From the Roots to the Table: Colombia with Chef César Zapata & The Gourmet Vacation 🌿🍽️✨
August 7th – 14th, 2027

You are invited on a journey through Colombia where landscapes become flavor, stories become meals, and every day unfolds like a beautifully plated experience—crafted with intention, connection, and soul.

Curated by Chef César Zapata and Chef Richard Gruica, alongside The Gourmet Vacation, this is not just travel—it is an immersion into the roots of Colombia, told through its people, its culture, and its extraordinary cuisine.

Chef César Zapata is a Colombian-born, Michelin-recognized chef and the creative force behind acclaimed restaurants including Phuc Yea in Miami, where he blends Latin and Asian influences into bold, expressive cuisine, and Antaño, a love letter to traditional Colombian flavors reimagined with contemporary technique. Known for his fearless creativity and deep respect for heritage, Chef César brings authenticity and artistry to every plate he touches.

Chef Richard Gruica, founder of The Gourmet Vacation, is a culinary experience curator and storyteller who designs immersive food and travel journeys around the world. His work brings together world-class chefs, local artisans, and culturally rich destinations to create experiences that go far beyond dining—transforming travel into memory, connection, and emotion.

Together, they invite you into a Colombia that is vivid, warm, and alive—where every moment is intentional, every meal is meaningful, and every experience is designed to stay with you long after the journey ends.

🌿 Colombia Highlights: From the Roots to the Table ✨

A journey through Colombia designed to awaken the senses and connect you to its heart through food, culture, and unforgettable moments.

• Rooftop welcome in vibrant Medellín with chef-hosted cocktails and skyline views

• Immersion into the flower traditions of Santa Elena with rustic Paisa cuisine

• Private access to Medellín’s cultural icons, including Plaza Botero and its world-famous Flower Festival Parade

• Chiva Rumbera night ride and curated street food crawl through the city

• Hands-on ceramic workshop in El Carmen de Viboral with artisan family makers

• Luxury lakeside escape in Guatapé with adventure, relaxation, and private boating

• Coffee farm immersion at a 100-year-old estate with farm-to-table cooking experiences

• Dining at Chef-led and celebrity-linked culinary spaces, including Casa Eterna

• Exploration of Comuna 13, Medellín’s powerful story of transformation through art and music

• Four-hands culinary finale at Zombra with top Colombian chefs

• And so much more!

A curated experience where every moment is designed to be tasted, felt, and remembered 🌎✨

Pre-Tour Evening | Friday, August 6th

Arrival in Medellín & Rooftop Welcome Celebration 🌆🍸✨

Your journey into the heart and soul of Colombia begins the moment you arrive in Medellín—a city of transformation, creativity, and electric energy nestled within lush green mountains. After settling into the stylish comfort of a 5-star stay in El Poblado, the anticipation builds for the experiences ahead.

As the sun begins its slow descent over the city, we gather high above it all at the rooftop of The Click Clack Hotel. With sweeping views of Medellín glowing beneath the evening sky, you’ll be welcomed personally by Chef Cesar Zapata and Chef Richard Gruica, your hosts and curators for the journey ahead.

Cocktails in hand—each sip a vibrant introduction to Colombia’s rich flavors—you’ll meet fellow travelers, share stories, and ease into the rhythm of the days to come. Laughter rises with the night air, connections begin to spark, and the first tastes of Colombia set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable culinary adventure.

This is more than a welcome—it’s the first chapter of a journey that will take you from the roots of Colombian culture to the very heart of its table.

Overnight: 5-Star Hotel in El Poblado – The Click Clack Hotel 🌙✨

Since the tour officially starts on Saturday, August 1, this night’s accommodation is not included in the tour and is the guest's responsibility. We will make the hotel arrangements for you, if needed.

Day 1 | Saturday, August 7th

Flowers, Flavors & a Night That Dances 🌸🌆🎶

The day begins with a journey into the hills above Medellín, where the air cools, the views widen, and tradition blooms in full color. We make our way to Santa Elena, home of the legendary silleteros—artisans who transform flowers into breathtaking works of living art.

At a local flower farm, you’ll step into this vibrant world, learning the history and cultural significance behind the iconic silletas, intricate floral arrangements carried during Medellín’s famous festivals. Wander through fields bursting with color, breathe in the fragrance of fresh blooms, and hear the stories passed down through generations.

From there, we gather for a slow, rustic Paisa lunch—an experience rooted in simplicity, warmth, and tradition. Think hearty, soulful dishes prepared with care, where every bite reflects the land and the people who have shaped it. It’s not rushed, it’s not flashy—it’s deeply authentic, the kind of meal that invites you to linger just a little longer.

Back at The Click Clack Hotel, the afternoon is yours to unwind. Perhaps a quiet moment, a refreshing dip, or simply time to recharge before the night begins to unfold.

And what a night it is.

As the city lights flicker on, we step aboard a private Chiva Rumbera—a brightly painted, open-air party bus that feels less like transportation and more like a rolling celebration. Music pulses through the streets as we cruise through Medellín, with local rhythms filling the air, drinks flowing freely, and the energy building with every turn. It’s joyful, it’s vibrant, it’s unmistakably Colombian—a moving fiesta that invites you to dance, laugh, and let go.

The evening continues with a curated nighttime street food crawl, where the city becomes our dining room. From sizzling grills to hidden local gems, you’ll taste Medellín after dark—arepas hot off the griddle, savory bites layered with bold flavors, and sweet treats that bring the perfect finish. Each stop reveals another side of the city, guided by those who know it best, turning every bite into a story worth savoring.

By night’s end, you won’t just have tasted Medellín—you’ll have felt it.

Overnight: 5-Star Hotel in El Poblado – The Click Clack Hotel 🌙✨

Day 2 | Sunday, August 8th

Art, Flavor & the Grand Spectacle of Medellín 🎨🌺✨

Today, Medellín reveals itself in full celebration—where art, culture, and tradition take center stage in a way that is nothing short of unforgettable.

We begin in the heart of the city at Plaza Botero, a lively square brought to life by the unmistakable sculptures of Colombia’s most celebrated artist, Fernando Botero. Here, larger-than-life bronze figures invite curiosity, playfulness, and perspective, setting the tone for a deeper cultural immersion.

From the plaza, we step inside the Botero Museum for a private guided tour, where the story behind the art unfolds. With expert insight, you’ll explore Botero’s iconic style—his exaggerated forms, rich symbolism, and the subtle social commentary woven into each piece. It’s an experience that transforms what you see into something you truly understand.

By midday, the city becomes our table. Our curated foodie tour invites you to taste Medellín from the inside out—winding through vibrant neighborhoods, local markets, and beloved hidden gems. Each stop is a celebration of Colombian flavor: fresh tropical fruits bursting with sweetness, street-side specialties crafted with tradition, and regional dishes that tell stories of heritage and home. This isn’t just lunch—it’s a guided exploration of Medellín’s culinary heartbeat, where every bite reveals something new.

Then comes the main event.

This afternoon, we take our place at one of the most sought-after experiences in the city—the legendary Flower Festival Parade, or Desfile de Silleteros, the crown jewel of Medellín’s cultural calendar. From our private palcos—an elevated grandstand reserved exclusively for our group—you’ll enjoy shaded seating and unobstructed views of the spectacle below.

As the parade unfolds, silleteros from Santa Elena carry breathtaking floral creations on their backs—intricate, massive displays crafted from thousands of fresh flowers. Each one is a masterpiece, a living canvas that honors tradition, storytelling, and generations of artistry. The energy is electric, the colors dazzling, and the pride palpable. This is not just an event—it’s the event, widely considered the top experience in Medellín, and witnessing it from this privileged vantage point makes it all the more extraordinary.

As evening settles in, we come together once more for a relaxed dinner, where the day’s vibrant moments give way to reflection, great conversation, and, of course, exceptional food.

Overnight: 5-Star Hotel in El Poblado – The Click Clack Hotel 🌙✨

Day 3 | Monday, August 9th

Lakeside Escape, Living Traditions & Crafted by Hand 🌊🎨✨

Today, we step beyond the rhythm of the city and into the serene, storybook beauty of the Guatapé region—a landscape where emerald hills roll into shimmering lakes, and time seems to soften at the edges. Often considered one of Colombia’s most picturesque escapes, Guatapé is a place of color, calm, and quiet wonder, where vibrant facades and reflective waters create a setting that feels almost dreamlike.

On our journey, we make a meaningful stop in the artistic heart of El Carmen de Viboral, a town renowned for its centuries-old ceramic traditions. Here, we are welcomed into an intimate, family-run workshop—an experience curated exclusively for our group. This is not a demonstration, but a true immersion.

Guided by skilled artisans, you’ll step into the full creative process, from shaping raw clay to painting intricate designs that reflect the spirit of the region. With your hands as your tools and tradition as your guide, you’ll create your own personal ceramic pieces from start to finish. Each brushstroke, each detail, becomes part of your story—an object not just made, but experienced. Once completed, your pieces will be carefully fired, finished, and delivered back to our hotel in Medellín—a lasting keepsake of the day you became part of the craft.

Midday brings a truly special moment: a private, custom-prepared lunch set within the ceramics facility itself. Surrounded by artistry and warmth, we gather for an intimate meal that feels both personal and unforgettable—an experience graciously opened just for us. The setting, the flavors, the connection… it all comes together in a way that simply can’t be replicated.

As the afternoon unfolds, we continue to Guatapé, where lakeside tranquility welcomes us in. Here, you’ll settle into the refined comfort of The Brown Guatapé, Autograph Collection, a stunning retreat that blends modern design with the natural beauty of its surroundings.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace—whether that means a quiet dinner at the hotel, a glass of wine overlooking the water, or a gentle wander through the colorful streets nearby. After a day rich with creativity and discovery, this is your moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and take it all in.

Overnight: The Brown Guatapé, Autograph Collection 🌙

Day 4 | Tuesday, August 10th

Choose Your Adventure: Peaks, Paths & Lakeside Revelry 🚤⛰️✨

Today is yours to design—like stepping into the pages of a Choose Your Own Adventure story, where every path leads to something unforgettable. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Guatapé, this is your moment to follow your energy, your curiosity, and your sense of adventure.

Choose your experience:

⛰️ El Peñón de Guatapé Climb
For those ready to rise to the occasion, this iconic monolith calls. Climb the zig-zagging staircase of El Peñón de Guatapé and be rewarded with sweeping, cinematic views of lakes and islands stretching endlessly in every direction—a panorama that feels earned with every step.

🐎 Horseback Riding
Saddle up and explore the countryside at a gentler rhythm. Rolling hills, lush greenery, and quiet trails unfold around you as you connect with the landscape in a way that feels timeless and grounding.

🪂 Paragliding
For the bold and free-spirited, take to the skies. Glide above Guatapé’s shimmering waters and patchwork terrain, where the world below transforms into a living painting—equal parts thrill and serenity.

🏎️ Off-Road Quad Adventure
Crank up the adrenaline and venture off the beaten path. Navigate rugged terrain, winding trails, and hidden corners of the region on a quad bike, where every turn delivers a new burst of excitement.

💆 In-Room Massage
Or perhaps your perfect adventure is stillness. Indulge in a restorative in-room massage, letting the calm of the lake and the comfort of your surroundings melt everything away—pure relaxation, uninterrupted.

With everyone exploring their own path, we keep things easy and delicious with a thoughtfully prepared gourmet sandwich box—perfect for enjoying on the go, wherever your adventure takes you.

By mid-afternoon, we reunite at the marina, stories already beginning to flow. From there, we step aboard a private pontoon boat and set out onto the lake together. Music drifts through the air, drinks are poured, and the golden light dances across the water as we cruise past lush hills and hidden inlets. It’s relaxed, it’s celebratory, it’s effortlessly beautiful—the kind of moment where time slows, and the group truly comes together.

As evening settles, we return for a memorable dinner at the hotel’s stunning restaurant, where elevated cuisine meets panoramic views. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, share the day’s adventures, and savor the flavors of the region one more time.

Overnight: The Brown Guatapé, Autograph Collection 🌙

Day 5 | Wednesday, August 11th

From Lakeside Stillness to Culinary Soul: A Gentle Return to Medellín 🌿🌊✨

The morning unfolds slowly in the tranquil embrace of The Brown Guatapé, Autograph Collection, where a late checkout invites you to linger just a little longer in the calm beauty of the lake. Surrounded by water, hills, and quiet reflection, it’s a final pause in Guatapé—unhurried, peaceful, and restorative—before we begin our journey back toward the city.

As we make our way from Guatapé back into the rhythm of Medellín, the landscape shifts from serene countryside to vibrant urban energy, marking a graceful transition between two very different worlds within the same unforgettable region.

Our destination is a deeply special lunch at Casa Eterna, the family-run restaurant of global artist Maluma, where warmth, hospitality, and elevated Colombian cuisine come together in a beautifully curated setting. Here, we are welcomed by Chef Maria Antonia Velez, whose culinary vision brings tradition to life with elegance and heart. Each dish tells a story—of family, culture, and Colombia itself—crafted with intention and served with quiet pride. It’s a meal that feels both grounding and celebratory, the perfect welcome back to the city.

After lunch, the rest of the day opens completely. With no scheduled dinner and no obligations, the evening is yours to enjoy Medellín at your own pace—whether that means rest, exploration, or simply letting the city unfold around you.

Tonight is about ease, return, and reflection… a gentle landing after days of adventure 🌙✨

Overnight: 5-Star Hotel in El Poblado – The Click Clack Hotel 🌙✨

Day 6 | Thursday, August 12th

From Bean to Table: Coffee & Craft  ☕🌿✨

Today, we journey into the soul of Colombia’s most iconic ritual—coffee. Leaving the city behind, we venture into the lush, rolling countryside to a place where time, tradition, and terroir come together in every cup.

At La Casa Grande, a 100-year-old family-run coffee farm, you’ll step into a living legacy. Guided by those who have cultivated this land for generations, we explore the entire journey of coffee—from seed to harvest, from careful drying to the final roast. Walk among the coffee plants, feel the texture of the beans, and uncover the artistry behind what is often simply poured into a cup. Here, coffee is not just a drink—it’s heritage, patience, and pride.

Then, we take it a step further.

Surrounded by the beauty of the farm, we gather for an immersive, hands-on cooking class and lunch experience rooted in local tradition. With fresh, regional ingredients and the guidance of expert hands, you’ll prepare and enjoy a meal that reflects the land itself—simple, vibrant, and deeply connected to place. As aromas rise and flavors come together, the experience becomes more than culinary—it becomes communal, a shared moment that lingers long after the last bite.

As the day winds down, we return to Medellín, where the evening is yours to enjoy.

Overnight: 5-Star Hotel in El Poblado – The Click Clack Hotel 🌙✨

Day 7 | Friday, August 13th

From Castles to Color: Culture, Resilience & a Culinary Finale 🎨🔥✨

Today unfolds as a powerful blend of elegance, transformation, and bold expression—revealing the many layers of Medellín in ways both inspiring and unforgettable.

We begin at the enchanting El Castillo Museum and Gardens, a storybook estate perched above the city. With its European-style architecture, manicured gardens, and sweeping views, it feels worlds away—an oasis of calm and refinement. As we wander through its halls and grounds, history and beauty intertwine, offering a glimpse into a different chapter of Medellín’s past.

From there, we take to the skies—quite literally—aboard Medellín’s innovative cable car system. Floating above the city, you’ll witness its remarkable geography and transformation from a perspective few get to experience. What unfolds below is a living narrative of resilience, innovation, and community.

That story comes to life in Comuna 13—once one of the city’s most challenging areas, now one of its most vibrant and inspiring. Today, Comuna 13 stands as a symbol of rebirth, where art, music, and community have reshaped its identity. As we explore its colorful streets, ride its outdoor escalators, and take in powerful murals, local guides share stories that give depth and meaning to every wall, every corner, every note of music in the air.

Amid this energy, we pause for lunch at a beloved local grill and BBQ spot—where bold flavors meet authenticity. Expect smoky, perfectly grilled specialties, generous plates, and a setting that reflects the heart and soul of the neighborhood. It’s vibrant, it’s real, and it’s deeply satisfying.

As evening approaches, we prepare for a true culinary highlight. Dinner takes place at Zombra, one of Medellín’s most exciting dining destinations—where creativity, atmosphere, and innovation come together in a striking, modern setting.

Here, we experience an extraordinary four-hands collaboration dinner featuring Chef Cesar Zapata alongside Chef Pablo Naranjo, one of Colombia’s most celebrated culinary talents.

Together, they craft a menu that is both expressive and refined—blending technique, storytelling, and bold Colombian flavors into a seamless, unforgettable dining experience. Each course is a dialogue between chefs, cultures, and inspirations—designed to surprise, delight, and linger long after the final bite.

It’s not just dinner—it’s a grand finale of flavor, artistry, and collaboration.

As our journey through Colombia comes to a close, what lingers is far more than the places we’ve visited—it’s the moments we’ve shared. From the vibrant streets of Medellín to the quiet beauty of its surrounding landscapes, each experience has been a thread woven into something truly unforgettable.

With Chef Cesar Zapata and Chef Richard Gruica guiding the way, this has been more than a culinary adventure—it’s been a celebration of culture, connection, and the stories told through food. The flavors, the laughter, the late-night conversations, and the shared tables have created something that extends far beyond the itinerary.

This is the spirit of The Gourmet Vacation—where travel becomes personal, meals become memories, and destinations become part of you.

Until the next table, the next city, the next unforgettable bite… ✨🍷

Overnight: 5-Star Hotel in El Poblado – The Click Clack Hotel 🌙✨

Day 8 | Saturday, August 14th

Farewells in Medellín: Until We Meet Again ✈️🌿✨

Today marks the final chapter of your journey, as you depart from Medellín with a suitcase full of memories and a heart full of experiences ✈️✨

Transportation to the airport will be seamlessly arranged according to your individual flight schedule, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure.

Thank you for being part of The Gourmet Vacation—for the shared meals, the laughter, the stories, and the spirit of adventure that made this journey so special.

Until we meet again at another table, in another corner of the world… safe travels and buen viaje 🌎🍷