Love in the time of Cholera

The long-awaited film adaptation of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s classic novel is due to be released in the UK on March 28th. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Love in the Time of Cholera tells the story of a 50-year love triangle between Doctor Juvenal Urbino, his wife Fermina Daza and her long-time admirer Florentinto Ariza.

A complex tale of unrequited love, the novel explores the idea that it is noble to suffer in the name of love. The novel is supposedly set in the colonial city of Cartagena, which provides the backdrop for the majority of the film’s scenes.

Set on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena is often referred to as South America’s most beautiful city, and it was here that Garcia Marquez spent his early years. The riches of the New World were shipped to Spain from Cartagena, and the legacy of this colourful history can be seen in the fort of San Felipe, the large churches and cathedrals and numerous museums recalling the days of conquest.

Cox & Kings’ private journey includes a three-night stay in the colonial Old Town at the luxurious Sofitel Santa Clara, which was converted from a 17th century convent.

Colombia’s reputation was tarnished for decades by drugs and guerrilla warfare, but the conflict has quietened over the last few years and the country stabilised. Tourism is picking up fast: foreign tourist visits rose dramatically from 500,000 in 2003 to 1.3 million in 2007. Cox & Kings’ Latin America Product Manager Vessela Baleva says:

“Colombia is one of South America’s least discovered gems. As well as the beautiful scenery and colonial towns, the local people are warm and welcoming, and the relative lack of international tourists is a great draw. Love in the Time of Cholera will undoubtedly be a great platform to show what Colombia has to offer as a travel destination.”

See the film, then visit the set with Cox & Kings. The company’s new luxury private journey Treasures of Colombia explores the best of the country, from Andean peaks and valleys to tropical Caribbean coast and beaches. The 10-night itinerary combines the fascinating mountain capital Bogotá with the beautiful colonial city of Cartagena.

The trip concludes on the beaches of Tayrona National Park, an unspoilt part of the Caribbean by the lush slopes of the Sierra Nevada. From £2,795 per person including flights with Air France, accommodation in luxury character hotels with breakfast, and all transfers and excursions on a private basis.

For more information, visit Coxandkings.co.uk.