Today you fly to Bogotá. You'll receive a warm welcome at the airport and be taken to your accommodation. Settle in and look forward to a delicious dinner. You might even meet someone from your small group. If you arrive at the hotel after 9:00 pm, your program will begin the following morning with a hearty breakfast. 2 nights in Bogotá. (A) (Distance: approx. 15 km; Travel time: approx. 30 min)

Your day's program begins with a visit to the pilgrimage site of Montserrat. You'll ascend the mountain by cable car, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding savannah. Next, you'll head to the Paloqueamao market, which is particularly known for its wide selection of tropical fruits. You'll also find medicinal herbs, fresh fish, and local dishes. During your visit, you can chat informally with some of the market stall owners and learn about their daily worries, hardships, and joys. The tour continues with a walking tour through the La Candelaria district. Besides the government building, the colonial old town also features the house of Simón Bolívar, the Latin American independence fighter. A visit to the impressive churches of San Francisco and La Tercera is also a must. You can spend the rest of the afternoon as you wish and explore the city further. (F)

On your way to what is arguably Colombia's prettiest colonial village, you'll visit the world's only salt cathedral in Zipaquirá. This atmospheric structure was built deep underground from a former salt mine. Continue your journey via the pilgrimage site of Chiquinquirá and Ráquirá, a village with brightly painted houses, known for its pottery. Upon arrival in the charming Villa de Leyva, stroll through cobblestone streets and past well-preserved whitewashed colonial houses – rarely has a place's colonial architecture been so well preserved. Overnight in Villa de Leyva. (B) (Distance: approx. 190 km; Travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)

Your itinerary today takes you to the area around Villa de Leyva. After breakfast, you'll make a brief stop at the Santo Ecce Homo Monastery, a Dominican monastery founded in the 17th century, which you can admire from the outside. Afterwards, you'll head back to Bogotá, stopping at one of the most significant sites in Colombian history, the Boyacá Bridge. It was here that Simón Bolívar and his troops won the decisive battle against the Spanish conquistadors in 1819, thus "liberating" the continent. From Bogotá airport, you'll take a short 30-minute flight to Pereria, in Colombia's coffee region. From there, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Armenia. Use this longer transfer time to chat with your fellow travelers or relax and recharge for the days ahead. You'll arrive in Armenia late in the evening, where you'll spend the next three nights. (F) (Distance: approx. 245 km; Travel time: approx. 5 hours)

After breakfast, you'll learn about coffee bean cultivation, harvesting, and processing at a very special coffee hacienda. Of course, a tasting of the delicious coffee is a must. Refreshed, you'll then head to the impressive Quindio Botanical Garden. The butterfly house is world-renowned for its great diversity of species. Over 1,500 butterflies from 50 different species flutter about in its 680 square meters. Hundreds of flowers line the paths, making the visit a feast for the eyes and nose. In the evening, you'll learn a typical Colombian bar game. "Tejo" requires a mixture of skill and concentration—some might even call it beer. Using metal discs called "tejos," players aim at small packets filled with gunpowder, called "mechas." The mechas are stuck in a field of sand or modeling clay. A hit and a bang earns you points. (F)

La Carbonera is a stunning landscape in the central Andean mountain range of Colombia. It's home to a reserve of Colombia's national tree, the wax palm, which can be admired by the thousands. This spectacular mountain landscape is home to endemic birds and various mammals and is accessible only via unpaved roads, offering a unique natural environment far removed from mass tourism. During your journey, you'll make photo stops to admire this exceptional scenery. Upon arrival in La Carbonera, you'll enjoy a walk and a picnic lunch. Next, you'll visit Casa de la Carbonera, where you'll sample the typical hot sugarcane drink, "agua panela," with cheese. At the agreed-upon time, you'll return to Salento, exploring its colonial streets and visiting artisan workshops. Finally, at Jesús Martin's shop, you'll enjoy an artistic barista demonstration, where intricate designs are created in the milk foam of a cappuccino, which you can then taste. (On-site, short-notice adjustments to the program may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.) (F/P) (Distance traveled: approx. 100 km; travel time: approx. 3 hours)

After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to the coffee plantation and drive along the "coffee highway" through verdant hilly landscapes, partly following the Caucasus River, to Medellín. A little over 20 years ago, Medellín gained a reputation as the most dangerous city in the world. In the early 1990s, the hunt for drug lord Pablo Escobar, the leader of the Medellín Cartel, reached its peak. Shot down by special forces on a rooftop, the reign of terror of "El Patrón" came to an end. The fight against his successor continued until the turn of the millennium. From 2002 onward, Medellín's safety and reputation steadily improved. Dedicated politicians invested heavily in infrastructure and public education, contributing significantly to Medellín's current status as one of the world's most innovative metropolises. The hotel is located in the modern El Poblado district, close to great restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. 2 nights in Medellín. (F) (Distance: approx. 250 km; Travel time: approx. 5.5 hours)

Today's tour takes you to the historical and contemporary sites of the "City of Eternal Spring." The city is a symbol of the country's transformation. Once considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and not without reason, it is now the city where 90% of Colombians would most like to live. You'll see landmarks in the city center, such as San Antonio Park, San Ignacio Square, and the Sculpture Park. Through conversations with residents of the city's famous Comuna 13, you'll gain insight into how Medellín achieved this transformation. During this half-day city tour, you'll also discover why Colombia is a paradise for fruit lovers! At the local market, "La Minorista," you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant bustle of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and people. Sample some of the produce and haggle for bargains. (F)

After breakfast, on your way to the airport, you'll take a short detour to visit the incredibly scenic area around the Guatapé Reservoir, the vibrant atmosphere of the village of Guatapé, and the El Peñol rock formation. Afterwards, you'll travel to the Caribbean coast and Santa Marta. Upon arrival, you'll head to what are perhaps the most breathtaking beaches in South America, located near Tayrona National Park. Here you'll spend the next three nights just a short walk from the beach. (B) (Distance: approx. 180 km; Travel time: approx. 4.5 hours)

Tayrona National Park, with its diverse wildlife and picture-perfect beaches, is one of Colombia's most iconic destinations. You'll embark on a beautiful hike amidst the magnificent natural beauty of the lush rainforest. Your hike begins at Cañaveral Beach, one of the wildest and most stunning sections of Tayrona Park. From here, you'll climb a small hill offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Halfway through, you'll reach the turquoise waters of La Piscina and the idyllic Playa Cabo beach. Here you can rest, take some memorable photos, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the Caribbean Sea (easy, approx. 8 km, approx. 6 hours, +/- 50 m elevation gain/loss). (F)

The day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. An optional excursion can also be booked (optional, bookable in advance): The indigenous Arhuaco people are the direct descendants of the pre-Columbian Tayrona civilization and live in the valleys of the Palomino, Don Diego, San Miguel, and Ancho rivers. You will begin by strolling along the picturesque coastal road to the settlement of Perico Aguao, Magdalena. Here, you will be met by an indigenous guide, and after a brief introduction, you will begin your hike (easy, approx. 2.5 km, walking time: approx. 45 min.) through the rainforest to the settlement, which is fantastically situated on the seafront. An interesting tour of the village awaits you, where you will learn all about the cuisine and traditions of the Arhuaco people. If the Mamo, spiritual leader and head of the village, is present during your visit, you will have the opportunity to speak with him after the tour. Afterwards, there will be a picnic on the beach, and anyone who would like to is welcome to learn more about the making of the traditional shoulder bags, the mochilas. Finally, you will plant an endemic tree as a memento of your visit. The rest of the afternoon is then yours to enjoy at your leisure. (F)

After breakfast, you'll travel along the Caribbean coast to Cartagena. Along the way, you'll make short stops to explore important sites in Colombian history. The first stop is at Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simón Bolívar, the liberator of Colombia, died in December 1830. Next, you'll visit a viewpoint above the fishing village of Taganga, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the picturesque bay and the surrounding hills. Afterward, you'll travel through the Cienaga Grande del Magdalena. This flora and fauna reserve, located between the cities of Santa Marta and Barranquilla, is the largest lagoon complex in Colombia and one of the most important on the planet. Passing Barranquilla, the largest city on the Caribbean coast, you'll arrive in Cartagena in the afternoon. Here, you'll enjoy your last two nights and the unique blend of Caribbean flair and colonial architecture. (B) (Distance: approx. 245 km; Travel time: approx. 5.5 hours)

Today, outside the old city walls, the Spanish Fort with its well-preserved San Felipe fortress awaits your visit. From the La Popa Monastery, perched on a hill 150 meters above the city, you can then enjoy a stunning view of this beautiful coastal city. Afterward, you'll head into the old town and explore its most charming squares, churches, and streets on foot. The diverse blend of colonial architecture, gastronomy, and culture rightfully makes Cartagena a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an unforgettable travel destination. You can then spend the afternoon in Cartagena at your leisure. Stroll through the winding alleys, linger in the small street cafes, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this coastal city. Alternatively, you can opt for a kayaking excursion (optional, bookable locally, approximately USD 50 per person). In the evening, your tour guide will take you to a particularly beautiful spot on the city walls. Enjoy a relaxing glass of rum while taking in the romantic view of the old town and the sea of lights from the skyscrapers of Bocagrande and El Laguito in Cartagena. A shared dinner perfectly rounds off the day. (B/L/D)

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you wish. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (F)

You land back in Europe.