This tour departs directly from the pier and explores the magnificent city of Cartagena.
One of the most important ports in colonial times for transporting gold and other precious cargo to Spain, Cartagena was under frequent attack by pirates and corsairs.
In 1543, Robert Baals staged a successful attack on the city and made off with 682 pounds of gold. More were to follow; Sir Francis Drake (1586), Jean-Bernard Desjeans and Jean Ducasse (1697), Edward Vernon (1741) all enjoyed the wealth of the Spanish crown.
Tired of the constant pillaging of the city, the colonists fortified the city, making Cartagena most impenetrable colonial stronghold in South America. Your tour first drives through the residential area of Manga, where you can admire the late-19th century Republican-style mansions. You will also visit the Monastery of La Popa, constructed throughout the 17th century and dedicated to Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria, patron saint of the city.
The famous wooden statue of the Virgin is nestled inside a beautiful carved wood altar. Outside the monastery there is a breathtaking view of the entire city.

Nearby, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas Fort was Latin America's most important military structure and was built in the 17th - 18th centuries to defend the city. One of Cartagena's more gruesome spectacles is Las Bovedas (the Dungeons), located in the Old City.
In colonial times these were used as military barracks and a munitions depot. After independence, they were mainly used as jails. On the bright side, today local artisans display their colorful and interesting arts and handcrafts here. At the Navy Museum (1629), refreshments will be served and you'll watch a folkloric show.

Next, you will stop at Inquisition Palace, which served as a tribunal "court" and tried anyone the Church viewed as a heretic.
The palace contains instruments of torture, along with documents, paintings and explanations about the Inquisition.
You will see the small barred window from which the sentences handed down by the tribunal were announced to the public.
Generally speaking, it wasn't good news. Finally, to complete your tour with less walking required and shorter standing times continue to the Bocagrande Peninsula, center of the island's tourism industry.

At the Pierino Gallo Shopping Center you will find a vast selection of world-renowned Colombian emeralds, as well as gold jewelry. There are also leather goods and handicraft shops to browse in. Guests who wish to remain in town for shopping may do so, returning to the ship on their own.