The Cartagena Festival in Colombia was inaugurated nineteen years ago under the artistic direction of Charles Wadsworth, who led the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center for many years. Now under the leadership of General Director Antonio Miscena, the annual Festival offers a plethora of Symphonic and Chamber Concerts, Recitals, and Vocal Concerts featuring international artists of the highest caliber. Great Performance Tours has been in attendance almost every year for the full programs with an ‘embarrassment of musical riches’.

For January of 2026, the Festival’s landmark 20th ANNIVERSARY SEASON is entitled THE SOUL AND THE BODY, Musical Universalism and National Schools.  “A journey that spans from Baroque to national schools – including revivals of chosen works which highlighted recent seasons. After the first few days of Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, there will be an outpouring of Dvorak, Borodin, Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky and Grieg. The framework of the program will be the main axis of European musical culture until the mid-19th century.” (Antonio Miscena). On our final evening (January 10th), the Festival’s intention is to mount a one-act ‘Bel Canto’ opera by Rossini or Donizetti. Many friends who have already discovered the Festival with us will want to return for this unmissable program. (This Tour has been completely sold out for the past few years.)

Our Tour package of seven performances will start with a Concert on the evening of January 6th. As complete program details are still subject to confirmation, we will wait until our Final Itinerary to announce the day-by-day schedule and our choices. Our price includes a per-person Patron contribution to the Festival to support its education and social outreach program. As Patrons, we are welcome to attend morning lectures and late-evening programs; and we are invited to two private parties for VIP’s during our stay (details will be in our Final Itinerary).

The colonial Spanish-style ‘old town’ – designated a Unesco World Heritage Site – has become a proud showplace for the Colombian government. The narrow streets of restored 18th century (and earlier) houses are lined with picturesque balconies overflowing with tropical flowers and vines. Everyone who has joined us on our previous Tours has fallen in love with this Festival within easy reach of U.S. airports. The January weather typically offers summer temperatures, with a cooling sea-breeze in the afternoons. Our hotel is in the heart of the ‘old town’, where the atmosphere is completely safe and comfortable.

 In response to the attraction of Cartagena as an international destination, Jet Blue offers direct round-trip service from Kennedy Airport. Convenient direct service is also offered on American Airlines (and Avianca Airlines) from Miami.

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Prices Per Person (Air Fare not Included)

Double Occupancy: $5,380
Single Occupancy: $6,360