On an air conditioned bus, during this 40-minute ride to the wonderful island of Baru, the newest tourist development area in Colombia, you may sit back and enjoy the scenery of other areas of Cartagena, take a look to the growing industrial area and finally arrive to the National Aviary, one of the best aviaries in the world given its high number of species. Colombia is the country in the world holding the highest bird diversity, with more than 1,900 species and The National Aviary displays an important sample of this variety. Once you arrive to the National Aviary, you may initiate your tour and explore the different bird observation stations arranged by habitat and species on your own such as: - Tropical Forest, where you may find different kinds of Macaws, Harpy Eagles, Tangaras and other varieties of species as well as different kinds of palm trees, waterfalls and the Macaque Monkeys. - Coastlines and Mangroves, the habitat of different kind of Ducks, Cormorants and Pelicans. - Coastline, where you will be able to observe different kinds of Herons, Doves, Storks and the migrating Teals. - Dessert Station an environment where different species such as the Cardinals, Mockingbirds and Partridges live - Andean Region, in this station you may admire the Owls, Eagles and the famous Andean Condor, king of our mountains. After this marvelous trip surrounded by birds, beautiful landscapes, palm trees and waterfalls you will have time for enjoying some beverages or drinking some delicious Colombian Coffee to later on get on your bus back to Cartagena and be ready to enjoy a wonderful short photo stop at the San Felipe Fort then a sightseeing of The Old City of Cartagena before returning to the ship. Please note : This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and bring your camera.

You will board your motor coach for the 15-minute drive to San Felipe Fortress , the largest Spanish fort built in the 17th century. You will have time to take photos before taking a sightseeing drive through the Old City, admiring the marvelous Republican architecture of the houses in the Manga residential area. You will be taken to the Emerald Museum - Bocagrande to learn about emeralds.You will go into an actual size replica of a mine tunnel and experience what mining is like as you watch the emerald-bearing veins. Then you will be taken to a special room for a lecture and a video on emeralds. You will learn how emeralds are extracted from the mines and brought to the different cutting and polishing centers. You will see the cutting and polishing machines and be shown step by step how each stone is cut and polished and you will have the opportunity to practice cutting a stone if you wish. Visit the jewelry making workshop and watch the process of fabricating sterling silver or 18k gold emerald jewelry before you visit the spacious and comfortable showroom. Then, enjoy a cocktail and have the opportunity to shop with an extra discount for you, before returning to the ship. On your way back to the ship you will have a sightseeing tour of modern Cartagena - Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillo Grande and the bay. Please note : This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

With this excursion you will fill your cup with the bold history of Cartagena and the rich goodness of pure Colombian Coffee. Your adventure will begin with a 15-minute motor coach ride to San Felipe Fortress , built in the 17th century. You will make a photo stop there before continuing on for a sightseeing tour of the Old City. You will visit a beautifully restored colonial house where you will get a good idea about colonial architecture and restoration. Then on to an experience to awaken the senses, touch, sight, taste, and smell and discover the amazing flavors of excellent Colombian Coffee. You will have a introduction to Colombian Coffee, an overview of the coffee process, raw materials, quality assessments, smelling and tasting exercises, finishing with tasting 3 different coffees through alternative coffee rituals. You will then have the opportunity for a walking tour along the narrow streets and squares of the walled city, followed by a panoramic sightseeing tour of modern Cartagena and its bay. Please note : This tour is not wheelchair accessible.Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Cartagena on your own. You can decide what to include in your day and which of Cartagena's sights you wish to see! Your coach will pick you up from the ship and take you through the La Manga residential area, known for its exclusive mansions and impressive villas before dropping you off at La Marina Park. You can explore the beautiful walled city on your own at your leisure as you walk down old alleyways and past colonial buildings. At the appointed time, you'll pick up your coach again at the drop-off point in order to return to the pier. Please Note : we recommend you bring sunscreen, a camera, local currency, and a hat.

You will depart from the port to the old city to the cooking class venue. The cooking class takes between 2-3 hours. The dishes that you prepare in the class work as a full lunch or dinner. The classes will take place in a location that was specifically designed for cooking classes. Modern, spacious, and well ventilated, there are areas for food prep, cooking isles and dining. Each participant will get his own workspace with a knife, cutting board, apron and other kitchen utensils depending on the dish to be prepared. The class will start with a short introduction to Colombian cuisine and the meal to be prepared. With the main dish, you will also have a homemade fresh fruit drink. Or you can order wine or beer (not included in the price). You will prepare Arepas and stuff them with chicken or avocado stuffing, and fried plantains called patacones. You will prepare a shrimp and a tomato salsa topping. The main dish will be fish cooked in the leaf of the Bijao tree, a traditional cooking technique from the Colombian Amazon region that is also popular on Colombia's coast. The result is a lean juicy fish that is served with Cassava. For dessert, you will prepare a pie that is stuffed with two typical sweet treats from Cartagena: Coconut-Dulce and Pineapple-Dulce. You will have the opportunity at the end of the class to walk and enjoy the colonial narrow streets and plazas into the walled city. Please note: Wear light clothing, comfortable shoes, a hat or cap, and sunscreen, and bring pocket money credit cards.

Experience a captivating excursion to Baru Island and snorkel within the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park. Beginning with a short walk to the pier, you'll board a boat for the 35-minute ride to Baru Island. During the boat ride, marvel at the modern skyline of Cartagena and enjoy a panoramic view of the historic forts of San Jose and San Fernando in Bocachica, both crucial defenses against pirate attacks. Arriving at Baru Island, nestled within the spectacular Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, prepare for an exhilarating snorkeling adventure. Immerse yourself in the warm, brilliantly blue waters with vibrant coral formations and marine life. After your underwater exploration, enjoy a snack aboard the boat, featuring fresh fruits, sandwiches, and sodas. Sail back to Cartagena, taking in the breathtaking views, and conclude this journey with a short walk back to the ship.

Depart from the port of Cartagena for the short drive to the famous Getsemaní district. This neighborhood represents a different side a Cartagena. You will have time to explore this area which embodies the greatest cultural heritage of the city. From the colonial architecture and history, to the brightness of its streets and the colorful personality of its people, this populous sector of the city is a magical place that every visitor will appreciate. After your guided walk through the narrow streets of Getsemaní , you will arrive at a point to observe the Convent La Popa located at the highest point of Cartagena, San Felipe Fort, and San Sebastian del Pastelillo Port , where the tour guide will give all the historical information on these three highly relevant city monuments. Your tour will bring you to the barracks of Bóvedas, former jail cells now converted to colorful handicraft stores and galleries. This construction consists of 47 arches and 23 vaults, considered the last work of the period of the Colony. You will have time to browse and shop. Your tour will continue as you follow the wall and make a walk through the main streets and squares of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After your free time for shopping or wondering around Cartagena's Open Air Museum , enjoy a panoramic tour before returning to the ship. Please note : This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and bring your camera.

Spend the day relaxing poolside at the elegant, Caribbean-inspired Las Americas Hotel and Resort. Depart from the pier with your English-speaking guide and enjoy the Republican architecture of the Manga residential area on the 20-minute drive to Fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Here you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbor while you learn how the fortress was vital to the Spanish military. From here your will drive through the walled city of Cartagena and enjoy panoramic views of San Diego and El Centro while listening to a guided narrative. Your next stop will be the marvelous Las Americas Hotel and Resort, where you will be welcomed by the hotel staff and enjoy 4 hours of free time with access to all the resort's amenities, including a buffet-style lunch, 400 meters of beach, 3 pools, a water slide, a tennis court and an 18-hole mini-golf course. Please Note : we recommend you bring sunscreen, a swim suit, a camera, local currency, and a hat.

The magnificent city of Cartagena, once a preferred target for pirates and the treasure chest of the Spanish Main, is yours to explore as you embark an air-conditioned bus or mini-bus today. On tour, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide as you travel past marvelous Republican architecture . You will see the Manga residential area , where some of the aging mansions have been restored to their original splendor. Stop for a half hour to explore the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas , a 17th century construction acknowledged to be the most important work of Spanish Military engineering in Latin America. At Las Bovedas (the Dungeons), about 20 minutes is allowed for handicraft shopping and for rubbing elbows with the local artisans who proudly display their works for you. Pass through Simón Bolívar Square and the Inquisition Palace before continuing on to the Cathedral, also called The Minor Basilica, it was the first church built in the city in 1537. Next stop is the Church of San Pedro Claver -the patron saint of slaves. You will find Colombia's famous native gem-the emerald-along with handicrafts and leather goods shops. You will have approximately 40 minutes to shop before returning to the ship. Please note : Guests who remain in town for shopping will have to return to the ship on their own.