Panama Holidays
Cruise the famous canal, crossing massive locks and surrounded by rainforest
4 Night Itinerary from £1,148
Gatun Tour
Visit the famous Panama Canal and observe the working of the locks, from the Pacific and the Atlantic. Experience pristine rainforest and lakes that provide the canal's water. Stay in the historic district of Panama City, Casco Viejo.
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Tour Route
- Panama City - 4 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Cruise the famous Panama Canal, one of the world's great engineering feats
- Admire the magnificent Miraflores locks and watch as huge ships pass
- Explore Panama City, a city of modern skyscrapers and a world heritage centre
- Ride the rails on the Interoceanic Train for panoramic views of the canal
- Discover the abundant exotic bird life in the rainforest of Soberania National Park
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Panama City - 4 Nights
Day 1 - Tour of Panama City
Day 2 - Interoceanic Train
Day 3 - Panama Canal Cruise
Day 4 - Soberania National Park
Day 5 - Transfer to the airport
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Saturday, 09 December 2023
Tour of Panama City
Arrive on a Thursday in Panama City (international flights not included), where our guide will meet you to take you to your chosen hotel for a 4 night stay. In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour the city, visiting the historic Casco Viejo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and ending with panoramic views of Panama and the entrance of the Canal to the Pacific.
Sunday, 10 December 2023
Interoceanic Train Journey to Colon
Today we take the scenic Interoceanic Train Journey to Colon; a vital rail link in the construction of the Panama Canal which crosses between Panama City to the Atlantic Ocean. It's a comfortable and fascinating trade journey where you will meet all kinds of local Panamanians who use the train in their daily lives. The views of the Canal, locks, lakes and forest are memorable.
We also visit the colonial town of Portobelo - a charming relaxed Caribbean fishing village - before returning to the hotel by road.
Monday, 11 December 2023
Panama Canal Small Ship Cruise
Today enjoy a half day excursion cruising the Panama Canal, one of the world's most impressive feats of engineering that opened in 1914. More recently, in 2017, the Panamanian Authorities opened a third lane of of traffic enabling significant increases in traffic through this strategic waterway.
Your comfortable small ship, the Pacific Queen, has two enclosed air-conditioned decks and one outside observation deck. The ship departs from the docks in Panama City sailing under the striking Bridge of the Americas to Miraflores Lock, a 2 step flight with gigantic lock chambers. Here, guided by the on board expert commentary, you will understand the history of the Canal and get a close up view of the mighty locks powered by their locomotives, known as mulas. You will see many large cargo ships and several cruise liners towering above the Pacific Queen - you become the attraction for these massive ships and their intrigued passengers!. We then continue with lush forests on either side to enjoy and birdlife to sport to Pedro Miguel Lock, a single flight lock. Disembark and return to Panama City by road.
A full crossing, ocean to ocean operates once a month - please call us for details.
Tuesday, 12 December 2023
Soberania National Park
Full day to explore the rainforest at Soberania National Park. Walk nature trails, pristine rainforest and discover a wide variety of birdlife.
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
Transfer to the airport
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight connection.
Courtyard Marriott
Panama City - Tourist Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Panama combines the newest technologies with a residential touch. The 120 guest rooms are totally equipped for the leisure and business traveler. Strategically located in the new Punta Pacifica area, next to the Multiplaza Pacific Mall. Every room is equipped with a free high speed internet connection, restaurant, bar and room service on premises. Business Center available at this location. * Marriott*s luxurious new bedding package is now available at this location. This comfortable, plush and stylish package addresses clean and fresh bedding concerns, is consistent with residential trends and is a key component of the *new look and feel of Marriott now*. Accommodation includes only room.
Bristol Hotel
Panama City - First Hotel
Located in the heart of Panama City's vibrant financial and commercial district, the Bristol is a serene and luxurious retreat with "The Rosewood Tradition of Excellence". The Bristol has just 56 rooms, each with Mahogany furnishings concealing such 21st Century comforts as facsimile machines, data-port phones, compact disc stereo systems and private bars. All rooms and suites feature marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers, sumptuous baths and distinctive personal amenities. There is a restaurant, bar and a well equipped excercise room. Accommodation includes room and breakfast.
Gamboa Rainforest Resort
Panama City - First Resort
The Gamboa Rainforest Resort is located next to the Panama Canal and in the lush Panamanian rainforest of the Soberania National Park, just 30 minutes away from Panama City. The resort has been carefully designed to provide a variety of educational and adventure experiences with trails located throughout the resort and a variety of educational exhibits, each one designed to explain a different element of the rainforest. Guests can visit the freshwater fish aquarium, orchid and botanical gardens, butterfly nursery, turtle and iguana nesting areas, a reptile exhibit, historical and cultural displays. Accommodation includes room and breakfast.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | All year | |
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £1,148 | £1,474 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £2,089 | £2,457 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Accommodation and breakfast
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
- International flights not included
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READY - 4 December 2023
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TRAVEL INSURANCE with extensive COVID-19 cover