ESCORTED TOUR DISCOVERING COLOMBIA WITH ROBIN & LOUELLA HANBURY-TENISON 24 FEBRUARY – 8 MARCH 2020

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THE ULTIMATE COMPANY ESCORTED TOURS

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

DISCOVERING COLOMBIA WITH ROBIN & LOUELLA

HANBURY - TENISON 24 FEBRUARY – 8 M A R C H 2020

CONTACT Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager DIRECT LINE 020 7386 4664 TELEPHONE 020 7386 4620 EMAIL [email protected]

ROBIN AND LOUELLA HA NBURY - TENISON Robin Hanbury-Tenison OBE, DL was recently described by The Spectator as the doyen of British explorers. Conservationist, broadcaster, film maker, author of more than 20 books, lecturer, campaigner, farmer and, with his wife Louella, equestrian traveller par excellence, he is one of the few remaining British explorers to merit the name. He is a Gold Medallist of the Royal Geographical Society, a Founder and President of Survival International, the world’s leading organisation supporting tribal peoples. Named as the greatest explorer by The Sunday Times, he has been on over 30 expeditions, including as leader of the Royal Geographical Society’s largest expedition, taking 115 scientists to live for fifteen months in the interior of Borneo. This research and his book, Mulu: The Rainforest, started the international concern for tropical rainforests.

QUALITY OF SERVICE We like to think that our success has been built on a simple formula - to deliver a high standard of service before, during and after each , a duty of care and commitment to you, and value for money. We aim to be totally flexible in our approach, as this allows us to create the holiday that you want and one that is easy and enjoyable to plan.

However, if you feel that there are areas in which we could improve our service to you, please do not hesitate to contact either our Managing Director Nick Van Gruisen, or Executive Director Rowan Paterson, on 020 7386 4646. You can also email them: [email protected] [email protected]

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 2

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

DETAILED ITINERARY

Colombia still lies largely undiscovered, but with direct flights with Avianca from London to Bogotá, now is the time to visit. Our tour starts in the thriving modern and affluent city of Bogotá where we explore the historic centre known as La Candelaria with its old casonas or grand colonial Spanish houses with iron windows, thick wooden doors, balconies and internal patios that hide beautiful gardens. From here we travel, via the impressive salt cathedral at Zipaquira, to the village of Villa de Leyva, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in the area which was founded in 1572 and declared a national monument in 1954.

We continue to Pereira in the Coffee Region where there is a day trip to the Valle de Cocora to see the amazing wax palm trees that can reach a height of 60m and the neighbouring towns of Salento and Filandia. We also see one of the plantations set on the steep hills which are typical of this area. We then travel to Santa Marta which is our base from which to dip into the Tayrona National Park with its 37,000 acres of lush mountain landscape in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and perfect sandy beaches. We also undertake a day’s into the foothills to visit a community of the Kogi, descendants of the Tairona culture who flourished before the Spanish conquest. We will meet one of their priests, known as Mamo, who rarely interact with the modern world in order to preserve their traditional way of life.

Our journey ends in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cartagena de las Indias, built within the largest fortifications in the Americas to protect it from the constant attack of pirates and buccaneers, and explore the city’s picturesque streets and plazas and wealth of 16th and 17th century buildings and churches.

Plaza Bolivar, Bogota Gold Museum

DAY 1: MONDAY, 24 FEBRUARY LONDON / BOGOTA

Suggested flights (not included in the cost of the tour) Avianca flight AV121 departing London Heathrow at 21.40 hrs.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 3

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

DAY 2: TUESDAY, 25 FEBRUARY BOGOTA

Arrive in Bogota at 03.50 hrs and transfer to the Cité where rooms are ready for immediate occupation and where one night is spent. This modern chic hotel is located in La Rosa district known for its designer boutiques and varied gastronomy. Morning at leisure.

Lunch at Las Margaritas followed by an afternoon tour of Bogotá including the historic centre of La Candelaria. The focal point is Plaza Bolívar which has a statue of Simón Bolívar, El Libertador, in the centre. Close by is the Cathedral, on the site of Bogotá’s first church built in 1539, and the white stone Capitolio, built between 1847 and 1926, which houses meetings of the Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Also situated on the Plaza Bolívar are the Palace of Justice and the Edificio Liévano which is the seat of the Mayor or Alcaldía. Visit the Museo del Oro which features nearly 34,000 gold objects and 20,000 in stone, ceramic, textiles and precious stones of the Quimbaya, Calima, Tairona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures and is considered the most important collection of its kind worldwide. Dinner at the hotel.

Catedral de Sal, Zapiquirá Santo Ecce Homo, Villa de Leyva

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, 26 FEBRUARY BOGOTA / VILLA DE LEYVA

Depart for Villa de Leyva with a stop en route at Zapiquirá, a name which evokes Zipa, chieftain of the Muiscas community and absolute master of the area’s rich salt mines. Here visit the impressive Catedral de Sal an underground cathedral built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres underground. It is a magnificent work of engineering, starting with a tunnel showing the Stations of the Cross, leading to the dome with a great cross sculpted in low relief, then to the three naves of the cathedral joined by openings that represent the birth and death of Christ.

Lunch at Refugio del Sisga restaurant. On arrival at Villa de Leyva, check into the Hotel Posada de San Antonio where two nights are spent. The hotel is situated in a beautiful colonial house built in 1860 and classified as a national monument. It is situated on an attractive plaza close to the spectacular Plaza Mayor of Villa de Leyva. Dinner at Mercado Municipal restaurant.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 4

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

DAY 4: THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY VILLA DE LEYVA

Full day of Villa de Leyva, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in the area which was founded in 1572 and declared a national monument in 1954. The Plaza Mayor at 14,000 m2 is the country’s largest and is surrounded by charming cobblestone streets. Here see the Cathedral (Iglesia Parroquial) from the outside and visit the House of Congress where, on 4th October 1812, the first Congress of the United Provinces of Nueva Granada took place. Also visit the house of Antonio Nariño, home to the Independence hero, and the home of Antonio Ricaurte, who fought under Bolívar and is known for his heroic sacrifice during the battle of San Mateo.

Lunch at Antique restaurant. Drive out of Villa de Leyva to Also visit El Fósil (The Fossil) museum which has an almost complete kronosaurus dinosaur fossil on display, in the same place in which it was found in 1977; and El Infiernito (Little Hell), an old astronomic observatory consisting of cylindrical stone monoliths. Dinner at Artesa restaurant.

Cocora Valley Salento

DAY 5: FRIDAY, 28 FEBRUARY VILLA DE LEYVA / PEREIRA

Visit the Convento del Santo Ecce Homo, founded by the Dominicans in 1620. Of special note here is the pavement made of local stone embedded with fossils, and the chapel’s magnificent golden altarpiece with a small Ecce Homo image. Transfer to Bogotá.

Lunch at Balu restaurant en route. Fly from Bogotá to Pereira in the Coffee Region and transfer to Casa San Carlos Lodge where three nights are spent. The small luxury hotel has modern décor designed by local artisans, a swimming pool, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi. There are wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and lakes and nature trail on which you can see brightly coloured birds such as hummingbirds. Dinner at the hotel.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 5

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

DAY 6: SATURDAY, 29 FEBRUARY PEREIRA

Early morning departure for an excursion to the Valle del Cocora (Cocora Valley). Located within the central mountain range, it is part of Los Nevados National Park, the ideal spot to admire the palma de cera del Quindío (Ceroxylon quindiuense), Colombia’s national tree which can reach a height of 60 metres and was worshipped by the local indigenous people. Numerous bird species inhabit the area among which are the hummingbird and the orejiamarillo or palmero parrot (Ognorhynchus icteroti), which is in danger of extinction. Take a ride on a traditional Willys jeep.

Lunch at El Escobal restaurant. Visit the town of Salento, famous for its streets of old and colourful houses (many housing handicraft shops where you can buy a poncho or Panama hat) that trace their origin to colonial times. Continue to another typical town of Filandia, famous for its antioqueño architecture, as well as for basket weaving. Dinner at the hotel.

Orejiamarillo parrott Cathedral Santa Marta

DAY 7: SUNDAY, 1 MARCH PEREIRA

Visit the charming Hacienda San Alberto located near the town of Buenavista Quindio to learn about the coffee refining process, its nuances and stages of production. The farm produces excellent washed Arabica coffee, which is highly sought after overseas and by the top , and bars of Bogotá. See each stage of production, from the sowing of seeds through the growing of the crop and harvesting and finally the roasting process. Enjoy a coffee tasting session with a Master Taster.

Lunch at Hacienda San Alberto. Visit the colonial town of Pajao, including some of its historic houses and their beautiful gardens and its central square. Dinner at Octavo restaurant in the Sonesta Hotel.

DAY 8: MONDAY, 2 MARCH PEREIRA / SANTA MARTA

Transfer to Pereira for a flight via Cartagena to Santa Marta.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 6

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

Packed lunch en route. Transfer to the Hotel Casa Carolina where three nights are spent. The is located in a calm area of the historic centre of Santa Marta and facilities include two terraces, two Jacuzzis, a swimming pool, spa and a gourmet restaurant. Afternoon city tour of Santa Marta starting at the Monument of the Tayrona Gods followed by the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the house in which Simón Bolívar died in 1830. There will also be the chance to visit the hacienda’s Botanic Garden and the adjoining Museo Bolivariano of Contemporary Art. Dinner at Burukuka restaurant in Rodadero.

DAY 9: TUESDAY, 3 MARCH SANTA MARTA & TAYRONA

Full day excursion to the Tayrona National Park, located on Colombia’s northern Atlantic coast and a few kilometres from Santa Marta. It covers an extension of 15,000 hectares of which 12,000 are on land and 3,000 are maritime with bays, unspoilt beaches, coral barriers, lush vegetation, mangroves all set against a backdrop of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. Drive to Palangana, the entry point for the park, and on to Playa de Neganje. Take local fishing boat to the beautiful Playa Christal where you can enjoy free time on the beach to rest or swim.

Lunch is included during the excursion. Return to Santa Marta the same way. Dinner at the hotel’s Eli’s restaurant.

Tavrona Kogi

DAY 10: WEDNESDAY, 4 MARCH SANTA MARTA & TUNGUEKA

Early start for a full day excursion to meet Kogi indigenous people, related to the ancient Tairona civilization, all living in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Its population is estimated at about 10,000 members who inhabit the Palomino valleys and Don Diego, San Miguel and Rio Ancho rivers. From Santa Marta drive through the coastal road to Rio Ancho town (approx. 2 hrs). From here start a 9 km walk (approx. 2 hrs) accompanied by a community guide through the humid tropical forest, along some parts of Ancho River until you reach the village of Tungueka. After a tour around the village, where you will learn about the way of life of the Kogi, you will meet the community Mamo and village authorities.

Picnic at the edge of the river on a large rock. Return to Santa Marta. Dinner at Ouzo restaurant.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 7

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

DAY 11: THURSDAY, 5 MARCH SANTA MARTA / CARTAGENA

Visit Santa Marta’s Casa de la Aduana, formerly the Customs House, which houses the Tairona Gold Museum containing artefacts from the ancient inhabitants of the Sierra Nevada including the ancestors of the Kogi. Also visit the Anthropological and Ethnographic Museum housed in the same building and Santa Marta Cathedral. Drive (approx. 4-5 hrs) to Cartagena.

Lunch en route at Cueva restaurant in Barranquilla. On arrival in Cartagena check in at Hotel El Capellan de Getsemani. The hotel, a recently restored classical-romantic style house, is located in the Getsemani area of the historic centre. Facilities include two pools, a restaurant and bar, a Jacuzzi and spa. Dinner at Interno restaurant.

Cartagena San Pedro Claver Church

DAY 12: FRIDAY, 6 MARCH CARTAGENA

Full day city tour of Cartagena which was founded in 1533 by the conqueror Don Pedro de Heredia and rapidly turned into a jewel in the Spanish crown. Cartagena was the first province to gain independence from Spain on 11th November 1811 and remains a real architectural treasure of civil, religious, military and governmental buildings. Start with a panoramic view of the city from the monastery and church of La Popa. Built in 1606, it is perched on the area’s best vantage point and was formerly called La Popa del Galeón, due to its incredible resemblance to the stern of a galleon. Also visit the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, built on the San Lázaro hill in order to defend the city from pirate attacks. Continue to the old town to visit the church and monastery of San Pedro Claver founded by the Jesuits and named after the Spanish-born monk Pedro Claver (1580-1654), who lived and died in the monastery. Called the Apostle of the Blacks or the Slave of the Slaves, he spent all his life ministering to the slaves brought from Africa.

Lunch at Quebracho restaurant. Visit the Palace of the Inquisition, recognisable by its magnificent baroque entrance. The meetings of the tribunal took place in the palace, and it housed the prison. It now exhibits a truly horrifying collection of implements of torture used on the alleged opponents of the Catholic church. Nearby is the Cathedral whose construction began in 1575 although building was delayed when it was partially destroyed by the cannons of Francis Drake in 1586. Continue to Santo Domingo Church which is

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 8

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

the oldest church in the city, dating from 1552 and has a crooked bell tower. Dinner at El Santisimo restaurant.

DAY 13: SATURDAY, 7 MARCH CARTAGENA / BOGOTA

Morning street food walking tour through the old town. Remainder of the morning at leisure.

Lunch under own arrangements. Transfer to Cartagena airport. Suggested flights (not included in the cost of the tour) Avianca flight AV9753 departing Cartagena at 18.44 hrs arriving Bogota at 20.14 hrs. Connect to Avianca flight AV120 departing Bogota at 22.55 hrs.

DAY 14: SUNDAY, 8 MARCH BOGOTA / LONDON

Arrive London Heathrow at 14.35 hrs.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 9

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

T O U R P R I C E

COST £ 4,690 P E R P E R S O N

Single Supplement £880 per person Please note we have not included the cost of the flights in the tour price. Please contact us for prices should you wish to book them through us.

PRICE INCLUDES • accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary • breakfast daily; 11 lunches; 11 dinners • all entrance fees, visits, and transportation as per the itinerary • gratuities in restaurants for included meals; gratuities to driver/s; porterage • gratuities to guide/s • local English-speaking guide/s • the services of your tour leaders throughout

PRICE EXCLUDES • international flights • • items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.) • government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 20/06/19

AIRLINE TICKETS As a we have access to special airfares. While these offer good value, they do carry certain restrictions applied by the airline. Please ask us for details.

Note: If you are thinking about using air miles to upgrade to a premium cabin on the flights, please check with us first as fare restrictions might not permit this.

AIRLINE SEATING The rules governing the pre-booking of seats vary from airline to airline. Some allow us to pre-book seats immediately and without charge, some only once the tickets are issued but with charge, and others only when you check in either on line or at the airport.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 10

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

We will clarify the rules for your specific carrier(s) with our confirmation documents. In the event that seating cannot be arranged until tickets are issued (normally six weeks prior to departure) and you prefer not to wait, we can issue your tickets earlier provided you are happy to pay in advance for the flight costs in addition to the required deposit for the holiday.

However, please be mindful that the majority of our discounted fare tickets, once issued, are non-refundable and will attract fees should you wish to make any date changes. Nor will you be allowed to change the actual flight routing.

PEACE OF MIND You will probably be aware of the difficulties many travellers faced with obtaining refunds when their holidays were disrupted or cancelled as a result of such events as ash cloud, strike, snow and political unrest. By booking both your flights and land arrangements with us, not only are you guaranteed the peace of mind that comes with full financial protection but also all the round the clock assistance we are able to offer, should the need arise.

CHANGES TO THE ITINE RARY Please note, that certain elements of this itinerary, and/or the order of events, may well be subject to alteration due to circumstances beyond our control

FITNESS TO TRAVEL Whilst we do not impose any age limitations on joining a tour, participants must be reasonably fit. The very nature of the sightseeing involved in our tours (and the difficulties of direct access by coach in various places) means that a considerable amount of walking and standing is unavoidable on almost all tours. We regret that our tours are not suitable for people who have difficulty in walking, may require wheelchair assistance at any time, or are unable to keep pace with the group. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of a tour, please make this known to us before you book and we will advise you accordingly. The Ultimate Travel Company reserves the right to decline a reservation without necessarily giving a reason. Your tour leader may also refuse to take participants on particular excursions if they feel that the rest of the group will be held up.

ACCOMMODATION Hotels are chosen on the basis of category, character and location. The majority will be at least 4 star, otherwise the best available. The projected size of the group will often rule out the use of luxury boutique hotels. Sometimes the style of hotel will mean that not all rooms are of the same size or have the same outlook.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS No vaccinations are required for entry but immunisation is usually recommended against Tetanus and Hepatitis A. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not required for entry however the vaccination is recommended for those travelling to rural areas of Colombia. Although there is a minimal risk of malaria in

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 11

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

Bogota, Cartagena and areas of high elevation, there is a high risk in other areas of the country and anti- malarials are recommended.

Detailed advice can be found on: http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx. Please check recommended practice with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic.

This country has reported cases of Zika virus infection. Pregnant travellers and those with serious health problems are advised to seek advice from a health professional before travel to areas with active ZIKV transmission. This is particularly relevant if you are planning to become pregnant, suffer from a severe, chronic medical condition, or have a medical condition that weakens your immune system. Pregnant women are advised to reconsider travel plans.

Although you do not need a Yellow Fever Certificate to enter Colombia, increasingly, there are other countries (not just in Latin America but worldwide) that require a certificate if you have recently travelled in or transited through a country where there is a risk of yellow fever. We have recently had cases where, there was no actual requirement for a certificate to enter the country where the risk existed, but one was required for the subsequent destination and our clients were denied boarding by the airline. Original certificates are required. Scans or photocopies are unlikely to be accepted.

PASSPORT AND VISA IN FORMATION Passengers should hold a full . British passport holders do not require a visa to visit Colombia. Nationals of other countries should consult their local Colombian Consulate. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

F C O A D V I C E We recommend that you periodically review the travel advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, which relates to all aspects of your destination, at www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 12

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 13

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

WHY CHOOSE US ?

We have been organising bespoke, tailor-made holidays and escorted group tours around the world since the early 1990s. The opportunity that we identified then was for a travel company with the knowledge and enthusiasm of a smaller specialist, but with the range and buying power of a much larger organisation, and we like to think that we have maintained this balance over the years.

More importantly, we try to be an easy and friendly company to deal with, and because most of us have had the good fortune to work abroad, we are able to approach travel in a sensitive and intelligent way.

W H A T W E O FFER? First-hand knowledge and personal service is at the core of what we offer. Our consultants travel to all the destinations that we feature on a very regular basis, so that the advice you receive is accurate and up-to- date. They will also look after you from the outset and assume full responsibility for ensuring that your travel plans are designed and delivered as requested.

Planning a holiday should be an enjoyable and effortless experience, and we will do all that we can to ensure that this is the case.

O U R R EPUTATION We have grown largely through personal recommendation and repeat business, and so we treat our reputation with care. The directors and owners of the company, led by Nick Van Gruisen, are very much ‘hands on’ so immediate decisions can be taken to ensure the standard of service that our clients have come to expect is maintained.

L O C A L R EPRESEN TATION Equally crucial is the quality of our local associates and suppliers. It is they who look after you on holiday and it is their guides, vehicles and general support service that will determine your enjoyment of it. We therefore take great care to ensure that our ground handlers have the requisite expertise, efficiency and creativity, and also the ability to deal sensitively and swiftly with any situation that might arise. The fact that we have worked together for many years and know each other well is a further bonus.

RESPONSIBLE T RAVEL As a company with a passion for travel, we understand the vital support that can provide to communities and fragile habitats throughout the world. At the same time, we are aware that tourism can have a negative impact and are committed to doing what we can to minimise this risk.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 14

Escorted Tour Discovering Colombia

In 2007, an independent body completed an Environmental Audit on all aspects of The Ultimate Travel Company. This covered not only our own practices but those of our worldwide suppliers, thereby ensuring that we all met the necessary environmental and employment criteria.

The audit also measured the carbon footprint produced by our London office and by our international travel, and we now offset this with an annual donation to Social Change and Development, a small but dynamic tree planting initiative in India.

Further initiatives include a ‘charity donation’ scheme, whereby we ask clients for a voluntary contribution of £10 which we then match. As a result of this initiative, a handful of small overseas charities, and the healthcare, environmental and educational projects that they run, now share an annual donation of more than $100,000.

If you want further details of these initiatives, please ring Nick Van Gruisen on 02073864646.

E X T R A V ALUE It can be difficult at times to recognise the extra value promised by travel companies. Generally speaking, we all offer the same flight, the same hotel, the same excursion, the same sunset, and at similar price indeed in many ways, the same holiday experience!

Here, at The Ultimate Travel Company, we strive to go further. While we believe that the diversity of destination, intimate product knowledge and personal service we offer already sets us apart, we supply all our clients with detailed information on all aspects of their forthcoming journey, a 10% discount voucher at Daunt Books (described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘the most beautiful bookshop in London – designed for travellers who like reading’) and a welcome home ‘surprise’.

Honeymooners can also look forward to a wedding gift on arrival at their chosen destination.

Moreover, we continually monitor your movements while you are away so that we can offer any assistance that might be required, effectively and without delay. And if genuine problems do arise as a result of any error on our part (few as these may be!), we will not shy away from our own responsibilities and our commitment to you.

Contact Emily Pontifex – Escorted Tours Manager Direct Line 020 7386 4664 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Email [email protected] 15