Welcome to Colombia and the vibrant capital city of Bogotá! This sprawling city is a heady mix of exciting art scenes, vivid culture and buzzing nightlife. On a half day city tour explore the wonderful old town of La Candelaria and wander the cobbed alleys lined by beautiful colonial buildings, including the impressive Cathedral. Visit the wonderful Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting an exceptional array of the Colombian masters’ paintings and sculptures, and the fascinating Gold Museum, where a permanent exhibition showcasing more than 32,000 pieces of beautifully preserved gold artefacts bring to life the story of the historic cultures of Colombia.

Continue your guided tour at the sanctuary atop Monserrate Hill for panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains. In the evenings, discover delicious Colombian cuisine in the excellent restaurants across the city and embrace the local passion for dancing in lively bars.

On your last morning in Bogotá, journey north to Zipaquirá and descend though a network of tunnels to marvel at the incredible architecture of the huge underground cathedral carved into an old salt mine.

Depart Bogotá for your flight to Pereira in the charming Coffee Region. This wonderous part of the country has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and boasts a landscape of sweeping valleys, lush plantations and rolling hills. At the heart of this region, the stunning Cocora Valley is home to some of Colombia’s most spectacular scenery. The ideal place to see the towering Quindian wax palm, the national tree of Colombia which can reach staggering heights of 60m, the cloud forest here is rich in flora and fauna, including an exceptional variety of birdlife. The striking landscapes are dotted with traditional haciendas and beautiful colonial towns, including popular Salento packed with colourful houses, cobblestone streets and local handicraft shops.

As you explore this region, stop at a working coffee farm to learn about the production process from harvest to preparation to toasting, and sample the exceptional quality of the different coffee brews produced here with an unforgettable tasting session.

Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, Medellín is one of the most innovative cities in the world and a thriving cultural and social hub. Back in the early 1990s, when the hunt for the infamous Pablo Escobar took place, Medellín was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. However, from 2002 Medellín began to change, with impactful investments made in infrastructure and education as well as embracing the pioneering spirit of local communities. Get a full understanding of this incredible transformation with a visit to fascinating Comuna 13. Ascend the hillside via the escalators that connect the district as your guide relays stories about local history and explains the philosophies of the street art which adorns almost every wall, symbolising a form of expression, protest and celebration for the community.

Elsewhere in Medellín, La Plazoleta houses 23 sculptures by Fernando Botero, donated to the city as part of the project of regeneration, and dynamic El Poblado features a fantastic array of bars and restaurants. The surrounding region is a beautiful mountainous area, home to the enormous El Peñól rock where, if you are feeling active, you can climb the 654 stairs which wind to the summit for amazing views of the lake and islands below. Visit the wonderfully photogenic village of Guatapé, famous for brightly-painted buildings decorated with eye-catching murals of local life and history known as ‘zocalos’ and enjoy a delicious lunch by the lakeside.

Fly to Santa Marta and drive onwards to Tayrona National Park, a beautifully unspoilt area of tropical beauty. Magnificent pam-fringed beaches, walking trails which snake through pristine jungle and incredibly rich biodiversity make this one of Colombia’s most popular national parks.

Join your expert guide for a day of exploring the ever-changing landscapes of this extraordinary area and discover its varied micro-climates. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys, colourful geckos and a myriad of birdlife as you walk to striking Arrecifes, where rolling waves crash onto huge boulders, and La Piscina, a naturally calm stretch of sand which is ideal for swimming. Continue to the incredibly scenic El Cabo de San Juan de Guía, where a viewpoint set atop a rocky outcrop offers spectacular views across the national park.

Leave Tayrona National Park behind and drive to the jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast – the amazing city of Cartagena. Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, historic fortress walls surround the beautiful old town, easily explored on foot with picturesque, cobbled streets and colourful plazas.

Soak up the tropical vibes of this intoxicating city, which boasts a rich and fascinating history with numerous churches, museums and forts. Take a guided tour to the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa, set atop a hillside with panoramic views across the city and out to the glorious Caribbean Sea. Continue with a visit to the impressive San Felipe fortress which was originally built to protect the city from pirate attacks and boasts a remarkable collection of underground passageways and hidden galleries. Return to the old town to see to the historic San Pedro Claver Convent and enjoy time at leisure to explore the many charming boutiques, delightful cafes and streetside market stalls.

In the evenings, be sure to wander the city walls for golden hour vistas over the ocean before visiting the exceptional restaurants and buzzing bars which bring the city all the more to life after the sun sets.

Take a look at our Colours of Colombia itinerary for full details of this tour, or if you're looking for more inspiration, take a look at our Colombia Holidays pages.