With multiple daily flights now entering Havana from Miama, and more being added from destinations including Tampa, New York, and Orlando, Cuba is experiencing a visitor boom in the wake of recently relaxed travel restrictions for US citizens.

As consumer society gathers pace, now is the time to visit before the particular charm of this Caribbean island vanishes for good. But with prices set to rise to match increasing American demand, some travellers are already looking elsewhere for off-the-beaten-track authenticity.

With its shared Spanish colonial history and lively yet welcoming atmosphere, Colombia could be the perfect undiscovered alternative. Vastly improved security conditions have led to a marked increase in tourism, but for now at least the country remains under the radar for many. Awaiting those who do make the trip is jewel-coloured colonial architecture, a wealth of ancient culture, and extraordinarily diverse landscapes.

Most itineraries stick to Bogotá and Cartagena, but to get under the skin of Colombia, join ACE Cultural Tours's Colonial Colombia tour to explore the country in between – hopping from town to town as if following in the footsteps of the great liberator Simón Bolívar through the lands which inspired the author Gabriel Garcia Márquez. Highlights include the atmospheric cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings of Barichara, as well as the jewellery workshops of Mompox, a hauntingly evocative Andalusian-style city famed for its gold filigree, which it has traded since the 16th century. Here a guided visit to an 18th century private palácio will give a personal insight into the town's heritage.

Our expert Tour Director Richard McColl is a British news and travel journalist who has made his home in Colombia for over a decade. His publications include the Michelin Green Guide to Colombia and Bradt guide to Colombia. Richard has restored colonial houses in Mompox and also presents the regular radio show Colombia Calling on the Overseas Radio Network.

Colonial Colombia

June 16–29, 2016; £3,980 including flights

Full information is available on our website here.

To book: www.aceculturaltours.co.uk or 01223 841 055

ENDS

Notes for Editors

For more information, images, or a copy of the ACE 2016 brochure please contact Jessica Burrows on 01223 841055, at jessica@aceculturaltours.co.uk or visit www.aceculturaltours.co.uk

ACE Cultural Tours is the UK's most experienced cultural tour operator. With a growing portfolio of over 1000 specially tailored tours for small groups, ACE offers over 180 departures every year. Each tour is led by a Tour Director – both a specialist in their field and a convivial host – and the tour groups regularly enjoy privileged access to private buildings, collections and performers. Owned by the charity the ACE Foundation, all surplus from the tour company is used to fund educational projects in the UK and abroad. 

ACE Cultural Tours is a bonded tour operator, holding ATOL licence no 1204 and is also a member of AITO and ABTOT.