Cartagena, Colombia

With its amazingly well-preserved colonial architecture, Cartagena is a bit like an open-air museum – which explains why it’s been given UNESCO World Heritage status. This tour begins with a trip to San Felipe de Barajas, an imposing fortress set just outside the old city walls. There’ll be time here to take photos, before you move on to the heart of the city. Nine miles of stone walls cocoon the town, and they took 194 years to build. Delve inside, and you’re greeted by beautiful churches, quaint squares and cafés that look like they were frozen in time back in the 16th century. You’ll have a guide with you as you wander down the cobbled streets, and they’ll give you the lowdown on Cartagena’s history. Finally, you’ll head over to Bocagrande, where you’ll see another side of the city. Gone are the medieval courtyards and old churches, and in their place stand sleek shopping malls and high-rise apartment blocks. Your destination is the Pierino Gallo shopping centre, which is known for its great selection of jewellery stores featuring pieces with the Colombian Emerald. There’ll be time to browse the shops, before you head back to the coach.

See the city of Cartagena in the same way wealthy aristocrats would have once done, from the comfort of a horse and carriage. You’ll tour the streets of the old walled city, stopping to admire cobbled courtyards, flower-bedecked balconies and baroque churches. This place is home to some of the best-preserved colonial Spanish architecture in South America, so have your camera at the ready. There’ll be one guide for every five carriages, so when we make a stop they’ll be on hand to give you the history and legend of the highlights like the Heredia Theatre, the Inquisition Palace, and City Hall. After your tour of the city, you’ll head for The Dungeons in the walled city ramparts. It’s now home to a colourful handicraft market, where the stalls overflow with wooden ornaments, pretty woven bags and traditional clothes. Get ready to haggle and you’ll get yourself some good deals.