Highlights of Cartagena
Duration: 4 hours
Tour Code: crn-001
Cartagena is a city with more than 2,500 years of history and around each corner you will find excellent examples of its splendid historical past. This half-day tour allows you to view some of the historical highlights of this intriguing city that was once one of the major cities of Roman Hispania.
Departing from the pier by coach, your tour first travels to Conception Hill, one of the five hills that served to protect the city. A panoramic lift (only 8 per car so there may be some delays) brings you up to the terrace roof of Conception Castle, where you will be treated to amazing views over the city. On this site is housed an Interpretation Center, which relates the history of Cartagena for visitors. Built on the remains of the castle that shares the same name (or is more popularly known as "Castle of the Ducks"), the Center is now an integral part of Torres Park.
From here, your tour continues on to the Punic wall and museum. This center contains the remains of the original wall which encircled the city during the period before the Romans occupied the area, as well as a crypt which dates from nearly 1800 years earlier. Dedicated to the Pre-roman, Punic, period of Carthaginian history, you will no doubt find the center to be a very interesting historical site.
At the conclusion of your Museum visit, you will commence a 30-minute guided walking tour of Cartagena that starts at the sea wall which overlooks the harbor and features a look at the Town Hall Square and Main avenue. Following your guided walk, enjoy some free time to further explore on your own, or just sit and relax at a café while you absorb the local atmosphere and admire the wonderful architecture.
Following your free time, you will re-join your coach for the transfer back to the pier.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 90-minutes of moderate walking/standing, plus any walking done at the guests' discretion during free time. There are some steep walkways to negotiate at Conception Castle. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have a companion to assist them. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Light weight clothing; sun cap; sunglasses, sunscreen and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested. It is also recommended that participants bring a bottle of water from the ship. The order of the sights viewed or visited may vary. Most shops in Cartagena close at noon Mon-Sat and do not open on Sundays.