Thursday, September 30, 2010

Across the Istmus "Coastal Journey"

ITINERARY OUTLINE

DAY 1 ARRIVE PANAMA CITY
DAY 2 PANAMA CITY TOUR (CITIES OF 1500'S /1800'S) AND PANAMA CANAL
DAY 3 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSIVE HOTEL
DAY 4 PLAYA BLANCA  ALL INCLUSIVE HOTEL
DAY 5 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSUVE HOTEL 
DAY 6  PLAYA BLANCA TO SANTA CATALINA
DAY 7 CATALINA BEACHFRONT HOUSE SURF LESSON 101
DAY 8 CATALINA BEACHFRONT HOUSE COIBA DAY TRIP
DAY 9 CATALINA BEACHFRONT HOUSE RELAXATION
DAY 10 CATALINA DEPARTURE PACIFIC TO ATLANTIC JOURNEY
DAY 11 CARIBBEAN COAST RELAXATION
DAY 12 CARIBBEAN HISTORICAL SITE VISIT
DAY 13 CARIBBEAN BOAT ADVENTURE (SECLUDED SANDY BEACH)
DAY 14 PANAMA CITY DEPARTURE

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
(ADMISSION COSTS INCLUDED)






PANAMA CITY:  overview of Historical Sites, Panama Viejo, Casco Viejo, Banking district. Panama Canal Visitor Center and shopping as a second largest trade zone of the world.
 

PLAYA BLANCA: all inclusive hotel enjoy all you can eat, drink and relaxation. Complementary activitites are offered such as snorkeling, fishing, sunset sailing and more!

SANTA CATALINA
: world heritage site Isla Coiba visit, surf lesson 101, best sunset house in Panama!

CARIBBEAN COAST: Zip Line Tour , Historical site of Portobelo, private crystal clear water beach.


“ACROSS THE ISTHMUS COASTAL JOURNEY”

DAY 1 PANAMA CITY ARRIVAL

Once you arrive the Republic of Panama you will be met by a host and private vehicle at the International Airport of Panama and taken to a Panama City Hotel.

DAY 2 PANAMA CITY TOUR AND CANAL VISIT

This morning we will leave the Panama City Hotel to enjoy an Panama City Tour through one of Panama’s most unique tourism sectors. The tour will start at Panama la Vieja founded in 1519, the first city and Spanish settlement on the Pacific Ocean. This was the capital of  "Catilla de oro" and center of operations for the conquest of South America. Next the group will explore the Casco Viejo a colonial area that represent the second Panama City, characterized by its spectacular architecture. A joyful Guided Walking Tour, which will include the Paseo de las Bovedas; the Plaza de Independencia; the Catedral; the Palacio Municipal; The San Juan Church, with its stuning golden Altar; the Arco Chato; the Convenio de Santo Domingo,  home of the religious artifact museum; the Plaza de Francia, and Plaza Bolivar, home to the National Theater, San Francisco de Asis Church and some newly renovated colonial homes. At 12 mid day the group will stop at a traditional Panamanian restaurant for lunch! after lunch, the group will be taken to the Panama Canal Visitor Center in order to experience the Lock System and transit of large merchant ships for that afternoon.

 

DAY 3 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT

A 2 hour ride heading up north bordering the Pacific Coast of Panama will now take place until we meet the Playa Blanca beach resort. On the way we will pass by colorful towns, cattle farms and new beach developments that will capture your attention. Flexibility is always present in our rides in case anyone wants to buy something, eat or use the bathroom. Being in Playa Blanca can only mean one thing "No stress". The Playa Blanca offers an all inclusive system that allows you to eat, drink and enjoy as much as you want. The hotel has an amazing beachfront swimming pool surrounded by tables of food and drinks. Furthermore, you might want to join activities such as swimming pool animated shows and others.

DAY 4 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT

Is your fourth day at Playa Blanca! you are not done with "ALL YOU CAN TAKE" system and might want to join a fishing trip, snorkeling or jump into one of the biggest swimming pools in the world!


DAY 5 PLAYA BLANCA ALL INCLUSIVE. 

Its another day at Playa Blanca! You are free to eat, relax, play golf or or simply relax under one of the palapa houses overlooking the beach.



DAY 6 PLAYA BLANCA TO SANTA CATALINA

After breakfast a vehicle will be waiting for the group at the lobby. A 2.5 hour ride will take place to meet the town of Santa Catalina. Small but sharmming is the beachfront house that will be waiting for you overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a cliff. Get served on the deck that faces an amazing sunset over Santa Catalina Island!
Since you will be staying in one of the best if not the best house in Catalina's coast line you are free to explore the sites or simply relax on a hammock or seat overlooking the beach. A five minute walk and to the left of the house and you will be on a long peaceful bay.


DAY 7 . SURF LESSON 101

After some fruits, coffee and the breakfast of your choice from the menu, you will be met by a local surf instructor. He will have a surfboard ready for your first surf lesson on a sand bottom friendly surf break of Estero Beach. We are sure that riding a wave for the first time is a memorable experience!


DAY 8 COIBA ISLAND DAY TRIP

Coiba is a world heritage site and today you will see why. The Island is the second largest of the Republic of Panama. Moreover, it was a penal colony surrounded by primary forrest, monkeys, crocodrilles, humpback whales, colorful fish and best of all warm water crystal clear golden sand beaches!


DAY 9 CATALINA BEACHFRONT RELAXATION

Since you will be staying in the best location throughout Santa Catalina's coast line you might want to observe the stunning views of the Pacific ocean. In case anyone needs other activities such as horse back riding or trail exploration you will be in good hands of our hosts at the beachfront accommodation.


DAY 10 PACIFIC TO ATLANTIC OCEAN JOURNEY

Once you have eaten breakfast and packed up you will experience a journey that not many people will ever experience. Your private vehicle and guide will take you across the Isthmus of Panama from Pacific to Atlantic Ocean! It takes about 5 to 6 hours to get from Catalina to the Caribbean. Moreover, you will through a brand new highway and will see a change in vegetation, ocean color and culture once you are on once side or the other.

DAY 11 CARIBBEAN COAST TROPICAL RELAXATION

The chosen hotel is right in front of "Drake Island". A private dock laying on a few feet of crystal clear water will welcome you with hammocks. Strategically, this spot will offer the option of Caribbean reef snorkeling (strongly recommended) and historical site visits. Its important to mention that the food offered is a unique aspect of the Panamanian Caribbean culture that you will not find anywhere else in Panama. Opened to eat seafood? This is the place!

DAY 12 ZIP LINE / PORTOBELLO HISTORICAL SITE VISIT


While ultimately each traveler knows best what kind of adventure they seek, we strive to offer a balanced experience for those who desire an ecological experience with a little bit of adrenaline! Along with the second largest zip line course in all of Panama – 9 cables and 10 platforms – we also offer a dense jungle canopy and environment complete with the wildlife it supports. This is a perfect activity for nature and friendly thrill-seekers!

Portobello was officially founded on March 20th, 1597 by Francisco de Valverde y Mercado. This place was selected as the perfect spot to set up a port for the trade routes between Peru and Spain due to its topography and harbor conditions. An estimated more than 60% of the wealth from South America going to Europe passed through this port. Due to the great quantities of wealth in gold and silver that would pass through this port, it was fortified heavily to stand against attacks by Pirates. This heavy fortification has left us with some of the most beautiful and interesting ruins in Central America

DAY 13 BOAT ADVENTURE

The sunrise is on the East and the sunset on the West, keep in mind that Panama's Pacific Ocean is SW and Atlantic is NE meaning "If you are in Colon, you might experience and interesting sunrise". Once the group has eaten breakfast, you will be taken on a boat trip! A panga boat will lead you through out the Portobello bay and some of its secluded golden sand beaches.

DAY 14 PANAMA CITY DEPARTURE

Our enjoyable rewarding tour will come to an end as our tour guide accompanies the group to the airport for the return flight home.

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