
From Sonya
Travel Family,
Travel Family, December is usually the time of year when we wind down and reflect on the happenings of the year. We know the routine: Thanksgiving, Christmas, then New Year. But this December will be different. This December we'll step outside of the ordinary and into an unforgettable experience.
This December, we visit Colombia! With an average temperature of 80 degrees, we'll heat things up in Cartagena and celebrate the end of the year abroad! The best part is ...this international flight is only 5 1/2 hours and within the same time zone as the east coast, so NO JET-LAG! You'll discover the rich history of the creole people, visit the lush coffee triangle and explore the underground salt cathedral in Bogota. Need some beach action? We've got that too!
I hope you'll join World Next Door on this very special adventure.
DEC 6-13, 2022
Main Trip: $2899 per person (Includes Air + Land)
Single Supplement: $499
Payments and cancellations
- Initial deposit: $300 per person in USD is due at the time of booking for any new reservation. The deposit is non-refundable. Good-will deposit has been waived.
- It is recommended that you make a monthly payment of $300 -$500 to ensure that your trip is paid in full and on time. Once you make your initial deposit, you'll will have access the Client Portal where you will make payments towards your final balance.
- Full Payment is due 90 days before departure on September 7th. Failure to make final payment on time may result in automatic cancellation of reservation and loss of deposit.
- If paying by credit card, a $100 fee is only applied once for the first payment, all subsequent payments won't incur that additional credit card fee
READY TO BOOK?
CALL TODAY: 1(800)337-7773 EXT 7, OPTION 2 to reach our private group specialist.
REFERENCE WHEN BOOKING:
World Next Door Colombia Tour
WE'RE FAMILY, SO...
Some will be traveling solo, others have roommates. We'll be together on several tours, so it's important that you always let someone know if you'll be going off on your own or if you can't make an excursion. I consider everyone extended family so I expect that we look out for each other.
I'll need everyone's help keeping us together during tours so that we can keep them running on time! When we need to be together, please respect the group's time by being ON TIME and ready to go!
Itinerary
Itinerary
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Day 1 – Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Depart the USA for Cartagena, Colombia
Our unforgettable adventure to Colombia begins today as we depart Washington D.C. for Cartagena. On arrival transfer to your hotel first-class hotel.
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Day 2 – Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Cartagena de Indias After, breakfast head out to San Basilio de Palenque. Founded in the 17 th century by escaped slaves, the small village is considered the first free town in the Americas. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the strong African linguistic, musical, and cultural traditions. Walk around the village and visit the cultural center. Immerse completely in Afro-Colombian roots and traditions that are present in a distinct creole language (Palenquero), folkloric dance, cuisine, dress, hairstyles, political organization, and social structure.
Enjoy a pleasant experience designed for those who want to discover new flavors and textures, this rum tasting seeks to immerse you in the mythical world of pirates, where your palate witnesses this hidden treasure that Cartagena guards. This recreational experience is led by a professional liquors mixer, who will unveil the coffee, caramel, vanilla, and other aromas concealed in premium rum.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Welcome Dinner (B, L, D)
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Day 3 – Thursday, December 8, 2022
Cartagena Food Tour & Colonial Tour Enjoy a walking tour in Cartagena’s historical center accompanied by a professional photographer who will teach you how to capture the best charming spots of the colonial city. Then, take part in a foodie adventure. Discover what locals enjoy most. Get up close and personal with the real Cartagena: interact with locals, get an insight into their daily lives as you immerse completely in the culinary culture. Try food like “empanadas”, “arepa’huevo”, “arequipe”, “cocadas”, and different fruits like papaya, granadilla, guanabana, and more. Be charmed by Cartagena’s colors and character as you fill your belly and your heart.
Meals: Breakfast (B)
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Day 4 – Friday, December 9, 2022
Cartagena to the Coffee Region After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Cartagena to the Coffee Region. On arrival, transfer to your first-class hotel.
The coffee triangle is a region in Colombia that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can immerse completely in the world of Colombian coffee. Hike, mountain bike, or drive around the stunning landscapes, see the world’s tallest palm trees, and visit local farms to learn about the whole coffee-making process from the bean to your cup. Meals: Breakfast (B)
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Day 5 – Saturday, December 10, 2022
Armenia Jeep Willies Coffee Plantation Tour Leave your hotel and drive through the hilly landscapes and coffee plantations. At a meeting point, get in a Willy Jeep; they are normally used to bring fruits and coffee from the plantations. Drive along the trails in the central mountain chain and stop to visit the small village of Pijao. Then, you arrive at the “San Alberto” hacienda and attend a semi-professional coffee tasting, awaken your senses and learn to appreciate good coffee. End your tour with a cup of coffee before driving back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast (B)
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Day 6 – Sunday, December 11, 2022
Armenia to Bogota This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bogota. Pick-up at the airport through your local guide and direct transfer to the downtown. Start your city tour in “La Candelaria”, a historical neighborhood in downtown Bogotá. Walk along the cobblestone streets and enjoy the district’s blend of beautiful buildings, Spanish colonial architecture, and baroque churches that contrast with modern graffiti, cafés, and contemporary museums. Visit the popular Gold Museum that contains over 34,000 gold pieces and countless bone, stone, ceramic, and textile artifacts that belonged to some 13 pre-Hispanic societies. Before going to the hotel, make a stop in the Usaquén district, enjoy a coffee and visit the Sunday flea market and browse through the beautiful handmade crafts, try local foods, and hear live music.
Meals: Breakfast (B)
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Day 7 – Monday, December 12, 2022
Bogota Drive to Monserrate Hill, take the cable car or funicular up to the top, at an altitude of 3,048m (10,000ft.). Spend some time here, visiting the iconic church and appreciating the unparalleled views over Colombia’s capital. After coming down the mountain, visit the Fernando Botero Museum and appreciate the work of the Colombian painter and sculptor who is famous for his oversized characters. Lunch in a typical restaurant. Leave Bogotá and drive 42km (26mi.) north to Zipaquirá. The City of Salt was built in the 18th century and boasts a historical center surrounded by quaint cafes and restaurants.
Then, journey about 180m (590ft.) underground to uncover the famous salt cathedral. The architectural jewel was built by miners and has become a beautiful temple. Aside from the main cathedral, see other small chapels and the Station of the Cross: 14 stations that interconnect by tunnels. As you wander around the chilly and colorfully lit cathedral, appreciate art like a small Madonna statue that was designed by Daniel Rodríguez Moreno. At the end of the tour, watch a small video and learn about the mines’ bold history before driving back to Bogotá.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner (B, L, D)
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Day 8 – Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Depart Colombia for the USA This morning after breakfast, transfer to the International airport in Bogota for your international flight back to Washington, D.C.
Meals: Breakfast (B)
What you need to know
CANCELLATIONS:
If you cancel your Tour for any reason, any cash or credit refund you receive will be reduced by the applicable cancellation charges below, based upon the timing of your cancellation, unless such changes are waived by smarTours:
- Up to 90 days before departure: $300 per person
- 89-60 days before departure: 50% of cost per person
- 59-30 days before departure: 80% of the cost per person
- 29 days or fewer before departure: No refund is available
All cancellations must be received in writing. If you book your Tour using credit, you will not be eligible to receive any refund amount in cash after a cancellation.
If your roommate cancels and you are unwilling to share a room or we cannot match you with a roommate, you are required to pay the single supplement! However, we will always try to match you with a roommate whenever we can.
Download the GROUPME app, it is what our group will use to communicate with each other while on our trip.
I will add you to the group chat by using your cell phone number. Please make sure you are connected with us before the flight leaves and have received messages from us. This chat is ONLY FOR VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION
