Treasures of Colombia

Day 1 - Welcome to Bogotá
Check in to sophisticated, top-rated JW Marriott in the heart of this beautiful Andean city.

Day 2 - Bogotá and Zipaquirá
In-depth Small Group sightseeing with your attentive Trip Leader begins this morning in La Candelaria. The impressive Colonial quarter of this beautiful city is one of the best preserved in South America. Here you’ll find Plaza de Bolivar, the bustling main square of Bogotá, as well as the Cathedral, Cardinal’s Palace, City Hall and the handsome Colonial church of El Sagrario. Next up is a guided tour of the Gold Museum, home to one of the Continent’s greatest collections of pre-Hispanic Indian artifacts, including priceless objects of gold and other precious materials. At the Fernando Botero Museum, you’ll discover the paintings and sculptures of one of Colombia’s most celebrated contemporary artists. If you wish, there will be time after touring the museum to refresh with a cup of fine Colombian coffee at Puerta Falsa, a popular café and sweet shop in the heart of historic Bogotá. Then continue with your Trip Leader into the high-mountain landscapes just outside the capital. Admire the lovely central plaza in the charming Colonial town of Cajicá and sit down to a hearty lunch of traditional Colombian fare. In the afternoon, your sightseeing continues with the underground cathedral of Zipaquirá. Here under the towering Halite Mountains, you’ll marvel at the Stations of the Cross and three illuminated naves which have been hand-hewn in the salt mine tunnels along with other sculptures and a cavernous pool. Although this is a destination popular with visitors from far and wide, it’s also a place of pilgrimage for the local community, able to accommodate 8,400 worshippers for mass. Return to your hotel in the city and enjoy the balance of your afternoon and evening at leisure. Meals B,L

Day 3 - Into the enchanting landscapes of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle #WHS#
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Armenia. Situated in a small and tranquil valley in the shadow of the mighty Andes Mountains, Armenia is a provincial capital and lies in the heart of Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle, where 10% of the world’s coffee is grown. You’ll be escorted to the exceptional Hacienda El Delirio, surrounded by lush grounds with easy access to the towns and plantations of the region. The balance of your afternoon and evening are free to relax and enjoy the elegant and calming ambience of this charming hotel. Meals B

Day 4 - Hacienda Sal Alberto in the Heart of the Coffee Triangle
A morning visit to an authentic working hacienda reveals why the area was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of its sustainable cultural traditions. In the company of a local expert – and himself a coffee connoisseur – you’ll explore the grounds of one of the area’s numerous coffee plantations. Observe the skilled workers in their daily routine and gain insight into the complex processes whereby these diminutive beans become an aromatic cup of coffee! Sit down to a tasting session of fine blends and enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel in Armenia. Meals B,L

Day 5 - Discover the Cocora Valley and Salento
After breakfast, your guide will be waiting to take you and your congenial band of travelers on a full day excursion showcasing some of Colombia’s most important natural and cultural treasures. First up is an invigorating guided walk along the forest trails of Hacienda El Rancho. This is a great opportunity to observe indigenous bird species and to learn about the local flora. Then in the picturesque town of Salento, you’ll discover splendid examples of Antioquian architecture, a distinctive Spanish-influenced style which is unique to this mountainous region.

Next up is Cocora National Park… Utilizing the region’s traditional mode of transport, the Willys Jeep, you’ll set out to explore the Park’s pristine fog forest, learning about the region’s unique fauna and flora – like the towering 200-foot wax palm tree, the world’s tallest palm species. Meet the region’s indigenous inhabitants and learn about some of their cultural traditions, including ceremonies centered upon the wax palm. You’ll also have the opportunity to assist in the planting of a palm tree – thereby helping to preserve Colombia’s rich natural heritage. Meals B,L

Day 6 - Discover Cartagena #WHS#
Early this morning, fly via Bogotá to Cartagena where you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the stylish Sofitel Santa Clara Hotel. After time to relax, rejoin your well-versed Trip Leader and explore this handsome fortified city. Cartageña is filled with palaces, gardens and churches which date to the Colonial era when it was one of the wealthiest ports in all the West Indies. Your afternoon tour delves into this fabulous architectural legacy, including the Convent of La Popa, built in the 17th century, and the splendidly preserved monuments and homes of the old walled city. Along the way, you’ll also take a break in handsome Santo Domingo Square for a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed tangerine juice. Meals B

Day 7 - Full-day excursion to the Rosario Islands
A delightful excursion to one of Colombia’s finest national parks begins this morning with a pleasant motorboat journey across the scenic Bay of Cartagena to the lovely islands of El Rosario. With lunch included, the day is yours to relax, explore, swim and snorkel as you wish. Meals B,L

Day 8 - A day at leisure
You have this full day free to explore at your own pace along the charming cobblestone streets of town. Meals B

Day 9 - Depart Colombia
Our tour services end this morning after breakfast. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
6/8/2012 - 6/17/2012	$2,899
6/8/2012 - 6/17/2012	$2,699
8/10/2012 - 8/19/2012	$2,899
8/10/2012 - 8/19/2012	$2,699
9/14/2012 - 9/23/2012	$2,899
9/14/2012 - 9/23/2012	$2,699
10/12/2012 - 10/21/2012	$2,899
10/12/2012 - 10/21/2012	$2,699
11/9/2012 - 11/18/2012	$2,699
11/9/2012 - 11/18/2012	$2,899
1/11/2013 - 1/20/2013	$2,799
1/11/2013 - 1/20/2013	$2,899
2/8/2013 - 2/17/2013	$2,799
2/8/2013 - 2/17/2013	$2,899
3/8/2013 - 3/17/2013	$2,799
3/8/2013 - 3/17/2013	$2,899
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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