History, Nature & the Canal

Day 2 : PANAMA CITY (B)
Panama City was founded by the Spanish Conquistadors in 1519. It was the first settlement on the Pacific Ocean and served as the starting point for the conquest of South America. The tour of the city starts with a visit to the ruins of "Panama Viejo", the first city that was destroyed by Henry Morgan in 1671. Continue through the modern residential areas to Casco Antiguo, the colonial city of Panama built in 1672, developed as a result of the relocation of Panama Viejo. Visit the Cathedral and its park surrounded by historical buildings, French Quarters, Plaza Francia, Plaza Bolivar and more. Continue to the Miraflores Lock in the Panama Canal to see the large ships transiting the canal. Here you will enjoy an audiovisual presentation, which will explain step by step the operation of the canal The afternoon is free for your own activities. Accommodation at selected hotel in Panama City

Day 3 : PANAMA CITY (B)
Today you will have a full day at leisure. Panama City is a cosmopolitan city and a shopper¹s paradise. Explore the city on your own or visit one of the charming cafes and restaurants. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 4 : PANAMA CITY - EMBERA INDIAN COMMUNITY (B,L)
Following breakfast, you will depart for an Eco-Tour to Chagres National Park. Here you will visit the Chocoes/Embera Indian Village and the Parara Puru Indian Community. You will witness many of their handicrafts in the making, including the carving of the tagua nut, which transforms into a beautiful shape almost the color of ivory. Following lunch in a typical tambo, you will have the opportunity to purchase many of these handicrafts. Late afternoon return to Panama City and your hotel.

Day 5 : PANAMA CITY - ANTON VALLEY (B,L)
Early morning departure from your hotel following breakfast. Today you will partake in a tour to Anton Valley, in the province of Cocle. Cocle is located 600 meters above sea level and is believed to be the crater of an ancient volcano. You will visit the residential area, the Macho Waterfall, the thermal poles, and the Nispero Farm where you can see the famous golden frogs. Following your tour, you will enjoy lunch in a typical Panamanian restaurant at El Valle de Antón. Return to Panama City and your hotel for overnight.

Day 6 : PANAMA CITY - PORTOBELO - ISLA GRANDE (B)
Today you will visit the Caribbean Side of Panama. Once you exit the main road between Panama City and Colon and head towards Portobelo, you will enter a green landscape with dramatic hills where the "campesinos" (Spanish for farmers) ride their horses and tend their cattle. Portobelo is a sleepy bayside town full of colonial history where you will feel transported back in time. Here, you will encounter no less than 5 colonial fortifications where the canons are still pointing their mouths towards the bay they once protected. Portobelo is also home to the statue of the Black Christ, which according to the legend possesses divine powers that has several times prevented the statue from being removed from here. Other monuments of interest are: The Custom House built in 1640, and the Hospital Chapel built in the year 1597.

Isla Grande is an exciting and popular place in Panama that people simply know as "La Isla" (The Island). The island is inside the Portobelo National park, just 5 minutes by motor boat from the small town of La Guaira on the main land that makes its living out fishing and tourism. Isla grande has a population of about 300 inhabitants and its surface is mostly covered with plants and trees and its shoreline is surrounded by coral reefs. Here you will spend the afternoon enjoying this paradise island of the Panamanian Caribbean. Return to your hotel in Panama City.

Day 7 : PANAMA CITY-USA (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Panama City Airport for your flight home.

Accommodations		Option A	Option B	Option C
PANAMA CITY		Ambassador Suites	Crowne Plaza	Intercontinental Miramar

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Departure Dates & Prices

NOTES: Rates are person in US Dollars, based on double occupancy, valid through march 31, 2008 except for Christmas and New Year's periods (hotel supplements apply - please inquire). Airfare is based on Miami deparures; other gateways are available - please see below. Not included in the rates are US and foreign airport departure taxes, as well as airline fuel surcharges.

SUPPLEMENTS/ ADDITIONAL COSTS:
AIRFARE: Holiday Season (Dec. 10 - Jan 2): $290

BRING-YOUR-OWN-AIR: If you buy your own airline tickets please deduct $410 from the above prices

DEPARTURES FROM OTHER US CITIES: Please add the add-on fares listed below to the tour price:

BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE (International airfare): Available on request