Ship docks in Cartagena20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
9:20 am
Leave the pierThis tour meets at the pier
9:30 am
Earliest tour startTour runs 4 h. Latest sensible start: 11:50 am.
1:30 pm
Tour ends10 min back to the pier
1:40 pm
Back at the gangway3 h 20 min before all aboard
5:00 pm
All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours
Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.
Our verdict
This tour fits a typical Cartagena call (9:00 am–5:00 pm). It runs 4 h; ashore by 9:20 am, you can start by 9:30 am and be back at the gangway around 1:40 pm — 2 h 20 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.
Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 2:40 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.
The operator picks up at the cruise port (it is on their pickup list), so the trip to the start point is part of the tour. We allow 10 min to walk off and find the pickup; look for the ground-transportation area outside Cartagena Cruise Terminal (Manga).
Among the 57 Cartagena shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 3 h); 95% of them fit a typical call.
Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical Cartagena call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.
About this tour
See the main sights of Cartagena on this 4 hours private walking tour of the historic center of the city, with panoramic views of the Roman Theatre from La Concepción castle. Enjoy a must-see: The Interpretation Center of Punic Walls, the Town Hall with its different facades, and taste typical tapas on Cartagena’s central Modernist street.
Private tour English
What's included
All fees and tickets
Pick-up and drop-off
Entrance tickets
Professional licensed guide
Not included
Food and drinks
Transportation
Itinerary
1
Punic Wall
Meet your guide at the Cruise Ship Port or at your hotel in Cartagena.
You will start this tour visiting the Interpretation Center of Punic Walls to learn about the origins of the city.
The Punic wall of Cartagena is an archaeological site from the 3rd century BC in which can be seen the first defensive wall of Cartagena, built by the Carthaginians. This is an important site because it is one of the few remains of Carthaginian civilization in Spain, and the walls bear witness to one of the most important events of Ancient history in the Mediterranean Sea: the Second Punic War.
45 minAdmission included
2
Casa de la Fortuna
Casa de la Fortuna is located within a short walking distance from the Punic Walls. You will visit it inside.
La Casa de la Fortuna is an archaeological site located in the city of Cartagena, Region of Murcia, Spain. It is a Roman Domus from the 1st century BC. C. whose access is located in the Risueño square. In it we find some of the parts of a typical Roman house of the time, such as the tablinum or reception room, the cubiculum or bedroom or the tricliniumwhere big banquets were held. This house has been adapted for museum use in which visitors are made a tour of the house and they are shown the ornaments and objects found in the excavation, such as tableware, coins, personal adornments, skylights, etc.
45 minAdmission included
3
Castillo de la Concepcion
Then you will have the chance to enjoy the best views of the city from Conception Hill: Castle Esplanade and panoramic views over the Royal Marine, Roman Theatre, and Cartagena.
The Conception Castle is the best starting point to explore the city and acquire an overview of its 3,000 years of history. Located on the hill of the same name, it has served as the enclave to a Roman temple dedicated to Asclepius, a Muslim fortress, a medieval castle, or the place where the siren was installed that warned the population of the bombing during the Civil War. Also, from the fortress, one can get the best panoramic views of the city and its port. Everything within reach thanks to the panoramic lift that saves walking up the hill.
45 minAdmission included
4
Museum of the Roman Theater of Cartagena
You will move to the Roman Theatre Museum where columns, altarpieces, and different objects from the Roman era can be admired.
The theatre was built between 5 and 1 BC, as has been proven by the dedication of the edifice to Gaius and Lucius Caesar, grandsons of Augustus, who had designated them as his successors. In the 3rd century AD a market was built over the theatre, reusing its materials, with a semicircular open space which followed the plan of the orchestra.
1 hAdmission included
5
Calle Mayor
After Roman Theatre explore the vibrant Calle Mayor street and see how modern Cartagena shines.
Calle Mayor is the main pedestrian street with beautiful architecture in old Cartagena that takes you from the cruise port past the Roman Theatre/Museum, the Church of Santa Domingo, and many shops and restaurants. Other sites are easy to walk to from here. There are many interesting buildings to see whilst walking in this area. Do take the time to look up also as there are a variety of balconies to see.
At the end of this private tour, you will have time to enjoy some local tapas + drinks (not included) in local and traditional restaurants accompanied by our private tour guide.