TOUR GUIDE IN CARTAGENA

Day tour of Cartagena with Marelvy Pena-Hall We visited Cartagena by cruise ship and joined 6 others for a tour of the city. Marelvy picked us up... read moreWe visited Cartagena by cruise ship and joined 6 others for a tour of the city. Marelvy picked us up at the pier and we went to La Popa, the fortress, the gold museum, a photography exhibit with a short half hour stop for shopping at the Dungeons. We went for a wonderful walking tour through the old city. Her knowledge of the history was exhaustive. We went through city parks, restaurants, gardens, sculpture exhibits. An excellent tour. read less

thoroughly enjoyed our tour in Cartagena with Marelvy I set up a tour with Marelvy after reading trip Advisor reviews. I formed a group of 14 through... read moreI set up a tour with Marelvy after reading trip Advisor reviews. I formed a group of 14 through Cruise Critic and then added a few more after getting on our ship. The hardest part was finding her and the bus once we got off the ship in Cartagena! Once we got going it was great. She showed us all the highlights of the city in a limited amount of time but we didn't feel rushed. We started at La Popa and got a great view of the city from the highest point, visited the Fortress, toured the old walled city and had a chance to do a little shopping in the plazas.. Marelvy had a tremendous knowledge of her city, was easy to understand and very personable. read less

Great Guide Marelvy was a wonderful guide for our cruise group in Cartagena. We were met at the pier just as promised.... read moreMarelvy was a wonderful guide for our cruise group in Cartagena. We were met at the pier just as promised. We toured in a lovely, 17 passenger van. Our group of twelve was convenient, as it was so much quicker than the large tours from the cruise line. We learned so much about the city, saw all the must-see spots and did it all in comfort. Cartagena is very hot, so I was glad I chose this tour over a hop on, hop off bus. We learned more and did not bake in the heat all day. Marelvy also walked my husband and I to a coffee shop during our free time. Absolutely the best coffee in Columbia. Awesome baked goods, too. read less

Fun, warm and informative My wife and I were greeted with a warm smile and hug from Marelvy She shared with us both... read moreMy wife and I were greeted with a warm smile and hug from Marelvy She shared with us both the history of Cartagena and present day life. We were impressed with her deep knowlege and enthusiasm as she unfolded the tales, facts and observations of this unique city. And we laughed together a lot. It will be one of the special memories we keep of this place. My wife and I highly recommend touring Cartegena with Marelvy. read less

Walking thru the districts in the wall city of Cartegena The walking tour is a great way to learn your way around the old city of Cartegena. Marelvy Pena-Hall... read moreThe walking tour is a great way to learn your way around the old city of Cartegena. Marelvy Pena-Hall tours could not have been better at responding to my inquiries and arranging a tour that met our needs. Eyster was our tour quide and provided a 3 hour tour of the city - she was a native of Cartagena, very knowledgeable, very friendly and spoke fluent English. We would have like just a bit more about the history of the city. read less

Highlights of the City tour This was a fantastic tour! Marelvy loves Cartagena and has so much knowledge to share. Her enthusiasm was infectious and... read moreThis was a fantastic tour! Marelvy loves Cartagena and has so much knowledge to share. Her enthusiasm was infectious and we gained a whole new appreciation for this wonderful city. We would not hesitate to recommend her tours - it was such a great experience! read less

A "Must Do" Tour There is more to see in Cartagena than can be achieved over several days, let alone a few hours. ... read moreThere is more to see in Cartagena than can be achieved over several days, let alone a few hours. However, Marelvy Pena-Hall's guided small group tours of the city's highlights was extraordinary. Her knowledge of the city and its culture supported a very comprehensive tour at a very comfortable pace. Her personable manner and casual interaction with both the tour guests and the locals created a very positive comfort level not always found in larger travel groups. I strongly recommend Marelvy to anyone wishing to get the most out of their visit in the time limited by most cruise ship schedules. I came away from the tour with a real appreciation for the people and history of Cartagena. read less

Super tour We had a fantastic tour of Cartagena with Marelvy Pena at the end of May. We knew right away... read moreWe had a fantastic tour of Cartagena with Marelvy Pena at the end of May. We knew right away how good she was when she suggested that we start at 2pm so that by the time we got to the walking portion in Old Town, it would be cooler. How right she was! We had a wonderful breeze. I think we were the only tour group walking at that time. It was cool and uncrowded. This made it so much more enjoyable. On the way back to the ship, we even stopped at the market for various items, and Marelvy helped us with the Spanish we needed. hank you Marelvy! read less

Wonderful, Personal Tour with Marelvy Marelvy is an absolutely lovely guide to the city of Cartagena. She is warm, personable, and very kind. She has... read moreMarelvy is an absolutely lovely guide to the city of Cartagena. She is warm, personable, and very kind. She has an extensive knowledge of the city history and architecture. We spent a morning walking with Marelvy throughout the old city. She knows all the best places to stop (timing a pit stop for ice-cold coco juice perfectly) and being with her allowed us to visit one of the universities, the theatre (even when closed), and the lobbies of some beautiful old hotels that give you an idea of the original architecture and layout of the old city. There is much more to the tour as well, and she'll cater to your interests.

It was very easy to book the tour - we did so via email - and Marelvy even helped us arrange a tour of a mangrove swamp with a separate operator. When there was a mix-up with that tour operator, Marelvy personally corrected the issue. She really went above and beyond for us. We would be delighted to do another tour with her during another visit! read less

Wondeful tour of Cartegena Marelvy came highly recommended and she did not disappoint. She gave us an excellent tour of Cartegena. She has... read moreMarelvy came highly recommended and she did not disappoint. She gave us an excellent tour of Cartegena. She has extensive knowledge of the Colombian culture and it was a pleasure to spend the day with her. She was also very responsive and easy to work with in booking and making arrangements for our tour. read less

The Only Way to Experience Cartagena, Colombia We've been to Cartagena before but always have taken the ship's tour, no matter the cruise line. This time,... read moreWe've been to Cartagena before but always have taken the ship's tour, no matter the cruise line. This time, thanks to Trip Advisor reviews, we booked with Marelvy. We were fortunate to have booked in April for a November tour! Getting off the ship there were other couples who wanted to tour with her but I booked her first!

Marelvy was very accomodating for our group of seven, adjusting her tour schedule to satisfy our particular interests and capabilities. I can't imagine another tour operator with as much knowledge, patience, and capability than Marelvy.

She does dockside pickup in Cartagena, unlike some of the other tour operators you need to meet outside the gate.

You can't go wrong with Marelvy and i should mention that her driver was also one of the best we have ever had. read less

Touring with MareIvy Pena-Hall We (4 adults) recently toured Cartagena with MareIvy. Sheila (daughter) met us just off the dock and took us out... read moreWe (4 adults) recently toured Cartagena with MareIvy. Sheila (daughter) met us just off the dock and took us out to the tour van.Both women speak very clear English, have lots of knowledge and are eager to share. MareIvy is flexible. There was a group of 8 in total. MareIvy was responsive to our questions and requests. We went to get Columbian coffee on warm day. Cartagena is a beautiful city with an interesting past - even on a warm, humid day. Do contact MareIvy if you want to be part of a small tour in the city. She is well worth the money - and was less than the cruise ship excursion. She offers other tours of different lengths, but we were confined by the ship's schedule so chose a city tour that was about 5 hours long. read less

Enlightening experience of old Cartegena Marelvy,

What a wonderful experience of exploring Cartegena with you! Herb and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see the sights... read moreMarelvy,

What a wonderful experience of exploring Cartegena with you! Herb and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to see the sights with the advantage of your knowledge of the area, history, and architecture of the old city, La Popa, and surrounding neighborhoods. Like many other first time visitors, we were concerned about taking a non-cruise-sponsored tour and had considered attempting to do this ourselves, but happily for us, we found you. We could never have learned or seen as much as we did without your guidance and Luis' expert driving! Thank you again for the lovely tour. And thanks to your husband for the bicentennial prints as well. It, along with our many photos, will be a great reminder of our short time together.

Mary Schmidt

Phoenix, AZ read less

Private day tour around Cartagena - Group of 6 We had a great time in Cartagena on our tour with Marelvy

She is really a great guide that puts everything... read moreWe had a great time in Cartagena on our tour with Marelvy

She is really a great guide that puts everything into a job she really loves.

We wanted to adapt the tour to our rythm, preferences etc and she got the idea right away. There is no doubt about her great knowledge of the history and all kind of places. And you can right away see how people greet her at every single corner. The car and the driver were perfect as well

Highly recommended read less

Excellent tour, person and city We rarely, if ever, go on guided tours of the cities we visit but we read such great things about... read moreWe rarely, if ever, go on guided tours of the cities we visit but we read such great things about Marelvy that we decided to try the City tour she offers. We were not disappointed. This 2.5 hour walking tour of Cartagena was an excellent way to become situated with the city, learn its history, culture and also interact with Marelvy who is a wonderful person. She also does these walking tours in the late afternoon, when the heat is diminishing, which is very accommodating.

We really enjoyed this highly personal, private tour and would definitely advise others visiting Cartagena to get a tour from Marelvy! read less

Best Guide in Cartagena. Dear Marelvy, There are barely words to tell you how much we enjoyed our time with you and seeing... read moreDear Marelvy, There are barely words to tell you how much we enjoyed our time with you and seeing Cartagena through your eyes. Being with you was like being with an old friend, and we fell in love with Cartagena because of you and your magnificent way of expressing the history, culture, and life of this wonderful city. We thank you for the gifts of your husband's poster, which we will always treasure. We would so like to meet him someday and see more of his work. He is greatly talented. In the meantime, thank you again for a most wonderful day, and we so hope we meet again.

Affectionately,

Keith and Brian read less

Cartagena Must Do List!!! We utilized the fabulous reviews provided by TripAdvisor customers to select Touring Cartagena with Marelvy. The reviews were 100%... read moreWe utilized the fabulous reviews provided by TripAdvisor customers to select Touring Cartagena with Marelvy. The reviews were 100% correct. She is an amazing person with incredible knowledge of Cartagena and its long history. Our vacation began with a private walking tour of the Walled City to provide the history, architecture, recommendations for dining, shopping, and dancing (great fun) for the rest of your vacation. We also ventured to the emerald museum and ending with a drive La Popa for an amazing view of the city. We would not have enjoyed Cartagena as much as we did on vacation without the knowledge Marelvy provided. She also booked our trip to the mud bath at Totumo Volcano which was also an adventure....another must do while in Cartagena. Thanks Marelvy!!! read less

Excellent tour in Cartagena We were so fortunate to have Marelvy as our tour guide in Cartagena, she really made the day special. ... read moreWe were so fortunate to have Marelvy as our tour guide in Cartagena, she really made the day special. She was very easy to communicate with by email in advance, suggesting an excellent tour for our time available in Cartagena. She was there waiting as we got off the ship, we were a group of six and the minivan was perfect for us, with air conditioning and an exceptional driver. Marelvy is a wealth of information on culture, history and current issues. She was attentive to the interests of the group and even gave us the opportunity to shop for fabric. We were returned to the cruise ship with perfect timing and we felt as though we were leaving new-found friends in Marelvy and her driver. Highly recommend without any reservations at all. She is the best. read less

Great day out in Cartagena We were on a cruise ship and had a short day in Cartagena. Marelvy met us and accommodated our... read moreWe were on a cruise ship and had a short day in Cartagena. Marelvy met us and accommodated our needs showing us all the essential sites including a walk through the old town. We were delivered back to the wharf in plenty of time to board our ship. We had a biggish air conditioned bus which worked well for the largish group. A great day was had by all. Marelvy was very knowledgeable and conducted the tour in a professional manner. I would have no hesitation in recommending Marelvy for your private tour in Cartagena. read less

Cartagena City Highlights Marelvy was not able to accompany us but set us up with an associate or friend, Katty Sarmiento.

The tour was... read moreMarelvy was not able to accompany us but set us up with an associate or friend, Katty Sarmiento.

The tour was 4 hours.

We visited a lot of places and covered a lot of ground: beautiful architectural homes in La Manga and Pie de La Popa, Convento de la Popa, "Old Boots" Park, Castillo de San Felipe, Boca Grande and ended with a walking tour of the Walled City.

All phenomenal sights and recommended, perhaps skip BocaGrande ( the Miami Beach of Cartagena).

Katy's command of english, city's history and other fun facts was outstanding. She was a delightful and sweet woman , who never seemed to get tired! She was also very accommodating and agree to a few changes we requested.

Overall very happy with the tour and highly recommend. read less

Excellent! Marelvy is a wonderful tour guide. So knowledgeable and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Would highly recommend it.

The... read moreMarelvy is a wonderful tour guide. So knowledgeable and friendly. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Would highly recommend it.

The tour was exactly as promised and far exceeded our expectations. read less

Ben Torres - Numero Uno Tour Guide for Cartagena Not a criticism as we were able to find her, but it would be more helpful if the tour company... read moreNot a criticism as we were able to find her, but it would be more helpful if the tour company could have a large sign so they stand out more on the dock as there are lots of tours being picked up at the same time. We were a group of 10 and we ordered a private tour which was well worth it. From the minute we met, Ben was very friendly and we quickly were able to joke around with him. The tour was organized in advance but because there were 4 ships in port that day, he reorganized the stops to avoid the mass of tourists arriving at the same time to the same destination which was a huge benefit for us. The stops were great (traveller's FYI if you take pictures of the ladies in costume at the fort you must pay them $1 which I didn't realize when I took her picture). Loved old town and we had the opportunity to sneak a peak in Donde Fedel for a quick salsa which really was a highlight for us as we all belong to a dance studio. Another FYI is there is lots of the same merchandise for sale by the streets vendors so if you can't get the price you want to pay keep looking. Ben was very knowledgeable and answered our questions easily. Unfortunately we were only in town for the day so there is so much more we would like to explore. We felt completely safe and in fact, Ben put such a good spin on the tour and the City that if the opportunity arises, we would most definitely go back to Cartagena which I would not say about the some of other stops on our cruise. read less

Marelvy is a great ambassador for Cartagena, Colombia We took a tour with Marelvy in January, during a one day stop at the cruise port. She was... read moreWe took a tour with Marelvy in January, during a one day stop at the cruise port. She was waiting for us on the pier as we came off the ship and very cheerfully led us through a detailed and entertaining tour of the old and new city of Cartagena de Indias. Marelvy was a french teacher and learned English for her new career, and her English is impeccable. She is a very talented and personable tour guide and we highly recommend a tour with her. She covered a lot of history and areas of the city and kept everyone entertained. My only recommendation would be for her to have bottled water in a cooler in the bus for visitors, and/or a light snack, or to let visitors know to bring that with you. It was very hot and humid in Cartagena and although some of us brought water, it would be a nice for those that didn't. The tour lasted almost 5 hours. The bus was modern and air-conditioned and dropped us off and picked us up very conveniently. One of our group was using a walker and some parts of the old city made it difficult for her but other than there, she was able to join us for the rest of the tour. We stopped for a short time to shop but it wasn't long enough to really shop, about a half hour. The sites, especially La Popa, were great for photos, and she gave us lots of background info to go along with them. A beautiful city and a great tour guide! read less

Top notch Marelvy picked up our group at the end of the cruise dock, and we were off on a city tour... read moreMarelvy picked up our group at the end of the cruise dock, and we were off on a city tour that busted any preconceived ideas we may have had about Columbia. She was interesting, and provided information on the history, peoples, religions, art & regions of Columbia and more. Be aware that the climate can be hot & humid - wear sunscreen & head covering & bring water. The street vendors were the most aggressive we've encountered anywhere, particularly near the Old Fort. As a parting gift, she gave us a poster her husband had designed for a festival. Highly recommend. read less

Amazing Day with Marelvy Last October, we spent the most grand day touring Cartagena with this articulate & charming woman. Not only does... read moreLast October, we spent the most grand day touring Cartagena with this articulate & charming woman. Not only does she know the city but she makes you love it. Marelvy shared stories & histories yet never bored us. I urge anyone to connect with her to enjoy this city & her wonderful hugs. read less

A perfect tour guide if you want to know about the city. Marelvy has a good knowledge about the history and places of the city of Cartagena. It is worthy to hire... read moreMarelvy has a good knowledge about the history and places of the city of Cartagena. It is worthy to hire her for a tour if you have the interest to know more things than the usual typical stuff. She will explain you all you want and will give you good tips about where to eat good and cheap meals of traditional colombian food and many other things. Gracias Marelvy. I enjoyed a lot in the tour and learnt many things. All the best!! Fran. read less

If you want to know Cartagena, this is the person to tell you about it Marelvy gave two of us a personal tour last January. The delay in the review is unrelated to the... read moreMarelvy gave two of us a personal tour last January. The delay in the review is unrelated to the service. I cannot imagine a better tour. Marelvy was steeped in history, totally responsive to our interests, and could not have been more delightful. This is the best way to see Cartagena. read less

Tour with the best Cartegena Guide MareIvy is the best in Cartegena! She loves her job and Cartegena, and it shows in her tours. ... read moreMareIvy is the best in Cartegena! She loves her job and Cartegena, and it shows in her tours. We were on a cruise ship with very limited time in Cartegena, and she did a wonderful job in introducing us to the City in four hours.

Besides her great personality and knowledge, one of the things you will get from her tour that you will not get off of one of the cruise ship arranged tours is a visit to La Popa which is a an ancient Catholic religious site that is still active today. At the summit of La Popa one can take in a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the entire city and its environs. From this wonderful location MareIvy gives you an overview of her City and then takes you to various important sites.

One of the highlights was walking through old town with her and getting a feel of the culture and people.

You will come away from a MareIvy tour feeling blessed to have spent a few hours being educated and with a new understanding of Cartegena. read less

Cartagena highlights with Marelvy What more can I add to the positive reviews for Marelvy Pena-Hall than what is already said about her? I... read moreWhat more can I add to the positive reviews for Marelvy Pena-Hall than what is already said about her? I arranged a tour of Cartagena city highlights with Marelvy prior to our Panama Canal cruise with a stop in Cartagena after reading the rave reviews on Tripadvisor.com.

Marelvy is a very well educated and friendly guide knowledgeable with lots of history and information on Cartagena. We only had a very limited sightseeing time allowed by the cruise ship. Marelvy did not disappoint and was able to sqeeze lots of highlights and information into a few hours with much enthusiasm. We were very impressed with her tour and would recommend her highly. read less

Perfect day in Cartagena I had contacted Marelvy many months before our visit to Cartagena to set up a tour for our group. ... read moreI had contacted Marelvy many months before our visit to Cartagena to set up a tour for our group. She was outstanding with her responses! She met us at the dock right on time and gave us very clear directions where we were to meet.

Marelvy is an outstanding guide and answered all the questions easily. We learned so much about the history of Cartagena and loved our time with her.

We would highly recommend Marelvy for anyone looking for a tour in Cartagena. She is outstanding - you will love her! read less

Getting to see Cartegena with a true cultural ambassador! Marevly provided my wife and I, as part of a small tour group, a unique and rewarding perspective of Columbian... read moreMarevly provided my wife and I, as part of a small tour group, a unique and rewarding perspective of Columbian culture steeped in Cartegena. She was very knowledgeable and attentive to the interests and questions of the group. She was very sensitive to the fact that we were from a cruise ship and had to be back to meet the ship before departure. A first class operation. If you do want to use her services, book as soon as you can! read less

Highly Recommended! Because I read other people's Trip Advisor reviews of her tour, I booked it for my family. My parents... read moreBecause I read other people's Trip Advisor reviews of her tour, I booked it for my family. My parents and I visited Cartagena while on a cruise. Marelvy picked us up right outside the ship in the morning and off we went (with about 10 others). It was a GREAT tour and we went all over the city. There is NO WAY visitors can cover as much ground in one day without expert assistance and I certainly recommend Marelvy!

Her historical knowledge and trivia were facinating to listen to and really enhanced the experience.

Book a tour with confidence!!! read less

Cartagena Tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall We thoroughly enjoyed a one day tour of Cartagena with Marelvy. Her English is excellent, her knowledge of the... read moreWe thoroughly enjoyed a one day tour of Cartagena with Marelvy. Her English is excellent, her knowledge of the city extensive, her sensitivity to her customers impressive. We were part of a diverse group of six (including my 12 year old daughter) who had made arrangements individually, on line, with Marelvy. She managed to keep a good pace, addressing everyone's interests, engaging each person in her group. The itinerary was well thought out, taking in to consideration avoiding crowds and the heat! Marelvy is one of the finest guides I have met. I will highly recommend her to friends traveling to Colombia. read less

Knowledgeable host, great tour Marelvy knows her city, and her love for it shows. This was our first visit to Cartagena and we wanted... read moreMarelvy knows her city, and her love for it shows. This was our first visit to Cartagena and we wanted to get the most out of our time there. Marelvy sent two people to meet the guests at the pier (two ships in port the day we visited), and once everyone showed up we walked from near the ships out to the staging area where we boarded the comfortable air conditioned bus.

Nosing our way through morning traffic, we started our journey. First stop was La Popa, overlooking Cartagena with a near panoramic view of the city. Marelvy filled us in with information about the buildings, the architecture, and the history of La Popa.

We left through the pandemonium of the parking lot - as we had arrived we were one of about three vehicles there, when we left it was mayhem (a benefit of using a non-ship tour!) and went back down the hill to visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. This was a very brief stop for photos, rather than a longer stay to climb up on the fortress walls. It was pretty warm anyway, so we were better off saving our energy for later.

After San Felipe, we made our way to the walled city where Marelvy pointed out a number of landmarks, describing the history of each. We stopped at the dungeons (Las Bovedas) which are actually set up for shopping.. had to get some local crafts and Mrs.Loonboarder found an emerald ring that she HAD to have!

After this stop we rode a little further, then began the walking part of the tour in the walled city. Here we visited a few more landmarks including the gold museum and the customs house.

Finally we loaded back into the bus - and made a stop at a local supermarket so some of us could buy some Colombian coffee to bring back home. After this brief stop we toured a little more through an area with more modern feel (Bocagrande), then back to the ship area.

I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed our time with Marelvy. What a pleasure to meet her and get her insights into Cartagena! read less

We loved the "Highlights of the City" tour in Cartagena! Marelvy showed us a wonderful time in Cartagena, giving us a taste of the city that she loves and making... read moreMarelvy showed us a wonderful time in Cartagena, giving us a taste of the city that she loves and making us want to return and spend more time there. Starting with spectacular views of the city from La Popa, then on to the Fortress, and through a walking tour of the Old City, we were treated to her enthusiasm, insights, and thorough knowledge of everything she was showing us. There were 9 in our group, which was fine, as we all benefited from her personal attention and responses to our questions. Marelvy was a delight to be with, and I highly recommend this tour! read less

Historic colonial city tour and Gabriel García Márquez We had two exciting tours conducted by Marelvy Peña-Hall. She was knowledgeable, personable and engaging. We visited highlights of... read moreWe had two exciting tours conducted by Marelvy Peña-Hall. She was knowledgeable, personable and engaging. We visited highlights of the old walled city with excellent historic and architectural commentary by Marelvy. The Route of García Márquez en Cartagena tour was outstanding. Marelvy is an expert on the life and literary works of Márquez. She vividly described his fictional characters in novels set in places in Cartegena, and also showed us significant venues in the life of Márquez, including his house. Marelvy was warm, charming and vivacious -muy simpática!

Madeline and Jeff Brown

Canada read less

One of the highlights of our trip to Cartagena Marelvy is an absolute must for a trip to Cartagena. I discovered her on Tripadvisor and am here to tell... read moreMarelvy is an absolute must for a trip to Cartagena. I discovered her on Tripadvisor and am here to tell you to believe these reviews- she is all of this and more!

I recently went to Cartagena with a group of girlfriends - we had no sense of Cartagena, but previous Tripadvisor reviews pointed us toward Marelvy. I emailed her for more information, and she was both warm and generous with her time in our email exchange. After just a couple of emails I felt I would be arriving, not to a strange country, but into the arms of a local friend!

She offers customized tours to suit your interests -- we wanted sunset at La Popa, a cup of delicious coffee, etc; not the usual tourist fare, and she made it all come true. Don't be afraid to share your interests with her- this woman knows it ALL. She is fluent in a number of languages, and her knowledge of Colombian and local history can come out in any one of them.

If you are going to Cartagena, time spent with her is the best investment you could make! I look forward to future trips back to this beautiful city, and to spending more time learning from her. A gem! read less

Excellent experience with Silvia Marelvy was unavailable for our desired date, so she kindly arranged for her colleague Silvia to give us a city... read moreMarelvy was unavailable for our desired date, so she kindly arranged for her colleague Silvia to give us a city tour. It was a wonderful experience. Siliva was knowledgeable and pleasant to spend the day with. She even helped us get prescriptions we needed from the pharmacy. Thank you! read less

Great guide that shows you the true culture of the city! We did a walking tour through the old city of Cartagena with Marelvy and she was wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed... read moreWe did a walking tour through the old city of Cartagena with Marelvy and she was wonderful. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through this beautiful city and learning about the history and current events. This was like no other walking tour I have experienced; Marelvy took us to different areas of Cartagena we may have not ventured into on our own. She is very knowledgeable of the city and the culture.

Marelvy met us at our hotel located near city center and off we went. We walked through the city center and headed to Getsemani. There we watched the locals play bingo and have a game of rag ball. There were a ton of festivities going on since it was a Sunday afternoon. We looped back through and headed up through San Diego. Marelvy shared a lot of valuable information on this tour that I definitely wouldn’t be able to read in any books. She’s also incredibly friendly and just fun to talk too and get to know! We enjoyed walking through this wonderful city for around 3.5hrs with a great guide! I’d highly suggest taking a tour with Marelvy as you’ll get a different perspective on Cartagena history then and now.

I also scheduled our trip to the mud volcano through Marelvy and she handled scheduling our pick up time and trip to the volcano. I highly suggest booking this tour as well as the walking tour! What a great country! read less

A Great Day in Cartagena with Ester as our Guide My wife and I were in Cartagena for Christmas Eve, 2014, on the Island Princess. We arranged the city... read moreMy wife and I were in Cartagena for Christmas Eve, 2014, on the Island Princess. We arranged the city tour with Marelvy about a month in advance, although our guide ended up being her partner, Ester.

In short, Ester was friendly, knowledgeable, and a great tour guide. The transportation was excellent, as well, as we were chauffeured around in a clean van with excellent A/C.

The tour went from the Fort of San Felipe to La Popa Monastery to an Emerald Museum Tour to the Walled City (a.k.a, Old City). If interested, visit www.youtube.com/jocatman for videos of our day in Cartagena, as well as 4K UHD Slideshows of the same.

Like everyone else here, we highly recommend contacting Marelvy for a tour of Cartagena, and if you get Ester as your guide, know it will be a truly informative, professional, and relaxing experience. read less

Book it, especially if on a cruise! Excellent information during the booking process. We were met punctually off the ship by MarelIvy, a delightful, informative lady who... read moreExcellent information during the booking process. We were met punctually off the ship by MarelIvy, a delightful, informative lady who gave us a good insight into living in Cartagena and its architecture. Her enthusiasm for the city and what she does is infectious, and the time flew by! It's a great trip so don't hesitate to book. read less

Excellent Tour MareIvy and her daughter did a wonderful job showing us the best sites in Caratagena. Their genuine love and pride... read moreMareIvy and her daughter did a wonderful job showing us the best sites in Caratagena. Their genuine love and pride for their town shows in the personal connections they make with each of their clients. We were thrilled to have spent a day with them, and not only did we see so much more than the cruise ship excursions, but we also saw better sites in an intimate very small group setting, which enabled to personalize our tour to our likings. Thank you for a wonderful visit, and thank you for the beautiful commerative poster from your husband. Book with MareIvy and you will see Cartagena like no other. read less

Cartagena, Arepas, Botero, Beauty, Seaside Wonder, Colombian Coffee. What more can anyone ask for? What a wonderful tour and tour guide. Marelvy, who came highly recommeded was already busy with another group but... read moreWhat a wonderful tour and tour guide. Marelvy, who came highly recommeded was already busy with another group but was able to get us the most wonderful guide, Sylvia. She suited the tour to our desires, showing us the beautiful views from La Popa, the plazas and shopping, the Botero statue, the seaside wall and fort and best of all, at our request, took us to a lovely spot for a wonderful Colombian treat, arepas con huevos with the best Colombian coffee. The short stay, we were on a Celebrity cruise and only had a few hours, was truly memorable. Gracias. read less

Thank you, Merci, Gracias Marelvy....! I went to Cartagena for celebrating my weeding with 19 Belgian friends and relatives. I contacted Marelvy after reading the... read moreI went to Cartagena for celebrating my weeding with 19 Belgian friends and relatives. I contacted Marelvy after reading the very positive comments in Trip Advisor. We did 2 tours with her: the 2 hours Walking-Tour in the walled city and the 4 hours Bus-Tour visiting the San Felipe Castle and the Popa convent. As a Colombian who has already visited many times all these places I must say that she does an excellent work; I learned many new things with her. Marelvy is a very professional guide with a lot of knowledge about the city, history and culture. If you are reading this comment, do not hesitate anymore just call her; she is very nice. Besides, if you only have a little time for visiting Cartagena her tour will provide you a very nice overview of the city history, architecture, life, culture, tips, etc...

Je suis allé à Cartagena pour célébrer mon mariage avec 19 amis et famille belges. J'ai contacté Marelvy après avoir lu les commentaires très positifs sur Trip Advisor. Nous avons fait 2 tours en français avec elle: la balade dans la ville fortifiée (2 heures) et le Tour en Bus (4 heures) pour visiter le château de San Felipe et le couvent de la Popa, entre autres. Comme Colombien qui a déjà visité de nombreuses fois tous ces endroits, je dois dire qu'elle fait un excellent travail, j'ai appris beaucoup de nouvelles choses avec elle. Marelvy est un guide très professionnel avec beaucoup de connaissances sur la ville, l'histoire et la culture. Si vous lisez ce commentaire, n'hésitez plus pour l'appeler, elle est très agréable. D'ailleurs, si vous avez seulement un peu de temps pour visiter Cartagena ses tours vous donnera un aperçu global sur la ville, histoire, l'architecture, la vie, la culture, astuces, etc .. read less

Great off the beaten track tour We booked last minute but they were able to accommodate us which was nice. Our tour guide Esther was... read moreWe booked last minute but they were able to accommodate us which was nice. Our tour guide Esther was great! She gave a very informative tour of the city sharing with us stories of her childhood there and taking us to places that only locals would know such as seeing the nice view from a hotel terrace and showing us the beautiful courtyard of the university. It was a wonderful way to get aquatinted with the city and I would highly recommend it. read less

High points of the city tour Wife and I went on the High Points of the City Tour guided by Marelvy. There were about 20 people... read moreWife and I went on the High Points of the City Tour guided by Marelvy. There were about 20 people from the cruise ship who had signed up through her website. I appreciated the fact that we all got her group discount, even though we had signed up separately. We had a comfortable bus with good air conditioning and a skilled driver. Really glad I wasn't driving, the traffic was a mess. The tour is just as described on the web site and it met our expectations. The view from the hill top church was spectacular, and the walk thru the old town was very interesting. But the best part was Marelvy herself. Relaxed, friendly, and full of information. A tour that fit perfectly into the time frame for our time in port. Well deserving of a top rating.

Regarding issues raised here about the meet up at the dock, I usually book excursions outside the cruise line offerings, and know that those tour operators are not allowed by the cruise lines to wait right on the dock. So I had e-mailed Marelvy for specific directions to the meeting place, and the directions where clear and correct. She is very prompt in her responses to e-mail. read less

Two Thumbs Up!! Only way to tour Cartagena!

We were in Cartagena for 6 days and couldn't book our tour with Marelvy... read moreOnly way to tour Cartagena!

We were in Cartagena for 6 days and couldn't book our tour with Marelvy until day 4. So I would recommend booking early with her!! So we toured the city on our own for the first few days plus we went to beaches in playa blanco. Our 1/2 day tour with Marelvy was the most productive part of the trip. She took us not to just the tourist places but the local areas too. Plus shared tons of colombian history.

Personally, I love private tour guides in cities, where they can cater to your needs and take to places off the beaten path. We were so blessed to have Marelvy as she recommended amazing resturants, record shops, boats rides back to playa blanco ( for 1/2 the cost we paid when booking our tickets on our own).



Hands down the best way to see all of Cartegena!! read less

Frendly, personal, and professional! Marelvy provided us a wonderful personal tour "Hidden treasures of Cartegana". Her driver Horsta (sorry - probably wrong spelling) drove... read moreMarelvy provided us a wonderful personal tour "Hidden treasures of Cartegana". Her driver Horsta (sorry - probably wrong spelling) drove us all safely in an air-conditioned vehicle. And Marelvy herself gave us a very informative and interesting tour. She's fluent in english, french, and spanish. We definitely recommend her for a tour! read less

Marelvy is the best! I can't say enough good things! Marelvy is truely the best!

We clicked right away, started chatting like old... read moreI can't say enough good things! Marelvy is truely the best!

We clicked right away, started chatting like old friends even before the tour started. she was really passionate about cartagena and incredibly knowledgable about the history, art and culture. The tour is very informative and educational...I've learn so much for her!Thank you Marelvy! read less

Amazing tour - out of 104 days away - this was one of two of the best. Marelvy picked us up at the port from the Sea Princess. In a small mini van for... read moreMarelvy picked us up at the port from the Sea Princess. In a small mini van for about 10 of us. We went to La Papa monastery which gave us a beautiful view of the city, and we looked at the map, and saw how vast Colombia was. Down to the fort, and the Hawkers, which Marelvy helped us deal with. The old town was magic, and although it was full of tours from the ship, our guide managed to direct us to the parts of the town that mattered historically. We had time for shopping/eating, etc. At the end of the tour we were given the most amazing poster of Cartagena. Please use Marelvy if you visit here. She was excellent as a guide, with good English and historical knowledge. Had a wonderful day. read less

private family tour of walled city plazas We took the walking tour of the plazas of the walled city with Marelvy. The tour lasted about 3h... read moreWe took the walking tour of the plazas of the walled city with Marelvy. The tour lasted about 3h and the walking was not onerous for us. If you have individuals with mobility issues they might find the distance a challenge, however. Marelvy is quick to respond to email so I'm sure she could arrange an alternative.

As a guide, Marelvy is very well versed in both the historical and cultural knowledge of Cartagena and Colombia. She is fluent in English, Spanish and French and can go back and forth between the languages easily.

Though we didn't research prices prior to booking Marelvy we do know now, after going on a few other tours, there are less expensive alternatives. If flawless English (which is the language we had our tour in) is important to you this guide is a great fit. read less

Three hours of delight! The time we spent touring Cartagena's walled city with Marelvy was absolutely wonderful. Not only did she satiate my craving... read moreThe time we spent touring Cartagena's walled city with Marelvy was absolutely wonderful. Not only did she satiate my craving for Gabo trivia, but she also brought the city to life so vividly. From the very first email correspondence with her to the goodbye hug, it was a real pleasure to interact with Marelvy. She was a wealth of knowledge, full of helpful tips, and even gifted us a poster depicting Cartagena that her husband had designed (he is an artist). I would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone! read less

Great tourof Cartagena I cannot say enogh positive things about our tour with Marelvy of Caragena. We had a group of 6... read moreI cannot say enogh positive things about our tour with Marelvy of Caragena. We had a group of 6 and Marelvy and our fantastic lady driver. She took us to things that we were interested in and was a wealth of knowledge. It was so much fun, it felt like a girls day out with a bunch of good friends. Much better than a packed bus without knee room. We were able to zoom into places ahead of the big tours and Marelvy's knowledge of all the places was very thorough and interesting. If I ever get to go to Caragena again, I would definitely book with Marelvy. read less

This is an OUTSTANDING Tour!! Can't say enough about Marelvy. Excellent communications before the tour and what a wonderful person. She is extremely... read moreCan't say enough about Marelvy. Excellent communications before the tour and what a wonderful person. She is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of Cartagena. She tailored the tour to what the group wanted to see and even gave us all a gift when we left. Highly recommend!!! read less

A Short Tour From the moment that we met Marelvy inside the lobby of our hotel, she made us feel special and taken... read moreFrom the moment that we met Marelvy inside the lobby of our hotel, she made us feel special and taken care of. My two friends and I booked a city tour with her which took us to the most historical parts in Cartagena.

Her style is very conversational and somewhat personal. My two friends were history buffs and they had asked lots of questions which Marelvy enjoyed answering with enthusiasm and passion. Within a matter of an hour, Marelvy made me feel so comfortable that I felt that I could tell and ask her anything. And just as a friendship was forming, our tour came to end. Four hours with Marelvy was apparently not enough. read less

Marelvy: A MUST DO in Cartagena Spending the day with Marelvy was one of the smartest things we did in Cartagena. She is incredibly intelligent,... read moreSpending the day with Marelvy was one of the smartest things we did in Cartagena. She is incredibly intelligent, articulate, and a wealth of information about the city, the country, and the people. As if that's not enough, she has an amazing heart and a beautiful smile. We learned more about Cartagena and Colombia in a few hours with her than we ever could from a guidebook. She took us on a walk around the city while it was still morning-cool, and then took us to the old Fort and La Popa. She had answers to all our questions and happily changed the tour when we expressed an interest in seeing a few other areas and activities. She's wonderful. Really, really wonderful. If you don't do anything else in Cartagena, do a tour with the charming and lovely Marelvy. (And ask about her husband's artwork; so beautiful!) Thank you, Marelvy, for such a wonderful day. read less

excellent tour of the city highlights on a short visit A group booked a tour with Marelvy for several hours in an afternoon. She is very easy to contact... read moreA group booked a tour with Marelvy for several hours in an afternoon. She is very easy to contact via e-mail with prompt replies and attention to detail. This warm lady planned a wonderful afternoon to enjoy the views, learn about the people of the area, the of the highlights its history and visit the historic sights. Old town was a favorite of mine with interesting people and sights. As a group we decided that seeing the town was more important to us than shopping. Great place for photography. Beautiful beaches.

Overall a great day!!! read less

Cartagena tour with Marelvy Pena- Hall While on a Southern Caribbean Cruise with my husband & long time friend. We toured the beautiful city of... read moreWhile on a Southern Caribbean Cruise with my husband & long time friend. We toured the beautiful city of Cartagena with Marelvy. It was truly the highlight of our trip! I don't believe we would have experienced the "true" Cartagena without Marelvy & her fantastic driver "Bene"

If given the opportunity to visit Cartagena, DON'T MISS THIS FANTASTIC TOUR GUIDE!!! She only tours in small groups & can go where the large tour buses can't go. All entry fees are covered in tour price which is very reasonable. You at least owe yourself an inquiry, go ahead call her, you won't be disappointed!! read less

Tour_in_Cartagena_with_Marelvy_Pena_Hall-Cartagena.html our tour with Julio. All 9 of us had a great time. I just wish we had more time off... read moreour tour with Julio. All 9 of us had a great time. I just wish we had more time off the ship. It was easy to meet Berina. We visited La Popa first and then the fortress. Being the only cruise ship in port and one of the first groups to get to La Popa was an added benefit. Julio was an engaging fellow and shared so much information with us about the sights, history, customs, religion, home life, vegetation, famous people, neighborhoods. He made me yearn to come back for the procession of the Virgin. We then went to Las Bovedas ( which I personally could have done without as all of the merchandise could have been bought in the walled city which was our next stop). The walled city was beautiful and so many people knew Julio and he them as we walked through. Made a stop at the chocolate museum shop, saw many sights, art and sculptures, local craft vendors,churches, learned local history of men and the church. It was nice being able to tie in historic things Julio told us at La Popa with the city as well. After the city we stopped at the Emerald museum which for me was another highlight as I wanted to purchase a Columbian emerald for my daughter who has a May birthday. Seeing the jewelers working and the large sample emeralds was another plus.

Julio's knowledge and enthusiasm made for a really good day. I would recommend this tour to anyone I know going to Cartagena read less

A Brief But Thoroughly Satisfactory Visit in Cartagena Thanks to a cruise mate who had arranged a tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall in advance through tripadvisor.com, my wife and... read moreThanks to a cruise mate who had arranged a tour with Marelvy Pena-Hall in advance through tripadvisor.com, my wife and I enjoyed about five hours in both of Cartagena's new and old cities. The experience was most pleasurable, thanks in large part to Marelvy's observations and comments, in flawless English, about Cartagena and Colombia. read less

Intelligent/insightful intelligent/insightful look into the history, culture and goings-on in Columbia Marelvy Pena offers an intelligent/insightful look into the history, culture and goings-on in Columbia, particulary Cartagena. She takes you... read moreMarelvy Pena offers an intelligent/insightful look into the history, culture and goings-on in Columbia, particulary Cartagena. She takes you through the city and explains the extraordinary transformations that are occurring in this country that was once thought of as a haven for drugs. After our tour of Cartagena, we came away with a deep appreciation of the country and its people. Marelvy is truly a joy.From the moment Marelvy met us with a big hug, we knew that we were in good hands. She went out of her way to find a wonderful restaurant for us that would accommodate us even though we wanted to eat when it is normally closed. We recommend her highly. read less

A wonderful tour of a beautiful city! Marelvy organized a beautiful tour of the city. Francesco, our tour guide was superb and knowledgeable of the history,... read moreMarelvy organized a beautiful tour of the city. Francesco, our tour guide was superb and knowledgeable of the history, the sights, and the local stories. We were greeted on the pier, led tour car and off we went to see the city. We were a party of 6-3 couples. This tour had the right amount of walking and riding. We quickly entered the venues and were guided around the other tours. I highly recommend Marelvy and her guide Francesco! read less

A Tour of Cartagena with Marelvy and Katty If you are going to Cartagena, make sure you take a tour with Marelvy's company. Although she personally was... read moreIf you are going to Cartagena, make sure you take a tour with Marelvy's company. Although she personally was not available for our tour, her daughter, Sheila, met us at the ship, and Marelvy greeted us before we had the all-inclusive trip with our very knowledgeable and gracious guide, Katty.

I have been on hundreds of tours all over the world. This was indeed one of the very best! read less

Fabulous.... We booked Marelvy using her website and e-mail address before we arrived at the Occidential Grand in February. We... read moreWe booked Marelvy using her website and e-mail address before we arrived at the Occidential Grand in February. We corresponded several times prior to arriving. My girlfriend and I had the best time, lots of laughs including a great recommendation for lunch. All the reviews that you have read contained within TA are plus positive. I have added a couple of pictures of Marelvy with my bff. read less

Highlights of Cartagena with Marevly tour Contacted Marevly for a tour, but she was booked, so she set us up with an associate, Fernando. Fernando's english... read moreContacted Marevly for a tour, but she was booked, so she set us up with an associate, Fernando. Fernando's english was great and was very knowledgeable about the city. The "Highlights" tour was a good way to get a flavor of Cartagena. It started with a drive through town up to "La Popa", the highest point above the city. The traffic through town was heavy with lots of motorcycles weaving in and out of traffic. It turned out that some of the motorcycles were like "Umber" taxis, a crazy way to get a ride.

At La Popa, Fernando gave us a lot of information about Colombia and how Cartagena developed, very interesting. The view from La Popa was fantastic with the whole city laid out in front of you.

Next we went to the Fort where Fernando described the construction and events that took place in the area. The local vendors were out in full force. My wife was approached by one who wanted to sell her 2 pieces of jewelry for $20. She was not interested, so he upped it to 3 for $20. She was still not interested. This continued until he got to 8 for $20 which was probably a good deal, but he was so annoying we passed and headed for the safety of the tour van.

Off to the "Old City" for some shopping followed by a walking tour through town to a church and the "Gold museum". This was all guided by Fernando who gave us lots of good information.

All in all it was a very good tour.

Two minor negatives-

The 3rd and 4th row of seats of the van were raised above the wheels, so the view out the windows was slightly obstructed.

The van did not carry a cooler with water. Yes there were plenty of vendors on the street selling water/beer/soda, but a free bottle of water would have been nice. read less

Viva Cartagena and MareIvy We were in Cartagena on a cruise and had a short day. Decided to use MareIvy's company and so... read moreWe were in Cartagena on a cruise and had a short day. Decided to use MareIvy's company and so glad we did! Katti was our guide on the City Tour. She was amazing: knowledgeable, humorous and kind. I was surprised what an interesting city Cartagena was. This tour definitely gives you a great overview of it and makes you want to come back to spend more time. The highlight for us was definitely the walk through the old section but the view from La Popa was pretty spectacular too. If you are going to Cartagena be sure to book with MareIvy. You will not be disappointed! read less

City tour in Cartagena The tour guide, Katty, was very personable and knowledgeable. She was able to answer easily the many questions we... read moreThe tour guide, Katty, was very personable and knowledgeable. She was able to answer easily the many questions we had for her. We learned a great deal from her about the history of the old and new Cartagena. It was very interesting to learn about the various areas of the city, the buildings and homes in each, and the people and culture. We recommend highly the City Tour of Marelvy. read less

Outstanding tour of Cartagena As others, we booked this tour from previous reviews. We contacted Marelvy on the internet. She responded quickly from each... read moreAs others, we booked this tour from previous reviews. We contacted Marelvy on the internet. She responded quickly from each email we sent. When we got off the ship, she was right where she told us. The tour was "OUTSTANDING." She showed us different parts of Cartagena and gave us the history of the city and each stop. She was very watchful of everyone on her tour. When we got to "Old Cartagena," we started the walking part of the tour. Again she was very watchful over her group. Any and every question we, the group, asked her, she was able to answer. Myself, I have problems with my knees and she was very sure we didn't walk too fast. She was very good and I would definitely use her again. read less

Fantastic experience Four of us toured with Marelvy and were amazed by the breath and depth of her knowledge. Her friendly manner... read moreFour of us toured with Marelvy and were amazed by the breath and depth of her knowledge. Her friendly manner just added to our enjoyment. You can't go wrong with Marelvy. read less

Cartegena close up! Marelvy met our group of thirteen at the dock in an air conditioned van. Along with her assistant, Catty... read moreMarelvy met our group of thirteen at the dock in an air conditioned van. Along with her assistant, Catty and driver, Edwin, we set out for a lovely four plus hour tour of the beautiful area of Cartegena.

Our first stop was La Popa where we had a full panoramic view of the city and the bay. Both Marelvy and Catty filled us in on the history and pointed out various sights in the city. Next we went to the Fortress of San Felipe and learned the history behind the fort. We then proceeded to the old town (walled city) and added some local shopping to our walk through some beautiful and historical sights.

On our way back to the ship, Edwin drove us through Boca Grande and some of the better known neighborhoods.

We all thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful afternoon in Cartegena and arrived back to our ship with great memories and plenty of time to spare. read less

Great tour We had a great tour. Marelvy was the guide on the tour and she was friendly and very knowledgeable.... read moreWe had a great tour. Marelvy was the guide on the tour and she was friendly and very knowledgeable. City was lovely and we also had some time to be on our own. We were on a small bus of 18 and we were very pleased. Would highly recommend. read less

Wonderful guide in Cartagena I visited Cartagena in August with my husband and my two daughters,10 and 19 years old . We... read moreI visited Cartagena in August with my husband and my two daughters,10 and 19 years old . We decided to use Marelvy as our guide after reading the reviews on TripAdvisor.. It certainly was worth it . We did both the City Tour and the walking tour and were very impressed with her knowledge about the city and its history. Even our 10 year old daughter found it interesting. My husband and I had lots of questions about many things, other aspects of life in Colombia, recent history, trees, etc. She answered them all. She is a very pleasant woman, easy to talk to and very accommodating. She directed us to the best ice-cream shop, souvenir shops and eating places. I wish every city had someone like her to give visitors a sense of the place. I would definitely recommend using her services. read less

Highly Recommended Guide We used Trip Advisor to find this wonderful guide. She promptly met us at the cruise dock with a... read moreWe used Trip Advisor to find this wonderful guide. She promptly met us at the cruise dock with a smile on her face. Our two couples joined another two couples for a wonderful city tour. We highly recommend her. read less

History Buff We took the "High points of the city" tour with Marelvy on our first full day in Cartagena. She picked... read moreWe took the "High points of the city" tour with Marelvy on our first full day in Cartagena. She picked us up at the hotel at 8 am, and we began our tour promptly within the walled city. I think this is the best way to begin your vacation in Cartagena, you see all the main points of the city first and if you wish to further explore them in the future it makes it easier cause now you know what and where it was. Marelvy is very knowledgeable and quite the history buff, she is clear in both english and spanish and very well spoken. She is passionate about what she does and demonstrates it through her work, we really enjoyed this tour with her. I would highly recommend booking in advance as well because I hear she is in high demand during high season. read less

Highlights of the City tour We were on the Celebrity Reflection in Cartagena on November 11th and 12th Because of the fact that... read moreWe were on the Celebrity Reflection in Cartagena on November 11th and 12th Because of the fact that November 11th was Cartagena's Independence Day, we did our tour the next day. Marelvy had two tours organized that day because of it, so we were on the tour run by one of her associates. There was a nice view of the city from La Popa. I have issues walking too far and from the description we had been given, there would only be one time we'd be walking. It turned out that after we toured Getsemani, there was still another long walking tour. Fortunately I was able to wait in the air-conditioned bus and then met up with the group for lunch, missing the Emerald Museum and Old City. The lunch could have been organized better. I mentioned to the guide that I had health issues that didn't allow me to eat fried foods but I ended up getting a fried fish. We had ordered fish in marinara sauce which in North America means cooked in marinara sauce, not fried - but somehow their version was fried. We were all given a poster of Marelvy dancing. Otherwise, our guide was well-informed and pleasant. read less