Afro-Caribbean Dimension

Afro-Caribbean Dimension

4 days – 3 nights

Cartagena

Relaxation, African Heritage, Gastronomy

This program is fully customizable and may be operated for individuals, pods and groups

Colombia's Caribbean coast combines beautiful, romantic urban spaces with some of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Tayrona National Park is an incredible exposition of seaside nature, and a great place to camp. The best budget option is Taganga, a small fishing village with lively nightlife and good scuba diving opportunities. Adventurous travelers should head to the Rosario Islands, or the San Bernardo Archipelago, with their perfect white sands and clear water to enjoy tropical flora, fish and turtles. For the ultimate experience in regional hospitality, stop in Cartagena with its colonial walled city and fortress. Further up the coast, Santa Marta is less populated, while further inland, the town of Mompox boasts spectacular colonial character from as early as 1540.

Day 1: Cartagena

Upon arrival at Cartagena airport you’ll be welcomed by you guide who will provide a private transfer to your selected hotel in Cartagena for check-in and overnight.

Day 2: Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in America. Its historic downtown, walled by the fortifications built in the colonial time, still preserves its original architecture and nowadays the walled city is shown in an endless number of colors that fill it with life and Caribbean charm. Today’s tour starts at an old Augustinian convent in La Popa hill providing the best overview of Cartagena. Then we visit the greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in their colonies, San Felipe the Barajas. After, we explore historic downtown, with a 2-hour walk passing by the most representative and beautiful squares, churches and streets. Return to your hotel to relax and rest. Later, your guide will pick you up at your hotel to take you to a bar, where, during Rum tasting, an expert mixologist explains the history and characteristics of this drink. Return to the hotel for overnight. [B]

Day 3: Cartagena

La Boquilla is an afro-descendant fishermen village that for more than 200 years and, until today, they continue to preserve their ancestral traditions, where drums play a leading role. Today we invite you to an exciting tour to observe and play these Afro Colombian wild drums in their habitat. Our 1-hour Drum workshop is a unique opportunity to connect yourself with the typical rhythms of Afro Colombian folk music such as Cumbia, Mapalé and Champeta,.the music of Cartagena! This musical genre was born in the afro-descendant zones of Cartagena, influenced by African and Antillean rhythms. Come and enjoy a 3-hour tour in which you can learn about the origins of the champeta and its history with this music’s icon Charles King, walking through the passages of the typical and popular market of Bazurto where he saw his first steps to fame and learned the “champetuo”. Return to the hotel for overnight. [B]

Day 4: Cartagena, USA

Your last day will focus on food starting with the Bazurto market, a traditional marketplace offering fish, meat, fruit and clothing, barely visited by tourists although it’s as important in Cartagena as La Popa Convent or San Felipe Castle. We can buy food or traditionally prepared Colombian dishes or just enjoy it in the early hours. Let this “underground” part of Cartagena, ideal for an adventure, enchant you. Gastronomy is an important part of the local culture and the Cartageneros are proud of their Caribbean cuisine. Apart from tasting it, what would be better than learning how to prepare seafood, coconut rice and other specialties of Cartagena’s cuisine? The cooking class takes place in a colonial house in the city center or in Getsemaní. The Chef will give us a presentation about the ingredients before showing us how to prepare typical dishes. The class takes about three hours. Afterwards, we will eat together. After the meal you’ll be driven to Cartagena airport to board your connecting flight back home. [B/L]

[B] = Breakfast | [B/L] = Breakfast and Lunch

Tour includes

· Round-trip airfare Miami-Cartagena

· Arrival & departure transfers

· 3 nights’ accommodation at hotel of your choice

· Welcome drink

· Meals:

o Breakfast daily

o 1 lunch

· Visit of La Popa Augustian Convent

· Caribbean music immersion

· Afro-drum workshop

· Rum tasting experience

· Bazurto market private tour

· Cooking class and lunch

· Local insurance

· Transfers with a Spanish-speaking driver

· Tours with an English-speaking guide

Not included in tour

· Airfare taxes and fees

· Early check-in, late check-out

· Services and food not listed in the itinerary

· Beverages during the meals

· Hotel extras, and personal expenses.

· Tips for guides, drivers, and in restaurants

· Colombian VAT (19%) applicable to Colombian nationals

Hotels

City	Hotel Name	Tripadvisor
Superior Tourist Class
Cartagena	Getsemaní Cartagena Luxury Hotel	4
First Class
Cartagena	Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique	4
Deluxe
Cartagena	Sofitel Santa Clara	4.5

Hotel will be confirmed at time of booking

Prices

No. in Party	2-3 Pax	4-5 Pax	6-7 Pax
Superior Tourist Class
Double	$1,409	$1,039	$935
Single	$1,659	$1,289	$1,189
First Class
Double	$1,419	$1,119	$1,019
Single	$1,779	$1,485	$1,379
Deluxe
Double	$1,835	$1,455	$1,345
Single	$2,489	$2,109	$1,995

These programs can be customized for individuals and for groups

Changes to this program may be requested by phone (1855-55-TOURS) or using the web FIT Quote Request

· Airfare

We also be glad to add the necessary airfare from your gateway so you take advantage of our special discounted leisure fares

· Program

You may add or remove;

o Trip days

o Cities and sites

o Meals

· Other options

o The program was designed with private services, however, we may substitute shared sightseeing where available

o If you prefer deluxe services we may operate this program including private driver, private guide and concierge service.

· Quotation

Once we have designed the program the way you want we'll give you a quote within 2 business days.

Prices are minimum for low season. Please call for other periods

Tour Code: CO02BOG21PU

Options

· Lunches and dinners can be arranged for individuals, families and groups at top restaurants or any restaurant requested by you.

· We can revise the itinerary to spend more time and provide more depth in those areas that you are interested on.

· Any other changes to the itinerary will be accommodated depending on the facilities available in the area.

· Car can be upgraded upon request

Group Quotations

· If you wish to use these programs for your group or as the basis for a customized journey please either call us (1-855-55-TOURS or use the web Group Quote Request.

· In either case our specialists will work with to refine all the details and they will get you a quote with 2 business days. Quotes may be obtained for the air and land portions of just for the lad journey.

· Booking both air and land with us will represent savings for you because of our buying power and longtime relationship with the airlines.

We will also may have the choice between regular fares and special leisure fares not available to the public

Afro-Caribbean Dimension

Afro-Caribbean Dimension

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