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Sisterhood Travels is thrilled to invite you to join us for an exclusive Galentines Day celebration aboard our exclusive charter down the Magdalena River in Colombia on our luxurious, brand new, river cruise ship, the AmaMelodia. Here, you’ll embark on a journey of self-love, joy, and camaraderie with like-minded, incredible women. This is your chance to sail uncharted waters, create lifelong friendships, and share in laughter, camaraderie and the celebration of sisterhood.
Picture yourself meandering along the awe-inspiring Magdalena River, exploring Colombia’s rich tapestry of culture and history. Begin your adventure in Palenque, the first free city in Colombia, where the vibrant rhythms of cumbia and vallenato will set your soul dancing. Feel the heartbeat of freedom and resilience as you walk through streets alive with music and stories.
Next, let your senses be captivated by the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní in Cartagena. Here, the vivid hues of homes, cafes, and family-owned shops blend seamlessly with the culture, offering a feast for your eyes and soul. Discover the fascinating fusion of Spanish and pre-colonial influences that have shaped the music, minds, and heritage of this enchanting country.
Every moment on this exclusive charter is designed to celebrate you and the beautiful connections you’ll form with other amazing women. This Galentines Day, embrace the adventure, immerse yourself in the wonders of Colombia, and let the spirit of sisterhood guide you.
Book your spot now and join us for an unforgettable journey of friendship, laughter, and self-discovery. The AmaMelodia awaits, ready to take you on a voyage like no other, where the magic of Colombia and the bond of sisterhood will leave you with memories to cherish forever.
Cruise in luxury along Colombia’s magnificent Magdalena River on board the stunning newly designed AmaMelodia, an intimate 64-passenger ship designed to maximize your views along this special waterway.
Taste exquisite, locally inspired Latin American cuisine and Western favorites within the Main Restaurant, enjoy an intimate al fresco specialty dining experience and tap your foot along to live music and more each evening within the Main Lounge.
For the ultimate in relaxation, soothe your muscles in the sun-deck heated pool, treat yourself to a massage or indulge in a manicure or pedicure in the nail salon.
Welcome to Cartagena, the beautiful capital of the Bolivar region located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Take the day to delight in the beautiful coastal city of Cartagena. Your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall to transport you to our beautiful, 5-star hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy until you meet your Group Leaders this evening for an informal gathering to get to know your Sisters. (No meals included today)
Hotel: Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
This morning, we’ll start our day by exploring the incredible UNESCO-designated San Felipe Castle, the fortress that defended Cartagena from French and British attacks. As you walk through Cartagena, learn more about emeralds and the impact of these precious gemstones on the city’s history. This afternoon, we’ll delve deeper into the enriching history of this Caribbean city as we visit the Gold Museum, which features ancient gold artifacts from the indigenous cultures found in this region. We’ll also visit the Caribbean Naval Museum where we can follow the story of this fascinating country and its incredible naval history from pre-Hispanic times until the present. This evening is free for you to dine independently with your Sisters. (Breakfast included today)
Hotel: Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Before checking out of our hotel, we’ll tour the famous vaults of Cartagena. These vaults have gone through many transformations – from being Spanish headquarters to a prison for those seeking independence from Spain to the art galleries, restaurants, and shops you can witness today. After, we’ll transfer to our beautiful, chartered ship, the AmaMelodia. After settling into our staterooms, we’ll enjoy a tour through the breathtaking neighborhood of Getsemani. With the vibrant colors of the homes and street art as well as the mouthwatering local delicacies that can be found throughout the area, this historic neighborhood will delight all your senses. This evening, we’ll watch the sun set on Cartagena as we set sail on our magical Magdalena River journey. (Breakfast and Dinner included today)
This morning, we’ll experience the town of Palenque, the first “free town” in the Americas. Founded by those who fled a life of slavery during colonial times, the spirit and appearance of this town has been preserved through time. In 1713, the Spanish crown issued a Royal Decree that officially freed the people of Palenque from slavery. Immerse yourself in the town’s deeply rooted culture and traditions, which are so distinct that UNESCO declared Palenque to be a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. An important piece of their heritage is the music and rhythmic style that was developed in this city, which we’ll enjoy during a special performance by local musicians. Later in the day, we’ll visit Calamar. Located at the entrance of the Canal del Dique, this town was first settled in 1840. Witness historic sites such as the Iglesia de la Immaculada Conception as we tour this beautiful destination by paolas (bicycle taxis for two). (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included today)
This morning, we’ll spend our time in Santa Barbara de Pinto, located on the banks of the Mompox arm of the Magdalena River. Enjoy a walking tour through this traditional town, where you can see local landmarks such as the Santa Barbara Church and enjoy intricate handmade crafts created in the town. This afternoon, we’ll arrive at the island town of Mompox, where we’ll be welcomed with open arms and lively music during an exclusive jazz performance played by local musicians. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included today)
A town frozen in time, Mompox embodies the appearance of what many villages looked like during colonial times. Founded in 1540, this remote village became an important Spanish trading post. Some Spaniards found Mompox to be a haven for keeping gold and other treasure protected from the pirates that pillaged coastal cities like Cartagena, and with this precious metal and the work of skilled artisans from Spain came beautifully crafted artifacts. Since then, the town has become famous for its incredible filigree jewelry, which you can learn more about during our tour of this town in the afternoon. While visiting the largest inland island in Latin America, journey through the incredible ecological Ciénaga Pijiño region, exploring the massive lake that is home to a variety of flora and fauna native to the region. Later, take a stroll through this storied town on a guided walking tour. With stunning colonial churches, breathtaking nature surrounding the town, and delicious local delights such as capa cheese and butifarra, Mompox is sure to be a highlight of our journey along the magnificent Magdalena River. This evening, prepare for a very special “Sisterhood Travels Galentines Day Celebration” onboard our ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included today)
We’ll bid farewell to Mompox before embarking on a scenic cruise down one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Magdalena River – a picturesque part of the La Mojana Region – and reaching the town of El Banco, nestled at the intersection of the Magdalena and César rivers. Founded in a location strategic for both the native people and the Spaniards, the town was repeatedly destroyed in their struggles and then rebuilt atop its ashes. In 1749, a freed black slave named José Domingo Ortiz led a group of settlers to this special location, carrying with him a statue of the Virgin Mary, staking this place as their new home. Because of this connection, the Virgin of Candelaria, a special invocation of the Virgin Mary, is specially venerated in this region. Embark on a guided walking tour of this incredible destination and learn more about its history as the birthplace of cumbia, an iconic genre of music and dance that has now been popularized around the world. What began as a courtship dance practiced by African slaves later incorporated American steps and European and African instruments has become a world-wide sensation, which is especially popular in the Andean region of Colombia. In the evening, we’ll enjoy an exclusive dinner in town and witness an incredible cumbia
performance by locals. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included today)
Witness the sights, hear the bird calls, and watch the wildlife around you as spend the day docked near Magangue. Immerse yourself in the presence of Colombian nature surrounding this city on a birdwatching tour, giving you a unique opportunity to see birds only found in this specific part of the country. You can also choose to explore the picturesque Ciénaga, teeming with Colombian life, on another fascinating excursion. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included today)
This morning, we’ll visit the Floating Village of Nueva Venecia. A charming town filled with inviting locals, Nueva Venecia, or “New Venice,” can only be navigated by boat. With its beautiful colonial houses, vivid architecture and local sanctuary protecting the native flora and fauna, this town highlights the beauty and warmth of Colombia. Witness its splendor as we tour the village. While here, explore this village and learn more about the lives of its people during a guided tour. Enjoy the traditional crafts and art that is on display, learn about the techniques the fishermen of Nueva Venecia use, and taste the local delicacies as we embrace this village and its unique culture.
Later in the day, we’ll venture to the beautiful seaside city of Barranquilla, a vibrant destination home to notable musicians, writers and artists. Immerse yourself in the warmth and culture of the city’s atmosphere as we venture through this magnificent location, where we can visit famous landmarks such as the bocas de cenizas, the point at which the magical Magdalena River meets the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, and the Carnaval Museum, which showcases the unique history of this incredible festival. In the evening, enjoy a Carnaval celebration, a full traditional experience created exclusively for Sisterhood Travels. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included today)
This morning, we’ll be transferred to the Baranquilla airport for our return flights home. (Breakfast included today)
PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY
This is a leisurely paced itinerary and is full of cultural and interesting sightseeing and some free time to relax. Some excursion days may include reasonably early starts, some longer coach travel and possibly walking over uneven terrain. Guests should have reasonable health and mobility.