Colombia – 13D

COLOMBIA 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS 12 nights Colombia itinerary 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] We trust that we have presented and detailed your requirements in accordance with your specifications. However if this is not the case then please contact us immediately to discuss any changes you feel are necessary. 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] Map of destinations 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] Colombia introduction Colombia is an amazing land of contrasts and after being off the wish list for many travellers for some years it is rapidly becoming one of the highlights of South America. With its rich cultural history, amazing architecture, geographical diversity and the simple warmth and hospitality of its people it’s easy to see why this fascinating country is becoming an increasingly popular spot for overseas visitors. Located in the North West of the continent sharing borders with Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru, Colombia is the 4th largest country in South America. It’s the only South American country to boast two coast lines on the Pacific and Atlantic (Caribbean) oceans it also shares Amazonian rain forest with Brazil and Peru also Los llanos or vast plains area with Venezuela. 3 ranges of the Andean mountains run from the south to the north of the country. With its pre Colonial, Colonial and Republican history Colombia has a wealth of cultural attractions. Nature and wildlife abound in its diverse landscapes and the spirit and warmth of the Colombian people will ensure your Colombian experience will be one that lingers on long after you arrive back home. 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] Day 1 Arrival day Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Private transfer to hotel with bilingual guide Meal plan: No food International arrival flight to Cartagena Private transfer to hotel Bilingual guide & private vehicle Cartagena introduction Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena was formerly the Caribbean gateway port used by the Spanish. Here they would store the riches plundered form the interior before they were transported back to the old world. It is not surprising therefore that the city was a draw for buccaneers and pirates who attempted on many occasions to take the city, most notably by Sir Francis drake in 1586 who "mercifully" agreed not to level the city in return for 10 million pesos that he carted back to England. It was after the attack by Drake that plans were made to fortify the city and work on the defensive walls began. These walls still stand today and mark the boundary between the old and new parts of the city. The walls and fort took a total of 200 years to build and complete and the Spanish finished them just 25 years before Colombia gained Independence. Cartagena eventually won its Independence in 1821; a full 3 years after Bogota had been liberated. Cartagena's rich history, diverse culture and energy absorbs every visitor allowing them a glimpse into the past and a chance to relax in superb surroundings. This passionate and vibrant city with some of the best preserved colonial architecture in all of South America exudes character, mix in African rhythms and indigenous influences with the Spanish colonial splendor and Cartagena is truly an amazing destination. 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] Day 2 Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Full-day tour of the historic centre including La Popa & San Felipe fortress Lunch at Monte Sacro ( Paid by the client ) Meal plan: Breakfast Full-day walking tour of the historic centre, La Popa and San Felipe castle Bilingual guide & private vehicle Carved from a colourful history rife of piracy, Sultry Caribbean heat, with fusions of African, indigenous and European culture, Cartagena is Colombia’s living, breathing and pulsating museum. Absurdly photogenic La Heroica (Heroic city) awards even the laziest of travellers. Colour splashes every corner, balconies overflow with blossom, and energy seeps beneath the ancient wooden doors of hotels, restaurants and Casa Privadas. Your tour will take through the old town under the Puerta Del Reloj (Clock tower entrance), a symbol of Cartagena, into the Plaza de los Coches. Your guide will divulge the myths and legends, histories and stories of Cartagena from ancient times right up to the present. From the Plaza San Pedro Claver with its stunning Church, on through to the Plaza Bolivar; with its shady areas, where a fresh Lemon juice can be enjoyed whilst watching the world go by. After your Walking Tour in the Historic Walled City you will set off first to the Castillo San Felipe. This fort is the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas and dominates the old town. The first fortification on the site was started in 1536 and further extended over the following 200 years mostly by African slave labour. Underneath this amazing structure you will find a labyrinth of tunnels. The sun soaked fortification seeps tales of old for every traveller and the tunnels (some of which are lit and accessible to visitors) and ramparts are a living breathing history book. From the fort you will continue on in your private vehicle to the Convento La Popa. The hill is the highest point in the city and commands excellent views of the bay, old town and Caribbean Sea beyond. Started initially as a humble wooden chapel but later replaced by a more solid construction that was fortified two centuries later. Enjoy the flower filled patio and the views that stretch all over the city and wander through the cool patio and interior of the convent 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] Approximate tour duration : 8 hours Day inclusions: Bilingual guide/Transportation/Water/Entrances/Coffee break 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] Day 3 Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Full-day private Rosario Islands hoping tour Lunch at Majagua ( Paid by the client ) Meal plan: Breakfast Rosario Islands hoping Bilingual guide & private vehicle The Rosario Islands are an archipelago and protected nature reserve located off the coast of Cartagena and this day trip by boat includes visits to different islands and offers views of the surrounding nature and coastal topography. It´s one of the 46 Natural National Parks of Colombia, created to protect one of the most important coral reefs of the Caribbean Colombian Coast. This marine habitat creates one of the most diverse and richest marine ecosystems in Colombia. The Park has an extension of 120.000 marine and land hectares, and is associated with marine pastures, mangroves and the numerous species of algae and animals that have their habitats in the area, all of which feed the numerous corals and fish life that inhabit the reefs. Due to the fact that the 27 islands are surrounded by coral reefs, the national park and is the perfect location to go snorkelling and swimming either from the private boat or from the pristine white sandy beaches. During a wonderful day of relaxation the group can enjoy sun, beach and the Caribbean sea. The group can enjoy maximum flexibility and whilst doing Island hopping they will breath a real pure Caribbean feeling. Approximate tour duration : 8 hours Day inclusions: Bilingual guide/Transportation to pier/Shared boat transfer/Welcome drink 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] 7 Mezher Street-Antelias - Beirut – Lebanon T: +961 4 712 037 Fax: +961 4 715 196 P.O. Box: 60-233 Zip Code: 1241 2020 R.C. 1035 Baabda VAT No 8721-601 http://www.ventnouveau.com [email protected] Day 4 Half-day tour to La Boquilla fishing village & mangrove swamps Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Afternoon at leisure Meal plan: Breakfast & Dinner Half-day tour to Boquilla fishing village & mangrove swamps Bilingual guide & private vehicle This tour combines the experience of a local fishing community and exploring the Mangroves by canoe. The fishing village of La Boquilla is located 30 minutes east of Cartagena in an area of mangrove swamps. Many of the villagers are of African descent and on arrival there will be a performance of dance and a refreshment of fresh green coconut milk will be served.

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