Cartagena Shopping and Historical Highli
Duration: 3 1/2 hours
Tour Code: ctg-001
Experience Cartagena's historic sites and splendid shopping during this scenic visit to the Old City.
Depart the pier for the drive to the San Felipe Fortress, the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Commissioned by the Spanish Crown during the 17th century, the San Felipe Fortress took 208 years to complete. It features seven miles of walls surrounding the city, with fortifications on every point and narrows. This formidable castle defended the city from many attacks, and withstood a bloody assault from the British Admiral Vernon. A photo stop will be made here, followed by photo stops at the House of Rafael Nuñez and nearby Chapel of La Hermita.
Next, your drive will continue on to the Pierino Gallo Plaza. Located in the modern part of the city, the plaza features spectacular views of the Old City walls alongside the ocean. Upon arrival, you will be greeted on the upstairs plaza, given a brief overview of shopping in Cartagena and have an opportunity to ask any questions. Some time will then be made available to browse through recommended shops offering emeralds, jewelry, coffee, cigars, handcrafted items, and leather goods. Your early arrival ensures that you will be able to avoid the crowds.
Afterward, you will return to the Old City for a visit to The Dungeons, or Las Bovedas. This long building consists of 23 deep rooms, or dungeons, which originally served as military barracks. Built toward the end of the 18th century, these barracks were the last major structure to be built within the Walled City during Colonial times. The Dungeons feature handicraft shops that are as much of a historical memento as they are for shopping. You will then walk to the San Diego Plaza to visit a restored Clarissan nunnery that now serves as the Hotel Santa Clara. Leaving the hotel, you may opt to further explore the Old City during visits to the nearby Fernandez Madrid Plaza, Church of Santo Toribio and some of the area's restored houses that have been converted into elegant bed and breakfasts.
Following your tour, you will be transferred back to the pier and ship.