COLOMBIA JOURNEYS Effort: Easy to moderate. No experience required. Activities: Cultural connections, foodie experiences Beautiful scenery, amazing hotels, authentic community experiences and cultural immersion are the cornerstone of this luxury itinerary, complemented with restaurant hopping, street food, local cuisine and chef signature gastronomy. This marvelous itinerary combines the best of Bogota, the Coffee Triangle and Cartagena. Delight in urban art, history, culture, gastronomy, and rural agricultural experiences with local baristas in the coffee growing region. Scenic landscapes, luxury, hand-picked haciendas and hotels, known for their impeccable standard of service and comfort, gourmet meals and highly qualified private guides make this a one-of-a-kind travel experience. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Experience historic and contemporary Bogota. Stay at some of the most exclusive hotels in Colombia. Visit quaint and unforgettable colonial villages. Enjoy unique, private dinners. Watch the sunset from Cafe del Mar, on the historic walls of Cartagena. A foodie experience waits for you every day of the trip! 1
DAY 1: WELCOME TO BOGOTA We welcome you to Bogota and transfer you to your hotel, The Four Seasons Casa Medina, known as one of the finest luxury hotels in Bogota. This 20th century mansion is a stately and urban treasure nestled in the famous Zona G (for Gastronomy) and a step away from the most renowned restaurants in town. Hotel Four Seasons Casa Medina. 2
DAY 2: VISIT TO PALOQUEMAO FOOD MARKET. STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE Start your day with a visit to the food market of Paloquemao, well recognized today as the Mecca of foodie hotspots in Bogota. Surround yourself with the fresh aromas of just-harvested products, meat, fruits, vegetables, seafood and the incredible colors of beautiful flower exhibitions. Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Casa Vieja and try the famous Ajiaco, typical dish of Bogotanos. We return to our hotel for a short respite, and head out for dinner at LEO COCINA Y CAVA, with a special introduction and welcome by their chef. (B, L, D) Hotel Four Seasons Casa Medina 3
DAY 3: TRANSFER TO ARMENIA. COFFEE TASTING AND TOUR EXPERIENCE Today we go to the heartland of one of the best coffee regions in the world. We fly to Armenia where one of our local barista experts greets us and takes us to Hacienda La Morelia, where we experience first hand the steps in coffee production, from growing the plant through the harvesting, roasting and finally, a tasting of this exquisite drink. After coffee, we try one of the iconic typical dishes of the region: the bandeja paisa! We continue our discovery and head for the stunning Hacienda Buenavista, a luxurious, 7-room boutique hideaway, with panoramic views from your terrace. That evening we ll enjoy a special gourmet menu designed exclusively for us by their chef. (B, L, D) 4
DAY 4: VISIT TO VILLAGES OF PIJAO AND FILANDIA Pijao is a place where time stands still. Chosen as a model Cittaslow for Latin America, we ll explore the houses of the town from the inside, with their beautiful courtyards and listen to local tales of centuries past. Before leaving we stop at Cafe Luqman, for a delicious cup of java. We continue our journey to the town of Filandia, another quaint village in the heart of the Colombian mountains. We enjoy lunch at restaurant Helena Adentro and their excellent selection of Colombian dishes. After lunch we walk its beautiful streets. We visit Mirador del Quindio with stunning views of the Colombian Coffee area. We finish our afternoon with a visit to a basket workshop, where artisans will show us their techniques. (B,L,D) Hacienda Buena Vista 5
DAY 5: TRANSFER TO CARTAGENA. PRIVATE LECTURE OF CARTAGENA AT CAFE DEL MAR We take off to the famous Caribbean city of Cartagena, and spend our late afternoon walking by the walls of the old city, stopping at the Café del Mar for a drink while Cartagena wakes up to the magic of the night. We dine at Carmen Restaurant and their delicious local dishes. (B, L, D) Ananda Boutique Hotel is ranked one of the top five boutique hotels of Cartagena, located in the heart of the walled city. 6
DAY 6: CARTAGENA S HIGHLIGHTS AND THE GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ FOODIE EXPERIENCE Start your day enjoying the highlights of the city! Visit the Fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, and working our way to the monastery of La Popa, where you ll enjoy a 360 view of both historic and modern Cartagena. During the afternoon we take on Cartagena s old town, and experience the foods and drinks described by Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his books. Get in touch with the local culture and their different influences. Your farewell dinner will be a three-course meal (with cocktails) at 4 different restaurants! Every spot has its unique story, and special interactions with their chefs and barmans. (B, L, D) Ananda Boutique Hotel 7
DAY 7: LEAVE CARTAGENA We transfer you to the airport for your international flight. INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED NOTE Accommodation in mentioned hotels as per program and subject to availability Local English speaking trip leader Entrance fees All mentioned meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) Ground transportation in all destinations Internal flights Tips Non mentioned expenses This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes and inclement weather IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONDITIONS: Internal flights length: Bogota to Armenia: 30 minutes Armenia to Cartagena: it is necessary to get a connection flight in Bogotá Armenia to Bogota: 30 minutes Bogota to Cartagena: 1 hour 05 minutes Season: Year-round WEATHER: Bogota: from 57F 14C to 74F 23C Coffee region: From 74F 23C to 83F 28C Cartagena: From 75F 24c to 104F 40C SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: rain jacket, water bottle, sunblock, sun hat and repellent. ALTITUDES: Bogota: 8530 feet (2600 meters) above sea level Coffee region: 4900 feet (1500 meters) average Cartagena: Sea level 8 Revised October 16/2016