Precious Journeys Colombia

Day 1:  Arrive Bogotá, Colombia
Welcome to Colombia’s lively capital city, Bogotá, where a representative from Big Five will be waiting to escort you to your hotel.  Hotel Sofitel Victoria Regia

Day 2:  Bogotá
Bogotá is the country’s economic and political hub.  The city’s attractions include colonial churches, Spanish-influenced architecture, lovely parks and more than 40 museums, plus shopping malls, restaurants and night clubs.  Your half-day sightseeing includes the historic center of the city, La Candelaria.  The fascinating Gold Museum houses an extraordinary selection of pre-Columbian gold work – the largest such collection in the world.  It includes the legendary Musica raft of El Dorado in gold.  The Botero Museum houses work by Colombia’s famous artist, Fernando Botero, as well as other legendary artists such as Picasso, Miró, Degas and Monet.  Hotel Sofitel Victoria Regia (B)

Day 3:  Bogotá / Armenia
This morning, enjoy a tour of the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, an underground cathedral built into a rock salt mine.  The Roman Catholic Church has 14 small chapels representing the Stations of the Cross.  Each station has a cross and several kneeling platforms carved into the salt structure.  The temple at the bottom has three sections, representing the birth, life, and death of Jesus.  This afternoon, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Armenia, the capital of the Quindío department.  Founded in 1889, it combines its contemporary development with the traditions of its forefathers' heritage, such as the historic Liberator Pathway, the trail used by Colombia's 19th-century liberator Simon Bolívar to move his army between the west of the country and Santa Fe de Bogotá during his successful independence campaign from Spain.  Armenia’s cultural wealth can be seen in its pre-Columbian legacy.  It worth visiting the Quimbaya Gold Museum awarded the National Prize for Architecture, which houses gold artifacts made by pre-Hispanic communities dating back to 500BC.  Walk the Plaza Simón Bolívar, see the statue of the great Liberator, the government building and the cathedral.  Calle 14 features handicrafts stores and shops that offer you a taste of some of Colombia’s locally produced coffee.  Casa Hacienda Bambusa (B)

Day 4:  Armenia
Travel into the Valley of Cocora, part of Los Nevados National Natural Park.  It is also home to the country’s national symbol, the wax palm tree.  Here, you can opt for activities such as hiking, bird watching, game fishing, mountain biking, horse riding, rafting and more.  Return to your elegant hotel to relax and enjoy its secluded location.  Casa Hacienda Bambusa (B,L)

Day 5:  Armenia / Cartagena
Set out on a half-day discovery of Colombia's famed coffee region to learn about the process from planting to finished product.  In the afternoon, you will fly to Cartegena, which has witnessed human activity dating back to 4000 B.C.  Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara (B)

Day 6:  Cartagena
Today focus is Cartagena, where you explore the ancient walled city, which is listed as both “Mankind’s Heritage” and “Colombian National Heritage” Site by UNESCO.  Its narrow streets are adorned with antique doorways and flower-filled balconies.  Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the historic center and its colonial streets and the Cathedral of Cartagena.  Continue to the Plaza de Bolivar and the Temple of Santo Domingo.  Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara (B)

Day 7:  Cartagena
This morning, you will be taken on a different kind of exploration of Cartagena.  You will go with the owner of La Cevicheria Restaurant to visit the food market of Basurto, where you get an authentic taste of Colombia.  Take part in an interactive cooking class at the relaxing beachfront home of the owner of Bazurto Social Club.  Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara (B)

Day 8:  Cartagena / Depart
Today you transfer to the airport for your flight home.  (B)