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Colombia has changed and now is the time to discover one of the best kept secrets of Latin America. Take advantage of this premium tour in a private vehicle accompanied with your own guide and be prepared to be surprised as you discover the reality of Colombia. Bogotá, the clean & bustling capital city is fast becoming a by word for urban progress and with spectacular views of the Andean mountains, wander between the myriad of interesting streets in La Candelaria, Bogota's old colonial district. Visit the most important gold museum in the world, the Museo de Oro or the museum of Colombia’s famous artist, Fernandao Botero. Enjoy the abundant nightlife and restaurants in Parque 93 and Zona Rosa. The Eje Cafetero, or Coffee Region, is where you travel to for spectacular scenery, a tour of the coffee plantations & picturesque colonial villages and a blissful few days staying at a traditional hacienda amongst the flowers and humming birds. The tour concludes in Cartagena de Indias, South America’s most beautiful and evocative city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Caribbean coast of the country. Wander the colonial streets with their imposing merchant’s houses, flower bedecked balconies & stunning civic buildings. Explore fortresses, museums and beautiful churches or book an optional day trip to the Rosario Islands for white sandy beaches.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Bogota Bogotá is located near the geographic center of Colombia, on the east of the Savannah of Bogotá. Bogotá was originally called "Bacatá" (which means “planted fields”) by the Muiscas. It was the center of their civilization before the Spanish explorers colonized the area, and it sustained a large population. The European settlement was founded in August 6, 1538 by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada and was named "Santa Fé de Bacatá" after his birthplace Santa Fé and the local name. "Bacatá" had become the modern "Bogotá" by the time it was made the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada, which was then part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, and later of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. The city soon became one of the centers of Spanish colonial power and civilization in South America. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle. Transfer from the Airport in Bogata to your hotel with a private vehicle and driver. In the heart of La Candelaria, the Hotel de la Opera offers an oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the capitals everyday life. With a stunning colonial exterior and interior there are few hotels in Bogota to compete in style and elegance. The location is excellent; next to the Cristóbal Colón Theatre and across the street from the Palacio de San Carlos, which currently houses the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Also across the street is the Colonial Art Museum and just two blocks away is Bolivar Square and the National Cathedral. The Presidential Palace, known as the Casa de Narino, is just a few blocks away. Overnight at Hotel De La Opera. |
 Bogota |
 Hotel De La Opera |
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Day 2
Bogota This half day driving tour is an opportunity to see Colombia’s capital city from the comfort of an air conditioned vehicle. Vibrant and diverse Bogotá, the countries capital and commercial back bone. Colombia's bustling metropolis is a mix of old and new, trendy and traditional, Stately and charming. Home to a dazzling array of museums, churches, colonial mansions and stately buildings Bogotá has a fine balance between its historical past and its movement in to the future. It is sometimes called the Athens of South America. Bogotá is now Colombia's largest financial, political, and cultural centre. The National University of Colombia and many other universities located there make Bogotá the nation's chief educational centre. Bogota is for many people the gateway city in to Colombia, and a fine start point for your Colombian adventure. On this tour you will see the historic colonial centre of the city, the vibrant mid-town and the prosperous northern sector of a city that offers surprises at every turn Overnight at Hotel De La Opera. |
 Bogota |
 Colombian Girl |
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Day 3
Quindio Coffee Region Quindío is located in the western central region of the country, crossed by the Andes mountains. Its capital is Armenia. It is famous by the quality of the coffee plantations, colourful architecture, benign weather, plenty of options in hotel accommodations and touristic landmarks. Transfer from the Airport in Bogata to your hotel with a private vehicle and driver. Domestic flight between Bogota and Armenia with Avianca Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver to the Quindio Coffee Region. Hacienda Bambusa Hotel has been conceived as a place where guests can enjoy the privacy that can only be find in your own home, but with the comfort and services only an excellent hotel can offer. It is a typical bamboo colonial style house located amidst one of the most breathtaking scenarios of this ‘coffee land’, surrounded by banana plantations, cattle fields, and an open view on the Andes Mountains. It is an ideal place for your holidays, corporative meetings, or simply a weekend escape from the rush of the city. Overnight at Hacienda Bambusa. |
 Quindio |
 Hotel Hacienda Bambusa |
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Day 4
Quindio Coffee Region This tour will take you from the far north of Quindío to the beautiful Valle Cocora where the magnificent wax palm grows, in one of its few natural habitats. Then onto the first settlement in Quindío of the modern era. As you enter into Filandia you know you are in the Coffee region of Colombia. The main square has not changed in appearance or in character in decades. Filandia does not have an attraction to visit; Filandia is the attraction. A coffee break in one of the many small coffee shops will allow you to take in the quaintness of uninterrupted lines of brightly painted houses in the traditional Pueblo of the region. From Filandia you will drive to the Valley Cocora. Part of the wider Parque Nacional Los Nevados, the valley is located on the eastern limits of Quindío along the central Andean range. It has been regarded by Colombia as a sanctuary for its national symbol; the Wax Palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense). The Palm fringes the Mountain range, and is now protected and declared a national tree and symbol to prevent exploitation due to the celebrations during Palm Sunday, and therefore a threat against the endemic species dependant on the palm. Salento is a municipality in the northeastern part of the department of Quindío. It was the first settlement in Quindío of the modern era, and the first municipality founded in the department. Salento is located 24 km northeast of the departmental capital Armenia. The picturesque town is located on the Northeastern corner of the department and borders other departments, Risaralda and Tolima all sharing Parque Nacional Los Nevados. From Salento you will continue on to your hotel. Overnight at Hacienda Bambusa. |
 Wax Palm |
 Coffee Region |
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Day 5
Quindio Coffee Region This tour will give you a true impression of the life and culture encompassed by the Coffee region. Coffee is the heart and soul of this area and today you will see how this simple bean affects every part of the region. From quaint towns and stunning views, this is a full day insight into the “Triangulo Del Café”. You will also visit the National Bamboo Centre, the settlements of Cordoba, Pijao, and Buena Vista, enjoy a typical lunch and learn about the coffee process. In 1986 the regional autonomy of Quindío initiated the National Centre for the study of the Guadua Bamboo. The Centre is providing study resources and new technologies in propagation, forestry management and innovations in the use of the Bamboo in Industry. This first stop allows you to understand how this simple bamboo forms the back bone of so much that goes on in the region, from house construction to furniture and agriculture. Next you will make your way through the coffee covered hills and valleys, to your second port of call. Córdoba is one of the twelve municipalities’ that form the department of Quindío. With a sense of time standing still, the buildings are aching under their own weight and the atmosphere is one of calm. During the day many of the local inhabitants work the steep slopes amongst the coffee plantations upon which the town is dependant. It’s a great place to sit and drink a coffee whilst watching the senior gentleman of the town play billiards at the club on the corner. Pijao, the next stop is known as "The place where the Herons come" for every night herons come to roost on the highest branches or so the story goes. Many of the inhabitants will be picking the coffee whilst the rest are centre stage in the plaza sipping coffee and chatting.
After the tour of the surrounding countryside and discovering life of the people in the Triangulo Del Café, the next stop will be lunch and a very interesting visit to a Coffee finca. Here you will learn about the cultivation, classification, and preparation of Colombian coffee. You will walk through the coffee plantations and nursery and there will be an explanation as to how the plant grows and is cultivated before the final bean reaches the coffee cup. You will also have the opportunity to learn about coffee tasting, the different aromas and textures of Colombia’s most famous export. Overnight at Hacienda Bambusa. |
 Haciendas |
 Monkey |
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Day 6
Cartagena Cartagena de Indias is a port city on the northern coast of Colombia and capital of Bolívar Department. It is the fifth largest urban area in Colombia with a population over 1 million. Founded in 1533 by Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia, and named after the port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region, the city was a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas. It experienced rapid development in the eighteenth century as the de facto capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada and as the main hub of commerce and transportation in the late viceroyalty era. The city is presently a center of economic activity in the Caribbean region and a popular tourist destination. Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver to the Quindio Coffee Region. Fly from Armenia to Cartagena with a connecting flight in Bogota. Flight duration is approximately 3 hours. Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local guide from Airport to Hotel or within city and vice versa Alfitz Boutique Hotel is located in Cartagena´s historical Old Town, only a short walk to most of the city's attractions. Alfiz hotel offers eight stylish suites in the elegant ambiance of a restored XVII’s heritage building. Whether you are visiting the city on business or travelling for pleasure, this beautifully restored residence provides a warm welcome.This hotel is part of the collection of the “Cartagena Boutique Hotels”, the group of outstanding properties chosen for their intimate size, personalized service and attractive surroundings. Since the 17th century, the hotel has sheltered secrets, anecdotes and adventures. After three centuries, it continues to make history. Overnight at Alfitz Boutique Hotel. |
 Cartagena |
 Alfitz Boutique Hotel |
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Day 7
Cartagena You will be met at your hotel by your Bilingual guide to commence your walking tour through the streets of Cartagena. Your tour will take through the old town under the Puerta Del Reloj (Clock tower entrance), a symbol of Cartagena, into the Plaza de los Coches. Your guide will divulge the myths and legends, histories and stories of Cartagena from ancient times right up to the present. From the Plaza San Pedro Claver with its stunning Church, on through to the Plaza Bolivar; with its shady areas, where a fresh Lemon juice can be enjoyed whilst watching the world go by. Cartagena is steeped in history and a delight to stroll the streets with your own personal encyclopaedia of knowledge guiding you from one interest to the other. Overnight at Alfitz Boutique Hotel. |
 Cartagena |
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Day 8
Cartagena Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Overnight at Alfitz Boutique Hotel. |
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Day 9
Cartagena Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local guide from Airport to Hotel or within city and vice versa Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) . |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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