Virtuoso Study Tour. Colombia. April 1-5, We Don t Tell Stories Better, We Tell Better Stories

Transcription

1 Virtuoso Study Tour Colombia April 1-5, 2016 We Don t Tell Stories Better, We Tell Better Stories Scan this QR Code for more from Big Five. 1

2 Day By Day Itinerary - DRAFT April 01: ARRIVE BOGOTA, COLOMBIA Welcome to Colombia. Meet and greet on arrival, transfer from airport to hotel with your guide. Bogotá is the capital district of Colombia and the country's most populated city. It is the most important political, financial, educational, cultural city in the country. It is located at an altitude of 2640mts on a plateau known as the Savanna of Bogotá on the eastern range of the Andean Mountains. It was founded on August 6, 1538 originally named Santa Fe by the 'Conquistador' Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada who arrived in pursuit of 'El Dorado' gold legend and defeated the native Chibcha in Bacatá, which meant capital of the Zipa confederation. In 1717 the kingdom of New Granada was established here, and in 1819 Simon Bolivar chose it as the capital of the Grand Colombia. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CASA MEDINA Standard Room (B) April 02: BOGOTA Begin tour North of Bogotá, drive through "La Caro", Bogotá s entrance gate. Zipaquirá is a well-known town and famous worldwide for hosting one of Colombia s Marvels. There, lies a majestic salt-mine Cathedral buried 180mts underground. This amazing place is famous for its religious, cultural and architectural value. The mine s interior is decorated with lights in the tunnels lighting up the fourteen stages of the Way of the Cross. Enjoy attractions like the Miner s route, Water Mirror, Convention Center and the Coffee bar, to have a delicious Colombian coffee 180mts underground. Enjoy a lunch inside the cave. Return to Bogota to continue with a walking tour in the city. After the Spanish conquest, many churches, squares and houses were built in colonial-architectural styles. This architecture has been preserved in a handful of zones such as "La Candelaria," a historical place for visitors where the history is preserved. Visit places that reflect Republican style, like the National Capitol, Prime Cathedral, City Hall (Lievano Palace), and the House of 20th of July where cry of independence took place. Transfer to hotel and overnight. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CASA MEDINA Standard Room (B) April 03: BOGOTA / CARTAGENA Transfer this morning to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Colombia s most popular destination was founded in 1533 by Spanish Conquistador Don Pedro de Heredia as Cartagena de Indias. This beautiful colonial city rapidly became the gem of the Spanish Crown s territories and, to protect it from continuous attacks by pirates, the largest wall fortress in America was built around it. Cartagena hides Colonial, Republican and Italian architectural treasures in its residential, commercial, religious, military and governmental constructions. Cartagena de Indias was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site because of its colonial walled city; and just walking through to its cozy narrow streets is enough to understand why. It is divided into three sightseeing zones: the Historic Centre with Clock Gate, Carriage Square, San Peter Square, Palace of the Inquisition, The Cathedral, dating back to the 16th century, Santo Domingo Square, the Heredia Theatre and masterpiece San Felipe de Barajas Castle, built between 1639 and 1762 which is the greatest fortress ever built by the Spanish. The San Diego zone, with its enchanting Hotel Santa Clara, formerly Convent of the Saint Claire Order and Las Bóvedas The Vaults by the Santa Catalina Fortress and Getsemaní; the zone used to be a 2

3 slave neighborhood and now hosts Cartagena s Convention Center and popular nightlife clubs. The real joy of Cartagena is exploring it s exhilarating narrow streets by foot or on a horse-carriage, an experience that awakens all senses with the flavors and warm breeze of its sunset, making it an incredibly romantic destination and the most fascinating Caribbean hidden treasure. Later today, enjoy a half-day visit to city's colonial district beginning at Bolivar Park shaded by large trees, four fountains with a statue of the great Liberator in the middle. Surrounding the square is the Gold Museum, which exhibits its fine collection of archeological objects dating back to the pre-hispanic period; and the Inquisition Palace, recognizable for its large baroque door. The Inquisition held its meetings in the palace here and it was also the site of the prison and torture chambers for presumed heretics, opponents of the Catholic church. The visit continues to Santo Domingo church, the Cathedral and ends at the Terraces and the Museum of the City's Fortifications. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Cartagena on your own or to simply relax. A hosted lunch may take place this afternoon which you will be advised of while in country. SOFITEL SANTA CLARA Standard Room (B,L) April 04: CARTAGENA Depart this morning on a unique full day tour that begins with panoramic views of the city from 'La Popa' Monastery and Church constructed in 1606, located at 140masl enjoy 360 views of the city, sea and port zone. Continue to 'San Felipe' castle-fortress built on 'San Lázaro' hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk-around the fortress and see the castle tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Continue to Walled City, visit San Pedro Claver Convent and Church compound built mid-xvii century. Go to 'the Vaults', archways built within the walled-city used until late 1700s to store armament and later as prison in the XIX century. Nowadays, it's an artisans' center to appreciate local handcrafts. After lunch, visit the city's Getsemani district, have a small walking tour with a specialized graffiti guide who will explain the art given to some of the old walls on the old city of Cartagena. The murals you see tell a story, either political or historic, of the rich past this city wishes to tell. Sanctioned by the government, many of these graffiti murals are encouraged to illustrate a powerful story. This evening is at leisure, a hosted dinner may be added. You will be advised while in country. SOFITEL SANTA CLARA Standard Room (B, L) April 05: CARTAGENA Today features the two staples of Colombia, coffee and rum! San Alberto is an uber premium coffee born on the blessed soil of Buenavista, Colombia. A single estate coffee which is carefully produced under a trade mark process called Quintuple Selection Process; a series of labor intensive selections that yield a unique product with unparalleled flavor and an amazing aroma. San Alberto has been developed inspired by the great wines of France and thinking on those who enjoy life with smalls luxuries. The Coffee Baptism, committed to educate the consumer and convinced to be able to turn them into apostles of gourmet coffee, San Alberto has designed the Coffee Baptism. A coffee experience to awaken the senses touch, sight, taste and smell and discover the amazing flavors that await you in an excellent cup of Colombian coffee. The experience includes: Introduction to the Colombian coffee, overview of the coffee process, raw materials, quality assessment, and tasting exercises, finishing with a guided cupping of 3 3

4 different coffees through alternative coffee rituals. Return to the hotel this afternoon. Later today, head down to the lobby for one of the newest and most exclusive experiences in Cartagena, Chocolate and Rum tasting. Rum is the distillate emblem of the Caribbean and of Colombia, for its notes going from citrus, spices and sweet, to a pairing harmony with chocolate. You will experience the notes of this union, with a selection of high quality rum and Colombian chocolate. The tasting includes three glasses of different rum to analyze the characteristics of each country, three varieties of Colombian chocolate with different percentage of cocoa, with flavors going from bitter to sweet, and water. End the day Salsa demonstration by some of the best dancers of the city. This activity is highly recommended for those who want to experience and enjoy one of the best and most famous hallmarks of Colombia, a real expression of the typical culture and of the local people. The movements and music of salsa are ubiquitous throughout the country and without embracing it you re missing out on one of Colombia s biggest passions and a slice of culture that will bring you much closer to locals. A farewell dinner caps off your Colombia experience SOFITEL SANTA CLARA Standard Room (B,D) April 06: CARTAGENA This morning you are transferred back to the airport for your flight home (B) End of Travel Arrangements 4

5 Included In The Tour Cost: Hotel and lodge accommodations as proposed, including taxes and fees Private tours and transfers as mentioned Meals as mentioned Transfers in private cars Big Five s 24-hour White Glove Service guest assistance All international flights from / to Miami and internal flight Bogota / Cartagena in coach class excluding taxes Flight Details International Flights: DEPARTURE (FROM MIA): Departs: Friday, April 1st at 9:39am from Miami International Airport (MIA) on Avianca Air Lines (Flight AV9) Arrives: Bogota Eldorado Airport, Colombia (BOG) on Friday, April 1st at 12:15pm (SAME DAY) RETURN (TO MIA): Departs: Wednesday, April 6th at 9:35am from Cartagena Rafael Nuñez Airport, Colombia (CTG) to Miami International Airport (MIA) on Avianca Air Lines (Flight AV34) Arrives: Miami International Airport (MIA) on Wednesday, April 6th at 1:25pm (SAME DAY) Internal Trasnfer Flight: Departs: Sunday, April 3rd at 10:15am from Bogota Eldorado Airport (BOG) to Cartagena Rafael Nuñez Airport, Colombia (CTG) on Avianca Air Lines (Flight AV9758) Arrives: Cartagena Rafael Nuñez Airport, Colombia (CTG) Sunday, April 3rd at 11:47am (SAME DAY) Not Included In The Tour Cost: Any airfares unless specified under inclusions. Any airport taxes (All taxes are government imposed and subject to change without notice). Passport and visa fees. Travel insurance. Excess baggage or shipping charges. Items of personal nature such as gratuities, telephone / fax / internet charges, laundry, beverages, meals and services not specified in the itinerary. 5

6 The Big Five Edge At Big Five, you are working with one of the most experienced groups in the travel industry. Our Destination Specialists receive 900+ hours of in-destination and in-office training annually; and have a combined average 17 years experience in travel. Big Five is in the top one percent of luxury tour operators to place on Travel+Leisure magazine s A-List. Big Five s Destination Specialists have appeared on the A-List of top travel professionals from 2009 to This list validates the value of experience. This recognition is achieved by going through unbiased questioning and itinerary planning, and it is not based on voting by magazine subscribers. White Glove Service Guest Assistance Big Five provides a personal experience that begins with a live person answering each call promptly during business hours. Our 24-hour White Glove Service guest assistance desk is manned by a team of specialists available 365 days from anywhere in the world. WGS is your: Personal concierge service for anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-get special event tickets Assistant to relay messages to family and friends, to help arrange private air charters and other details Emergency specialist who is there to tackle any emergency situation from lost luggage to stolen passports to emergency medical assistance Information kiosk for all the latest news, weather, airline delays; whatever information you need to make your journey run more smoothly Organizer who can coordinate special events such as a birthday or anniversary dinner, flowers or gifts Our Destination Specialists combine creativity with their impressive knowledge to customize clients journeys to meet each guest s interests, whether that is honeymoon couples, families or special interest groups. Big Five guests benefit from our partnerships with properties and suppliers who have strong sustainable ethics built into their operations, which assures each guest will experience the best a destination has to offer. As part of our commitment, we employ local professional guides and drivers in each destination; and we support local initiatives dedicated to cultural preservation and habitat conservation. 6

7 This Proposed Itinerary was prepared on January 25, 2016 and is subject to the General Terms & Conditions of a Big Five Tours & Expeditions program (included in our Booking Forms kit). Unless advised otherwise, no reservations are held. To enable us to initiate reservations and request confirmations from our suppliers, please forward the required deposit or full payment as applicable. The quoted prices are only valid provided proposed services and accommodations are available at time of reservations. Rates may change due to (but not limited to) changes in travel dates, itinerary routing, number of passengers, accommodations, room categories, tour services, flight arrangements, etc. Please note that Big Five will provide up to three proposals on a complimentary basis. After the third proposal, a deposit will be required in order to proceed. 7