Tour Highlights

• Return airfare from:   Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver / Winnipeg / Toronto
• Deluxe Accommodations
• Meals as outlined in brochure
• Tours and attractions as outlined in brochure
• Beach-side retreat
• Free gratuities for driver/local guide
• Hosted by Select Holidays

Day 01:  January 11, 2019 - DEPART NORTH AMERICA  [IFM]
Fly from North America to Bogota the capital of Colombia.  Welcome and assistance to hotel where you check in for a 3-night stay.  The hotel is a mixture of modern with a homey atmosphere and overlooks the Viceroy Park.

Day 02:  January 12, 2019 - BOGOTA, COLOMBIA   [B/L/D]
After breakfast at the hotel, the tour starts with a visit to the Paloquemao’s Market, one of the largest and most important markets in the country.  Everything in the market arrives fresh daily from all regions of Colombia.  There is the opportunity to taste some of the exotic fruits and snacks.  Afterwards, visit the well preserved colonial quarter of the city to capture the sights and sounds of this fascinating city.  Lunch in a typical Colombia restaurant then drive to the forested mountain to visit the “Cerro de Monserrate”.  Visit the white catholic church located at the top of the mountain and a place of worship since 1657.  This tour is followed with a visit to the Gold Museum with a large selection of pre-Colombian gold on display.  Return to hotel in Bogota for dinner and the night.  “Welcome Dinner” at hotel.

Day 03:  January 13, 2019 - BOGOTA, COLOMBIA   [B/L/D]
After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the vast plateau of the mountain area of Bogota.  Travel to the small town of Zipaquira and take an underground tour to the famous Salt Cathedral.  This extraordinary architecture is in an active salt mine.  Back above ground you find the whitewashed buildings of the main square.  Lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel. Dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 04:  January 14, 2019 - BOGOTA - PEREIRA, COLOMBIA   [B/L/D]
After breakfast, depart for the airport for a flight from Bogota to Pereira.  Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in for a 3-night stay.  This charming hacienda hotel dates from the 1880’s and is hidden in a bamboo reserve. This  afternoon visit “Zona Cafetera” Colombia’s coffee growing area for a tour and tasting of some of the freshest coffee you will ever taste.  Return to hotel to enjoy your surroundings with dinner included.

Day 05:  January 15, 2019 - PEREIRA, COLOMBIA   [B/L/D] 
The tour today will take you to the beautiful Cocora Valley and home to the wax palm.  This is Colombia’s national tree and is the tallest variety of palm trees in the world.  At over 190 feet tall, they live more that 120 years.  Upon arrival into the valley, you are welcomed with a typical cocktail called the “Canelazo”.  Your guide will explain the importance of the wax palm as you tour this misty forest.  Next visit the colonial town of Salento awash with harmonious color.  Enjoy a typical smoked trout lunch before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.  

Day 06:  January 16, 2019 - PEREIRA, COLOMBIA   [B/L/D]
After breakfast depart for a visit to Cirado Providecia, a horse breeding farm.  The horse ranch breed and trains Colombian Creole Paso Fino horses, one of the most representative symbols of tradition in Colombia.  Tour the hacienda to meet the       different stallions and horse on the farm and learn about the training process.  Have lunch then return to Hacienda Hotel for dinner and the night.

Day 07:  January 17, 2019 - PEREIRA-CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA     [B/D]
After breakfast, transfer to the Pereira airport for the flight to Cartagena and check into hotel for a 4-night stay.  With its breathtaking colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages and narrow cobble-stone streets, the city of Cartagena is a jewel of the Caribbean.  The first Spanish fleet turned the city into an important center for trade in the 16th century.  A walking tour through the inner walled section of the city lets you experience tastes and flavors and culture.  The tour will feature seven authentic food stops with delicious tastings at each stop.  Take a break from being a tourist and discover the real Cartagena with us.  Return to hotel, situated in the heart of the historic center.  Dinner and overnight.

Day 08:  January 18, 2019 - CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA  [B/D]
Today’s tour begins with a visit to “Convent de la Popa”, the highest point in the city and the best place for a panoramic view out over Cartagena.  Tour the convent that was built by the Augustinian Monks in the 17th century.  Continue the visit to the “Castillo de San Felipe”, built by the Spaniards in the 1600s and is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built  in the Spanish colony.  Its purpose was to protect and guard the city and had a complex system of tunnels that connected with strategic points for the distribution of provisions and a possible evacuation.  This afternoon visit the “Las Bovedas”, 23 vaults that were built in the 18th century and the last major colonial construction made for military purposes.  The vaults were used as store rooms, later became a jail and today houses craft markets where you can find handicrafts, antiques, jewelry and souvenirs, among other things.  Return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 9:  January 19,  2019 - CARTAGENA / ISLA GRANDE, COLOMBIA  [B/L/D]
After breakfast, a 60 minute boat ride will take you out to a beach resort located on an island.  This archipelago was formed by coral reefs with white sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters.  You can sit on the beach or even walk around the whole   island.  The day includes the boat ride, towels, a welcome punch, a typical lunch at the hotel on the island.  There are extra activities you can also do - such as snorkeling, kayaking, diving courses, bicycle rentals etc. but you must have cash to pay for these services.  Return back to the mainland and the hotel later in the afternoon.

Day 10:  January 20, 2019 - CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA   [B/D]
The morning is at leisure to explore on your own.  This afternoon you are taken to a rum and chocolate factory for tasting this fine product made from the local sugar cane.  This evening enjoy a “Farewell Dinner” and reflect on the many wonderful sights and sounds of Colombia.

Day 11:  January 21, 2019 - END OF TOUR     [B/IFM]
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and check in for a flight back to North America.

*Ask about continuing your Central America Journey and visiting Costa Rica.

Per Person, Double - $8, 884.00 Including Air

Plus $544.30 Air/Government Taxes
Single Occupancy - Call for pricing
Initial Deposit - $2,000.00 per person at time of booking.
Final Payment - is due prior to October 10, 2018