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Discover Panama: The Land Between the Seas
HighlightsPanama City, Miraflores Locks, Culinary Demonstration, Monkey Island Cruise, Smithsonian Galeta Marine Laboratory, Gamboa, Panama Canal Railway, Pacific Queen Panama Canal Cruise, Embera Indigenous Village, Salsa Dance Lesson, Playa Bonita Collette Experience Ride the historic Panama Canal Railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific.Traverse the Panama Canal through two locks aboard the Pacific Queen and learn about this engineering marvel.Travel by dugout canoe to an Embera village and learn about their traditional indigenous culture.Learn to prepare unique Panamanian dishes at an exclusive culinary demonstration.Enjoy four relaxing nights in a deluxe river view room - complete with balcony and hammock - at Gamboa Rainforest Resort. |
| Details | | Collette Vacations | | Offer valid through 8/31/2010 | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Panama City | Panama City, Panama - Tour Begins : Welcome to Panama, a country of lush rainforests, rich history, diverse wildlife and spectacular coastlines. Your tour begins in cosmopolitan Panama City.
| | Day 2 | Panama City | Panama City : Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast before embarking on a city tour. Visit Panama Viejo Visitors' Center and Cathedral Tower, exploring the ruins of the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific. Next, stop at two local markets specializing in fresh produce and seafood for an introduction to the specialty foods of Panama. Continue to Casco Antiguo, the Old Quarter - a UNESCO World Heritage site. A short walking tour down its cobblestoned streets showcases the Plaza de la Independencia, the Presidential Palace, the National Theater, and restored colonial churches and monuments. After lunch at leisure, head to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to view the Panama Canal and learn about its rich past, present and future. Tonight, experience a private culinary demonstration with a local chef and learn how typical Panamanian dishes are prepared. Then, enjoy a dinner overlooking the Miraflores Locks.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
| | Day 3 | Gamboa | Monkey Island-Galeta Marine Laboratory-Panama Canal Railway-Gamboa : Follow the canal north into the rainforest for your first glimpse of Panama's wildlife during a morning cruise to Monkey Island. Spot iguanas, toucans, crocodiles and more. Enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the marina, listening to birds and howler monkeys in the distance. Learn more about Panama's delicate ecosystems at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's Galeta Marine Laboratory as a staff biologist brings this breathtaking setting to life. Stroll through mangrove boardwalks, spot species of indigenous birds, and learn about the Collette Foundation's support of Galeta's outreach programs for local children. At the train station in Colon, climb aboard the historic Panama Canal Railway and relax in elegance as you are whisked past stunning scenery in perfectly restored cars. Continue to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort - your home for the next four nights.
Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
| | Day 4 | Panama Canal Cruise | Panama Canal Cruise : This morning your guide leads a nature walk through your resort's forest and gardens to spot its abundant birdlife. Next, board the Pacific Queen for a partial transit through the Panama Canal. Enjoy lunch on board and pass through two locks as you revel in a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this incredible engineering feat first hand and learn all about its construction and operation. Disembark at Flamenco Marina. Visit a local handicraft market and peruse artisan souvenirs made by indigenous peoples, including the "mola" embroidery of the Kuna Yala. Then, soak up the ambiance at the oceanfront Amador Causeway where you will relish a delicious seafood dinner.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
| | Day 5 | Gamboa | Gamboa : With a day at leisure, perhaps enjoy the resort's pool and spa; soak in the sights and sounds from the hammock on your balcony; take an aerial tram ride; kayak in the Panama Canal or embark on an optional day trip to Smithsonian's Tropical Research Institute at Barro Colorado Island Nature Monument for a guided trail walk.
Today breakfast will be included.
| | Day 6 | Embera Indigenous Village | Embera Indigenous Village : Set off for an excursion to an Embera indigenous village. Board dugout canoes for a scenic ride up the Chagres River to a settlement of Embera, known as the "Keepers of the Rainforest." The Embera strive to preserve their heritage and love to share their traditional techniques of homebuilding and handicrafts with visitors. Join in their dances and partake in a simple lunch cooked traditionally before returning to the mainland. This evening, enjoy a private salsa lesson where you move to the rhythm of Panama and learn about its rich folkloric tradition.
Today breakfast , lunch and dinner will be included.
| | Day 7 | Playa Bonita | Gamboa - Playa Bonita : Your morning is at leisure to relax or perhaps participate in a nature walk, visiting the butterfly house and orchid nursery. Or, embark on an optional tour to Gatun Locks and the Portobelo Fort. Depart Gamboa this afternoon for Playa Bonita and your luxurious five-star beachfront resort. En route, ascend to Cerro Ancon's peak for a captivating view of Panama City.
Today breakfast will be included.
| | Day 8 | Playa Bonita | Playa Bonita : Today you enjoy free time for relaxing on the beach, enjoying the spa or amenities at your hotel, kayaking, or taking a nature walk in the adjacent Punta Bruja Reserve. You may also opt to take a tour to a pineapple farm or an excursion to the enchanting Anton Valley, nestled inside the second largest volcanic crater in the world. This evening, celebrate your unforgettable journey to Panama at a farewell dinner overlooking the Pacific.
Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
| | Day 9 | Tour ends | Playa Bonita - Tour Ends :
Today breakfast will be included.
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| | | Holiday Inn Panama Canal, Panama City | | Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Gamboa | | Intercontinental Playa Bonita Resort & Spa, Playa Bonita | |
| Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. |
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