Inspiration Itinerary

Coffee Culture

& Caribbean Coast, Colombia

Colombia's finest

Arrive to Bogota, Colombia’s vibrant capital, cradled by the Andes Mountains. The city is a comfortable blend of modern and colonial architecture and during a two night stay here you can have some time to rest and recuperate after a long flight, combined with time exploring Bogota’s traditional attractions such as out from the Plaza de Bolivar. Perhaps go to a concert at Teatro Mayor, peruse the Paloquemao market with your guide, or climb the Monserrate Hill.

Colombia is well known for its coffee – therefore the next part of your adventure has you head to Hacienda Bambusa in the coffee region for a three-night stay. Enjoy staying at a traditional colonial hacienda with some time to appreciate the swimming pool and gardens with flowers, birds and various mammals such as monkeys, foxes and armadillos. Explore coffee plantations, day trips to Salento and Filandia, perhaps horseback riding, white water rafting and quite simply, the opportunity to reconnect with nature and to appreciate the spectacular scenery.

Journey across to Medellin for two more nights at Patio del Mundo, a tranquil getaway in the centre of the city. During your time in town explore La Comuna 13, once one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the city. Sample some of Colombia’s best food and enjoy some time at leisure – your stay will ‘fly be’ here!

For the final part of your itinerary, head to UNESCO World Heritage Cartagena for three nights where you can explore the Old Town, its huge churches, cobbled streets, castles, convents, bastions, colourful buildings, food, perhaps its beaches and colourful reef, and don’t forget to sample the local rum!

Leave Colombia, the ‘gateway to South America’ after a busy but fun-filled 11 days with many memories to reflect on, new experiences well appreciated, full bellies and an insight into local culture and cuisine.

11 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.

DAY 1 | BOGOTA

Arrive to your accommodation and check in. Head out again later this afternoon with your guide to explore the streets of La Candelaria and its cobblestone streets, houses, plazas and cathedrals, and gain an insight into the city’s impactful street art

DAY 2 | BOGOTA

Transfer early this morning with your guide to the vibrant Paloquemao Market. Join a local chef and discover Colombia’s infinite variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs used in natural medicines. Alongside a local art expert, visit some of the city’s top art galleries that feature classical Colombian art pieces and gain a deeper understanding of art in Colombia and how it is progressing.

DAY 3 | COFFEE REGION

Fly to Pereira, then road transfer to your accommodation. Check in and the afternoon and evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the property’s facilities and surroundings.

DAY 4 | COFFEE REGION

After breakfast head out for a welcome hike on and around the working farm of Hacienda Bambusa. Admire the cacao plants, and bird watch along the way. Meet Bambusa’s chef and cook up a hearty warm lunch to enjoy afterwards, then appreciate and learn about and taste the different types of coffees such as commercial, traditional and special editions.

DAY 5 | COFFEE REGION

Depart with your driver/guide to the Valle del Cocora, home of the striking 60 meter wax palm trees which have been classified as a protected species. Take a leisurely walk up the valley for panoramic views or relax while admiring the breathtaking landscape. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the quaint town of Salento. Spend the afternoon exploring Salento, this colourful town is one of the many pueblos that are part of the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia, a UNESCO world heritage site. You will also have the chance to experience the traditional game of Tejo, a fun game that includes iron balls and gunpowder targets, Salento the local way!

DAY 6 | MEDELLIN

Road transfer to Pereira, then fly to Medellin. Check into your accommodation and the afternoon/evening is at leisure for you to explore as you wish.

DAY 7 | MEDELLIN

Meet your guide this morning for a full day tour of Medellin, visiting La Comuna 13 once known as one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods of the city, and admiring its graffiti. Enjoy a street tour for lunch sampling many of the city’s delicacies. The latter part of the afternoon is at leisure for you to shop, visit the many museums, galleries and gardens.

DAY 8 | CARTAGENA

Road transfer to the airport and fly to Cartagena. After check in, your guide will take you for a short orientation walk near the hotel to get acquainted with the surroundings and identify the recommended restaurants, cafes, shops and other places of interest.

DAY 9 | CARTAGENA

This morning meet your guide and head out to explore Cartagena’s colourful historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk past and learn about the iconic plazas, cathedrals and colourful houses that characterise El Centro and Getsemani. Learn about Spanish colonization, pirate sieges, Cartagena’s festive culture and taste the exotic fruits and traditional snacks found along the way. The afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 10 | CARTAGENA

Meet your guide and head out for an exotic fruit and Colombian cacao tasting. After some free time for lunch, enjoy a Colombian rum distillation and tasting, learning about how different rums are processed and aged, in order to recognize their unique characteristics.

DAY 11 | END OF JOURNEY

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and end of arrangements.

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection

Four Seasons Casa Medina – Bogota

Set in Zona T, where the city’s high society comes to see and be seen, the Four Seasons provides a welcoming haven in the city that never sleeps. Housed in a historic apartment building, originally built in 1946, the Four Seasons is one of Bogota’s most intimate hotels with many of Bogota’s top attractions on your doorstep. Read More

Hacienda Bambusa – Coffee Region

Hacienda Bambusa is located in the southern part of the Zona Cafetera, the cradle of Colombian coffee. Activities available to experience include coffee tasting, horseback riding and more. A stay at Hacienda Bambusa is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and to relax amongst beautiful surroundings. Read More

Patio del Mundo – Medellin

Patio del Mundo in the heart of Medellin's popular El Poblado district is a magnificent example of calm, quietude and tranquility. The garden is stunning, filled with mango trees and wild orchids. Patio del Mundo the ideal spot to retreat to amongst exploring the city's fascinating sights and dining at many of its fabulous establishments. Read More

Casa San Agustin – Cartagena

Casa San Agustin is located at the heart of Cartagena’s historic centre within the walls of the Old Town. The boutique hotel comprises three colonial homes dating from the 17th Century. It is sympathetically reimagined for a new generation of travellers, which echoes Cartagena’s proud heritage and colourful Caribbean soul. Read More

Enquire Now

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218