Explore and discover the magnificent city of Cartagena. Begin with a stop at San Felipe de Barajas situated outside the walled city for a panoramic view of this monumental fort considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World.

Continue to Las Bovedas Artisan Center, built as dungeons and as a means of storage. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets and squares inside the walled city. Wander through Plaza de Bolivar which features a statue of its namesake. Visit the Inquisition Palace, established in the year 1610 to punish any crimes against the Catholic faith. You’ll see samples of jails and torture chambers.

Next, visit the San Pedro Claver cloister and monastery built in homage to the protector of slaves. Continue to the Navy Museum which includes a folk show and beverage. Before returning to your ship you will have a free time to explore by your own into the walled city and enjoy panoramic sightseeing through Bocagrande, the modern part of the city.

OVERVIEW

Discover Cartagena's iconic sights and Rhythms in an experience like no other. Starting with a scenic drive by the charming landmarks of the Historic District, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site to enjoy views of the city's old and modern sides that will amaze you, on your way to one of the best musical and cultural experiences Cartagena has to offer. Your tour will start with a guided walking tour through the Getsemaní neighborhood, delving into its fascinating landmarks, history and passageways. Let yourself be transported 300 years back, as you discover through its most emblematic monuments the rich history and cultural heritage this part of the city provides. To end your perfect day, continue to a local inspired venue. Here you will soak in the African-inspired Rhythms of Champeta, a local genre, in a fun and immersive class with captivating dancers. You'll have the chance to learn Colombian dance choreography, purchase local delicacies, and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors and music for an authentic Cartagena experience!

Start your tour of the beautiful city of Cartagena with a photo stop at San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city and considered the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Continue to the Old City and wander through narrow cobblestone streets and squares while you admire the Colonial architecture, balconies and old churches. Your next stop will be the Inquisition Palace.

Enjoy a folkloric show during your visit to the Navy Museum which was established in 1986. Here, you’ll find historic military efforts of Cartagena, see the wealth of historical artifacts, maritime life and naval history of Colombia. A bottle of water or soft drink will be served upon arrival at the museum. Before returning to your ship, enjoy panoramic sightseeing through Bocagrande, the modern part of the city.

OVERVIEW

Zip over to the Makani Beach Club in a speedboat and spend hours relaxing however you wish at the luxurious resort. The beach club is on the western shore of Tierra Bomba, the closest island to Cartagena, so it won’t take long to reach this idyllic setting. Upon arriving, you will be free to do most anything you please. You might stretch out in a sunbed on the sugar-white private beach, stroll along the shoreline, read under the shade of a towering palm tree and take a refreshing swim in the sea. There is also a large swimming pool with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas if you prefer to relax there. Enjoy a complete à la carte menu of cocktails, drinks, snacks and a variety of dishes to suit your preferences (not included in the rate).

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Pause for photos at a fortress built in the 17th century to defend Cartagena from pirates and indulge in a shopping spree at an upscale mall in the historical San Diego neighborhood. San Felipe Castle shares a UNESCO World Heritage site designation with several other Cartagena landmarks, in part because of its thick impenetrable stone walls studded with cannons. It is quite the sight from any angle. While driving downtown, you will pass miles of other defensive walls that were constructed and expanded over four centuries to further protect the port from invaders. Within these walls, you will find La Serrezuela, a shopping center known for its elegant boutiques and one-of-a-kind stores. After opening in 2019, it quickly became an icon as it was designed around the completely renovated Circo Teatro, once a venue for bullfights, operas and theatrical plays. You may spend more than two hours browsing the shops for designer fashions, exquisite jewelry and other exclusive merchandise.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stop to snap photos at the thick-walled 17th-century fortress San Felipe Castle.
• Pass miles of other defensive walls on a panoramic drive through downtown Cartagena.
• Spend hours shopping at La Serrezuela, an exclusive mall designed around a historical bullring.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Get a real feel for the culture and cuisine of Cartagena while cruising the bay and by walking through Old Town. Founded in 1533, Cartagena exudes history, especially in the original walled section, which UNESCO deemed worthy of a World Heritage site designation. As you stroll through leafy plazas named for heroes such as Simon Bolivar – who liberated Latin America from Spanish rule – you will likely see vendors preparing street foods with enticing aromas. Free time allows you to explore further and gain an even deeper appreciation of the local lifestyle. Once you board the luxury party boat, you will have the opportunity to sample Cartagena’s unique cuisine and indulge in the open bar. The menu changes with the season and to reflect the freshest ingredients, but it will likely include stuffed arepas and pinchos, which are marinated grilled meats served on a skewer. If you like coffee, try a cup sweetened with panela, an unrefined sugar.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through Cartagena’s walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage.
• Cruise Cartagena Bay on a luxury boat with an open upper deck that is ideal for sightseeing.
• Sample a variety of Colombian street foods, cocktails and other beverages while cruising.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Ahoy grummet! Ready to live an authentic pirate day? Enjoy a full-themed pirate experience in Cartagena. Explore the historical districts within Cartagena’s walled Old Town on a leisurely walk past the most revealing landmarks. Founded on a trade route in 1533, Cartagena was often attacked by pirates such as Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan, so defensive walls and fortifications were soon built. As you will discover, they still stand and have earned Cartagena a World Heritage site designation. While meandering through the atmospheric streets, you will view a vast array of wonderful colonial architecture, churches, mansions, and lively squares where you can appreciate the daily life of the locals. Other highlights include the iconic clock tower at the entrance to the walled Old Town and the Inquisition Palace, where prisoners were tortured until the Spanish Inquisition ended in 1834. Join Captain Henry Morgan and his crew for a highly entertaining 90-minute walking tour around this pirate’s land. You will explore and learn with our pirates how was life in the city in 1600 and early 1700’s. You’ll learn about the city’s history, customs, traditions and why not? Maybe you’ll find out where the treasures are hidden. During free time, you can explore further or perhaps shop for designer fashions, local artwork, and emerald jewelry. Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds, so you can expect to find a wide selection of gems to fall in love with.

Your day of discovery begins when you board you air conditioned transportation. You’ll pass by buildings and homes featuring Colonial, Republican and Moorish styles and your guide explains the many influences that came to be in Cartagena. Your first stop will be 'Punta Icacos', near the fishing village of La Boquilla. Here, you’ll be greeted by local fishermen who earn a living by traditional means of fishing. These fishermen will explain the process of making, repairing and casting the nets, as well as provide a demonstration. You’ll even have the opportunity to learn the art of throwing the net if you wish or you can also sip on fresh coconut milk or coconut water while you watch your companions cast the net. On your way back to Cartagena your guide will provide you with more information regarding Colombian history including the "Vallenato". The Vallenato is a traditional type of music typically using an accordion, flute and drum. Next, stop is at El Muelle where you’ll be greeted and entertained by your own band of Vallenato.

Sample a traditional Colombian snack or "frito" if you wish before making your way to the Emerald Museum. Here, you’ll see craftsmen at work as well as learn the history and cultural importance of the precious stone. Then, visit the famous walled or Old City and Portal de Dulce, an area where local vendors sell the handmade Columbian candies, famous around the world. Take a sweet sample before continuing your walk through the Plaza de la Aduana and Simon Bolivar Square. Along the way your guide will point out areas of interest as well as information on the many churches, building and monuments before you begin your free time in the colonial city. Feel free to stroll along the beautiful streets, browse the many shops and admire the beautiful architecture and flower covered balconies before returning to your ship.

Explore the city of Cartagena with its colonial architecture and impressive fortifications. Pass by the famous Republican architecture of Manga residential area, home to some of the most ornate mansions and homes of the city. Visit the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas built in the 17th century and the largest and most important work of Spanish military engineering in South America. You’ll stop briefly at Las Bovedas Artisan Center, originally built as dungeons and for storage - today local artisans display their work here. You’ll have some free time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and squares inside the walled city. Stop at Plaza de Bolivar which features a statue of its namesake. Across the street is the Inquisition Palace, the Inquisition was established in Cartagena in the year 1610 to punish any crimes against the Catholic faith.

During your visit, you’ll see samples of jails and torture chambers. The sentencing ceremony used to take place in public, in the middle of the plaza. On the second floor of the Inquisition Palace there is a small historical museum which includes a few models showing the urban evolution of the city as the centuries passed and the city grew.

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Cathedral while you walk to the majestic San Pedro Claver´s Sanctuary built to honor the missionary, who was patron saint of slaves. Visit the Navy Museum for a drink and enjoy a Folkloric show before sit back and take in the views of the modern city during the return drive to your ship.

Begin your tour with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Situated outside the walled city, this monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. Continue to the El Cabrero neighborhood for a panoramic view of Rafael Nunez House and Museum. Rafael Nunez was president of Colombia four times and created the constitution of 1886. The house where he lived and died is built in the spectacular Antilles architectural style.

Next, visit the dungeons within the walled city ramparts, which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high-quality handicrafts market selling brightly decorated cloth, woodwork and woven bags made by some of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. Your tour continues to the Palace of Inquisition. The aim of the Inquisition was to judge crimes against the Catholic faith, but it never recognized anyone's innocence. This building whose construction was finished in 1776 is an example of civilian architecture of the 18th century.

Walk to the Plaza Bolivar. Next you will visit the Navy Museum to enjoy a Folkloric show and have a drink before you'll have some spare time for shopping in the old city for the famous Colombian emeralds or an opportunity to take more pictures.

Visit the largest Spanish fort in the New World – San Felipe de Barajas built in the 17th century and discover the charm of colonial Cartagena with free time to explore on your own. Admire the Republican architecture of La Manga residential area, home to some of the most ornate mansions and beautifully sculpted homes of the city. Continue on with your journey for a 40 minute visit to San Felipe de Barajas.

A short drive will take you to the walled city where you will enjoy a guided walking tour as well as some time on your own. Marvel at the abundance of colonial buildings and fortifications around every corner, as well as the old church domes, the clock tower and the dazzling ocean views.

At La Marina Park, you’ll be dropped off to explore the beauty of the Old City on your own. Walk the narrow streets and old plazas, browse the selection of handicrafts, leather goods or emeralds. During your return drive to the ship, enjoy the sights of the modern residential areas of Bocagrande and Castillo Grande.

Your experience will start at the Port of Cartagena where you will board one of our coach or open-air buses, heading to San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, the most important defense construction developed by the Spanish Empire in this part of the world. Your selfie experience will start at the walls, with a walk through the Getsemaní neighborhood to discover its beautiful hidden treasures and take advantage of the unique balance with the architecture of the neighborhood to take an unforgettable selfie, and then will continue at the Commander Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta monument, located near San Felipe Fortress. He's a famous Spanish admiral and defender of the city, known for its remarkable courage despite having just one leg, one eye and one arm! Here, you can capture another great selfie in front of this impressive historical construction of Cartagena de Indias. Back on the bus, you will be heading towards to the famous Clock Tower, our next selfie spot: With the Martyrs Square and the Pegasus Dock on one side, and the Old Town on the other, the Clock Tower is the main entrance to the Historical District. Our exploration of the Old Town inside the walls begins now, and the place is full of selfie spots: Bolivar Statue, the Cathedral Street, Fernando Botero´s sculpture, and many more! All will be places for a unique and memorable selfie while you learn about the history of beautiful Cartagena de India. With your camera full of unforgettable pictures and the necessary information to explore the city; you’ll also have an Emerald Experience to discover the Emerald history in Colombia and learn why they are considered the best in the whole world. Once everybody is back on the meeting place, you will be transferred to enjoy a Colombian chocolate and rum taste experience while waiting to return to the port.