I am just back from a fabulous tour of Colombia with my Virtuoso partners, Cox and Kings. What a wonderful experience for my 14 year old daughter and I.
Here is a snippet from our tour documents that outlines the highlights of our tour, and some of my snaps that show some of what we saw:
Bogotá
Visit the historical quarter of La Candelaria, a place that will take you back to the colonial times of
Bogotá. Walk from Luis Ángel Arango library to Bolívar Plaza, from where you will be able to see the
Cathedral, and the National Capitol. Continue to Casa de Nariño (Presidential Palace), the official
home and principal workplace of the President and finally the colonial church of San Agustín to see its
distinctive architecture. After, you will continue to Museo Del Oro (Gold Museum), it’s collection has been declared a
National Monument and is considered the world’s largest collection of indigenous gold objects with more than 30,000 pieces from all regions of Colombia. Before returning to the hotel, board a cable car with your guide to go up to Monserrate Hill and take in the best view of Bogotá. At the top of the hill is the Church of the Fallen Lord that has been a
place of religious pilgrimage since colonial times.
Medellin
Begin at Cerro Nutibara, the heart of the city, and an Antioquian town originally established by the colonizers of the coffee region. Continue to the Plaza of Sculptures located next to the Antioquian museum. Visit the beautiful parks of Medellin and the Botanic Garden. End your tour today with an aerial cable car that allows you to see the outlying communities of the city before returning to your hotel.
Cartagena
Begin at La Popa, the Convent of Candelaria. From here you will have a view of the city of Cartagena and the bay. Continue to San Felipe Fort built to protect the city from pirates. After touring this unique fortress you will visit “Las Bóvedas” the historic dungeons that are now filled with shops and craft stores. Finally visit the Plaza San Pedro Claver, named after the Spanish monk the “patron saint of slaves” who dedicated his mission to serving the African slaves in
Colombia.