Fortress, Old Town and Shopping in Cartagena (Only for Cruisers )

Cartagena, a city steeped in history, awaits cruisers seeking to uncover its colonial treasures. This exclusive tour promises a captivating journey through the fortress, old town, and local market. Visitors will marvel at the towering Castillo de San Marcos, its bastions and underground passages a testament to Cartagena‘s past. Strolling through the charming Old Town, they’ll encounter vibrant cobblestone streets, the iconic Clock Tower, and the lively Getsemani neighborhood, where colorful murals adorn the walls. But the adventure doesn’t end there – the final stop at Bazurto Market offers a chance to take in the essence of Cartagena, shopping for local produce and handicrafts. What secrets will this captivating city reveal?

Key Points

• The tour includes visits to the historic Castillo de San Marcos fortress and the charming Old Town of Cartagena, providing an immersive experience for cruise ship passengers.
• Guests can explore the imposing stone walls, towering bastions, and harbor views of the 16th-century Castillo de San Marcos fortress.
• The tour showcases the colorful colonial architecture and vibrant murals of the Getsemani neighborhood, as well as the iconic Clock Tower and Plaza de la Aduana.
• Passengers can experience the bustling Bazurto Market, where they can discover local produce, street food, and handicrafts, reflecting Cartagena’s rich cultural heritage.
• The tour is designed for cruise ship passengers, with convenient pickup and drop-off locations at the Port of Cartagena, ensuring a seamless transition before continuing their journey.

Tour Overview

This tour provides cruisers with an opportunity to explore Cartagena’s renowned fortress, charming Old Town, and bustling shopping district.

Priced from $65 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers. Confirmation is received upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Inclusions feature an air-conditioned vehicle, professional tour guide, bottled water, and snacks.

Pickup locations are at the Sociedad Portuaria de Cartagena, and drop-off is at the Port of Cartagena.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

Reviews indicate a 4.0 rating from one review, with no 5-star ratings.

Inclusions

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport participants, as well as a professional tour guide to provide insights throughout the experience. Bottled water and snacks are also provided, ensuring travelers stay hydrated and energized. Gratuities are included, taking the hassle out of tipping at the end of the tour.

Inclusions
Air-conditioned vehicle	Professional tour guide	Bottled water & snacks
Gratuities

The inclusions on this tour cover the essential elements for a comfortable and informative sightseeing experience in Cartagena.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers meet the tour at the Sociedad Portuaria de Cartagena, located in the Manga district of Cartagena.

For those docking at Pier #1 or #2, staff will be stationed at Zone 1, near the gangway. Guests docking at Pier #3 or #4 should walk to Pier #1 to meet the staff.

Look for a sign with the tour name. For further assistance, contact the tour company at +573162434542.

At the conclusion of the tour, guests will be dropped off at the Port of Cartagena. A shuttle bus is available from the parking area to transport guests back to the port area.

End Point

At the conclusion of the tour, guests will be dropped off at the Port of Cartagena, located at Cl. 28 #24-39, Manga, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia.

A shuttle bus is available from the parking area to transport visitors back to the cruise ship’s boarding area.

The tour’s end point is conveniently situated, allowing guests to seamlessly transition from the excursion to their vessel.

This efficient drop-off process ensures a smooth end to the day’s exploration of Cartagena’s historic fortress, old town, and shopping districts.

Additional Information

According to the information provided, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

Most travelers can participate in this excursion, and no serious medical conditions are required.

The tour duration includes travel time to each attraction. Reviews for this tour are mixed, with a 4.0 rating from 1 review and no 5-star ratings.

The key additional information is:

1. Not wheelchair accessible
2. Near public transportation
3. Most travelers can participate

Exploring the Fortress

As visitors wander through the impressive Castillo de San Marcos, they’ll be captivated by the fortress’s imposing stone walls and intricate architectural details.

Originally built in the 16th century to defend the city, the fortress features towering bastions, underground passages, and sweeping views of the harbor.

Visitors can explore the various rooms and courtyards, learning about the fort’s rich history and its role in protecting Cartagena from enemy attacks.

The Castillo de San Marcos stands as a testament to the city’s colonial past, offering a glimpse into its strategic importance and the engineering feats that went into its construction.

Discovering the Old Town

After exploring the impressive Castillo de San Marcos, visitors can enjoy the charm of Cartagena’s Old Town. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful colonial architecture, from the iconic bougainvillea-draped balconies to the grand plazas.

Travelers can:

1. Wander through the historic Getsemani neighborhood, with its vibrant murals and lively atmosphere.
2. Visit the iconic Clock Tower, a symbol of the city, and the nearby Plaza de la Aduana.
3. Explore the bustling Bazurto Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, street food, and handicrafts.

This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Cartagena, making it a must-see for any visitor to the city.

Recap

Explore Cartagena’s rich colonial history and vibrant culture on this exclusive tour. Marvel at the impressive Castillo de San Marcos, stroll through the charming Old Town, and learn about the local atmosphere at Bazurto Market. This comprehensive experience offers cruisers an opportunity to discover the essence of this captivating Colombian city.