Wonders of Colombia

DAY 1 – Cartagena – Hotel Check In & Walled City Walking Tour

Arrive in Cartagena, the beautiful capital of the Bolivar region located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena. Many Spaniards flocked to this location when they heard tales of gold found in the tombs of indigenous leaders, expanding this small port into a thriving city. As you tour the city, you may witness iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de Cartagena or the stone walls built to protect the city from the plundering of pirates, although they did not stop Sir Francis Drake from holding the city for ransom in 1586. (B)

DAY 2 – Cartagena – San Felipe Castle Visit & Gold Museum and Caribbean Naval Museum

Start your day by exploring the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. In the afternoon, delve deeper into the enriching history of this Caribbean city as you visit the Gold Museum, which features ancient gold artifacts from the indigenous cultures found in this region. You will also visit the Caribbean Naval Museum. Follow the story of this fascinating country and its incredible naval history from pre-Hispanic times until the present. (B)

DAY 3 – Cartagena – Hotel Check Out & The Vaults Walking Tour – Embarkation

Before checking out of your hotel, tour the famous vaults of Cartagena. These vaults have gone through many transformations – from being Spanish headquarters to a prison for those seeking independence from Spain to the art galleries, restaurants and shops you can witness today.

Transfer to your ship and continue day 1 of the standard itinerary. (B,D)

DAY 1 – Medellin – Hotel Check-in

Arrive in the city of Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia. Named the most innovative city in the world by the Urban Land Institute in 2013, this fascinating city combines modern conveniences with colonial history. Check into your hotel and enjoy your first night in this unique city.

DAY 2 Medellin – Full-Day Coffee Region Tour & Tasting

The region’s ideal climate and soil conditions, combined with the skill and passion of local farmers, make for a unique and delicious coffee experience, which you can learn about and enjoy for yourself during a guided excursion. Before the majority of coffee farms moved south, the state of Antioquia was where coffee growth in Colombia first begin, planting the seed of tradition and culture strongly in this region. The coffee beans grown in Medellin are known for their rich and complex flavor profiles, with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and berries. This delightful coffee is also certified by organizations such as the Rainforest Alliance, which ensures that the coffee is grown in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. (B, L)

DAY 3 – Medellín – Medellín City Tour

Though the city was once known for violent campaigns, Medellín has undergone impressive social transformations, and you will get to examine the drastic differences as you tour Comuna 13. This neighborhood was once the center of political corruption’s influence on the city, and it has now been elevated to a place of strengthened community, music, and art. Ride a cable car through this unique area and witness how it has grown. (B)

DAY 4 – Cartagena – Flight to Cartagena & Walled City Walking Tour

In the morning, check out of your hotel and fly to Cartagena, the beautiful capital of the Bolivar region located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena. Many Spaniards flocked to this location when they heard tales of gold found in the tombs of indigenous leaders, expanding this small port into a thriving city. As you tour the city, you may witness iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de Cartagena or the stone walls built to protect the city from the plundering of pirates, although they did not stop Sir Francis Drake from holding the city for ransom in 1586. (B)

DAY 5 – Cartagena – San Felipe Castle Visit & Gold Museum and Caribbean Naval Museum

Start your day by exploring the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. In the afternoon, delve deeper into the enriching history of this Caribbean city as you visit the Gold Museum, which features ancient gold artifacts from the indigenous cultures found in this region. You will also visit the Caribbean Naval Museum. Follow the story of this fascinating country and its incredible naval history from pre-Hispanic times until the present. (B)

DAY 6 – Cartagena – Hotel Check Out & The Vaults Walking Tour – Embarkation

Before checking out of your hotel, tour the famous vaults of Cartagena. These vaults have gone through many transformations – from being Spanish headquarters to a prison for those seeking independence from Spain to the art galleries, restaurants and shops you can witness today.

Transfer to your ship and continue day 1 of the standard itinerary.  (B,D)

DAY 1 – Barranquilla & Panama City – Disembarkation, Flight to Panama & Old Town Panama

Disembark your ship on day 8 of the standard itinerary and fly to Panama City, famous for the canal that separates North and South America. Start your Panama journey in Panama La Vieja, the site of the original Panama City. Located in the middle of skyscrapers, this charming UNESCO World Heritage Site still conserves its initial mystical flavor. Built on an indigenous village, Panama La Vieja was the first city founded by Spain in the Pacific Coast in 1519. Continue into Causeway Amador, a road that unites Panama City to the islands of Naos, Perico and Flamenco, as you immerse yourself in the modern sights of this wonderful city. In the afternoon, explore the intriguing Museum of Biodiversity. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, this unique museum invites you to delve into the stories surrounding country’s diverse ecosystems, tectonic forces of the earth, and first settlements of humans in the area, all joining together to create the Panama we know today. After, walk through the vivid colors of Casco Antiguo, where you will be staying during your time in this incredible city. (B)

DAY 2 – Panama City – Full Day Panama Canal Tour

Take in the man-made majesty of the Panama Canal during this full day of incredible excursions. Before this marvel of engineering was constructed, ships were forced to sail the southernmost tip of South America along the Drake Passage or the Strait of Magellan. Once the Panama Canal was opened in 1914 after over 30 years of construction directed by multiple countries, international trade changed forever. Visit the building where the chief engineer, George W. Goethals, centralized the canal’s administrative activities before embarking along this legendary canal for yourself. Journey along the Panama Canal as you witness the breathtaking Gatun Lake. Known as the largest artificial lake in the world, this body of water is surrounded by the beauty of petrified trees frozen in time, tropical rainforest, and the unique flora and fauna found along its banks. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort and discover more about the history, biodiversity and operation of the Panama Canal during a private tour of the Miraflores Visitor Center. (B, L)

DAY 3 – Panama City – Full Day Chagres National Park

Be dazzled by the breathtaking rainforest of Chagres National Park, taking in the amazing scenery that surrounds you. Navigate the Chagres River through this magical jungle aboard a piragua, traditional canoe, captained by a knowledgeable Emberá (an indigenous tribe) guide. Stop at a magnificent waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water and absorb the energy of this natural wonder, before continuing to an Emberá village. The Emberá are a riverine people of Panama, historically building their houses along banks of rivers. Learn how to cook a traditional Emberá lunch, that you will enjoy. Immerse yourself in the ritual dances, local music, handcrafts and more as you experience and embrace this unique culture. (B, L)

DAY 4 – Panama – Return flight home

Bid Panama farewell and prepare for your flight home. (B)