Colombia: South America's Eternal Spring

Tour begins: Four Seasons Bogotá. A transfer is included from El Dorado International Airport to the Four Seasons Bogotá. Located in the Zona Rosa section of Bogotá, you're only steps away from some of the city's best shopping, nightlife and cafés. Due to the late arrival of the flights, you'll meet your fellow travelers tomorrow morning.

Welcome to the land of the eternal spring! Known for its pleasant weather year round, your introduction to Colombia begins in Bogotá, Colombia's capital city and one of the largest cities in the world. Founded in 1538 by the Spanish Conquistadors, today Bogotá is a thriving metropolis, yet its colonial roots continue to be ever-present. Your explorations begin with a stop at a local market for a guided tour highlighted by tastings of local produce. Next, visit the Gold Museum, displaying the world's largest collection of gold artifacts (including a large selection of pre-Columbian gold) followed by lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon you're in for a treat with a tour of the Botero Museum accompanied by a Botero expert. Dedicated to the work of famed artist, sculptor and political critic, Fernando Botero, much of the work displayed here was donated by Botero himself (including his personal, private art collection). Tonight, please join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

You're off for an early morning adventure starting with a train ride to the nearby town of Zipaquirá, famously known for its Salt Cathedral. Built over 600 ft. underground, the Cathedral is considered one of the most notable achievements of Colombian architecture and is still a functioning church to this day, holding mass daily with over 3,000 visitors on Sundays. Dive into the depths of the Cathedral on a walking tour with the opportunity to visit the lowest sections, split into three, with each representing a phase of the life of Jesus Christ - birth, life and death. Early this afternoon, you're off for a short flight to your next destination – Medellín. Nicknamed "City of the Eternal Spring" for its perfect combination of warm days and cool nights, in recent years, Medellín has transformed into an important economic center and the heart of Colombia's textile industry. Check into your hotel this evening, the Medellín Marriott Hotel located in the heart of the city. Dinner will be at your hotel tonight. 

Coffee is a staple of the Colombian economy (as well as their largest exported product), and Medellín is famous for growing some of the world's finest beans. Your excursions in Medellín begin with a Colombian coffee experience where you'll have the chance to try two different types, learning about Colombia's history with coffee and its importance to the locals. Next, drive to the Normandia Equestrian Center for a Colombian-style barbecue lunch that is followed by a visit inside the center where you'll see the illustrious Paso Fino horse. See up close the training and exercise regimen of the horses as well as their spa accommodations, followed by a live show featuring their professional riders. Enjoy some free time at your hotel late this afternoon before having dinner at a local restaurant.

Medellín welcomes you on a walking tour through its historic neighborhoods, each rich with its own story just waiting to be told. Your tour begins in Comuna 13, once one of Medellín's most infamous neighborhoods; in recent years Comuna 13 has evolved into a vibrant, colorful commune where murals from local artists line the streets. Stroll through the neighborhood, viewing its transformation through the art before taking a leisurely walk to the top of the hill and incredible panoramic views. Next, visit Casa Kolacho, an integral part of the pacification of Comuna 13, whose outreach programs have given the residents of this community a new outlook on life. Have lunch at a local resturant, located in the city's botanical gardens, before traveling to your final destination of the day - Botero Square, named in honor of Fernando Botero. Visit the surrounding houses where many of Botero's famous sculptures can be found before stopping at the Museo de Antioquia for a look at some of Botero's paintings and sketches, exclusive to the museum.

Head out this morning on a walking tour of Guatapé, nicknamed "the most colorful town in the world" for its colorful houses and vibrant 'zócalos' or murals that line the bottoms of many homes. Enjoy a lesiurely walk throughout the town's winding streets (with plenty of opportunities to take pictures) before boarding a pontoon for a cruise along the Guatapé Reservoir, the largest lake in the country. Constructed in the 1970s as a hydroelectric complex that provides 30% of the country's energy, your cruise is complemented with views of "El Peñól," a national landmark. This afternoon, a short flight brings you to your next, and final, destination – Cartagena. Check into your hotel early this evening and be sure to get a good night's rest, you have a full day of exploration tomorrow.

Named after the Spanish city of the same name, Cartagena has been a key landing spot throughout history, once as the main link in the route to the West Indies and since evolving into one of Colombia's major port cities. Your introduction to Cartagena begins with a visit and walking tour of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the largest fortress in South America, built to protect the city from potential invaders, including the Dutch, English and French. Next, stop at a local music school in the nearby neighborhood of La Boquilla for a music lesson with its students, learning all about the instruments and musical styles of Colombia and the Carribean-style rhythms this region is known for. Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the San Pedro Claver Cathedral and Museum, dedicated to the priest San Pedro Claver, who spent his life aiding slaves coming over from Africa before arriving at your hotel, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara. Originally a former convent for cloistered nuns in the 1600s, today parts of the convent are on full display right in the hotel. Your evening is free to explore Cartagena as you wish.

Your early morning visit to the Getsemani neighborhood offers you another example of Colombia's transformation. Best known for its colonial Spanish-style architecture, in recent years Getsemani has become one of Cartagena's fastest-growing entertainment hotspots with jazz clubs and salsa venues lining the streets. Following a rum & chocolate pairing, you have the option to take a 30 minute walking tour of your hotel, learning about its rich history and see the ancient relics housed here. Embark early this evening on a sunset cruise along Cartagena Bay, witnessing the city's transformation before your very eyes with its historic walled section alongside its modern day counterpart on full display. A fitting finale for a week well spent.

Tour ends: Cartagena. Fly home anytime. Your transfer to Rafael Núñez International Airport from Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is included. Please allow three hours for check-in at the airport.