South America

As a result Cartagena (known as Cartagena de Indias) was targeted for attack by pirates and privateers. In defense, the city constructed fortifications and elaborate walls (over 50 feet thick) which have protected its citizens for over 300 years. Today in the magnificent old city "El Centro", you can stroll winding, cobbled streets, explore fortresses and dungeons and view some of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the world.

Many restorations house superb restaurants, taverns and dazzling dance clubs that define the term "hot"! Shopping is among the finest in the Caribbean, including that for emeralds- the best in the world from the mines of Chivor and Muzo are here in affordable abundance.

In absolute contradiction to the historic atmosphere of El Centro is the trendy Boca Grande area where you'll find the main beach, restaurants, discos, nightclubs and casinos. Dining is out of this world with everything from North American favourites to the best in seafood, Italian, French and Oriental dishes. Venues are equally spectacular; such as the Club de Pesca where you'll dine on the edge of Cartagena bay perched on the ramparts of a restored 16th-century fort, and beautiful LaVitrola, near the oldest square in the city, and an ideal spot to arrive by romantic, horsedrawn carriage.

The popular religious holiday of Semana Santa (Easter) is celebrated with great vigor and joy; you can anticipate busy beaches with some hotel activities limited.

FREE EMERALD FOR CARTAGENA PASSENGERS
Colombia is known as the world's largest producer of emeralds; beautiful gems known as "green fire"! To whet your appetite , Caribe Jewellers in Cartagena will give a free natural emerald weighing .10 to 1.5 k to each couple (worth an estimated $US30 to$50). Make sure to visit Caribe Jewellers in person to claim your free emerald! (offer subject to availability).

Your Cartagena Package Holiday includes:

• Roundtrip charter airfare from Toronto via Air Transat to Cartagena including inflight meals with wine.
• Roundtrip transfers between the airport and hotel, including baggage handling
• Accommodation as selected, meal plans as selected or included bonus features as described in the hotel package.
• Services of Regent Representatives.

Trek through the Tropics
Ciudad Perdida- Built by the Tayrona natives in the 13th century on the north-western slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Martoa, the Lost City is one of the largest pre-Colombian towns discovered in the Americas. Examine exotic Tayrona objects, various kinds of pottery and gold work, and some unique necklaces made of semi-precious stones.

Tayrona National Park- Set on the jungle-covered coast at the foot of the Sierra Nevada; this is the most popular national parks in the country. Discover truly marvellous white-sand beaches, tropical rain forests at an altitude of 600 metres, and the tayrona ancient town of Pueblito.

El Rodadero- At 5 km south of Santa Marta, this is one of Colombia's most fashionable beach resorts. A collection of posh restaurants, casinos, discos and nightclubs awaits you. Twist the night away at the most famous local disco, La Escollera, set on the northern end of El Rodadero.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Flying time from Toronto: Approx. 5 hours
Language: Spanish, English
Currency: Colombian peso. American currency recommended

Margarita Island
Columbus named this lively island after the Infanta Margarita of Austria, and its treasures live up to its noble name. You fly in over the marvelous blue Caribbean and your first glimpse of Venezuela takes in beaches that seem to go on forever. Behind them rise palms and tropical vegetation. While old Spanish forts stand guard over a sophisticated and international resort life. Margarita, a mere 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela, attracts pleasure seekers the world over seeking its stylish restaurants, duty free shopping in fashionable boutiques, prevalent watersports, wildly active nightlife and colonial history.

Puerta La Cruz
The style is easy tropical living, the climate unequalled. There are several excellent beaches with watersports, and enviable nightlife, a proliferation of restaurants and an enormously popular seaside promenade, known as the Paseo Colon. The place to "see and be seen" Paseo Colon is a convivial, welcoming scene with engaging open air cafes perfect for people watching. Spots for boat rentals, fishing expeditions, watersports and splendid sails to secluded beaches trim the harbour. Island hopper tours (as well as ferries to nearby Margarita island) are in great demand as each island has its own particular charm, some filled with sun worshippers and local fishermen, others quiet, uninhabited and unspoiled.

The popular religious holiday of Semana Santa (Easter) is celebrated with great vigor and joy and you can anticipate busy beaches with some hotel activities limited.

Your Venezuela Package Holiday Includes:

• Roundtrip charter airfare from Toronto via Air Transat to Margarita Island (Polamar Airport) and Puerto La Cruz (Barcelona Airport) including in-flight meals with wine
• Roundtrip transfers between the airport and hotel, including baggage handling
• Accommodation as selected, meal plans as selected or included bonus features as described in hotel packages
• Services of Regent Representatives.

Margarita Island
Columbus named this lively island after the Infanta Margarita of Austria, and its treasures live up to its noble name. You fly in over the marvelous blue Caribbean and your first glimpse of Venezuela takes in beaches that seem to go on forever. Behind them rise palms and tropical vegetation. While old Spanish forts stand guard over a sophisticated and international resort life. Margarita, a mere 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela, attracts pleasure seekers the world over seeking its stylish restaurants, duty free shopping in fashionable boutiques, prevalent watersports, wildly active nightlife and colonial history.

Puerta La Cruz
The style is easy tropical living, the climate unequalled. There are several excellent beaches with watersports, and enviable nightlife, a proliferation of restaurants and an enormously popular seaside promenade, known as the Paseo Colon. The place to "see and be seen" Paseo Colon is a convivial, welcoming scene with engaging open air cafes perfect for people watching. Spots for boat rentals, fishing expeditions, watersports and splendid sails to secluded beaches trim the harbour. Island hopper tours (as well as ferries to nearby Margarita island) are in great demand as each island has its own particular charm, some filled with sun worshippers and local fishermen, others quiet, uninhabited and unspoiled.

The popular religious holiday of Semana Santa (Easter) is celebrated with great vigor and joy and you can anticipate busy beaches with some hotel activities limited.

Your Venezuela Package Holiday Includes:

• Roundtrip charter airfare from Toronto via Air Transat to Margarita Island (Polamar Airport) and Puerto La Cruz (Barcelona Airport) including in-flight meals with wine
• Roundtrip transfers between the airport and hotel, including baggage handling
• Accommodation as selected, meal plans as selected or included bonus features as described in hotel packages
• Services of Regent Representatives.