Panama, Pirates & The Canal

Day 1 : Panama City

Transfer to your hotel on arrival.

Day 2 : Panama City

Discover the colonial heritage of Panama and visit the famous Panama Canal on a full day, privately guided tour. Meet your guide and head to the ruins of Old Panama. Here, climb up the Cathedral Tower and visit the Old Panama Museum to gain a better understanding of the history of this Central American nation. Next, head to Casco Viejo, dating back to the 17th century, and listen to your guide describe the events that led up to the establishment of the capital in its current location. Here, take in the colonial houses, picturesque narrow roads, and impressive churches as you make your way to the French Plaza.

Your day continues as you transfer to the Miraflores Locks on Panama Canal, where large ships can be seen as they make their way through the canal. Marvel at this feat of human engineering and see informative exhibits. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before venturing out to visit small towns surrounding the canal. In the late afternoon you will return to your hotel in Panama City.

Day 3 : Panama City

Follow the ‘Royal Path’ from Panama City across the isthmus to Portobelo which served as an important Spanish fortress and port. It was along the ‘Royal Path’ that treasure looted from the ‘New World’ in South America was transferred from the Pacific Ocean side of Panama to the Atlantic, waiting in the Customs House at Portbelo for the next ship to Spain. Visit the UNESCO listed colonial fortifications at San Geronimo and Santiago de la Gloria and learn about the pirate attacks including the famous English pirate Henry Morgan. Visit an artisan’s house then swim or snorkel in the beautiful warm, clear Caribbean waters before returning to Panama City.

Day 4 : Panama Canal

Choose either a Partial Transit of the Canal (one set of locks and 5 hours duration) or a Full Canal Transit (the entire Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean and 9 hours duration). Note that these ‘transits’ do not operate every day.

Day 5 : Panama

You will be transferred to the airport.