Tauck is heading to Colombia for the first time with a new nine-day itinerary departing next year.

The new Colombia: South America’s Eternal Spring tour, priced from US$8,490 per person, double occupancy, plus airfare, begins with a two-night stay at the Four Seasons in Bogotá, followed by a three-night stay at the Medellín Marriott in Medellín and a subsequent three-night stay at the five-star Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartagena. In Bogotá, guests will visit the Gold Museum featuring the world’s largest collection of gold artifacts and enjoy a guided tour of the Botero Museum, dedicated to the work of artist Fernando Botero. Guests will also travel by train to Zipaquirá to visit the Salt Cathedral, a working church carved from subterranean salt some 600 feet underground.

Botero Sculptures, Medellín, Colombia

After flying to Medellín, guests will enjoy a tasting of Colombia coffee before visiting the Normandia Equestrian Center to learn about the region’s renowned Paso Fino horses. They’ll also learn about Colombia’s troubled past during a visit to Comuna 13, a colourful community that was once one of Colombia’s most notorious neighbourhoods. 

The trip continues in Cartagena with a walking tour of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (the largest fortress in South America), a visit to a local music school, and tours of San Pedro Claver Cathedral and the city’s popular Getsmani neighbourhood. The itinerary concludes with a sunset cruise and reception along Cartagena Bay, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Tauck will operate 12 departures of the new Colombia tour in 2025. Included in the price are two on-tour flights, 20 meals, gratuities to all local guides, hotel staff and restaurant servers, all sightseeing and other activities, airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes and more.

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Cartegena, Colombia

New Japan tour or families

Also new for 2025 is the company’s first-ever Tauck Bridges family travel adventure in Japan. The 10-day Journey Through Japan… A Family Adventure begins with a three-night exploration of Tokyo featuring accommodations at the Conrad Tokyo, during which guests will visit the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, enjoy a sightseeing rickshaw ride and shop in the Ginza shopping district. They’ll also visit the city’s teamLab Planets TOKYO interactive museum, tour the Tsukiji Outer Market, enjoy a sushi-making lunch and visit the Meiji Shrine.

From there, guests will travel by high-speed bullet train to Hakone for a pirate boat cruise across Lake Ashi, a visit to the city’s Open Air Museum, and an overnight stay at the Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora. After travelling by bullet train the following day to Hiroshima where they will enjoy two nights at the Hilton Hiroshima, guests will visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, travel by ferry to the island of Miyajima to see the Itsukushima Shrine, and participate in a hands-on okonomiyaki demonstrating and dinner.

Geishas, Japan

The itinerary concludes with a  three-night stay in Kyoto at the Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto. During their visit, guests will explore the Kyomizu-dera Buddhist temple and Nijo Castle (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), as well as the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Market and the city’s geisha district. They’ll also enjoy a formal tea ceremony, take a calligraphy lesson and try their hands at traditional Taiki drumming.

Tauck will operate nine departures of the new Bridges journey. Included in the price are three on-tour trips aboard high-speed bullet trains, 22 meals, gratuities, all sightseeing and other activities, airport transfers, luggage handling, taxes and more. 

For more information go to www.tauck.ca.

Kyoto, Japan

Source: Travelweek