Colombia Discovery

Fly to Colombia's vibrant capital Bogota, arriving the same day. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure with a welcome dinner at your hotel.

The beating heart of Colombia, Bogota is an engaging and enchanting place to explore. Begin at Paloquemo market, where you'll get to taste some of the local produce, before heading to the historic centre, La Candelaria, to admire the grand colonial architecture and impressive cathedral. Visit the Botero and Gold museums then enjoy some local delicacies for lunch. Ride the cable car up to the mountaintop Santuario de Monserrate, where you will enjoy spectacular views over the city.

Just outside of Bogota is one of Colombia’s most unusual attractions; the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. Built 200 metres below ground in a salt mine and beautifully illuminated, this cavernous space is considered an outstanding example of modern Colombian architecture. Return to Bogota and catch your flight to Pereira.

Head into the Central Mountains and the beautiful landscapes of the Valle de Cocora. Take an easy hike through a wax palm forest to discover the diverse range of flora and fauna that calls it home, including the Quindío wax palm, Colombia's national tree. Spend the afternoon in the traditional towns of Salento and Filandia, both full of colourful colonial architecture and handicraft shops, including a visit to a basket weaving workshop.

Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, Pereira is part of the Colombia's Coffee Axis and the UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia. Spend the morning out exploring the landscapes of the coffee estates and pay a visit to a typical hacienda where you'll enjoy an informative tour followed by a tasting session, guided by a master taster.

Transfer to the airport and fly to the hillside city of Medellin.

Colombia's second largest city Medellin, where you will spend the day seeing the city's sights, taking the cable car up Cerro Nutibara for panoramic views, admiring the sculptures of Colombian artist Fernando Botero, exploring the pioneering city transport system that links the suburbs to the city centre, and admiring some excellent street art. You will also participate in a musical experience before enjoying a cooking demonstration for lunch.

Travel out of the city to explore the surrounding region. Stop at La Piedra de El Penól, a towering rock monolith that was once worshipped by the local indigenous community. The 700-step climb to the top is optional, but those who do it will be rewarded with views across a huge reservoir created by a hydroelectric dam built in the 1970s. Continue to the town of Guatape where you'll wander the streets lined with vividly coloured buildings. Return to Medellin.

Depart Medellin and fly to the Caribbean seaside city of Santa Marta. In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, whose peaks can be seen from the beach, Santa Marta was founded in 1525, making it one of South America's oldest cities. On arrival, you'll explore the beautiful old colonial district before heading out of the city to the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the bays of Rodadero and the fishing village of Taganga.

Explore the exotic coastline of the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona today, winding through tropical forest before arriving at the 'Sea of the Seven Waves, a natural viewpoint from which to enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Walk a short way along a stretch of golden sand backed by lush rainforest to reach the boat which will take you on a cruise over to Playa Cristal, a beautiful beach where you can take a refreshing dip.

Travel by road this morning from Santa Marta to the Caribbean port of Cartagena, where the afternoon will be spent exploring the city, its vibrant historic centre, and its tasty eats on a delicious street food tour.

This morning, your city tour will start with panoramic views over the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Continue to San Felipe Fortress and the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver in the Ciudad Vieja (old city). Browse the the wares of the artisan centre housed in the Bovedas, before a rum tasting experience during which you can try a variety of favourites, followed by a fun salsa lesson before dinner.

Explore La Boquilla, a steadfast Afro-descendant fishing village preserving its cultural heritage for over two centuries. Immerse yourself in a workshop that connects you with Afro-Colombian drum rhythms through hands-on interaction. Following this experience, indulge in a serene catamaran sunset cruise before dinner in the heart of the walled city.

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home two days later.