8-Nights The Complete Panama Canal from $4,599

Alexander+Roberts

The Complete Panama Canal

Day 1: Welcome to Panama City

Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Central Hotel perfectly located in Casco Antiguo #WHS#. After checking in, the balance of this day is at leisure to relax, enjoy and explore as you wish.

Day 2: History of the Panama Canal

After breakfast, a full day of guided exploration begins at the Miraflores Locks where you can marvel at the site of ships and freighters entering the Panama Canal. A talk at the Panama Canal Authority delves into the dramatic history of the Canal. Afterwards, you can take some time to peruse exhibits that further explore the past, present and future of this engineering marvel. Then visit Memorial Hill, the only American cemetery in Latin America, and tour the historic Canal Administration Building; opened in 1914, its grand lobby is embellished with impressive murals that vividly tell the story of the Canal's construction. After lunch, explore the BioDiversity Museum, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, where 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. This evening, raise a glass of wine with your fellow travelers and enjoy a congenial welcome dinner. Meals B+L+D

Day 3: Through the Canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic

Today's complete transit of the Panama Canal begins from the Flamenco Marina. Enjoy the skyline view of the capital from the Bay of Panama before passing under the Bridge of the Americas to enter the Canal. Transiting through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks here on the Pacific side of the Canal will raise our sightseeing vessel nearly 90 feet in three distinct steps. From here, we'll cruise through the Culebra Cut that was excavated to create this passage through the Continental Divide. Reaching the Atlantic side of the Canal, you'll descend 85 feet through the Gatun Locks and continue to port where you'll disembark. Then we'll take you to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve where riverview balcony rooms have been reserved for our guests. Meals B+L

Day 4: Gatun Lake Nature Expedition

After breakfast, you'll join our expert naturalist for a guided boat excursion on to the calm waters of Gatun Lake. Venturing close to some of Gatun's many lush and uninhabited islands, you'll have a chance to learn about this unique eco-system; created during the construction of the Canal, it's the second largest artificial lake on the planet. With sharp-eyes, this enriching excursion offers a chance to observe some of the region's indigenous species including exotic tropical birds, crocodiles, caimans, sloths, and families of capuchin, howler and white-face monkeys. Back at Gamboa, you'll visit the resort's ecological exhibits. Native orchids, colorful butterflies and rare frogs are among the flora and fauna that you will see and learn about. At the Sloth Sanctuary, you'll gain insight into the work being done by the Pan American Conservation Association to protect this amazing creature. After your guided touring, the balance of this day is at leisure for you to enjoy the pristine rainforest setting and amenities of our resort. Meals B

Day 5: Through the Forest to an Emberá Village

Today's adventure begins with a scenic one hour drive to the edge of Gatun River where Emberá villagers will meet you with their dugout canoes. Traveling silently up the Gamboa River and deeper into the forest offers a chance to spot herons, egrets and ospreys. With a bit of luck and sharp eyes, you might also see toucans, otters and sloths. Stepping ashore in their village, you'll have time to explore the community, with your guide on-hand to offer information and insight. As you engage with the villagers, you'll learn first-hand about their cultural traditions, cuisine and language - much of which can be traced to ancestors who migrated from Colombia's Chocó region in the late 1700's. Informal presentations will deepen your insight into their daily life, tribal history and enduring ways - from their shamanic rites to dance and music. After lunch with the villagers, you might join a tribal elder for a nature walk to learn about their medicinal use of indigenous rainforest plants. This evening, sit down to an à la carte dinner with wine at the Chagres River View Restaurant. Meals B+L+D

Day 6: Historic San Lorenzo #WHS# + the Expanded Canal

Bid goodbye to the rainforest and wind your way through the tropical forest alongside the Canal, where you'll catch superb views of the Canal and its ship traffic. Visit the Panama Canal Expansion Center where, from the Observation Deck 164 feet above ground, you'll have an enthralling view of the recently-expanded Canal. Opened to traffic in 2016, this new waterway and third set of locks literally doubled the capacity of the Panama Canal, which can now accommodate massive ships up to 1,400 feet long and 180 feet wide. After a Caribbean lunch, you'll explore San Lorenzo #WHS#, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its wealth of history and the ruins of Colonial-era fortifications, many with their ancient cannons still in battle-ready position. Built in 1598, the fort was under constant attack by pirates Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan. After sightseeing, we'll take you to our deluxe Pacific beach resort where oceanview rooms have been reserved for A+R guests. Meals B+L

Day 7: The Many Facets of Panama City

A full day of guided exploration begins with a guided stroll along the charming cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo . Tracing its history to 1673 and filled with splendid Colonial architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is today one of Panama City's liveliest districts, home to cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques. Our touring is enhanced with stops for tastings of local coffee, chocolate, and rum. After lunch, the day's sightseeing ends with a tour through the archaeological ruins at Panama Viejo . Founded in 1519, this was the earliest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Return to our deluxe Pacific resort in the late afternoon where the evening is free to enjoy and dine as you wish. Meals B+L

Day 8: A Day in the Countryside

We'll take you into the lofty hills of Altos de Campana National Park. Founded in 1966 as Panama's first national park, it's only an hour's drive from the capital; but for all of its natural beauty and appeal, it remains relatively unknown by most travelers and even among some Panamanians. Surrounded by cool rolling mountains that descend to the Pacific Ocean, you'll travel all the way to one of the Park's highest points for sweeping views of the Canal Basin and Chame Point with its groves of mangrove forest. Altos de Campana is home to a variety of exotic birds like the orange-bellied trogon and white-tailed hawk, making this Park a great destination for bird watchers. At a nearby fruit farm, you'll learn about their cultivation of these tropical plants. For lunch we'll take you to a popular local fonda; these typical countryside restaurants are known for their fine farm-to-table Panamanian food - and chilled local beer! Back at the Westin resort, you'll have time to relax or even go for a swim before freshening up for this evening's Farewell Dinner. Enjoy the fine cuisine of our 5-star resort and toast your fellow travelers with a glass of wine. Meals B+L+D

Day 9: Adios, Playa Bonita

After breakfast, you'll be escorted to the airport for your onward flight. Meals B