Inspiration Itinerary

Tropical Fruits

A Colombian Food Safari

Colombia's culinary culture

It is often said that in Colombia you get five destinations for the price of one: the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon, the eastern plains and the Caribbean. This huge diversity and abundance gives rise to some of the finest gastronomic experiences in the world. In recent years neighbouring Peru has seized the gastronomy limelight, but Colombia is hot on its heels with a similar climate and topography plus the added influences of home-grown coffee and the productive Caribbean coast. In Colombia, modern chefs are turning traditional culture, produce, colour and flavour upside down and the results are taking the world by storm.

This example itinerary begins in Bogota where you will visit the bewildering Paloquemao produce market, sample a vast array of fruit and vegetables from across the country (many of which you won’t recognise), wander bohemian barrios and indulge in an exquisite 12-course tasting menu prepared by one of the world’s leading female chefs. Moving on to Cali and Medellin you’ll experience the goodness of rural life in a traditional hacienda, visit coffee plantations, taste your way through sizzling street food stalls, meet an ex-gangster-turned street artist and dine in a restaurant which prepares rare ingredients sourced from the Amazon. Your final stop will be the old town of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colourful streets of mansions, bougainvillea-clad balconies and cobbled colonial charm. You’ll soak up the Caribbean warmth of this pretty town while tasting all the flavours of the ocean.

During the journey you’ll stay in an exclusive collection of luxury design-led hotels each selected for their style, comfort and location. Hosted by expert local guides, you will benefit from their professional experience, inside knowledge and insightful interpretations, enabling you to discover Colombia’s culture, history, climate and soul through its cuisine.

This bountiful and colourful journey will open your eyes, heart and tastebuds to a wealth of old world charm and innovative gastronomic delight!

12 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 | 3 NIGHTS

Welcome to Bogota. Check in and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

DAY 2 | BOGOTA

Visit Paloquemao Market with a local guide to sample rare fruits and exotic juices, visit the Gold Museum and have lunch at Prudencia in La Candelaria Historic District. An afternoon tour of Bogota followed by dinner at the internationally acclaimed, super stylish El Chato.

DAY 3 | BOGOTA

A coffee tasting session in the Usaqune neighbourhood, then out to the countryside for a day at a hacienda and lunch prepared by a local chef. An afternoon at leisure, then dinner at LEO by Leo Espinosa, one of the top female chefs in Latin America.

DAY 4 | CALI | 2 NIGHTS

Drive to one of Colombia’s top coffee haciendas and visit the plantation followed by a traditional lunch. A quick flight to Cali, then time at leisure before dinner at Platillos Voladores.

DAY 5 | CALI

A morning exploration of Cali with stops for street food along the way. Visit a salsa school to meet the professionals. Dinner at El Falso Olivo, followed by a salsa bar-hop with a couple of friendly locals

DAY 6 | MEDELLIN | 3 NIGHTS

Fly to Medellin then an afternoon at lesiure. Dinner at El Barcal.

DAY 7 | MEDELLIN

Spend the morning with an ex-gangster exploring the changing culture and street art of Comuna 13. Visit the botanical gardens and have lunch surrounded by lush vegetation, see the sites of Medellin, then dinner at La Chagra tasting rare ingredients from the Amazon.

DAY 8 | MEDELLIN

Visit a private hacienda and discover the grounds on foot or horseback. Relax over an asado lunch and sample the country’s famous ‘firewater’ spirit. Return to Medellin for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

DAY 9 | CARTAGENA | 3 NIGHTS

A quick flight to Cartagena, then lunch at a famous ceviche house. A walking tour in the afternoon will take in history, culture and street food, then head to a rooftop bar for sundowners with a view. See a local dance group, then have dinner at a favourite local haunt, La Cocina de Pepina.

DAY 10 | CARTAGENA

Wander the Bazurto fish market with a chef to buy produce for a cooking class at a private villa. Have a rum and chocolate tasting in the afternoon alongside a top mixologist. Evening at leisure.

DAY 11 | CARTAGENA

Take a speed boat to the Rosario Islands to cruise, snorkel or paddleboard and enjoy a relaxed beach lunch. Time in the afternoon to relax or shop, followed by a farewell dinner at Proyecto Caribe.

DAY 12 | END OF ITINERARY

Transfer to the airport to begin your journey home or continue with onward arrangements. Hasta luego!

WHERE YOU’LL STAY

A selection of the finest accommodation

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

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

NEED TO KNOW

12 DAYS

Please enquire for pricing

START: Bogota | Finish: Cartagena

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

Enquire

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