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9 Days $995 Panama Canal, Rainforests & Beaches

Dear Vacation Traveler, Welcome to a great vacation at an affordable price. Your Panama Canal tour is all inclusive with all meals, all activities, all hotels, a great itinerary, all airport transfers, all transportation and excursions. A professional Tour Director accompanies you for the entire Panama Canal vacation. Our travel packages also offer purified water at meals & free bottled water on the motor coach. Join the smart shoppers and experienced travelers who have chosen Caravan Tours since 1952.
Happy Travels!

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Panama Tour Map
Begins and Ends: Panama City, Panama

Itinerary

Day 1 – Panama City, Panama

Welcome to fun, vibrant Panama, home to the Panama Canal, the most important waterway in the world. Enjoy rainforests and sandy beaches. Meet friendly native Embera Indians living in the jungle. Take a day cruise on the Panama Canal. Visit both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Caravan provides transfers from Panama’s Tocumen airport to your hotel for a two night stay. Rooms are available for check in after 3:00 p.m. Join Caravan for a 6:00 p.m. welcome briefing. Dinner is at your hotel. D

Day 2 – Panama Viejo, Miraflores Locks

Morning visit to the museum and the ruins of Panama Viejo (Old Panama), the city founded by the Spanish in 1519 as a gateway for gold from the Inca Empire. The Isthmus of Panama links North and South America. Panama Viejo is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch. Visit Miraflores Locks and the Canal Museum. Learn about the Canal construction and operation and Panama's prominent role as the major transit route between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, from Pre-Columbian times to present day. Drive along Panama City's bayfront. See the statue of Vasco Balboa, the first European explorer to cross the Isthmus and see the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 3 – Panama Canal Cruise

Today enjoy an unforgettable adventure as you cruise the Panama Canal. Your small vessel allows for close-up views of the opening and closing of the enormous six foot thick steel gates of both the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks. See at eye-level how transiting vessels are guided by small tugboats and pulled by small trains. Enter the Gaillard Cut and cross the Continental Divide. Enjoy lunch on board. Disembark at Gamboa on Gatun Lake. Afternoon arrival at your resort located in the rainforest between Soberania National Park and Metropolitano National Park. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 4 – Portobello, Gatun Locks

Enjoy views of the Caribbean Coast on your morning drive to visit the sleepy fishing village of Portobello. See the famous Black Christ statue at nearby San Felipe Church. Stroll the historic Portobello Fort, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century to guard the Spanish treasure fleets against pirate attacks. Next, a brief sightseeing drive of Colon, the Caribbean port at the north end of the Panama Canal. Drive by the Panama Canal Railway Station and the Free Trade Zone, the largest in the Americas. See the waterfront. Enjoy lunch. Then to nearby Gatun Locks. Gatun is the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. Here you will drive by the three adjoining locks which raise ships 87 feet above the Caribbean Sea on to Gatun Lake. Return to your rainforest resort. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 5 – Embera Indians, Playa Blanca

This morning enjoy a cruise on the Chagres River into the jungle to visit an Embera Indian Village. The Embera inhabit the rainforests of Panama and live in simple thatched huts. Listen to the joyful sounds of the rainforest. Learn about their way of life. Watch native dancers as they perform in their traditional clothing. The Embera make tightly woven baskets from palm fibers and exotic handicrafts from tagua nuts and the cocobolo tree. Then, cross over the Panama Canal on the Centenario Bridge en route to Playa Blanca, where you will enjoy a relaxing two night stay on the Pacific coast. Lunch. Afternoon is at leisure to enjoy your resort’s sandy beach and swimming pools. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 6 – Playa Blanca, El Valle

Morning visit to picturesque El Valle, a town situated in the crater of a dormant volcano. Scenic drive of the village’s charming homes. Visit the local artisan marketplace. Lunch. Enjoy a carefree leisurely afternoon at your resort. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 7 – Amador Island, Handicrafts

This morning, return to Panama City via the "Bridge of Americas'. Drive the spectacular Causeway which connects Flamenco, Perico, Naos and Amador Islands. Enjoy views of Casco Viejo and the stunning Panama City skyline. Enjoy lunch on Amador Island. This afternoon visit a Kuna Indian marketplace. Shop for colorful mola embroidery depicing rainforest animals and marine life. Arrive at your hotel in Panama City for another two night stay in this lively cosmopolitan city. Enjoy dinner. BLD

Day 8 – Panama City

This morning enjoy an early morning birdwatching visit to the pond at the "Pipeline Road", the old service road for the Panama Canal. Listen to the joyful sounds of the rainforest. Return to Panama City. Lunch. Enjoy free time in Panama City. Dinner. Next, a night lights drive of this dazzling city. Panama City is a combination of Manhattan, Miami and Las Vegas blended with Latin American flavor and style. BLD

Day 9 – Panama City

Your tour ends this morning, after breakfast at your hotel. Caravan provides transfers to Panama’s Tocumen airport, arriving at 5:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Thanks for vacationing with Caravan. ¡Hasta la vista! B

Panama Canal Daytime Cruise
Your Caravan Panama Canal Cruise is a daytime passage. This fascinating journey is usually four to six hours and, depending on canal schedules, the route may be reversed. Your ship has an air-conditioned section and an open-air viewing deck. This is a public ship so you may be joined by other passengers. The smaller size of the ship allows for unique, close-up views. You cruise by the Bridge of Americas, pass through Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks, and then wind through the Galliard Cut to Gamboa on Gatun Lake.
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2010 Departure Dates

Jan 9, 17, 25, 27, 29, 31
Feb 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28
Mar 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
Apr 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 24
May 1, 15, 22, 29
Jun 12, 19, 26
Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Aug 7, 14, 21
Sep 18
Oct 14, 16, 28, 30
Nov 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 27
Dec 2, 4, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31

Call For Latest Availability

Caravan's tours sell out fast! Please call 1 800 CARAVAN or 312 321-9800 before confirming other travel arrangements to verify availability and place a complimentary hold on your preferred departure date. Other dates may be available.

2010 Price Per Person - $U.S.

Room Type Super Value
Double $ 995
Triple 975
Single 1,295

Plus Taxes and Fees:
Double $208; Triple $199; Single $248

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How to Reserve Space

Call 1-800-Caravan. You can reserve space free for up to 3 days, then a $300 deposit per person is due. Full payment due 60 days prior to departure.

In Latin America, Caravan transfers you between the airport and hotel on the starting and ending dates of your tour.

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

All Meals Included
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

What’s on this Page:

Hotels - listed by day

1, 2

Panama City
Marriott Courtyard

3, 4

Colon
Radisson

5, 6

Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca Resort

7, 8

Panama City
Marriott Courtyard

General Info

Pay by

Master Card Master Card, Visa Visa, or  Check check.

Travel Protection Plan

Caravan’s very reasonably priced travel protection plan offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason prior to departure of the tour and also includes comprehensive medical air and baggage insurance. Caravan strongly recommends purchasing this plan. The cost is $99. Find out more

Back to Top Hotels

Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds, sometimes with a cot or rollaway.

Days 1, 2, 7, 8 – Panama City

Courtyard by Marriott
The Courtyard by Marriott Panama City hotel is centrally located in Panama City, Panama. This modern hotel is near the business district and is located approximately 30-60 minutes from the Panama City Airport, depending on traffic. The hotel is adjacent to the Multi Plaza Pacific Mall, a large, upscale shopping mall featuring a movie theatre, many restaurants and over 200 stores. The Courtyard by Marriott Panama City amenities include a 24-hour business center, small fitness center, small outdoor plunge pool, restaurant, bar/lounge and a washer/dryer for guest use. All guest rooms are air-conditioned and feature a flat screen TV, complimentary wired and WiFi internet, dual line phones, large work desk with ergonomic chair, laptop sized in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a coffee/tea maker.

Hotel Photo
 

Days 3, 4 – Soberania & Metropolitan National Parks

Radisson Summit Hotel & Golf Course
The Radisson Summit Hotel & Golf Course is located on 160 acres in a rainforest area, between the Soberania and Metropolitan National Parks. Resort amenities include a championship 18-hole golf course, fitness center, and an outdoor pool. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and feature a flat screen TV, complimentary wireless internet access, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, coffee maker and a safe deposit box. All guest rooms are non-smoking.

 

Days 5,6 – Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca Resort
Playa Blanca Resort is located on the beach on Panama's Pacific coast. Hotel amenities include an active pool, a quiet pool, a swim-up bar, two Jacuzzis, a game area and a mini-golf putting area. Internet access is available for a fee in the lobby. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and have cable TV and a hair dryer.

Hotel Photo

Back to Top Airport Transfer Information

Arrival Transfers

Caravan's vacation packages include arrival transfers from Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama to the Courtyard by Marriott in Panama City on the day the tour begins. After you clear customs and exit the baggage claim area, a Caravan representative with a "Caravan" sign will meet you. Please use your Caravan luggage tags to help your representative identify you. If you do not see your airport representative, please wait a few minutes as he or she may be assisting other passengers. The representative will arrange a transfer to your hotel, where you will spend the next two nights. When you arrive at your hotel, please identify yourself as a Caravan tour member to the front desk personnel. If your flight is delayed, there is no need to call Caravan, since your transfer representative will wait for you, no matter how late your arrival on the day the tour begins. However, if your flight is delayed to the following day, or your flight is cancelled, or your flight number is changed, please advise Caravan by calling 800-Caravan (800-227-2826) or 312-321-9800. Caravan transfers are included only on the day your tour begins. If you are arriving a day or two early, or later, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Taxi fares from Tocumen Airport to the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Panama City run approximately $30.00 USD. The driving time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. To enter Panama, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 6 additional months after the date of your arrival into Panama. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: It is recommended that children under 18 years traveling internationally without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent's death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Departure Transfers

Caravan's vacation packages include departure transfers from the Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Panama City to Tocumen Panama International Airport (PTY) in Panama City, Panama at 5:00 am, 8:00 am and 11:00 am. on the day the tour ends. If you wish to leave at another time, you will need to transfer on your own, at your own expense. Taxi fares from your hotel to Tocumen Airport cost about $30.00 USD. The driving time from the hotel to the airport is approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Please advise the Tour Director if you will be taking your own taxi separately. 

Airline Info

Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan Tours. Here are lists of airlines that service this tour:

Panama City, Panama Tour Begins
and Ends 		AeroMexico, Alitalia, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Continental, Copa, Delta, KLM, LACSA, Mexicana, Spirit Airlines, Taca

Back to Top Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?

Virtually everything! Hotels, all meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors conduct every land tour from start to finish. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry free vacation.

What is not included in the tour price?

Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director and Driver. General fees and taxes are additional and listed separately beneath each tour’s price.

Can your tours be enjoyed by all age groups?

Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Most tours will be joined by adults of all ages. Children age five (5) and over are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation.

How long will each day be?

A well paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation and you will arrive at your hotels between 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day.

How large will my group be?

Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and lodges and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers.

Are meals included?

All meals are included on your Panama tour. Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Bottled water is provided free on the motorcoach and purified water is provided at the meals. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified.