9-Nights Ultimate Colombia: Bogota, Medellin, Santa Marta & Cartagena — CALL

Avanti Destinations: Ultimate Colombia

Day 1 Bogotá
Airport meeting and transfer to your selected Bogotá hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Centrally Located Hotel In Bogotá, ()

Day 2 Bogotá
Depart from your hotel after breakfast for a tour of this capital city. We begin with a trip to the well-preserved historical colonial quarter of La Candelaria for photo opportunities at Plaza de Bolivar, the main square of Bogotá. Here you can find many picturesque icons of the city including The Cathedral, the Congress Palace, the Cardinal's Palace, the colonial church of El Sagrario, the House of Independence, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall. Next, visit the famous and "must see" Gold Museum where the world's greatest collection of pre-Hispanic Indian gold crafts is displayed. Finally, visit the Fernando Botero Museum, which contains paintings and sculptures by this famous contemporary Colombian artist and a display of his private collection, including works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet, Dali and more. NOTE: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and the Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Take the rest of the day to explore or take one of your optional tours.

Centrally Located Hotel In Bogotá, (B)

Day 3 Bogotá, Medellin
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Medellin. Airport greeting and transfer to your selected hotel. You have the rest of the day to explore the attractions of this "City of Eternal Spring."

Centrally Located Hotel In Medellin, (B)

Day 4 Medellin
After breakfast, we begin the City Tour of Medellin - second largest city in Colombia and capital of the Department of Antioquia. To learn about the roots of the city, the tour includes visits to the Pueblito Paisa, Plaza Mayor, Convention Centre and Park Pies Descalzos. We will also travel by metro to see the city in its panoramic glory and take the cable car over the 'comunas' (shanty town) to visit the impressive Spain Park Public Library on the top of the Mountain. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Medellin on your own.

Centrally Located Hotel In Medellin, (B)

Day 5 Medellin, Santa Marta
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Santa Marta. Airport greeting and transfer to your selected hotel. You have the rest of the day to explore one of the oldest surviving cities in South America, founded in 1525.

Centrally Located Hotel In Santa Marta, (B)

Day 6 Santa Marta
A private vehicle will take you north of the city of Santa Marta to reach the reserve after a 2-hour drive. Taironaka is a natural and archaeological reserve whose territory extends over what was once an ancient Tayrona city. The walking trails through the reserve will take you through the history of this thriving civilization. Learn about the drainage systems, terraces, stairs, and houses and relive the daily life of the people that inhabited this territory for over 1,000 years. Tour the Tayrona Museum, which features more than 300 authentic pieces of pottery. After lunch, there will be a short walk to the river to reach Don Diego: enjoy a nice boat ride contemplating natural beauty and landscapes of the area. We suggest bringing a small backpack with sandals, bathing suit, insect repellent, sunscreen and any other implement you might need. A private vehicle will take you back to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.

Centrally Located Hotel In Santa Marta, (B, L)

Day 7 Santa Marta, Cartagena
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Airport greeting and transfer to your selected hotel. You have the rest of the day to admire the colonial architecture

Centrally Located Hotel In Cartagena, (B)

Day 8 Cartagena
After breakfast, tour this beautiful city. First, drive to the Convent of La Popa built at the beginning of the 17th century on the hill of the same name. From there a magnificent view of the city and the bay can be seen. The tour will then continue on to San Felipe's Fort, built in the 17th century to protect the city from marauding invaders. After a tour looking at the construction of this impregnable fortress, there will be a stroll to the walled colonial city with a stop at the colorful handicraft stores of Las Bovedas, where the local artisans display their wares. From there, transport to the Convent of San Pedro Claver, named in honor of the Spanish born monk who was known as the "Apostles of Blacks." The tree-filled courtyard of the convent houses religious and pre-Columbian artifacts.

Centrally Located Hotel In Cartagena, (B)

Day 9 Cartagena
Transfer to the pier and take a shared motorboat to the beautiful islands of El Rosario, located 1½ hours south of the Bay of Cartagena. These islands have been declared a National Natural Park, and are the site of a very important complex of coral banks, populated with a great variety of reef fauna, among which the lobster represents one of the many sources of food. White sand beaches and beautiful crystal waters are complements of this impressive scenery. You have the opportunity for swimming or snorkeling (equipment available for rental), or if you prefer you can also take a rest on a hammock and let your imagination drift. Lunch included. Evening at leisure.

Centrally Located Hotel In Cartagena, (B,L)

Day 10 Cartagena
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Centrally Located Hotel In Cartagena, (B)