TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - November 12, 2014) - From January 07, 2015 Canadians will be able to combine Caribbean beach relaxation with soft adventure as Sunwing Vacations launches a new route from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Cartagena. Sunwing Vacations is the only carrier to be offering a direct connection from the city to arguably Colombia's most important cultural and historical centre this winter. The new service will make it much easier for vacationers to unlock the secrets of one of Latin America's less well travelled countries. An extension of the company's wide range of vacation options to suit a number of tastes and budgets across the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and Cuba, the program is also significant as one of a growing number of soft adventure destinations offered by the tour operator.
Chief Operating Officer for the Sunwing Travel Group, Andrew Dawson, commented, "Over recent years our customers have told us that they appreciate being able to explore more off the beaten track destinations. We have already responded to this by adding direct connections from both Toronto and Montreal to Playa Blanca, Panama and La Ceiba, Honduras and feel that Cartagena, Colombia perfectly complements this evolving product range."
Once a key 16th century trading post, Cartagena's colourful heritage is one of pre-Colombian treasure troves and legends of conquistadors. Recognised by UNESCO for its well-preserved historical centre -- Cartagena boasts the continent's most extensive military fortifications -- the city is characterised by its Andalusian gardens, imposing battlements, opulent cathedral and colonial mansions. Set on a sheltered bay facing the Caribbean Sea, this natural harbour has much to offer tourists seeking a vacation at a different pace. In addition to cultural discoveries, sun worshippers can choose between the city's volcanic black sand beaches and the white, sandy bays lapped by azure waters of the nearby island of Baru; reached via a short ferry ride.
Sunwing customers will also be able to combine beach time with some memorable excursions. Off shore, the Rosario archipelago is a protected national park that offers excellent snorkelling and swimming together with explorations of unspoiled lagoons and mangroves that are a haven for local flora and fauna. Inland, options range from scaling El Totumo volcano for a restorative mud bath at the summit and hiking through the rainforest at Tayrona National Park in search of quetzals and howler monkeys.
Sunwing Vacations will be offering a number of different accommodation options that will enable its clientele to soak up the colonial atmosphere and explore the area's inviting coastline. Set on its own private beachfront, yet only a short drive from Cartagena's colonial treasures, the Las Americas Resort and Spa is an ideal choice for families and offers a nine-pool complex, playground, water park and choice of three restaurants. Boasting sweeping Caribbean views, the Occidental Grand Cartagena offers the best of both a city hotel and beach resort. Guests can take advantage of an exclusive beachfront location where they can enjoy complimentary non-motorized watersports together with a pool, fitness complex and activity program. When they want to explore, a complimentary shuttle service takes them to the heart of the historic city centre.
A week's stay at either property from January 07, 14 or 21, 2015 is available from $995 per person plus $390 taxes based on double occupancy of a hotel room on an all-inclusive basis. Return flights from Toronto are included.
For more information on vacations in Cartagena, visit www.sunwing.ca or contact your local travel agent.
About Sunwing Vacations
All Sunwing Vacations packages include award winning Sunwing Airlines' Champagne Service, which features a complimentary glass of champagne, hot towel service, hot sandwich served with a choice of wine at lunch and dinner, and complimentary in-flight entertainment, including first run movies and a generous 20 kg free baggage allowance. For just $40 more per flight segment, travellers can upgrade to Sunwing's Elite Plus service, which features advance seat selection, separate check-in at a majority of airports, advance boarding, 30 kg baggage allowance, priority baggage handling, and extra legroom seats.
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Contact Information:
Rachel Goldrick
Corporate Communications Manager
Sunwing Vacations
1-800-387-5602
media@sunwing.ca
