26 December 2024 > Athens – Istanbul

Meeting at Athens International Airport and departure with the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul and overnight stay.

27 December 2024 > Istanbul – Bogota

Morning departure with Turkish Airlines bound for Bogotá. Arrival at El Dorado Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Free afternoon. Overnight stay in Bogota.

28 December 2024 > Bogota

Our day begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the captivating capital of Colombia. Located at an altitude of 2,850 meters, Bogotá ranks as the third-highest capital in Latin America and the Andes, trailing only Quito in Ecuador and La Paz in Bolivia, and is the fifth highest in the world.

Bogotá immediately impresses with its dynamic blend of modernity and rich colonial history. The city’s name, Bogotá, originates from “Bacata,” a term used by the Muisca tribe, meaning “the shining lady of the Andes.” This vibrant metropolis lives up to its name, dazzling visitors with its unique charm.

Exploring the Historic Center

Our journey begins at the heart of the city: Bolivar Square. Here, you’ll witness iconic structures such as the National Capitol, Colombia’s legislative activities hub, the Casa de los Comuneros, the Casa de Nariño (the presidential residence), and the Ecclesiastical Museum of Agia Clara.

Must-See Attractions

Next, we’ll visit the renowned Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), home to approximately 34,000 gold artifacts from various pre-Hispanic cultures. We’ll also explore the Casa Museo Quinta de Bolívar, where the legendary liberator of Latin America, Simón Bolívar, once resided.

After a morning of exploration, return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon. Enjoy your free time to discover more of Bogotá at your own pace.

29 December 2024 > Bogota – Santa Marta

Before you leave for the airport in Bogotá, start your day with a full breakfast at the hotel. From here, we’ll leave the inner city and head north to Santa Marta, which is located on the breathtaking Caribbean coast.

Upon arrival at Santa Marta airport, we will be transferred to our hotel. Free afternoon to unwind or take your time exploring this stunning seaside city.

30 December 2024 > Santa Marta – Tayrona

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before departing for the astonishing Tayrona National Park, just a 45-minute drive from Santa Marta. This natural reserve is well-known for its amazing biodiversity, spotless beaches, verdant surroundings, and the cultural presence of indigenous peoples.

Discover the Canaveral Sector

We begin our experience with a scenic hike in the center of the forest in the Canaveral sector (Cañaveral). We’ll pause on route to take in the splendor of Arrecifes Beach before moving on to the stunning Cabo San Juan Beach.

Enjoy Cabo San Juan Beach

Once we reach Cabo San Juan, you’ll have free time to soak in the tropical scenery and swim in the crystal-clear waters of this idyllic oasis. Recharge your energy and savor the local flavors before we begin our hike back.

After exploring the enchanting landscapes at Cabo San Juan, we’ll follow the same path back to the main entrance of Tayrona National Park. From there, we’ll return to the hotel where you can enjoy some free time to rest and relax.

Total hiking time: Approximately 4 hours
Excursion duration: 10 hours

31 December 2024 > Santa Marta – Cartagena

Breakfast and departure from Santa Marta. Today, we head south on a scenic four-hour drive through Colombia’s amazing natural beauty along the Caribbean coast, culminating in the historic city of Cartagena, also known as Cartagena de Indias.

On our way, we’ll make an essential stop in Barranquilla, famously known as the “Golden Gate of Colombia” and the country’s most significant port. Here, we’ll stroll along the Malecón, Barranquilla’s iconic pedestrian street that runs alongside the Magdalena River.

Following our enjoyable break in Barranquilla, we go towards Cartagena. We’ll check in at the hotel when we get there, and you’ll have time to relax and get settled in.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

In the evening, we’ll get together to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the New Year with traditional food, great company, and a festive atmosphere—the Trip Tailors way!

1 January 2025 > Cartagena – Barú – Cartagena

As tradition dictates, the first day of each new year sets the tone for the days to come. Therefore, we will dedicate the first day of 2025 to the serene and picturesque beaches of the Caribbean!

Early wake up call and we head to the jetty in Cartagena, where we will board a boat to the idyllic Sabai Eco Island in Cholon Bay. With its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, this beach offers a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection.

Spend your free time swimming, setting new year’s goals, and recharging for the exciting adventures that lie ahead in Colombia. The tranquil and breathtaking scenery provides the ideal backdrop for starting the year on a positive note.

Savor a delicious lunch on the beach before re-boarding the boat for our return trip to Cartagena. Once back in the city, you will have a free afternoon to relax and explore at your own pace.

2 January 2025 > Cartagena

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of Cartagena, a city steeped in history and romance. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is often considered the most beautiful city in Latin America, and we are about to find out why!

Our tour begins with a visit to the colorful neighborhoods of this enchanting metropolis. We will explore the Manga neighborhood, renowned for its distinctive Moorish architecture, and the formidable fortress of San Felipe de Barajas.

Within the walled historic center, we’ll uncover the city’s hidden treasures. Wander through shops featuring handmade creations, visit the Church of San Pedro Claver, and see the bastion of Santo Domingo. As we stroll through the alleys and squares, we’ll encounter the stories and legends that bring the fairytale Cartagena to life.

Our tour continues at the Emerald Museum, where we will delve into the history of these precious stones. After all, Colombia is home to the world’s largest emerald mines.

After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel where you’ll have free time to relax or explore more of Cartagena at your own pace.

3 January 2025 > Cartagena – Medellín – Guatapé

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Cartagena airport. Flight to Colombia’s second-largest city, Medellin. Upon arrival, we will continue our journey to Guatapé. Check-in at the hotel and free time.

4 January 2025 > Guatapé – Peñol – Medellín

Breakfast at the Hotel and departure to explore the colorful Guatapé and the imposing 220-meter-high monolith, El Peñol. The first stop on our tour is a replica of the old settlement of Peñol, which was submerged in the 1970s to create an artificial lake, now one of Colombia’s largest aquatic centers. This visit offers a glimpse into the town’s colonial past, honoring the memory of the original Peñol.

After lunch, we will head back to Medellín. Upon arrival, we’ll check in at the hotel, where you’ll have the evening free to relax or explore the city.

5 January 2025 > Medellín

Breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore Medellín’s rich history and dynamic culture. Our tour begins at Comuna 13, which has been turned into the city’s artistic heart. We’ll go on a graffiti tour to see how local artists represent the region’s socioeconomic progress and hopes for change. We’ll also visit Comuna 13’s iconic escalators, a symbol of the neighborhood’s transformation.

Continuing our tour, we’ll explore some of Medellín’s most famous landmarks. Nutibara Hill offers breathtaking views of the city and features the “colonial” Pueblito Paisa, a charming replica village. The Botanical Garden provides a tranquil oasis with a diverse range of plant species. Next, we’ll explore the Parque de los Deseos, a popular gathering spot known for its interactive displays. We’ll also visit the Parque de las Esculturas, with over 20 sculptures donated by the renowned artist Fernando Botero.

Our tour will culminate with an experience of Medellín’s public transportation system. We’ll go on a metro tour and ride the city’s cable car, which is a model for urban transportation in Latin America. The panorama from the cable car captivates even the most discerning tourists.

Return to the Hotel and rest of the evening free for more exploring of Medellín.

6 January 2025 > Medellín – Bogota – Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel and we leave Medellin behind and head for the Airport. Through an internal flight we arrive in Bogotá. There, we will say goodbye to Colombia and board the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Arrival the next day.

7 January 2025 > Istanbul – Athens

Arrival at Istanbul’s airport and waiting to board a flight to Athens. Arrival at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, where we will say our goodbyes before promising to meet again on one of our next unique trips!