments sensorial experience. El Cielo is signature cuisine, where avant-garde techniques are mixed with traditional methods of Colombian cuisine.  You can opt to pair your food with wine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 Thu Nov 6^th, 2025

Medellín ⇾ Cartagena

Leisurely breakfast. Hotel check out 

Visit Comuna 13: situated in a valley of Colombia's mountainous northwest. Comuna 13, was once the epicenter of extreme violence during the narco wars due to the neighborhood's strategic position off of the highway leading out of the city. In recent years, an urban renewal project brought a metrrocable and an escalator to the neighborhood, replacing the 350 steps that were once the residents' only way to reach the main city. The government also commissioned Colombian and other Latin-American artists to cover the public spaces of the neighborhood and around the escalators with murals that tell the story of Medellin and the Colombian people.  

Head downtown Medellin for a quick visit to the Museum of Antioquia: This building houses one of the largest collections of works by Botero, a journey to explore the meaning of Medellín's transformation through contemporary art. Here we see Plaza Botero, surrounded by the Museum of Antioquia and Rafael Uribe’s Palace of Culture, this is a 7,000 m2outside park that displays 23 sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero who donated these and several other artworks for the museum's renovation in 2004.

Transfers to the airport for our afternoon flight to Cartagena. 

NOTE: Grab lunch at the airport 

Upon arrival, meet local guide and transfer to the hotel.

Cartagena is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, cultural festivals, and beautiful landscapes. It is the capital of the Bolívar region and is surrounded by several islands and archipelagos that offer a perfect retreat for relaxation and leisure, such as the Barú Island. The city’s beaches are popular for unwinding, enjoying the warm waters, and taking in the refreshing sea breeze. In addition to its natural beauty, Cartagena also boasts excellent cuisine, a thriving hotel industry, and a rich history that is evident in its walled city, balconies, and narrow stone pathways. The city inspired Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez and continues to attract tourists seeking a mix of culture, history, and leisure.  

Hotel check-in. Evening at leisure. Dinner reservations will be made per request. 

Hotel:  Bastion Luxury Hotel ★★★★
Room: Superior
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Fri Nov 7^th, 2025

Cartagena

This morning we depart for a visit to the  San Felipe Fortress built on San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirates and erected in honor of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, back in Ciudad Vieja (old city), visit the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver, built in the middle of the XVII century. Also visit the Zenú Gold Museum, inaugurated in 1982 by the Bank of the Republic, which has a gold and ceramics collection from the main pre-Columbian cultures. Lastly, continue to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena and that were used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison in the 14^th century.

Lunch at a renowned local restaurant.

The afternoon is at leisure to spend at the pool or the Spa.  An optional excursion to visit the fishing village of La Boquilla, also a former slave colony, will be offered.

Evening and dinner on your own.  Reservations will be made upon request.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 Sat Nov 8^th, 2025

Cartagena

Excursion to the archipelago of the Islas de Rosario. Pass secluded and deserted islets known only to local fisherman and spend the day relaxing on board or swimming in the pristine Caribbean water. On the way to the islands, you will pass through Bocachica, a defensive fortification built by the Spanish to safeguard this important port. The Rosario Islands are a group of 30 islands off the coast of Cartagena. Due to its beautifully intact ecosystem, the archipelago was declared a national park in 1977. The coral reefs host a Great variety of sea fauna and flora, with abundance of colorful fish, corals and plants. Due to the city’s strategic location, Bocachica is an eminent example of the military architecture of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries and also one of the most important ports of the Caribbean.

Lunch at Sabai. 3-course menu is included (appetizer, main course, dessert), two non-alcoholic beverages per person.

Return to Cartagena from the islands.

Farewell dinner at La Vitrola. This beautifully decorated restaurant offers an exquisite local seafood menu as well as a unique ambiance harmonized by renowned local musicians.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Sun Nov 9^th, 2025

Cartagena ⇾ USA

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for return flights. Cartagena (CTG)/USA.

Optional: take a trip to visit Colombia’s National Aviary (1-hour drive from Cartagena) opens from Monday to Sunday 9:00am-5:00pm. Km 14,5 via Cartagena-Barú.

Trip Includes:

• 3 nights at 5★ Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogota; 2 nights at 5★ El Cielo Medellin; 3 nights at 4★ Bastion Luxury Hotel Cartagena
• Domestic intra tour flights (BOG-MDE-CTG)
• American breakfast daily, lunches, and dinners as listed in the itinerary
• Transportation services/group transfers airport/hotel for arrival/departure; One designated group transfer per tour
• All tours and excursions as per the itinerary, with professional English-speaking guides
• Excursions/entrance fees to sites and museums as per itinerary
• All local taxes and service charges
• Pre-departure assistance

Not included and optional:

• International airfare 
• Trip Cancellation & Interruption insurance (highly recommended)
• Personal meals, drinks, telephone, gifts, and expenses not outlined in the itinerary
• Any optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in itinerary
• Items of a personal nature (laundry)
• Gratuity for local guides, drivers and Tour Manager 

TRAVEL PREP/INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE

American, Delta and Avianca are among the airlines that can be used to book international airfare for this tour. We recommend booking at least 7 months in advance if you want to use Frequent Flyer Miles or points.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Colombia does not require VISA for American passport holders.

You must have a valid passport that remains valid six months past your return to the U.S. You should also have a minimum of two empty passport pages.

If VISA is required for this destination please contact us for assistance.If you prefer to use a visa service, we recommend using www.g3visas.com . To speak directly to G3visas, call 888.883.8472 (toll-free in the U.S.). 

Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior to departure and processing may take several weeks to complete. You may also apply directly at the Consulate in your area.

HEALTH

It is recommended you have your regular vaccinations up-to-date before traveling. For further information, visit the Center For Disease Control website: http://www.cdc.gov/

MINIMUMS

All departures are guaranteed on a minimum number of participants. A Tour Manager will accompany a tour also based on a minimum number of participants. This tour can be operated as a Private Tour, can be customized and repriced based on a final itinerary. Rates are based on a minimum participation of 6. For fewer than 6 participants, rates may be revised.

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

A pre-departure e-mail will be sent to you approximately three weeks prior to departure day