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Upgraded - Highlights of Colombia

Colombia - Trip code DCO Discovery
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252Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Experience the best of Colombia's rich contrasts on this one-week trip. Explore lively and colourful cities, rolling coffee-covered hills and the tropical Caribbean coast, all whilst experiencing the warm and welcoming spirit of the Colombian people.

Why we love this trip
  • The Coffee Region - Stroll amongst orchids and hummingbirds and sip specialist coffee in this UNESCO World Heritage area
  • Medellin - Uncover how this lively modern city has transformed its reputation from the days of Pablo Escobar
  • Cartagena - Wander the cobbled streets of this Caribbean colonial gem and enjoy sundowners on the beach
  • Upgraded Range - Immerse yourself in Colombia's rich history and colourful culture whilst staying in our hand-picked selection of Premium hotels

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 1

    Dinner: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    4WD

    Boat

    Cable Car

    Flight

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    Accommodation

    7 nights premium hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Bogota

Our tour starts in Bogota, the beating heart of Colombia. The lofty capital is cradled by the high ranges of the Cordillera Mountains, blanketing the Andean peaks with an eclectic mix of historic buildings and urban architecture.

Its name comes from the Muisca indigenous people who inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spaniards in 1538, and the remnants of not only the Muisca empire but of Colombia's many other indigenous cultures can be found in the city's impressive Gold Museum.

For those arriving on time, our Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting, after which we will go out for dinner.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Bogota at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Bogota's El Dorado International Airport (BOG), approximately a 45-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your arrival day.

If you miss the meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, head out to explore the colourful streets of La Candelaria, where you'll find museums, bars and restaurants dotted between colonial convents and churches. It's a great spot to orientate yourself and get a snapshot of local life.

Our time in Bogota is limited, so if you would like to spend some more time exploring Colombia's capital we'd recommend arriving 1-2 nights before the tour starts and booking pre-tour accommodation.

Accommodation:

Hotel Bio Luxury (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Dinner

Day 2 - Fly to Pereira and explore the coffee region with coffee tasting at Finca Del Cafe

After a leisurely breakfast we make our way to the airport this morning for our flight into Colombia's coffee region. Pereira is the capital of the Risaralda department, a key centre within the renowned coffee cultural landscape of Colombia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pereira sits in the foothills of the Andes mountain range and with its latitude, approximately 4 degrees north of the equator, combined with an altitude of around 1,411m/4,629ft and a gentle subtropical highland climate, it has the ideal conditions for cultivating the high-quality Arabica coffee bean. Colombia is in the world's top three coffee producers and is celebrated for producing some of the finest brews, including the exceptional coffees originating from this region.

After checking into our hotel, we'll head out this afternoon for a coffee tour at the Finca Del Cafe. We'll spend the afternoon learning about the whole process from the planting of the beans all the way through the picking and roasting process. We'll try out 'cupping', a technique used to distinguish aroma, body and acidity, before finishing off with trying two different specialist coffees.

Our hotel for the next two nights sits in the heart of coffee country, in an enviable location that affords wide sweeping views out the lush rolling hills and mountains beyond. The Casa's wooden construction is full of local character and interesting decor, and it has a large swimming pool to relax in after a day's exploring.

Accommodation:

Casa San Carlos (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Take an orchid tour in the gardens of Finca Romelia. Free afternoon in the coffee region

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.

Accommodation:

Casa San Carlos (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - Drive to Medellin. Free afternoon in the 'City of Eternal Spring'

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel Boutique Quinta Ladera (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Explore Medellin on foot and by cable car, including a visit to Comuna 13

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 take a tour of of the neighbourhood with Son Bata, an organisation that has worked to turn kids away from crime and towards music and the creative arts. 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.

Accommodation:

Hotel Boutique Quinta Ladera (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Free morning in Medellin, then fly to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast

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.

Accommodation:

Hotel Bantu (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Walking tour of colonial Cartagena. Sunset dinner in fishing village of La Boquilla

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. There are fantastic sunsets from here, and we'll have our final drinks and dinner at the beach, before returning to our hotel for the evening.

Accommodation:

Hotel Bantu (or similar)

Grade: Premium Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Trip ends in Cartagena

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.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Colombia

Climate

The dry season in Colombia roughly runs from December to March/April and also a slightly 'dryer' period from July to September. These are among the best times to travel, although visits outside of these months are very manageable. The Caribbean coast is very hot and humid all year round (always around or above 30°C), although the offshore breeze between December and March makes this a more popular time to visit. Due to the high altitude locations of places like Bogota, Manizales and Armenia temperatures here can be quite cool during 'winter' months (Nov to Mar/ Apr) and the nights are cool to cold at anytime of the year. The coffee harvest seasons are March to May and September to November; it is during these periods that it is possible to see the red coffee beans and watch the whole process of coffee production.

Time difference to GMT

-5

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Roman Catholic.

Language

Spanish.

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

For this trip you will need to pack for all weathers, as you travel through several different climatic zones. In the Andes, warm clothing is useful for the evenings, but during the summer months you can expect hot temperatures particularly in the foothills (around Villa de Leyva). Lightweight clothing is necessary for the Caribbean coast with long sleeve shirts and trousers ideal to provide protection from the sun and insect bites.

Footwear

Comfortable trainers or walking shoes and/or sandals.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so
don't overload yourself.
The internal flights have a luggage allowance of 23kg for checked luggage. However, some of the internal aircrafts in Colombia have a 5kg weight limit on hand luggage, which you may need to bear in mind if bringing (for example) heavy camera equipment.

Equipment

A water bottle, good quality sunglasses, sun hat, insect repellent and high factor sunscreen are all essential. Don't forget your swimwear.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. However, you might want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline
Local crew
Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, your leader may organise a group's tips kitty for included activities and meals and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.

Accordingly, you should allow US$ 40, approx. 165'000 Pesos for group tipping (the USD-COP exchange rate fluctuates regularly so you may find that the Peso rate differs when you arrive on tour).

For all non-included services and meals on your trip please tip independently at your discretion.
In restaurants and hotels a 'voluntary' 10% tax for service is included on bills. On top of this, it is common to leave no more than a further 5% for good service
International Departure Taxes
None for UK citizens, Canadian citizens have an entry tax of 68US$.

Colombia

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£5
Dinner price
£10
Beer price
£1.6
Water price
£0.4
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Colombian Peso (COP).
Recommended Currency For Exchange
You can choose to either change your money in advance or on arrival at the airport. Here you will find both ATMs and Bureau de Change. The exchange rate with the COP is approximately COP 4'200 to the British Pound. We recommend you take some emergency cash in USD as the GBP exchange isn’t very good. Notes should be in good condition otherwise they may not be accepted. Please check on line for up to date information
Where To Exchange
Your tour leader can also advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs can be found in the major towns and cities for cash withdrawals in COP. Always have some cash back up as they are not always reliable
Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card are widely accepted in many shops and restaurants but some may be subject to a service charge
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, 4WD, Boat, Cable Car, Flight

Accommodation notes

We've hand-picked a selection of premium 4* and 5* accommodation which reflect the character of the destinations we're visiting, whilst providing a higher level of comfort, modern amenities and in most cases, a range of facilities.
There is a wide variety in the style of premium accommodation on this trip. In Bogota we stay in a five star modern city-centre hotel which has made efforts to introduce nature to all corners of the property, with living green walls decorating areas of the hotel. In Medellin we have selected a trendy and modern eco-hotel that is located in the heart of the city and provides the perfect base from which to explore. In the coffee country our stay is at a finca-style property that has traditional decoration sympathetic to its surroundings, and in Cartagena we stay in a beautiful 18th-century colonial property in the old town, complete with a pool and Turkish spa. It's an ideal place to end the tour, with space to relax but also a great place from which to explore the vibrant streets of Cartagena.

Colombia

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information


Colombia: Visas are not required for UK, New Zealand, Australian, US and Canadian citizens.

Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.

Please note all travelers must fill out a pre-registration form before departure to Colombia.
Travelers must show confirmation of registration before boarding. The form can be found here:

https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en


All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information.

Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding.

You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover.

If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need.

Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure.
Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office



If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Colombia

Vaccinations

We recommend protection against malaria, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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Print Trip Notes

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