Cartagena

Travelsphere has announced that Colombia, home to coffee plantations, emerald manufacturing, and colonial monuments, has been added to its list of 2017 holiday destinations.

Gems of Colombia is a 16 day holiday which visits historic cities and colonial towns, as well as with snow-capped mountains. There is also the chance to relax on the shores of the Caribbean amidst South American coastal scenery.

Highlights of the Columbia holiday include a tour of the historic centre of Bogotá; visiting the art collection in the Botero Museum and the treasure in the Gold Museum; and exploring Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral which is built underground.

Further activities to be enjoyed on the Gems of Colombia itinerary include strolling through the streets of colonial Villa de Leyva; visiting a cloud forest in the Valle De Cocora; and taking an al fresco lunch on the banks of the Aguas Claras River.

Groups will also get to explore the narrow streets of Cartagena during a tour. The city has been described as a melting pot of pirate history, African fusions and indigenous and European culture – and visitors can enjoy seeing some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in South America here.

51 other new Travelsphere holidays

Also new for Travelsphere in 2017 is an eight day tour of Moscow and St Petersburg. The Tolstoy’s War & Peace itinerary visits the filming locations that were used in the BBC’s TV adaptation of Tolstoy’s novel, including The Kremlin, the Faberge Museum, and Catherine Palace in St Petersburg.

GTOs might like something a little warmer, like a ten day Canary Island Hopping holiday. This itinerary encompasses the islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria and La Gomera, and groups can explore Mount Teide, the Teide National Park and the Bandama Crater.

Organisers can also book onto one of 20 holidays to Italy, with itineraries including the Verona Opera Experience, the Aeolian Islands’ Magical Cruise and the Gardens & Tastes of Lake Garda.

For further information visit www.travelsphere.co.uk.