Page 49 - 2020 Worldwide Journeys with Alexander + Roberts

Panama City, Old + New
CARIBBEAN SEA
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Portobelo Cristobal
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Panama City
Playa Bonita 3 To Costa Rica
PACIFIC OCEAN
PANAMA
COLOMBIA
OUR JOURNEY
DAY 1 | Welcome to Panama
On arrival in Panama City, you’ll be greeted and escorted to the charming Central Hotel.
DAY 2 | History of the Canal
Marvel at the shipping traffic entering the
Canal at the Miraflores Locks and delve into its history during a talk with the Panama Canal Authority. See the only American Cemetery
in Latin America and visit the historic Canal Administration Building which opened in 1914. Tonight we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner with wine. meals b+l+d
DAY 3 | Through the Canal
Journey from the Pacific to the Atlantic on
a full Canal transit, joining the huge ships that rely on this vital passage. You’ll enter the Miraflores Locks and traverse the Gaillard Cut. Arriving in the Caribbean port of Colon, transfer to the Gamboa Rainforest Lodge and check in to your riverview balcony guestroom. meals b+l
DAY 4 | Gatun Lake Nature Expedition Naturalist guided exploration of the islands in Gatun Lake offers a chance to learn about the tropical flora and to observe native species like sloths, caimans, and monkeys. At Gamboa’s ecological exhibits and rescue center, you’ll see and learn about additional rainforest creatures including butterflies and tropical frogs. The rest of this afternoon is free so you can enjoy the tropical setting and amenities of our lodge. meals b
DAY 5 | Visit an Emberá Village Travel to the edge of Lake Alajuela where Emberá villagers will meet you with their dugout canoes. Traveling silently into the virgin rainforest offers a chance to spot
herons, egrets, and ospreys. With luck and sharp eyes, you might also see toucans, otters and sloths. Deep in the pristine forest, you’ll spend time with the Emberá in their village
– learning about their daily life, tribal history and enduring traditions from their shamanic rites to dance and music. After lunch with the villagers, you can join a tribal elder for a nature walk to learn about their medicinal use of indigenous plants. This evening, enjoy dinner and wine at the Chagres River View Restaurant. meals b+l+d
DAY 6 | The Panama Railroad + Portobelo + Our Pacific Resort
Journey across the isthmus aboard the Panama Railroad, built in 1855 for fortune seekers during the Gold Rush. From atop
the Canal Expansion Center, you’ll see the recently-expanded canal. Opened to traffic
in 2016, it can accommodate massive ships up to 1,400 feet long and 180 feet wide! Then explore Portobelo , rich with history and the ruins of Colonial forts. Enjoy some wine with lunch and then continue to the Westin Playa Bonita Resort where oceanview rooms have been reserved for our guests. meals b+l
DAY 7 | The Many Facets of Panama City A guided walking tour in Casco Antiguo
takes you along cobblestone streets graced by fine Colonial architecture. Stop to sample ceviche and local beer at the lively fish market and then join city residents on the modern subway to visit El Carmen Church. At the Afro-Antillean Museum, you’ll learn about lesser known chapters of the Canal’s construction and development. At the BioDiversity Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, you’ll learn how Panama’s vital role
as a land bridge between North and South
America has impacted biodiversity and human life on both Continents. After lunch, we’ll visit the archaeological ruins at Panama Viejo . Founded in 1519, this was the earliest settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Later, we’ll take you back to the Westin so you can enjoy this Pacific resort. meals b+l
DAY 8 | In the Countryside
Ascend into the lofty hills of Altos de Campana
National Park for views of the Canal Basin. Home to a variety of exotic birds like the orange-bellied trogon and white-tailed hawk, it’s a also great place for birdwatchers. Then visit an orchid farm and have lunch at a fonda; these typical countryside restaurants are known for their fine farm-to-table Panamanian food. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine at the Westin. meals b+l+d
DAY 9 | Adios, Playa Bonita
We’ll take you to the airport today. meals b
ADD ON
COSTA RICA
Explore Arenal Volcano and the Cloud Forest of Villa Blanca. 5 days from $1,899 including airfare.
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