Highlights of Colombia Escorted Tour Itinerary
DAY 1 – First stop Bogota!
After a brief orientation walk you will have some personal time to explore the rest of the city and discover places such as the Botero Museum which features mainly works from the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Or take this time to relax and unwind before a busy trip.
DAY 2 – Uncover Bogota’s Treasures
Discover the highlights of Bogotá on a guided tour beginning in the historic La Candelaria, with its colonial architecture, cobbled streets, colourful street art, and the iconic Plaza de Bolívar. Visit the renowned Gold Museum and Emerald Museum to learn about Colombia’s rich heritage of gold and precious gemstones, before enjoying a local lunch.
Continue to the striking Our Lady of Carmen Church, known for its unique blend of Gothic, Byzantine, and Arabic architecture. End the day at Monserrate, reached by cable car or funicular, where spectacular panoramic views over Bogotá provide the perfect finale to your city tour.
DAY 3 – Fly from Bogota to Salento
Leave Bogotá behind as you travel to the colourful town of Salento in Colombia’s coffee region. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided orientation walk through this charming destination, known for its vibrant architecture, welcoming atmosphere, and scenic surroundings. The remainder of the day is free to relax and explore Salento at your own pace.
DAY 4 – Discover Valle Del Corcora
Explore the spectacular Cocora Valley on a full-day guided excursion from Salento. Travel by traditional Willy Jeep through the stunning Andean countryside before enjoying a leisurely walk among the valley’s rolling hills and the towering Quindío Wax Palm, the tallest palm tree in the world and a symbol of Colombia. A local lunch is included during the day.
This evening, enjoy free time to wander Salento’s colourful streets, browse local shops, and sample Colombia’s renowned coffee. For a unique cultural experience, you may wish to try Tejo, Colombia’s national sport and one of the country’s most unusual traditions.
DAY 5 – Experience Colombian Coffee
Experience one of Colombia’s most famous traditions with a visit to a local coffee plantation near Salento. Learn about the entire coffee-making process, from cultivation and harvesting to roasting and brewing, before enjoying a tasting of freshly prepared Colombian coffee straight from the source.
The remainder of the day is free, giving you time to relax and further explore the colourful streets and welcoming atmosphere of this charming coffee-region town.
DAY 6 – Flight from Salento to Medellin
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Medellín. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an orientation walk with your guide to discover the highlights of this vibrant city. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore Medellín at your own pace.
DAY 7 – Experience Medellin
Explore the highlights of Medellín on a guided tour through its vibrant cultural and historic centre. Begin at Botero Plaza, home to the iconic sculptures of Fernando Botero, before continuing past the striking Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe and experiencing the city’s metro system. Ride the Medellín Metrocable up to Santo Domingo for panoramic views over the city.
Continue to the transformed district of Comuna 13, where outdoor escalators, vivid street art, and local stories showcase its powerful social transformation. * Optional excursions are also available, including a historical tour exploring the legacy of Pablo Escobar and its impact on Medellín’s history.*
DAY 8 – Take in the Beauty of Guatape
Depart early from Medellín for a full-day excursion to the stunning region of Guatapé. Climb the iconic El Peñol Rock for breathtaking panoramic views, or opt for a relaxed tuk-tuk ride.
Continue with a peaceful boat trip across the reservoir before enjoying a simple included lunch by the water. Later, explore the colourful streets of Guatapé, known for its vividly painted houses, decorative zócalos, and charming town square, before returning to Medellín in the evening for your final night.
DAY 9 – Flight from Medellin to Cartagena
Bid a fond farewell to Medellín and head to the airport for our final internal flight to Cartagena. This vibrant port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast is our last stop. Let’s kick things off with an orientation walk and soak up the warm tropical climate!
DAY 10 – Full Day Guided Excursion
Discover the highlights of Cartagena on a guided tour beginning at the hilltop La Popa Convent, offering panoramic views over the city. Continue to the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, where you can explore its vast defensive walls, tunnels, and the statue of Don Blas de Lezo.
Return to the historic centre to wander through the charming streets, plazas, and churches of the walled city, passing the iconic Torre del Reloj and the monument to Don Pedro de Heredia. Hear stories of pirates and legends as you explore before returning to your hotel, with the evening free to enjoy Cartagena’s vibrant atmosphere.
DAY 11 – Cartagena at Leisure
Enjoy a final free day in Cartagena soaking up its vibrant Caribbean atmosphere. Wander through colourful colonial streets, watch lively fruit and flower vendors, and explore the lush Parque Centenario, where you may spot sloths and monkeys.
Discover the creative energy of Getsemaní, known for its striking street art, music, and cafés, or simply relax with a Colombian coffee as the city passes by. Optional excursions include a cultural drum workshop in La Boquilla, a guided rum tasting experience, or a deeper walking tour of Getsemaní’s iconic murals and plazas.
DAY 12 – Last Day
Unfortunately this will be last day of this special tour of Colombia. Transfer by coach to Cartagena Airport and from here you will travel back to Dublin
