Meet your English-speaking guide at your Bogotá hotel for an early morning overland departure to the beautiful town of Villa de Leyva. On the way, you'll view diverse landscapes, from a wilderness region full of unique lakes and reservoirs to semi-arid deserts. On route will be a stop is at the colonial town of Ráquira, probably the most colorful town in Colombia, famous for its vivid colored facades and attractive buildings. Only 15 miles away from Villa de Leyva, "Ráquira" literally means "City of Pots". The town specializes in fine hand-made ceramics and throughout the streets you will find colorful craft shops and artisans selling their artwork and pottery, including ceramic bowls, vases, and children's toys. You'll also have the opportunity to view a workshop and observe the process of how traditional pottery is made. We'll continue to the "Monasterio del Desierto de la Candelaria", which was the first Augustine monastery founded in Latin America in the year 1604. You'll have a brief visit to the chapel, the small museum and the cloisters in the courtyard.

A short ride brings you to Villa de Leyva. Founded in 1572, this lovely colonial town was declared a national monument in 1954. It has been entirely preserved, including its stone-paved streets embedded with fossils from the surrounding area. The quaint buildings are whitewashed, with terra-cotta tile roofs, pine green doors and balconies decorated with flowers. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in. Afterwards, your guide will escort you on a walking tour where you'll learn more about the culture of the people. Take particular notice of the town's interesting architecture as you pass through the historic cobbled streets that surround the vast main square plaza. After the tour, dinner will be on your own this evening.

After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the museum "El Fósil", where you will find remains of an ancient marine reptile called kronosaurus boyecensis, which resembles a giant alligator dated from approximately 120 million years ago. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a visit to the stunning "Casa Terracota", a unique ceramic house built by the Colombian architect Octavio Mendoza who mixed his knowledge of architecture using different materials, with his unique "Gaudi-esque" design and creativity. This house was made by sculpting the building out of clay and then firing it in high temperature making it water resistant, earthquake proof, and comfortably cool in hot climates. A few kilometers away, we'll reach the convent "Santo Ecce Homo", founded by Dominicans in 1620. This convent is a large stone-and-adobe construction with a lovely courtyard. The floors are paved with stones extracted from the region, and also contain ammonites, an extinct group of marine molluscs.

The day ends with a visit to the "Marqués de Villa de Leyva". A rarity as it's one of the few wineries in the country. This vineyard was founded in 1989 and produces vineyard produces high quality wine in a tropical climate. Their main grape varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, their Sauvignon Blanc won the silver medal twice at the international wine competition in Brussels. You will have the opportunity to walk through the vineyards before visiting the wine cellar and tasting the wines. Returning to Villa de Leyva, you'll have time to relax before dinner on your own this evening.

(Breakfast, Accommodations, Villa de Leyva)

(Breakfast, Villa de Leyva)