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4 Days Cartagena, Colombia at a Glance Luxury Tour Package

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Priced From: $1,285 pp Dbl. Occ.

Why go now: Cartagena has gorgeous hotels and boutique villas that can be rented for a few days. While very popular with the international traveler, you will find few Americans. The walled city where you'll stay is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America. Even better, the locals live here, so it is not just another pretty city. The plazas hum with daily life and Colombian designer shops sit next door to local eateries. While you will want to spend most of your long weekend within the walls of the Old City, you can also venture out by boat to the nearby tropical islands and beaches.

Day 1
Arrive in Cartagena, Colombia
You know you’ve arrived in the tropics as you enter the open air arrivals hall with views of the sea just beyond the terminal. And you know you are in Colombia when you hear Vallenato–a uniquely Colombian dance music, from every radio station. After clearing customs and immigration you will be met by your guide and City Host and transferred to your hotel. The drive to the walled city along the seashore is less than 10 minutes.

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. A few years after it had been founded, the Spaniards designed a defense plan in which the main strategy was the construction of a walled military fortress to protect the city against the plundering of English, Dutch and French pirates. Cartagena was a major trading port, especially for precious metals.

Your hotel, the Agua, is a typical Cartagena colonial house built in the seventeenth century. It has been completely restored, with excellent boutique hotel style and service. The hotel has six fully furnished rooms, carefully designed and decorated by the owners. It's eclectic decor is enhanced by an excellent combination of antiques, modern, and ethnic handicrafts. The hotel features a roof top pool and serves breakfast daily, while other meals may be arranged for any time. Hotel Agua

Day 2
The Walled City - Cartagena
Today enjoy a walking tour through the historical city center. The walled city includes the neighborhoods Centro, San Diego, Getsemaní and the modern part La Matuna. The oldest part of Cartagena is around Plaza Trinidad in Getsemaní. This afternoon visit of the Temple of Santo Domingo, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Gold Museum. Take some time to shop at some of the unique boutique shops you’ll find along the way. A must this evening is a sunset drink overlooking the city walls at Café del Mar Cartagena. Hotel Agua

Day 3
Cartagena
After breakfast, continue to explore Cartagena beyond the historic walled city. Your drive will take you first to the La Popa Convent, where you get a bird’s eye view of the new and old Cartagena. Then, through Cartagena’s old city, residential district of Manga, and new residential and commercial districts of Bocagrande and Castillo Grande. Lunch on your own. There are a variety of wonderful restaurants to choose from—you may want to try the Cuban ambiance of La Vitrola. Hotel Agua

Day 4
Depart Cartagena
Today you are transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

12/09

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