Co-sponsored by Avianca Airlines, this Pacific Holidays' travel agents educational trip will introduce you to three of Colombia's most important cites. Fly into Colombia's second most important city; Medellin; the City of the eternal Spring, known by its cultural encounters, the warmth of its people and the amazing views that are accompanied by clear blue skies and beautiful sunsets. Continue to Bogota, Colombia's capital city and a modern and vibrant city full of cultural, artistic, intellectual and social life. Finish this trip in Cartagena, a Caribbean jewel of unique romantic atmosphere and well-preserved colonial architectural treasures enclosed in its legendary fortified city walls. $1199 per person land and air from Miami. Companions are welcome at $1399 per person
Day 1, May 12, Saturday - USA
Depart US for Medellin, Colombia.
Depart MIA via Avianca Airlines. Arrival to the Jose Maria Cordoba airport. Assistance and transfer to the Poblado Alejandria Hotel.
Day 2, May 13, Sunday – MEDELLIN (5hrs)
You’ll be pick you up at the hotel and taken on a panoramic tour where you will visit some of the most representative places in Medellin, as the Bare Feet Park, the square where you can find some sculptures of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Cerro Nutibara, where you will see a replica of a typical village in Antioquia from the twentieth century that includes a church and the mayor’s office, the famous pueblito paisa. You’ll make your way to the north of the city to The Desires Park, The Botanical Garden Joaquín Antonio Uribe and all the urban development of this area. Your tour will ends with a trip by metro to the station of Santo Domingo where it is possible to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Return to the hotel. (B)
Day 3, May 14, Monday – MEDELLIN – BOGOTA
After breakfast, you’ll be transfer to the airport to take your flight to Bogota. Reception and transfer to the Dann Carlton 103 Hotel. Day at leisure. (B)
Day 4, May 15, Tuesday – BOGOTA (5hrs)
After breakfast, depart at 09:00 a.m. on your tour around the historic center of the city. The first stop will be at Plaza de Bolivar to walk along the streets and take a close look at the most important buildings of the city, such as the National Capitol, which is the center of the country's legislative life; Casa de los Comuneros; Casa de Nariño, which is the Presidential house; and the Santa Clara Church Museum. You’ll also visit to the Gold Museum, which exhibits about 34,000 pieces of metalwork from various Hispanic cultures and a visit to the House Museum Quinta de Bolivar, the house belonged to Simon Bolivar. Your tour will continue to the iconic symbol of Bogota, the Monserrate Hill rising up to 3,152 above sea level, to visit the sanctuary where you will find the statue of the Lord of Miracles. From there it is possible to enjoy the best view of Bogota. Return to the hotel. (B)
Day 5, May 16, Wednesday - BOGOTA - CARTAGENA
After breakfast, you’ll be transfer to the airport to take your flight to Cartagena. Reception at the airport and transfer to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel. Day at leisure. (B)
Day 6, May 17, Thursday – CARTAGENA (4hrs)
After breakfast, you’ll be pick you up at the hotel and taken on a tour around Cartagena de Indias. The tour starts at the modern neighborhoods of Bocagrande and Manga, where you will be able to see the contrast between modern architecture and the beauty of the old houses from the twentieth century. Further ahead, up at the Cerro de la Popa, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the heart of Cartagena as well as the whole city. The historic center of Cartagena was declared Heritage of the Humanity by UNESCO in 1984. From there, you’ll go visit the Castle where the Spaniards sought to protect the city from the attacks of the English in the seventeenth century,“el Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas”. It includes entry to Cerro de la Popa, Castillo de San Felipe and Emerald Museum. Return to the hotel. (B)
NOTE: From the date and until further notice of the competent authorities, La Popa hill will be closed as it presents geological faults, instead, will visit the House Museum of San Pedro Claver.
Day 7, May 18, Friday – CARTAGENA (all day)
After breakfast, you’ll be pick you up at the hotel in the morning to drive you to the port of Cartagena, to take the boat that will take you to Corales del Rosario National Park and San Bernardo, This natural park on the coast of the Caribbean Sea is the perfect place for a sun filled, relaxing day. It offers great food, and even greater activities. You can do snorkeling while observing the coral reefs and the many species of fish, crustaceans and sponges among others. Enjoy a typical lunch. Return to the hotel (B/L)
Day 8, May 19, Saturday – CARTAGENA/USA
After breakfast, time at leisure depending on your departure flight. Transfer to the airport and board your flight back to the USA. (B)
