Day 1 - Thursday - Arrival in Panama

Meet & Greet on arrival at Panama International Airport and transfer to the Hotel Radisson Decapolis for a 4 night stay.

Located in the heart of Panama City, the Radisson Decapolis the hotel combines a chic, modern design with Panamanian art and atmosphere.

The spacious rooms are exquisitely decorated and feature spectacular views of the ocean or Downtown Panama City through floor to ceiling windows.



Day 2 - Friday - Panama City - Through the Ages - (Breakfast)

Today you will enjoy a tour of Historical Panama City and the Canal Locks.

First it is off to the historical regions of Old Panama which was founded in 1516 by the Spaniards and destroyed in 1671 by the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan.

Visits to the major sites including the fascinating "Museum of the Interoceanic Waterway" where it is possible to get a glimpse of the true cost of the Panama Canal.

Situated in a fabulous historic building which has been linked very closely with the Canal. Built to house the Grand Hotel it was described in 1875 as "the largest edifice of that kind between San Francisco and Cape Horn". This will be followed by a typical Panama-style lunch served at El Trapiche Restaurant in the Handicraft Market. Finally, it is off to the Panama Canal Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side of the canal for a bird's eye view of the operation of the locks which will help to prepare you for the exciting day tomorrow.


Day 3 - Saturday - Partial Transit and Tour of the Canal - (Breakfast)

Today is one of the main highlights of this tour.

You will be transferred from the hotel to the docks for your boat trip on the Panama Canal.

When you are aboard your ship you enter the Miraflores Locks which will lift you to 56 feet above sea level.

Then your vessel will move into Miraflores Lake, before cruising out to Panama Bay and the Pacific anchorage of the canal. In Panama Bay you will get a great view of the Panama City skyline, a bird sanctuary on Flamenco Island and ships awaiting transit.


Day 4 - Sunday - The Anton Valley - "You Tarzan, Me Jane!" - (Breakfast)

Located two hours away from the City, over 600 meters above sea level and situated in the crater of a dormant volcanto is the unique Valle de Anton, one of the most colorful areas of the Panamanian interior. On Sundays there is a huge Indian market where local artisans and Indians from the surrounding areas bring their products to sell.

Next is a visit to the Chorro del Macho, a waterfall that is within a nature-protected area. The adventurous can experience "The Canopy Adventure".

When you are back on "terre firme" it is time for lunch at Santa Librada Restaurant, in an excellent local restaurant which serves the traditional Sancocho, a tasty Panamanian chicken soup and country-style desserts called "los postres de la abuelita" (grandma's desserts). Our favourite is "No me olvides" (don't forget me) which really deserves its name.

Finally, a visit will be made to El Nispero finca, with its unique collection of orchids, the endangered golden frogs and the rare square trees.