Upgraded - Highlights of Colombia

Day 3: This morning we'll head out to Finca Romelia, a one hour scenic drive past plantations and lush rolling hills. The orchid is the national flower of Colombia, said to represent the country's beauty in diversity with over 4,000 different species found across the country. Finca Romelia possesses one of the largest orchid collections in Colombia and here we take a gentle walk through the farm's beautiful surroundings alongside an in-house botanist. The walk takes us through shaded forests and into teeming gardens packed with bonsai trees and of course, orchids. It's also a haven for birdlife, with over 70 species having been identified here with hummingbirds, toucans and tanagers often sighted. We'll make our way through the expansive orchid nursery before enjoying a hearty lunch in the farmhouse with the Londoño family, the owners of the finca who have lived and worked here for over 45 years. This afternoon has been left free to relax in the beautiful surroundings, or you might like to take a half day tour to nearby town of Salento, known for it's colourful houses set amongst towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley.

Day 4: Leaving early this morning we'll drive north to Medellin, a journey of around six hours including stops. Once a city overshadowed by its past, Medellin has transformed itself into one of South America's most vibrant, trendy cities - where gritty street art meets sleek cable cars, and traditional plazas buzz with the energy of a city on the move, all set to the musical backdrop of reggaeton and salsa. After checking in, we'll have some time to relax in the comfortable surroundings of our hotel, or there is the option to explore a little of the 'City of Eternal Spring', so-called due to its temperate year-round climate. Our accommodation for the next two nights is a boutique eco property located in the heart of the city, an ideal base from which to explore. Its decor is earthy yet modern and rooms are well appointed with outside spaces to relax.

Day 5: We'll spend today discovering Medellín's past and present with a local guide. We'll travel by private transport, on foot and by cable car. The tour aims to give the historical perspective behind Pablo Escobar's residency in Medellin, including what it was like when he was alive, and the changes that have made it the modern and diverse city it is today. We'll visit his old home, and the Casa de la Memoria Museum, an initiative started by the victims of the drug traffic trade that contributed to overcoming the conflict in Medellin. We will also visit the Parque Memorial la Inflexion, built where the Monaco building, Escobar's property, was located until its demolition in 2019. There were as many as 46,000 victims of narcotraffico in Colombia, and this park was built in their memory. This tour isn't designed to glorify Escobar's lasting imprint on the city, but to memorialise the people affected by the drug trade and to celebrate the modern face of Medellín. We'll also visit the outlying suburb of the once-notorious Comuna 13. This barrio, clinging to Medellín's western slopes, perfectly personifies Medellín's turn-around, once among the most feared neighbourhoods, it is now a vibrant and colourful community that is brimming with life. We'll walk the winding staircases alongside colourful graffiti murals and past pop-up dance performances, giving us a real insight into local life here.

Day 6: This morning has been left free to soak up more of this lively city. There is the option to visit the nearby picturesque lakeside town of Guatape, where the houses are painted in glorious pastel shades. It's known as the 'Pueblo de Zocalos' for the intricate paintings of animals, musical instruments, flowers and birds found on the lower half of almost every building in the centre. The cobblestoned streets are alive with colourful architecture and locals going about their daily business. In the afternoon, we will travel to the airport and fly to Cartagena on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Depending on the flight schedules, we should arrive late in the evening and will transfer straight to our hotel. Our base for the next two nights is a beautifully appointed hotel in the heart of the old town. 18th century colonial architecture mixes with comfortable modern furnishings to make for a memorable stay. The hotel also features a swimming pool, a Turkish bath and is a short walk from Cartagena's lively bars and restaurants.

Day 7: Cartagena is a wonderful place to get lost in, with old plazas and churches galore, as well as plenty of cafes, restaurants, markets and a warm, welcoming atmosphere around every corner. Today we'll take in the main sights on foot today. This afternoon is free to relax in the comfortable confines of the hotel, or perhaps to further explore Cartagena. For those who'd like to go outside the city walls, you may want to take a taxi ride to visit the hilltop convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, with its panoramic views of the city, or the 16th-century fortress of San Felipe. In the early evening, we'll take a short drive out to nearby La Boquilla. Now an offshoot of Cartagena itself, this one-time fishing village still has a hint of its past and the residents balance their fishing heritage with tourism. Here we'll have the opportunity to visit two great projects - Damartes was set up by a cooperative of women to generate their own income independent of the traditional patriarchal model. They create jewellery and other accessories from a variety of local materials, and here we'll learn their story and even have an opportunity to try and craft our own. We'll then move onto Kilele Son, a cultural organisation aiming to preserve Afro-Colombian music, dance and traditions. As the sun sets, we'll be treated to an interactive workshop on the beach, where they'll showcase their skilled drumming and evocative dancing in this beautiful setting. We'll then head back into the walled city for our farewell dinner.

Day 8: The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cartagena. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Cartagena at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Cartagena's Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG), approximately a 20-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made post-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your departure day.