Discover Panama                 
                                   November 8th, 2012        $2099.00 Per Person


Day 1: Panama City, Panama - Tour Begins
Welcome to Panama. After an overnight in cosmopolitan Panama City, beautiful Bocas del Toro
awaits.

Day 2: Panama City - Bocas del Toro Islands
Fly to the tropical archipelago known as Bocas del Toro, near the Costa Rican border. Discovered
by Columbus in 1502, the islands enclose the calm, green Caribbean waters of Chiriqui Lagoon and
boast exotic beaches, lush greenery, banana plantations and a relaxed calypso lifestyle. It’s the kind
of Caribbean hideaway one expects to find only in an old Bogart film and it’s a hard place to leave.
Enjoy your stay at the Playa Tortuga Hotel and Beach Resort, on the island of Colon. Settle into
island life with dinner featuring Caribbean cuisine at your resort as you experience the best of Bocas
hospitality. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 3: Bocas del Toro Islands
After breakfast, start your exploration of the natural wonders of Isla Bastimentos Marine National
Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Featuring spectacular coral reefs and warm crystal-clear
waters, it is a paradise for swimmers and divers. Explore Dolphin Bay by boat for a chance to see
these beautiful animals in their natural environment. The adventure continues with a visit to Coral
Cay, a lovely reef with plentiful sea creatures. Enjoy lunch at leisure at a laid-back restaurant built
over the water. Delight in Bocas del Toro seafood specialties in-between snorkeling and swimming
opportunities from the dock. Next, continue by boat to Red Frog Beach, named for the otherwise
rare species of dart frog that is abundant on this island. After a nature walk to spot the tiny frogs,
take in the Caribbean atmosphere at one of Bocas’ largest and most beautiful beaches. Return to
your resort for dinner overlooking the tropical seas and soak up more island vibes. Today breakfast
and dinner will be included.

Day 4: Panama Canal Cruise
This morning, follow your guide on a nature walk through the resort’s forest and gardens. The
Audubon Society rates Soberanía National Park as one of the world’s top bird watching locations.
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 and relish a seafood dinner.  Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will
be included.

Day 5: 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; go fishing in Gatun Lake; 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: Emberá Indigenous Village
Set off for an excursion to an Emberá indigenous village. Board dugout canoes for a scenic ride up
the Chagres River to a settlement of Emberá, the “Keepers of the Rainforest.” The Emberá 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: Gamboa - Monkey Island or Rainforest Tram - Playa Bonita
Choose how to spend your morning! Get an up-close glimpse of Panama’s wildlife during a cruise to
Monkey Island or ride the Aerial Tram for canopy level views of the rainforest. Spot iguanas,
toucans, sloths, and more. Relax for the remainder of the morning…perhaps take a nature walk,
visiting the resort’s butterfly house and orchid nursery; or embark on an optional tour to Gatún
Locks and the Portobelo Fort. Depart Gamboa this afternoon for Playa Bonita and your five-star
beachfront resort. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 8: Playa Bonita
Today, 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 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 journey to Panama at a farewell dinner
overlooking the Pacific. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 9: Playa Bonita - Tour Ends
Today breakfast will be included.

Included:  Round trip transportation to Las Vegas airport, airfare, 9 day guided tour, 15 meals and
transfers

Not Included:  Travel protection coverage, gratuities, optional excursions, meals not mentioned
Donna Touchette @ Cruise N Travel Experts
928-377-3923
groupspecialist@hotmail.com


Donna Touchette @ Cruise N Travel Experts | A Full Service Agency | Group Travel & Fund Raising Specialist
928-377-3923 | groupspecialist@hotmail.com | California Sellers of Travel #2019108-10