COLOMBIAN COASTAL ESCAPE

A Perfect Getaway to Cartagena & Colombia's Caribbean Coast

Featuring luxury accommodations, cultural explorations and personalized trip planning

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1
Arrival into Cartagena

Day 2
Exploring Cartagena

Day 3
Further exploration of Cartagena

Day 4
Private boat day through the Rosario Islands

Day 5
Another day in a Caribbean oasis

Day 6
Return to the U.S....or continue exploring Colombia!

Why Colombia?

Forget everything you think you may know, and welcome to the real Colombia! This country has been safe for visitors for nearly a decade. You'll be hard pressed to find friendlier or more welcoming people anywhere else in Latin America. Colombia’s national tourism board has adopted the slogan “The only risk is wanting to stay,” and we couldn't agree more.

Famous as the birthplace of literary giant Gabriel Garcia Marquez, magical realism, renowned artist Fernando Botero, and of course producer of world-class coffee, Colombia is still relatively off the radar in terms of international tourism. This makes it a perfect choice for seasoned travelers looking for a destination rich in cosmopolitan urban centers, natural beauty and biodiversity, yet largely devoid of crowds.

There is an unmistakable energy everywhere, so now is the time to visit this extraordinary Andean nation! With more time, you can continue to explore other parts of Colombia such as the bustling capital, Bogotá, and the Quindio province, in the lush and breathtaking Coffee Region.

DAY 1

Arrival into Cartagena

Welcome to Cartagena!

Arrival into Cartagena today from the U.S. Cartagena can be easily reached via nonstop flights from U.S. gateways such as New York, Miami, Atlanta and Ft. Lauderdale, as well as connecting service via Bogotá and Panama City.

With due respect to other contenders, Cartagena is without a doubt the crowning jewel of the Caribbean, and therefore is Colombia’s top destination. This stunning 16^th-century Spanish fort city is superbly preserved with cobblestone streets filled with colorful colonial homes whose terraces overflow with lush bougainvillea flowers. Here, the climate is warm and tropical, so a leisurely three-night stay is often our recommendation.

Your private driver and English-speaking Almaz Journeys guide will welcome you just outside Customs for your private transfer to the Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel, a member of Leader Hotels of the World in the heart of the Old City.

Evening at leisure, but we will gladly assist you with dinner recommendations and reservations if you'd like.

Services: Private Arrival Transfer
Hotel: Charleston Santa Teresa or Casa San Agustin
Meals: None

DAY 2

Cartagena

The colorful streets are made for exploration on foot, and as you walk around this morning, your guide will bring the history and legends of Cartagena to life as you stop at various important landmarks including the Clock Tower and the monument to Don Pedro de Heredia, who founded the city in 1533. Your guide will also point out some notable museums you may wish to visit during your stay, including the Gold Museum and the Museum of the Inquisition.

Free time for lunch and exploring.

If you were in Sonoma or Mendoza, you'd go wine tasting, so why not explore the iconic Caribbean spirit, rum, while in Cartagena? Late this afternoon, one of our favorite local bartenders will meet you for a look at (and taste of) different varieties of high-end rum, paired with chocolates. (This is a private experience lasting generally 60-90 minutes.)

Evening at leisure in Cartagena.

Services: Private tours
Hotel: Charleston Santa Teresa or Casa San Agustin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3

CARTAGENA

This morning, you’ll leave the historic center and head first to the Popa Convent. Founded by Augustine fathers in 1607 atop a 492-foot hill–the highest point in Cartagena–the convent offers spectacular views of the entire city. Then, you’ll continue on to San Felipe de Barajas, the largest fort built by the Spanish in South America. You’ll have as much time as you like to explore the fortress with your guide, including its tunnels! Following the fortress, your guide and driver will take you on a panoramic drive around the city, including the modern area of Bocagrande as well as the nearby Getsemani quarter – just outside the old city, it’s currently home to some of the hottest new restaurants.

Or, we can organize additional activities for you (pricing varies) such as:

Meet up with food concierge to visit the main Bazurto market, followed by a private cooking lesson and lunch for a taste of coastal Colombian cuisine.
Explore the city’s art scene, focusing either on contemporary art museums and galleries or visit the home museum and studio of a working local artist.
For shopaholics, a fashion specialist will get you special access to the top designers’ shops in Cartagena, featuring both Colombian and international designers.
Eat your way through Cartagena with tasting menus of typical dishes at four different restaurants. Or, do a street food tasting as you walk around the old city.

Services: Half Day Vehicle, Driver and Guide
Hotel: Charleston Santa Teresa or Casa San Agustin
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4

On to Las Islas

After check-out, your private driver will pick you up for transfer to the port, where you'll board the Las Islas boat for their 11 AM shared transfer to the hotel which takes approx. 45 minutes. (Boat size varies between 15-75 seats, depending on number of guests arriving that day.)

On arrival, check-in and then you'll have the remainder of the day at leisure. Las Islas is a place of rest surrounded by nature, turquoise sea and several white sand beaches. The hotel has 3 restaurants, 4 bars, a cafe, fresh water pool, aquatic center, spa, gym and more - everything you would expect from a member of Leading Hotels of the World! There are bikes to help you get around the property, which includes a total of 54 bungalows and a presidential villa.

Hotel: Las Islas
Services: Transfers
Meals: Breakfast

OPTIONAL UPGRADE: Skip the shared boat and instead spend the day aboard your own private motorboat (speedboat or yacht also available), cruising through the Rosario Islands and then arriving to Las Islas around 3 or 4 PM for checkin. Relax and watch the seawater as it changes color right in front of your eyes, stopping to swim and snorkel as much as you like, and enjoy snacks and drinks on board. This private transfer not only gives you a beautiful day on a private boat, but also allows you to arrive to Las Islas after the other guests checking in.

Or, if you simply want a private boat transfer direct to the hotel, that can also be arranged. Finally, for those wishing to minimize time at sea, we can arrange a 45-90 minutes land transfer to Punta Iguana, where you would then board the Las Islas boat for a 10-minute ride to the hotel. (Please inquire for additional costs.)

DAY 5

A DAY IN LAS ISLAS

A day at leisure at Las Islas resort. Take a dip in your private pool, lie on the beach, have a massage in the spa - the day is yours to enjoy!

Hotel: Las Islas
Services: No Almaz services today
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6

Return to Cartagena and onward

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

After check-out, you'll have a midday boat transfer (shared with other guests) back to the Cartagena port. (Transfer duration approx. 45 minutes. Please verify transfer schedule with us before purchasing airfare, to ensure you have enough time to catch your flight.) Private boat transfer can be arranged at an additional cost.

Services: Transfers
Meals: Breakfast

NOT DONE WITH COLOMBIA YET?

Looking to spend some more time exploring the magical realism of Colombia? Here are three of our favorite ideas that can be easily combined with Cartagena and each other, for a longer trip of a week or more.

City lovers should head to Bogotá, the country’s bustling capital city. Here you’ll find a thriving dining and cocktail scene, rich colonial history, a vibrant arts scene, great shopping, charming park-filled neighborhoods, and beautiful boutique luxury hotels.

Head to the Quindío province of the Coffee Region, the heart and soul of Colombia. Enjoy a day learning about the coffee culture through visits to family-run farms, hiking among the soaring wax palms of the Corcora Valley, horseback riding, and relaxing at an exclusive hacienda-turned-boutique hotel set on a 500-acre ranch.

See the remarkable social transformation which Medellin has undergone, from drug cartel capital to revitalized city buzzing with energy. Our terrific guides are eager to show you just how far the city has come in the last decade.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

PER PERSON

Deluxe Accommodations
2 travelers - from $2,700 per person, double occupancy
4 travelers - from $2,400 per person, double occupancy

Premium Accommodations
2 travelers - from $3,000 per person, double occupancy
4 travelers - from $2,700 per person, double occupancy

Actual prices will vary based on your dates of travel and exact program. Please contact Almaz Journeys to develop a customized itinerary and quote.

INCLUDED IN YOUR JOURNEY

Accommodations

Three (3) nights in Cartagena - Deluxe (Charleston Santa Teresa - Premium Balcony room) or Premium (Casa San Agustin - Deluxe room) accommodations.
Two (2) nights at Hotel Las Islas - Seaview Bungalow with private pool

Meals

Breakfast daily and service charge in all hotels

Transportation and Services

Private, English-speaking guides for all activities as described
Private transportation for sightseeing and guided airport transfers as described, with bottled water.
Boat transfers between Cartagena and Hotel Las Islas
Entrances for all sights and experiences specifically included in your itinerary
24-hour local emergency contact
Full-service advance tailoring of your itinerary and assistance with restaurant reservations

NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR JOURNEY

Air travel
Lunches or dinners unless specifically included
Gratuities
Medical or travel insurance
Any other items or services not specifically included in the itinerary

Excited to learn more?

Get in touch with us with us today to start planning!

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