Classic Colombia

The journey begins in the capital city of Bogota where you will visit the historic centre, La Candelaria. Here you can marvel at the 'casonas' or grand houses of Spanish influence, the historic and architectural features of Plaza Bolivar and view the incomparable treasures of the Gold Museum. From Bogota you will travel through the famous flower cultures of the central region of savanna to the impressive salt cathedral at Zipaquira.

The Villa de Levya is a beautiful colonial town founded in 1572 and is today a colonial jewel of Spanish influenced architecture. Following two nights in Villa de Levya at the beautiful Posada de San Antonio, you will travel to Bogota via the sacred lagoon of Guatavita.  A short climb through atmospheric cloud forest will take you to the mountain-top lake for awe-inspiring views.  You will catch a connecting flight to Manizales from Bogota for two days spent in the heart of the coffee growing region close to Manizales, including a full-day tour of the lush green plantations- complete with coffee tasting of course! Private transfers will then take you to the mountain village of Filandia, home to numerous bird species and on to Pereira for a two night stay at Hacienda San Jose- a boutique hotel sumptuously decorated with period pieces and family memorabilia.

A flight to Cartagena for three nights will follow. You will tour the city's colonial centre and its  spectacular churches, cathedral, the archeological artefacts in the Gold Museum and the impressive Castillo de san Felipe, Colombia's most impregnable fort. The journey will end with three nights spent in Tayrona National Park, which comprises of 37,000 acres of stunning sandy white beaches and a lush mountain landscape in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The Hotel, Ecohabs Tayrona has 2 private beaches, and you can enjoy long walks along the coast and visits to local indigenous villages. You will fly back to London Heathrow via a connecting flight at Madrid.

Sample itinerary

Day 1: Depart London Heathrow and arrive at Bogota.  Overnight at Hotel Cite. Day 2: Bogota City Tour. Overnight at Hotel Cite. Day 3: Transfer to Zipaquira to see the salt cathedral . Continue to colonial town, Villa De Levya in the afternoon.  Overnight at Hotel Posada de San Antonio. Day 4: Morning walking tour of Villa de Leyva.  Overnight at Hotel Posada de San Antonio. Day 5: Transfer to Bogota with visit to sacred lagoon of Guatavita en route. Fly to Manizales. Overnight at Hacienda Venecia.  Day 6:  Full day tour of the coffee plantations. Overnight at Hacienda Venecia. Day 7: Driven to Pereira and Hacienda San Jose, boutique hotel for leisure time with plenty of activities available to choose from. Overnight at Hacienda San Jose.  Day 8: All day visit to the typical village of Filandia- part of Los Nevados National Park.   Overnight at Hacienda San Jose. Day 9-11: Flight from Pereira to Cartagena.  Met on arrival and transferred to hotel Sofitel Santa Clara. Time in Cartagena includes a half day visit to the city's colonial centre. Overnights at Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara.  Days 12-14: Collected from hotel and driven to Tayrona National Park and to hotel Ecohabs Tayrona which has two private beaches. Extensive walks along the coast and visit to local indigenous villages can be made.  Day 15: Transfer to Santa Marta for flight to Bogota. Connecting flight at Madrid. Day 16: Arrive Madrid 1000 hours and connect with flight to London Heathrow arriving 1315/1435 hours.