ITINERARY
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Arrival in Panama City
Arrange your international flight to arrive in Panama City, the capital of Panama, by 6pm today if possible. We provide one group transfer to our downtown hotel, timed to accommodate the greatest number of arriving passengers. We can schedule an optional private transfer if you cannot connect with the group transfer. Tonight Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at Tinajas Restaurant with a show of national dances. Overnight in Panama City. (Dinner Included)
Note: The order of tour activities on any given day might be rearranged to better suit current circumstances and take advantage of serendipitous sightseeing opportunities.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Old Panama / The Canal
After breakfast, depart for a tour of the major sights of Panama City, including the Panama Canal. Begin with a walking tour of Panama Viejo (Old Panama) destroyed by the pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Explore the narrow streets, plazas and public parks of Casco Viejo, the Colonial area. The tour continues to the commercial and banking area of the modern city. Afterwards, travel to the country’s engineering marvel—the Panama Canal to learn about its operation and history. With luck we will get to watch vessels as they transit through the Miraflores Locks. (Breakfast)
Monday, November 24, 2008
Canal Train / Portobelo
Journey across the isthmus today via the Panama Canal Railroad. This elegant train ride runs along the Panama Canal to its terminus in Colon. Continue by motorcoach to Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Portobelo was given the name “Puerto Bello” (Beautiful Port) by Christopher Columbus in 1502 because of its gorgeous natural harbor. When the Spanish Empire was at its height, Portobelo was a bustling crossroads full of riches. It was here that Spanish galleons picked up gold and treasures from their colonies to take back to Spain. This activity attracted pirates and buccaneers, who swarmed around the port and forced the Spanish conquerors to build forts for protection.
Sense the adventure and intrigue of the age of pirates and conquistadors as we tour the forts and newly restored customs building, in addition to the local church which houses the famous “Black Christ.” We enjoy lunch together before returning to Panama City in the late afternoon. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Gatun Lake / Rainforest Walk
After breakfast at our hotel, we transfer to our rainforest home for the next two nights: the Gamboa Resort. Upon arrival, we drop our bags and depart from the marina on a cruise across Gatun Lake, seeing different islands along the way. At one point, we stop for a short trek through the rainforest to the historical remains of an old Radio Station that was important for Americans during World War II. It is a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area, its flora and fauna, combined with a fascinating bit of history.
We return across the lake and check into our rooms. Enjoy a buffet lunch at the resort. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to take advantage of the resort’s many amenities and tours of local interest. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Free Day
Today is completely free, without any planned activities, but that won’t mean that you will have nothing to do. Our resort has many optional activities that could fill up several days. Take a morning walk along the Chagres River, or kayak on the Panama Canal. Take a boat over to Monkey Island, a natural habitat for the White-Faced Capucin and Howler Monkeys; ride an aerial tram through the treetops of the rainforest or enjoy a noctural safari. (Breakfast)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving on the San Blas Islands
Early this morning, we check out of the resort and transfer to the Panama City Airport. Take a short flight from Panama City to the San Blas Islands. Upon arrival at the airstrip in Achutupu, we journey by boat towards a little private island in the middle of this tropical paradise. This beautiful island has a lovely beach for swimming and sunbathing, with hammocks hung between palm trees. After checking into your beachfront, thatched roof hut, have lunch, followed by a boat tour among the nearby islands. Returning to our resort, enjoy a typical Kuna feast for Thanksgiving, with a special performance of Kuna music and dances. (All Meals)
Friday, November 28, 2008
San Blas Islands
After a leisurely breakfast, boat to a nearby unpopulated island for some snorkeling and beach fun, including nude sunbathing if you wish. This afternoon we head back to our island lodge for lunch and a free evening. Those who wish can take optional tours offered by the resort. (All Meals)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Return to Panama City / Farewell Dinner
Early this morning fly back to Panama City. Upon arrival, check into our hotel and enjoy free time for sightseeing or souvenir shopping. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at Eurasia Restaurant to celebrate the conclusion of our Thanksgiving holiday in Panama. (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast. Arrange your return flight home for any convenient time today. Toto Tours provides one group transfer from our hotel to the airport, timed to accommodate the greatest number of departing participants. (Breakfast) |
