Central America Jewels & Panama Canal

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of four days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 – Panama City

Meet at Panama City Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transfered to the hotel Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5*.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Panama City

After breakfast, You will depart for a visit of Panama City’s famous landmarks. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).

You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

You will continue with the visit of the Mola Museum that opened in 2019. It was created to give relevance to the ancient culture of the Guna people represented in the mola. The mola is an indigenous textile art sewn into panels with complex designs, beautiful colours and multiple layers using a reverse appliqué technique that identifies the Guna community in Panama, you will enjoy beautiful display of many pieces at this small one floor quaint museum.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, take part to a private Mola workshop with a Guna woman and artisan who through her art safeguards the traditions of her people and pays tribute to their culture, inspired mainly by the biodiversity of Panama. The workshop will last more than 2 hours, starting with the history and meaning of the Molas in Panama, and continuing with the project that consist in the creation of a handkerchief.

Walk back to your hotel.

Dinner at leisure.

Day 3 – Panama City

After breakfast, you will depart by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1 h drive).

You will be taken a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. You will also visit the sloth sanctuary, orchidarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit the Old Panama Ruins, first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas.

Return to the hotel, rest of the day and dinner at leisure.

Day 4 – Panama City - Colon

Start your last day at the Biomuseo, also called the Gehry’s Museum in honour of its world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building is designed to recall the creation of the isthmus of Panama which linked two continents and changed the planet’s biodiversity forever. The event that would change natural history for both continents occurred around three million years ago. Species from both continents mingled as northern animals went south and southern animals went north. The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square metres describe the country’s rich biodiversity.

You will proceed to the restaurant for lunch.

Continue with the Agua Clara Locks is the largest project at the Canal since its original construction that created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway’s capacity, be a witness of this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion.

The new Observation Centre of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon Panama, is a park style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares, 400 visitors, simultaneously, will be able to enjoy in this new centre, the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic, at the same time, from its privileged location, visitors see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.

You will then be transfered to the port of Colón to embark aboard your ship.

Your hotel:

The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* is located in the heart of the Casco Antiguo of Panama City, a UNESCO protected site and declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. It enjoys a privileged location facing the sea, facilities that blend historical heritage with modernity and impeccable service. It is an architectural beauty, built in the Bay of Panama City with important buildings around such as the National Theatre, the San José del Altar de Oro Church and a few minutes from the Biomuseo. The hotel features 3 restaurants and cafés, 2 bars and the largest outdoor pool deck in Casco Antiguo.

Your programme includes:

·        3-nights accommodation in Luxury Ocean View room at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, entrance fees and activities as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinners.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Room service at the Sofitel Legend is available at an additional cost.

·        The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is under renovation and may not be open during your visit.

·        This programme involves walking on uneven and paved terrain.

·        This programme involves walking uphill in the Old Town.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel:

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Calle Primera Oeste, San Felipe, Casco Viejo
0843 PANAMA CITY
PANAMA
Telephone: +507 302-4300

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of two days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Panama City

Meet at the airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred directly to the hotel Hilton Panama 5*.

Check-in and dinner at leisure.

Day 2 - Panama City/Colón

Breakfast and check-out.

You will first discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own this neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

You will then be taken to Gamboa for a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

You will continue to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).

You will then be transferred to the port of Colón to embark aboard your ship.

Your hotel :

The Hilton Panama 5* is a few steps away from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks away from the Financial District. Guest rooms offer views of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They feature contemporary design and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access and a HDTV. You will find at your disposal a fitness centre, a spa and a rooftop pool.

Your programme includes :

·        1-night accommodation in ocean view room at the hotel Hilton Panama 5* (or similar).

·        Lunch as described in the programme with beverage package (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel on your day of arrival.

Your programme does not include:

·        Meals of day 1.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel:

Hilton Hotel

Balboa Avenida & Aquilino de la Guardia

Panama City, PANAMA

Telephone: + 507 280 8000

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. To know the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.