Colombia - Craig Travel

Colombia
Country of Coffee and Culture
February 19 - March 2, 2016
13 Days • 25 Meals
Escorted by Ian Noseworthy
Cocora Valley, Botero Park, and Coffee Beans
Credit Rob Craig
Combining the indigenous population with the Spanish
influences dating from the 16th Century colonization, the
mixture of African cultures brought by slavery and the more
recent influx of immigrants, Colombia has become a
melting pot of cultures and ethnicities. Over the past two
decades Colombia has gone through dramatic changes,
becoming one of South America’s most desired
destinations. Today it enjoys a relaxed and safe
environment, a delightful new destination for us to explore.
With historic cities, the magnificent Andes, verdant
countryside and the picturesque coffee region at its heart,
Colombia provides a truly diverse landscape. Starting in
the Andean capital city of Bogota we visit the famous Gold
Museum and the spectacular views from Monserrate. In the
coffee region we will learn of the coffee process and rural
life. Medellin will offer a perfect climate and modern culture
before we head to the coast and the Caribbean city of
Cartagena.
This tour has been built with comfort in mind. We shall
stay 3 nights in each centre visited using very comfortable
hotels and inns throughout, combined with short flights
between most centres for ease of travel and comfort. We
have selected a variety of unique and highly rated
restaurants to sample Colombia’s cuisine. Join us as we
discover Colombia; its history, culture, sites, people and so
much more.
This group will be limited to just 26 members.
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The traditional garb of rural Colombia - Credit Rob Craig
INCLUSIVE FEATURES
 Return airfare from Canada to Bogotá with Air Canada
plus internal flights in Colombia
 Accommodation in first class and best available hotels
as indicated or similar
 25 meals (shown as B - 12 breakfasts, L - 6 lunches, D
- 7 dinners)
 Transportation by air-conditioned motor coach
 All sightseeing and entrance fees as described
 All gratuities and taxes for included services
 Services of our Canadian tour escort plus a
Professional English-speaking guide in Colombia
 Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
3 nights in Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant capital
Visit to the world famous Gold Museum in Bogotá
Spectacular views from Monserrate of Bogotá
Visit the impressive cathedral of Zipaquirá, carved into
the earth inside a salt mine
3 nights in Colombia’s picturesque coffee region
Coffee Experience at Hacienda Combia
Cocora Valley (Valley of the Palms) and Salento
3 nights in the Spring City of Medellín
Visit to the Parque Berrio and Museum of Antioquia in
Medellín
10 Experimental Moments Dinner in Medellín
3 nights in the coastal city of Cartagena
Market shopping experience and cooking class in
Cartagena
TOUR ESCORT
We are very pleased to have Ian Noseworthy escorting
this exciting adventure. A native of Newfoundland, Ian is
an inveterate traveller, having spent a good part of his life
visiting various parts of the world including the
Mediterranean, the Middle
East, North Africa, Europe,
Greece, South America, China
and Tibet, South Africa,
Morocco and most recently
Ecuador and the Galapagos
Islands. He has escorted
groups on our behalf to
numerous destinations and is
looking forward to sharing this
wonderful experience with
you.
Monserrate Monastery, Bogota - Credit Colombian Tourist Board
February 19, Friday
Depart Canada
Tour members gather in Toronto for the morning direct Air
Canada flight to Bogotá. We are met on arrival and
transferred to our hotel, with the balance of the day at
leisure. Andino Royal (3 nights)
D
February 20, Saturday
Bogotá
This morning we head out on a full day tour of Bogotá. La
Candelaria is Bogotá’s heart and soul. Dating from its
humble beginnings this is the oldest part of the city, and
home to some of the city’s most historic sites. Plaza Bolivar
(main square) is the focal point of this neighbourhood and
where we shall start our journey. Surrounding the square
are several important Colonial and Republican style
buildings including the Colombian Congress. Our guide will
not only explain the history of Bogotá but also the
intricacies of current Colombian culture and daily life. After
a quick stop for coffee we head on to the Botero Museum,
which houses works by Colombia’s most famous artists as
well as works by Dali, Monet, and Van Gogh. After lunch
the Gold Museum offers one of the finest collections of preHispanic gold in the world with more than 35,000 pieces on
display.
BD
February 21, Sunday
Zipaquirá
This morning we head out early to view Colombia’s
beautiful countryside and to tour Zipaquirá
and its
impressive underground salt mine cathedral. After some
free time for lunch we will visit the monastery of
Monserrate. Perched atop a mountain at the city limits, this
17th Century monastery provides spectacular views of the
city and surrounding area.
BL
February 22, Monday
Bogotá / Salento
We catch a short flight into the beautiful coffee region and
one of its main cities, Armenia. Our hotel is located in the
town of Salento, known as the gateway to Cocora Valley
and its impressive palm trees. Salento Real (3 nights) BD
February 23, Tuesday
Filandia / Cocora Valley
Cocora Valley, known as the valley of the palms, is one of
Colombia’s greatest natural wonders. Located just outside
of the mountain town of Salento the valley is home to
hundreds of giant palm trees that are not found anywhere
else in the world. We will enjoy a short guided walk
followed by some free time to explore (note: trail conditions
can be rough/uneven, good walking shoes are required).
After lunch at the mouth of the valley we visit the town of
Filandia to see rural life in the coffee region. Back in
Salento for a short tour and time to shop or maybe even
play a game of Tejo.
BL
February 24, Wednesday
Coffee Experience / Botanical Gardens
Our morning will be spent exploring a working coffee farm
and plantation while learning about the process used to
turn the simple coffee bean into one of the world’s most
popular drinks. From seed to cup we see the care taken in
creating this beloved drink. Start with a walk through the
undulating grounds of the farm with its winding rows of
plants, then learn how the beans are cleaned and roasted
before they are finally brewed and tasted. This afternoon
we visit the Quindio Botanical Gardens with its exceptional
butterfly farm. Paths meander through different gardens
with a diverse range of flora and butterflies. This evening
we have a dinner at Dar Papaya, one of coffee regions top
rated restaurants.
BLD
February 25, Thursday
Coffee Region / Medellín
Today we say goodbye to the coffee region and head to
the city of eternal spring, Medellín . Once a city known for a
few of its outlaw citizens Medellín has grown and changed
dramatically over the past decade. The city is also home to
the best climate found in the country and of Colombia’s
favourite artist Botero. Arriving in Medellín in the late
afternoon we check into our hotel and have a bit of free
time before dinner at our hotel. Hotel Diez (3 nights)
BD
February 26, Friday
Medellín
Medellín has a long and colourful history; from its colonial
start (only access was by trekking across the Andes),
through to the dark days of drug cartels and the city’s
rebirth as one of South America’s most vibrant and
progressive centres. A tour of the central part of Medellín
can really help to bring the city to life and to help one
understand why it is so important in terms of both
commerce and culture. Our tour will take us to the "Parque
Berrio", the famous Botero square where massive
sculptures of locally born sculptor Fernando Botero are
exhibited. The Museum of Antioquia will provide us with the
history of the region through the eyes of its artists and
show us the region’s contribution to the nation.
BL
February 27, Saturday
Medellín / Santa Helena
One of the main centres for cultivating flowers is located in
the cooler climate of the mountains surrounding Medellín,
especially in the small village of Santa Helena. During our
visit, we shall learn all about the traditional crafting of floral
tapestries mounted onto wooden frames, known as
silletero. We shall see the process of building them and
even try our hand at it ourselves. We return to Medellín this
afternoon on the city’s famous metro and cable car system
and enjoy great views of the city and a chance to
understand a bit more about the geography and social
make up of Colombia’s second city. Tonight's special 10
Experimental Moments dinner is at El Cielo.
BD
View from atop Monserrate, Bogotá - Credit Rob Craig
Presidential Guards, Bogotá - Credit Rob Craig
Cocora Valley - Credit Rob Craig
February 28, Sunday
Medellín / Cartagena
A short flight will bring us from the mountainous highlands
to the coastal city of Cartagena. Carved from a colourful
history complete with tales of pirates, sultry Caribbean
heat, plus fusions of African, Indian (indigenous) and
European heritage, Cartagena is a living, breathing and
pulsating museum of Colombia’s development. Following
our transfer to our hotel, we shall have the balance of the
day free to relax or explore. Bantú De Lujo (3 nights)
B
February 29, Monday
Cartagena
Cartagena is a city of history and culture. Colour splashes
every corner, balconies overflow with blossoming flowers,
and energy seeps beneath the ancient wooden doors of
colonial buildings, quaint restaurants and Casa Privadas
(private homes). Our tour will begin with a walking tour of
the old town area. Probably the most iconic landmark is the
Castillo San Felipe, the massive fort which dominates the
old town area. From the fort we continue to Convento La
Popa, located on the highest point in the city where it
commands excellent views of the old town, the bay, the
harbour and the Caribbean Sea beyond.
BL
March 1, Tuesday
Cartagena
This morning visit a local market to find ingredients for our
lunch. Colombia is home to a wide variety of fruits that can
only be found in this region. After obtaining the needed
ingredients we shall be taught how to prepare them and
learn some traditional Colombian recipes. We have a free
afternoon to relax or stroll the streets or maybe do some
last minute shopping before gathering for a special farewell
dinner at El Santísimo .
BLD
March 2, Wednesday
Cartagena / Bogotá / Canada
All too soon our Colombian adventure comes to an end.
We fly home via Bogotá where we catch our direct Air
Canada flight to Toronto with homeward connections.
B
CT RATING 3.5 - Challenging: Visitors must be aware
that local conditions vary throughout the country. Hotels in
major centres are comfortable and modern while many
rural hotels, roads and other services are simple and
relatively basic. Some terrain experienced will be uneven.
Bogota is located in the Andes Mountains and some
travellers may experience altitude sickness. This tour is
best suited for people who are active and enjoy walking
and hiking.
Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)
Land Only (Join / Leave Bogota) ................................ $4,175
Toronto ....................................................................... $5,195
Ottawa / Montreal ....................................................... $5,295
Halifax ........................................................................ $5,395
St. John’s .................................................................... $5,485
Winnipeg..................................................................... $5,445
Regina / Saskatoon .................................................... $5,545
Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver ............................... $5,395
Victoria........................................................................ $5,595
Single Supplement ..................................................... $ 995
Airfares from other gateways are available on request.
Airfares and air carriers are subject to change and will be
confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features
for details.
Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at
hotels. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members and
on rates, taxes and fees effective May 2015 and are
subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
The above prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of
comprehensive insurance which is available on an optional
basis and is highly recommended. Insurance premiums
vary with the cost and length of the trip as well as the
traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74
years on departure date, premiums will range from $250 to
$285pp. Cost supplements for members aged 75 - 85 will
range from $185 to $352pp. This insurance is effective
from the date of purchase and carries limitations on preexisting medical conditions. Please discuss your
insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website
for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment
form for general information and conditions.
Final payment will be due December 18, 2015
Deposit is $500 per person
To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed
enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and
your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:
CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD
1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6
Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143
tours@craigtravel.com / www.craigtravel.com
Gold Museum, Bogotá - Credit Rob Craig
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