Hafen
Panama City (Fuerte Amador)

OVERVIEW

See how Panama City has preserved its architectural and cultural traditions and get a glimpse into the capital’s vision for the future. While driving through the former Canal Zone, you will pass landmarks that reflect the history of this swath of land that borders the canal. Panama assumed control of it in 1999. As you will discover, Panama City has plenty of modern upscale areas such as the waterfront Punta Paitilla, yet it still embraces its colonial past. The theme park Mi Pueblito is a fine example, as it encompasses three replica traditional villages – one Afro-Caribbean, another showing how the indigenous people live and the third representing a village in Panama’s densely forested interior. As you meander about the villages, you will likely see traditional folkloric performances. A stop in a handicraft market in the Balboa district and lunch at a traditional restaurant will add more texture to your understanding of the Panamanian culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for an enlightening driving tour through Panama’s capital city.
• Browse three replica villages, each one depicting a different traditional lifestyle.
• Shop at a handicraft market full of merchandise made with natural materials.
• See modern and colonial landmarks that reflect Panama’s past and future vision.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This interesting tour showcases both the technology and the ecology of the Panama Canal. Commence your excursion with a 30-minute coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Miraflores Locks, the first set of locks from the Pacific side of the Canal and probably the most visited due to their proximity to Panama City. From here, move to the viewing platform where you can observe first-hand the Canal in action.

visit the nearby IMAX Theater to enjoy an informational rich canal documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman. Through the magic of 3D and IMAX cameras, audiences everywhere can take an incredible trip through one of the seven wonders of the modern world in PANAMA CANAL 3D - A LAND DIVIDED - A WORLD UNITED. The documentary takes you through the locks and mechanical operations of the canal.

Continuing, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to the small town of Gamboa and the lovely Gamboa Rainforest Resort. After a brief comfort stop, you will walk to the nearby wharf where you will board your sightseeing boat for an eco-cruise on Gatun Lake. This great ecological cruise takes you on a journey inside the Panama Canal and you may find yourself cruising next to cargo ships that cross the Canal every day. As you travel through these waters, your experienced guide will explain the complexity of the flora and fauna of the Canal Zone and the surprising importance of it to the operation of the Canal. Your tour also takes you to Monkey Island where it is very common to see monkeys playing in the trees.

After a relaxing, yet thoroughly informative experience exploring the environs of Gatun Lake and the Canal, you will return to the dock in Gamboa and then re-join your coach for the return to Amador.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the ultimate foodie experience by sampling Panamanian specialties while walking through atmospheric Casco Antiguo. This district in nearby Panama City is so historically important that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site for preserving its original street plan and unusual mix of French and Spanish architecture. Your immersion into the cuisine will begin with a cup of highly acclaimed Geisha coffee, whose beans are grown in the Panamanian highlands. The flavor will be noticeably complex with floral notes. Chocolate pairs beautifully with coffee as you will discover during a tasting at the I Love Panama Chocolate café. Besides savoring a selection of handmade sweets, you will learn so much about the chocolate-making process that you can create your own chocolate bar. Another tasting awaits at La Rana Dorada, a brewpub where you will be served a pint of craft beer that best expresses the local ingredients.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a cup of coffee made with flavorful Geisha beans grown in Panama’s highlands.
• Sample chocolates, learn how they are hand-crafted and create your own chocolate bar.
• Drop by a popular brewpub for a pint of Panamanian beer.
• Walk from venue to venue in Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Indulge in classic Panamanian dishes and snacks that best reflect the country’s ever-evolving cuisine. As an introduction to Panama City, you will enjoy an enlightening walk through the historic district Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for preserving its original street plan and unusual mix of French and Spanish architecture. Along the way, you will sample handmade artisan chocolates and Geisha coffee, a brew revered for its complex flavor and floral notes. A multi-course lunch will follow at Fonda Lo Que Hay, an unpretentious but acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its innovative cuisine that fuses traditional Panamanian and Afro-Antillean flavors. Several of the dishes will showcase seafood such as the tuna yucca tostada appetizer and the locally sourced fish entrées. After dining, you watch a demonstration of raspao being prepared. This shaved-ice treat is the Panamanian version of a snow cone, but flavored with tropical syrups and topped with condensed milk.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor a sampling of artisan chocolates and a cup of flavorful Geisha coffee.
• Dine on a variety of inventive dishes at the restaurant Fonda Lo Que Hay.
• Watch how raspao is prepared and enjoy one of these fruit-flavored shaved-ice treats.
• Follow the guide through historical Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sample some of Panama City’s most traditional cuisine as an appetizer of sorts to a multi-course meal at a casual waterfront restaurant. The tastings will begin at a bustling seafood market where the day’s catch will on display. The vendors will be preparing the seafood for dishes such as ceviche, in which bite-size pieces of raw fish are marinated in citrus juice and mixed with various vegetables and herbs depending on the recipe. After sampling Panamanian-style ceviche, you will stroll through Casco Antigua, the city’s atmospheric colonial quarter. Along the way, you will learn about Panama’s passion for chocolate made from locally sourced cacao. A tasting will confirm how rich and flavorful it is. Upon arriving at the family-owned restaurant Sabroso, you will indulge in a meal of authentic Panamanian cuisine prepared from recipes handed down from one generation to another. It will be an authentic culinary experience that celebrates the local cuisine.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample freshly made ceviche at a waterfront seafood market.
• Learn about the history of Panamanian chocolate and enjoy a tasting of it.
• Follow the guide through historical Casco Antiguo, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Enjoy a multi-course meal of Panamanian cuisine at the restaurant Sabroso.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Boarding your mini-coach at the pier, you'll commence a 40-minute drive to fascinating Panama City. Panama City is located at the entrance of the Panama Canal and is an exciting city with a colorful history. The city today combines a rich collection of both modern and colonial architecture, historical monuments, and tree-shaded boulevards.

Your tour of the city begins by viewing highlights of the part of the city that is referred to as Old Panama, and which was founded in 1519 by Pedro Arias Davila and later destroyed by Captain Henry Morgan. Old Panama City was the first city of the Pacific Coast of the Americas and played a major role in the conquering of South America. In later years, it was the place where gold was sent to Portobelo and then on to Spain.

Following your tour of Old Panama, you will make your way to what is known as Casco Antiguo or Colonial Panama. This area of the city was founded in 1673 after the original capital was left in ruins following Captain Henry Morgan's attack two years earlier and features some lovely French and Spanish architecture. Several points of interest in the city are the Cathedral, the National Theater, and Las Bovedas.

Following your tour of Panama City's most notable sights, you will make the return transfer back to Amador and your waiting ship.

Experience the wonders of the Panama Canal on this spectacular partial canal transit. Arriving in Panama City, you will disembark the ship and take a short transfer by coach to the La Playita dock where you will board a spacious ferry and begin your unforgettable tour of the Panama Canal. The first lock you will pass through is the Miraflores Locks, where your ship will be raised the first 56 feet and enter Miraflores Lake. From here, you will transit through the Pedro Miguel Locks, where you will be raised the second 28 feet and enter Gatun Lake, once the largest man-made lake in the world. Crossing the Continental Divide at this point, you will continue to Gaillard Cut. The Gaillard (or Culebra) Cut, was the most challenging section of the canal to build. As you pass through the Cut, you'll see the continuing excavation that keeps this passage open to marine traffic. Enjoy a buffet lunch aboard the ferry before your fascinating tour of the Canal ends in the small village of Gamboa. While not large, Gamboa is home to the headquarters of the Panama Canal dredging division and some of the largest floating cranes in the world. After leaving your ferry, board a waiting motorcoach for the just over 1-hour drive back to the ship at Amador. Each tour participant will receive a certificate that commemorates their crossing of the Canal.

OVERVIEW

Gain a unique understanding of the Panama Canal’s innovative Agua Clara locks through an immersive IMAX film and then by watching the locks in operation. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, the film clearly and intriguingly explains the complexities, construction and challenges of the canal, both past and present. The Agua Clara locks, which opened in 2016, expanded the canal with an alternative lane that accommodates ships that are too massive for the original locks. The newest locks also feature a more environmentally friendly design that conserves water and reduces CO2 emissions. Still, nothing compares to seeing them in person. A scenic drive to the Atlantic side of Panama will bring you to the Agua Clara Locks Visitor Center, where you can delve even deeper into the history of the Panama Canal and the proposed changes to the canal. The center’s observation platform offers an excellent view of the ships transiting the locks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch a high-resolution IMAX film that details the history of the Panama Canal.
• Discover how the Agua Clara locks allow ships once too large for the canal to now transit it.
• See the Agua Clara locks in operation from an observation platform at a visitor center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This completely unique tour could easily be the highlight of your trip. Just imagine traveling down the tracks of the first transcontinental railroad in a beautifully restored and richly adorned railcar, while viewing what is widely considered to be the 8th wonder of the world; the Panama Canal, as well as spectacular Gatun Lake and the extraordinarily beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside. Adding to all of that, the unrivaled experience of traveling from one ocean to another, crossing the amazing continent of the Americas in just over one hour!

The Panama Railroad was the brainchild of a group of New York Financiers who wanted to create an easy passage for the increasing gold rush traffic. The railroad took five years and eight million dollars to build and was completed in 1855. During its first 12 years of operation, the train carried over 750 million dollars’ worth of gold and silver and collected one-quarter of one percent of each shipment as duty. The railroad was rebuilt in 1909 during the construction of the Panama Canal, and without it, the canal could not have been built. Your journey will begin with a short coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Pacific side railroad station where you will board the train for your approximately 75-minute rail journey. As you travel through the lush tropical rainforest, there is a good chance you'll sight some Howler monkeys, colorful toucans or other exotic wildlife. Crossing the Continental Divide, you'll find yourself on the Atlantic side, where you will disembark the train.

Following your time at locks, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier in Amador.

This completely unique tour could easily be the highlight of your trip. Just imagine traveling down the tracks of the first transcontinental railroad in a comfortable domed railcar, while viewing what is widely considered to be the 8th wonder of the world; the Panama Canal, as well as spectacular Gatun Lake and the extraordinarily beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding countryside. Adding to all of that, the unrivaled experience of traveling from one ocean to another, crossing the amazing continent of the Americas in just over one hour!

The Panama Railroad was the brainchild of a group of New York Financiers who wanted to create an easy passage for the increasing gold rush traffic. The railroad took five years and eight million dollars to build and was completed in 1855. During its first 12 years of operation, the train carried over 750 million dollars’ worth of gold and silver and collected one-quarter of one percent of each shipment as duty. The railroad was rebuilt in 1909 during the construction of the Panama Canal, and without it, the canal could not have been built.

Your journey will begin with a short coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Pacific side railroad station where you will board the train for your approximately 75-minute rail journey. As you travel through the lush tropical rainforest, your location from high atop your glass-domed car will give you an outstanding panoramic view of the passing scenery and there is a good chance you'll sight some Howler monkeys, colorful toucans or other exotic wildlife. Crossing the Continental Divide, you'll find yourself on the Atlantic side, where you will disembark the train.

From here, it's a short coach transfer to Aqua Clara or the Expansion Locks. It will truly seem as if the mammoth ships passing through the locks are a mere arm's length away. Following your time at the Locks, you will re-board your coach and transfer back to the pier in Amador.

This tour takes you off the beaten track to see a side of Panama not often seen by visitors. You will begin with a 30-minute coach transfer from the pier in Amador to the Miraflores Locks, the first set of locks from the Pacific side of the Canal and probably the most visited due to their proximity to Panama City. Upon arrival, you will be able to view a model of the Canal that is accompanied by a narration provided by a Panama Canal guide. From here, move to the viewing platform where you can observe first-hand the Canal in action.

Next, visit the nearby IMAX Theater to enjoy an informational rich canal documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman. Through the magic of 3D and IMAX cameras, audiences everywhere can take an incredible trip through one of the seven wonders of the modern world in Panama Canal 3D- A Land Divided - A Land Divided - A World United. The documentary takes you through the locks and mechanical operations of the canal.

Re-joining your coach, you will travel to Fort Clayton, the Army base that housed the Southern Command Headquarters. Here, you will have the opportunity to see how the U.S. Army troops lived during their stay in Panama. Your tour also takes you past the new development of the 'City of Knowledge', a joint development between the Panamanian government and several educational institutes and research development companies. Continuing, drive through portions of Albrook Air Force Base which today, is where the new Domestic Airport is located and where you will observe how it has now been converted into a commercial area and high-end residential district. Prior to heading back to the pier, you will take a drive through the community of Balboa, the primary area where workers and important buildings were located during the Canal's construction.

OVERVIEW

Experience the natural wonders of the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve while ziplining through the tree canopy and hiking along the forest floor. A briefing at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort will prepare you for the adventure that lies ahead and how to make the most of it. You will then soar over nearly a mile of tropical rainforest on a series of zipline cables that stretch high above the ground. Every moment will be exhilarating as each of the 10 ziplines has its own characteristics. Along the way and while pausing on the elevated platforms between the ziplines, you will enjoy a literal bird’s-eye view of the tropical surroundings. Sights include the Panama Canal and the Chagres River. You will see the rainforest from an entirely different perspective while hiking through it with a naturalist guide. Besides learning about flora such as the Holy Ghost Orchid – Panama’s national flower – you may spot wildlife such as white-faced capuchin monkeys.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the thrill of soaring through the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve on a series of 10 ziplines.
• Get a literal bird’s-eye view of the tropical forest, the Panama Canal and the Chagres River.
• Hike through the rainforest with a naturalist guide that will describe the native flora and fauna.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This tour was designed for you to step aboard a time machine and travel back more than 600 years; to a Central America only few have had the privilege of experiencing. More than a tour, this is a journey into the lives of the Embera Indian Tribe. A proud people, who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyle as it was before the Spaniards colonized the region. Start out the expedition aboard an air-conditioned vehicle where a knowledgeable guide will give you an overview of Panama on the way to the jungles of the Central Region. Your host will prepare you for the cultural feast you are about to experience by sharing the history and customs of the Emberá Indians who are the keepers of the Rainforest and Chagres River. When you arrive at the Chagres National Park, you will leave the comfort of your vehicle to board the dug out canoes that will take you to the Emberá Village. Although not the most luxurious, these dug outs are sturdy and worthy craft which were critical in the conquering of the jungle and in establishing supply lifelines for both Indians and Spanish. After motoring up river, you will see the village emerge from the jungle as if by magic. Keep your eyes open along the way, as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the river's edge.

In the Village, the Chief will welcome you with traditional Emberá hospitality. A series of dances have been arranged to add to this cultural exchange.

Feel free to wonder the village, ask questions or interact with these quiet people. Please remember that we are guests in their home and a good measure of common sense and sensitivity towards their privacy is appreciated.

The Embera men and woman are spectacular craftsmen have produced some beautiful items, which will be available for purchase as souvenirs or keepsakes of this unique experience.

All too soon, it is time to return to your century, where the bliss and tranquility of older days has been all but forgotten.

Since opening more than 100 years ago, over a million vessels have traveled through the famous waterway, connecting culture and commerce from around the world. The canal has been called the most difficult construction project ever undertaken. Started by the French and completed by the US, construction of this artificial waterway took 33 years and cost the lives of 25,000 workers. Today, more than 13,000 ships pass through it annually. Start your tour at Miraflores, a lock on the Pacific Ocean side of the canal. At the Miraflores Visitor Center, watch an IMAX movie about the canal and see the Miraflores locks from a unique perspective while visiting the operational area with a private guide from the Panama Canal Authority. After lunch, visit the Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center to learn more about this engineering marvel and the massive Panama Canal Expansion Project, which doubled the waterway’s capacity when completed in June 2016.

- Inside access tour with a private/local Panama Canal guides at the 2 Visitor Centers

- On this tour you will get to see the Miraflores Locks from a unique perspective by visiting the operational area of the locks with a private guide from the Panama Canal Authority.

- This is a small group experience and limited availability tour.

- Lunch will be held in a private room of a Summit Rainforest Hotel

NOTE: Transiting vessels cannot be guaranteed at any of the 2 visitor centers as those vary each day and depending on the Panama Canal operation. Order of tour’s visits can change depending on the operational needs.

Major points of interest seen on this excursion may include:

• Learn everything related to World´s Eight Wonder
• Learn how the Panama Canal has been working for the past 100 years and see it in action
• Learn how the Panama Canal (new set of locks) works nowadays.
• Visit Miraflores Visitors Center of the Panama Canal, where you don't only learn about the canal but also experience first-hand the transiting vessels
• Visit the new IMAX Theatre to watch the documentary that explains the history, operation and functioning of the Panama Canal like no other!
• Participate on a VIP experience in Agua Clara Visitor Center with your own private and expert Canal guide
• Participate on a VIP and unique access experience in Miraflores Visitor Center with your own private and expert Canal guide

Experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Panamanian rainforest in an exciting new way during this unforgettable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Fuerte Amador, Panamanian Rainforest, Gamboa Resort, Soberania National Park, Aerial Tram

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Gamboa Resort, located deep in the heart of the Panamanian rainforest amidst the approximately 55,000-acre (about 22,258-hectare) Soberania National Park. Upon arrival and after a comfort stop, board the Aerial Tram. Each gondola on the tram can accommodate up to five-six passengers, and enables you to explore the spectacular flora and fauna of this beautiful park from a truly unique perspective. In addition, each guest is provided with audio-guide equipment throughout the tour.

Forest Floor, Understory, Upper-Forest Canopy, Frog Exhibit, Orchid Garden

During this visually-stunning adventure, discover the secrets of the Panamanian rainforest as your Aerial Tram takes you from the shadowy forest floor, through the understory and into the sun-drenched, upper-forest canopy. Take in a bird's-eye view of a thousand hues of green, interspersed with the fluorescent exclamation points of flowering trees, along with diverse birdlife, sloths and several species of monkeys. In addition, stops are made at the frog exhibit and orchid garden to see and hear the flora and fauna of the rainforest in its picturesque natural setting.

Observation Tower, National Park, Indigenous Communities, Chagras River, Panama Canal

Following your Aerial Tram tour, ascend the approximately 98-foot-high (about 30-metre-high) Observation Tower. From the top, take in breath-taking, 360-degree views of Soberania National Park, the Embera Indigenous communities nearby, and the famous intersection where the Chagres River feeds the Panama Canal, subsequently filling Gatun Lake to enable the passage of ships. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

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Embrace the sights and sounds of the Panama Canal and jungles of Gatun Lake from up-close during this panoramic, half-day canal and jungle excursion via boat.

Fuerte Amador, Panamanian Rainforest, Gamboa Resort, Soberania National Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Gamboa Resort, located deep in the heart of the Panamanian rainforest amidst the approximately 55,000-acre (about 22,258-hectare) Soberania National Park. This exceptional locale is an excellent way to experience the sights and sounds of the jungle from up-close. Throughout this immersive jungle and canal adventure, your naturalist guides help you to spot the abundant wildlife, and educate you about it and its habitat.

Boat-Ride, Panama Canal, Cargo Ships, Gatun Lake

Upon arrival and after a comfort stop, embark your awaiting boat for the approximately 30-minute, high-speed ride through the heart of the Panama Canal. Along the way, see cargo ships transiting Gatun Lake, one of the largest manmade lakes in the world.

Islands, Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans, Birds, Caimans, Crocs, Turtles, Butterflies

Your boat then slows down upon entering the labyrinth of jungle-covered islands of Gatun Lake. In this protected area, the wildlife is plentiful, and you are likely to encounter capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, various kinds of toucans and other bird life, as well as caimans, crocodiles, turtles and wealth of butterflies. Following your cruise, return to the Gamboa Resort, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the beauty, history, grandeur of Old Panama and Casco Antiguo during an immersive, full-day excursion to these UNESCO World Heritage Sites with lunch.

Fuerte Amador, Scenic Drive, Old Panama

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the fascinating city of Panama Viejo (Old Panama), an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1519, the city played a crucial role in expeditions, was a crucial port for treasure-laden Spanish ships and has established its vocation as a commercial maritime city. Panama also became a terminal for the only route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and a vital communication link between Spain and its colonies in the Pacific.

Ruins of Churches, Colonial Palaces, Bridges and Military Buildings

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. Along the way, pass by the ruins of over 100 churches, Colonial palaces, bridges, and civic and military buildings that served as the headquarters for conquistador Francisco Pizzaro, and attest to the country's grand past. Panama Viejo is where the main city originally stood until destroyed by a band of pirates under buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. As you explore the area, your guide shares facts about Panamanian history and legends.

Casco Antiguo, Casco Viejo, Las Bóvedas, Panama City Views, Lunch, Free Time

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to Casco Antiguo (Colonial Panama), an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Casco Antiguo, and marvel at the wonderful blend of architectural styles that reflect the cultural diversity of the country. Your last stop is in Casco Viejo is Las Bóvedas, the sea wall of the Spanish Fort on the point of the peninsula. A stroll along the top of the wall provides a unique view of Panama City across the bay. Afterward, proceed for a three-course lunch at a local restaurant, followed by some free time to explore Casco Antiguo at your leisure. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Take a drive from your Ship to the fascinating city of Old Panama. The city played a crucial role in expeditions and has established its vocation as a commercial maritime city. Panama also became a terminal for the only route between the two oceans and a vital communication link between Spain and its colonies in the Pacific. Your guided & panoramic tour begins with a visit to Panama Viejo (Old Panama). Founded in 1519, the city was a crucial port for treasure-laden Spanish ships. This scenic, yet acquainted excursion takes you to the ruins of the churches, colonial palaces, bridges and military buildings that attest to country's grand past. Panama Viejo is where the main city originally stood until destroyed by a band of pirates under buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. As you sightsee the area your guide will share Panamanian history and legends and point-out significant facts.

At the completion of your panoramic tour of Old Panama, rejoin your coach for a scenic tour of Panama City; sit back and relax as you travel along the Cinta Costera 3 and the busy waterfront boulevard known as Avenida Balboa, which offers great views of the Bay of Panama and Casco Antiguo, which is the Panama City’s historic district. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the charming Casco Antiguo (also known as Colonial Panama), a colonial city founded in 1673 and filled with amazing history. Wander through the French Plaza, photograph the monuments and climb the walkway for superlative view of Panama City. Stroll by Cathedral Square to admire the cathedral's gleaming spires while learning about this unique site.

Last but not least, re-board your transportation and pass through the Modern sites of Panama City as you are transferred to Amador Area for a visit and photo stop. Amador is conformed by four small islands by the pacific entrance to the Panama Canal; they are linked to the mainland via a causeway, made from rock extracted during the excavations from the Panama Canal. You will then return back to your ship filled with knowledge of this amazing city!

Major points of interest seen on this excursion may include:

• Best & Easiest Way to see Panama City
• Learn all the History of Panama
• Sightsee both UNESCO sites: Old Panama and Casco Antiguo!
• Learn all the History of Panama
• Explore Colonial Panama and its highlights during a 45-minute guided walking tour

Explore the modern and Colonial history, architecture, and landmarks of Panama during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Fuerte Amador, Scenic Drive, Old Panama

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the fascinating city of Panama Viejo (Old Panama), an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1519, the city played a crucial role in expeditions, was a crucial port for treasure-laden Spanish ships and has established its vocation as a commercial maritime city. Panama also became a terminal for the only route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and a vital communication link between Spain and its colonies in the Pacific.

Ruins of Churches, Colonial Palaces, Bridges and Military Buildings, Panama City, Avenida Balboa

Upon arrival, enjoy panoramic views of the ruins of over 100 churches, Colonial palaces, bridges, and civic and military buildings that once served as the headquarters for conquistador Francisco Pizzaro, and attest to the country's grand past. Panama Viejo is where the main city originally stood, until destroyed by a band of pirates under buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. As you explore the area, learn about Panamanian history and legends. Leaving Old Panama, continue on for a sightseeing drive through Panama City. Your route takes you along the Cinta Costera 3 and busy waterfront boulevard known as Avenida Balboa, which offers great views of the Bay of Panama and Casco Viejo (Colonial Panama), an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Casco Antiguo, Amador, Photo Stop

Next, drive through Casco Antiguo (Colonial Panama) en route to Amador, which is formed by four small islands by the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal. The islands are linked to the mainland via a causeway made from rock extracted during the excavations of the Panama Canal. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore the unique history, culture, and flavours of colonial Panama during this half-day, SALT Program culinary excursion with lunch.  

Fuerte Amador, Fish Market, Guided Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Fish Market. Upon arrival, your SALT Program tour begins with a guided tour of the fish market with a local chef. Along the way, learn about the importance of the Fish Market to the nation, view the seafood, local produce, and other items for sale, and listen as the chef imparts his knowledge about the flavours and epicurean delights of Panama.

A to Z Venue, Welcome Cocktail, Cooking Demonstration

Leaving the Fish Market, re-board your coach and transfer to colonial Panama. Here, head to the A to Z Venue for an engaging and informative cooking demonstration. Upon arrival, receive a complimentary Panamanian cocktail made from coffee to awaken your palate. Next, proceed to 'The Chef's Table' for a memorable gastronomic experience. Discover first-hand the cooking methods, ingredients, aromas, and flavours of Panama, and how popular national dishes are made utilizing fresh fish, produce, and other local ingredients.

Lunch, Coffee Ceremony and Tasting, Free Time, Casco Antiguo

Following this engaging cooking demonstration, you are seated for a seafood lunch consisting of the special dishes your chef has prepared. After lunch, you are treated to a Coffee Ceremony. Learn about the way Panamanian coffee is produced, and its distinct aroma and flavour, during a coffee tasting. Leaving the A to Z Venue, some free time is made available to explore Casco Antiguo, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, at your leisure. At the conclusion of this SALT Program experience, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Panama at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking driver in an air-conditioned car, and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your English-speaking guide will be joining you when in Panama. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Panama at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van, and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Panama at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van, and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Panama at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car, and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience the Panama Canal in a unique new way during this captivating, half-day excursion to the Miraflores Locks Visitor's Centre and IMAX Theatre.

Fuerte Amador, Miraflores Locks Visitor's Centre, Ships, Panama Canal Museum

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Miraflores Locks Visitor's Centre. Located adjacent to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, this is the first IMAX Destination in Panama and among the largest IMAX screens in the world. Upon arrival, view the gargantuan ships that make their way through the Panama Canal Museum and visit the four exhibition halls, organized by themes that constitute the heart of this centre.

IMAX Theatre, Panama Canal in 3D: A Land Divided, A World United Documentary

Next, head to the nearby IMAX Theatre to enjoy an informational-rich canal documentary narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. Through the magic of 3D and IMAX cameras, take an incredible trip through one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Modern World' in Panama Canal in 3D: A Land Divided, A World United. This captivating, approximately 45-minute documentary takes you through the locks and mechanical operations of the canal, and how the process transitions vessels. Glide airborne over Panama, the railway and the country. Discover the unexpected tropical rainforest beauty and wildlife in a native canoe.

Panama Past-and-Present, Current Panama Canal Expansion Efforts, Free Time, Shopping

The film sweeps you from the days when Conquistadores struggled through a water-soaked quagmire, to the American engineering achievement that revolutionized shipping and tropical medicine. It shows the visionary present of Panama and their efforts to expand the 100-year-old waterway to accommodate post-Panamax ships. The film concludes with a fusion of old-and-new Panama; its skyscrapers, culture and growing economic temper as a leader in Central America. Following the movie and a comfort stop, some free time is made available at the IMAX Theatre for independent shopping and exploration. At the conclusion of this unique experience, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the pre-Colombian history, culture and traditions of Panama during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Fuerte Amador, Old Panama, Ruins of Nearly 100 Buildings, Old Panama Visitor's Centre

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Panama Viejo (Old Panama), the oldest city in Panama and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. Along the way, take in the sights and sounds at this archaeological site and historic location whilst walking through different monuments. See the ruins of nearly 100 churches, Colonial palaces, bridges, and civic and military buildings that once served as the headquarters for conquistador Francisco Pizzaro, and attest to the country's grand past. Your guide recounts the history behind the structures, and escorts you to a stop at the Old Panama Visitor's Centre.

Reprosa Factory & Museum, Artefacts, Shopping, Artwork, Jewellery, Casting, Sandblasting

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Reprosa Factory & Museum, where Panama's ancient civilisations, cultural traditions, and natural treasures come to life in gold and silver. During your visit, explore artefacts from the ruins of Panama Viejo and pre-Columbian treasures. See how pre-Hispanic masterpieces are made utilising the same 'lost-wax' process employed by the ancient goldsmiths, and browse art and jewellery crafted on site. Following a video presentation, walk a catwalk to a casting demonstration and try your hand at the sandblasting process, a highly-recommended experience. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier via Casco Antiguo (Colonial Panama), an UNESCO World Heritage Site.