Cartagena, Colombia

Get the day going with a Colombian coffee tasting and learn about the methods of growing, roasting, and curating the perfect cup of joe. Afterward, enjoy leisure time for exploration through the picturesque streets of Old Town. Let the sounds of Latin Caribbean music, the clopping of horse-drawn carriages, and the fragrance of abundant tropical flora set the mood as you wander the streets between vibrantly-colored colonial buildings. Purchase fresh fruit from the local Palenqueras or visit one of the many museums before joining the rest of the group in the afternoon for a Literary Tour focused on Colombia’s own Nobel prize winning author, Gabriel García Marquez. It’s rumored that Cartagena was the inspiration for many of his famous works.

In the evening, watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea as you enjoy cocktails and music at the famous Café del Mar. Afterward we will stroll across the street to the upscale restaurant, La Vitrola, for another fabulous dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Shopaholic or not, shopping in Cartagena is a great deal of fun and a great way to get to know the city! Embark on a private shopping tour in order to learn about what is worth buying, what’s worth skipping, and how much you should pay for various goods. Regardless of your budget, you are sure to find something to take home with you to commemorate your travels whether its a handmade mochila -handbag, a work of art, a box of cigars, or a piece of jewelry. Note: Colombia is known for its emeralds!

After your shopping tour, you’ll have the opportunity to sample the many flavors of Cartagena through a guided Food and Culture Tour. Later in the evening, get your feet wet in a traditional salsa class! If Prince Charles can do it, so can you! Finally, end the evening with another fabulous dinner at Cuba 1940.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch (Food Tour), Dinner

In the morning, depart on a day trip to the small village of San Basilio de Palenque, located about an hour south of Cartagena in the foothills of the Montes de María. Founded in the early 1600s by escaped slaves, it is considered the first free town in the Americas. On this visit to San Basilio de Palenque, you’ll be led by a local guide and translator and learn about Afro-Colombian culture, its significance, and its influence on Colombia.

Following this immersive tour, return to Cartagena by mid-afternoon to enjoy some leisure time to relax. Might we suggest the rooftop pool of the Hotel Charleston Santa Theresa! Gather again in the evening for drinks at the sophisticated El Coro and dinner at La Cevicheria, the ceviche restaurant made famous by the late Anthony Bourdain.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your final day in Cartagena will allow for ample leisure time to spend relaxing at the fabulous hotel spa, rooftop pool, or even a tropical beach-club. Perhaps you’ll choose to walk along the city walls and take in views of the Old Town, Bocagrande - the “Miami Beach” of Cartagena, historic forts, and the Caribbean sea. Wander the streets absorbing the sights, smells and sounds before meeting with the rest of the group in the late afternoon.

In the afternoon, take an authentic Colombian Cooking Class with a local who will connect share the emotion, history and tradition behind Colombian cuisine and the culture of Cartagena. Close the night with cocktails and music under the stars in the Plaza Santa Theresa.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (Cooking Class)