The Real Deal Eleven nights' accommodations, a city tour, a boat ride, a wilderness excursion, two local flights, and a few meals, from $1,145 per person—plus taxes of $28.

When Depart Saturdays, Sept. 27, Nov. 1, Dec. 6, 2008; Jan. 10, Feb. 14, Mar. 21, Apr. 25, May 30, July 4, Aug. 8, 2009.

Ruins of the Fort of San Jose de Bocachica in Cartagena (MedioImages/Corbis) [enlarge photo]

The Fine Print The starting rate of $1,145 includes a local cash payment of $250, due upon arrival in Bogotá. Included are hotel taxes, one breakfast, one lunch, one dinner, local transportation by bus and taxi, two local flights, and services of a G.A.P Adventures leader throughout the trip. Departure tax is an additional $28 per person. Travelers must have travel insurance, which can be purchased through G.A.P; insurance cost varies depending on factors like age and medical condition. Based on double occupancy; no single supplement (solo travelers will be paired off with someone of the same sex.) As most meals are not included, G.A.P recommends that you allow $240 per person for additional food and beverages. Airfare is not included. The group size for this trip averages about 10 persons (15 max). When booking, refer to code SMCH. U.S. citizens must have a valid passport but do not need a visa to enter Colombia if staying less than 60 days. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.

Book By No deadline; based on availability.

Contact G.A.P Adventures, 800/708-7761, gapadventures.com.

Why It's a Deal The $1,145 rate breaks down to about $104 per person per day and covers accommodations, two local flights, transportation by bus and taxi, several guided excursions, and a few meals. Beyond the monetary value of the package, G.A.P makes all of the travel arrangements for you—and it provides an English-speaking group leader, who will help you easily get around in a country where English is not widely spoken, thus ensuring an enjoyable, safe, and hassle-free trip.

Trip Details The Colombia Highlights package includes 11 nights' accommodations; nine are at modest hotels along the way and two are spent in a hammock at Tayrona National Park. G.A.P works with a network of hotels and was unable to provide names of all the specific properties used for this itinerary as of press time.

The journey begins in Bogotá, Colombia's capital, where you'll spend the night at the 24-room Hotel Ambala in the center of the city. Since your stay in the capital is brief, there are no planned activities. You might visit a few of the main attractions on your own, perhaps the National Museum of Colombia, the government buildings and the cathedral at La Plaza Bolívar, or the Gold Museum.

After a good night's rest, take a one-hour flight to Cartagena, a colonial city on the Caribbean coast, which will be your home for the next three nights. An included four-hour guided tour covers the old town's historic walled section (ciudad amurallada) and several museums before proceeding through the new city to the port and beaches of Boca Grande.

During your free time, you may sightsee on your own or join an optional tour of the Palace of the Inquisition (COP $15,000 ($8.50) with an English guide) or the fortress Castillo de San Felipe (COP $11,000 ($6.25)). While there are many other excursions to choose from, the best way to get acquainted with Cartagena may be to drive to La Popa, atop the city's highest hill, where you can visit the whitewashed monastery, built in 1607, and enjoy panoramic views of the city—especially postcard-worthy at sunset (COP $6,000 ($3.50) per person).

From Cartagena, continue to Tolu, a charming seaside town and a favorite getaway for Colombian vacationers. During your two-night stay, you can relax on the beach, savor tasty local seafood, or dance the night away at one of several discotheques. This part of the trip also includes a full-day boat excursion to the San Bernardo Islands, perfect for snorkeling.

Santa Marta is the next stop. Colombia's oldest city will be your home base for the next four nights—two of which you'll spend sleeping in a hammock at Tayrona National Park (protective mosquito nets will be provided). You'll go on nature hikes to explore the lush jungle vegetation and visit the pre-Hispanic village of Pueblito.