Panama Highlights

Discover the best of Panama on this fascinating tour of the beautiful country, which takes you from the vibrant bustle of Panama City to the tranquil paradise of Bocas del Toro before finishing in the bird-rich town of Boquete.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
•   Go sightseeing in Panama City
•   Snorkel in Bocas del Toro
•   Relax on Red Frog Beach
•   Bird-watch in Boquete
•   Hike through cloud forest

Guide

This tour is escorted by local English-speaking guides in each destination. Local assistance will be provided on extensions.

DEPARTURES
•   Weekly on Saturdays.

MEAL PLAN
Price includes:
•   Breakfast daily
•   Lunch on Days 2 and 6.

ACCOMMODATION
•   Accommodation used in the itinerary is 3 star.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
•   This tour is escorted by local English-speaking guides in each destination
•   Tipping is not compulsory, however 10% is generally recommended
•   The luggage allowance on local flights is up to 14kg.

DAY 1 – HEATHROW TO PANAMA CITY
Fly American Airlines from Heathrow via Miami to Panama City. Check in at Hotel Toscana Inn for two nights in a Standard room.

DAY 2 – PANAMA CITY
Take a sightseeing tour of Panama's fascinating capital with its skyscrapers, noble mansions and green hills. Visit the ruins of Panama Viejo just outside the borders, which was the country's first settlement and dates back to the 16th Century. While here, wander around the market admiring handmade Indian artwork.

Continue to Cusco Antiguo, the old city centre. See the President's Palace, the cathedral and San José Church with its gold grand alter. This afternoon drive down the Causeway admiring the city skyline before arriving at the Miraflores Locks, where you'll learn about the famous Panama Canal.

DAY 3 – PANAMA CITY TO BOCAS DEL TORO
Fly to Bocas del Toro, a beautiful archipelago of six forest-clad islands and a number of cays and islets. On arrival, transfer to beach resort Playa Tortuga and check in at Hotel Playa Tortuga for two nights in a Standard room.

A divers' paradise, these idyllic islands boast clear turquoise waters and unspoiled coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. The main island, Colón, is home to Bocas del Toro, a relaxed town dotted with bars, restaurants and shops.

DAY 4 – BOCAS DEL TORO
Take a boat trip to Laguna Boctorito, also known as Dolphin Bay due to the large number of bottlenose dolphins that play in its calm waters. Continue to Coral Key and enjoy lunch in a local seafood restaurant before snorkelling in the clear water.

This afternoon, stop at Red Frog Beach, a natural paradise in a protected marine park hemmed by lush rainforest that’s home to tiny speckled red dart frogs. Relax on the beach and explore the hinterland before returning to Colón, passing Hospital Point en route.

DAY 5 – BOCAS DEL TORO TO ALMIRANTE TO BOQUETE
Travel by water taxi to the tiny mainland harbour of Almirante. Embark on a scenic 3½-hour drive over the Continental Divide and Talamanca Mountain Range on the border of Panama and Costa Rica. Continue to the enchanting Chiriquí Highlands and the small town of Boquete. (112 miles)

You'll spend the next two nights at Tree Trek Mountain Lodge, a charming hideaway tucked away in Boquete's stunning mountains. This afternoon take a private tour at one of the coffee estates, learning how gourmet coffee is produced.

DAY 6 – BOQUETE
Rise early for a bird-watching tour – over 40 species live in the area, including the spot acorn woodpecker, black-faced solitaire, red-headed barbet and elusive quetzal.

After lunch enjoy a hiking tour through the cloud forest, looking out for more native flora and fauna as you pass ancient moss-covered trees, epiphytic plants and orchids. You'll reach a hidden waterfall, relaxing as birds call and the waters form a gentle stream.

DAY 7 – BOQUETE TO HEATHROW
Transfer to the airport and fly American Airlines from Boquete to Panama City, then on to Heathrow via Miami, arriving the next day.

YOUR CHOICE OF EXTENSIONS

COSTA RICA BEACH
Unwind on the beautiful sands of Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula for four nights. Tamarindo is a popular surfing spot where leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs. Our hotel, Barceló Langosta Beach, sits on a charming beach near a golf course and has its own spa.

DAY 7 – CHIRIQUÍ TO SAN JOSÉ
Fly from Chiriquí via Panama City to San José, Costa Rica. Transfer to Tamarindo on the coast and check in at Barceló Langosta Beach (3.5 star) for four nights all inclusive.
DAY 11 – SAN JOSÉ TO HEATHROW
Transfer back to San José and fly Iberia to Heathrow via Madrid, arriving the next day.

SAN BLAS ISLANDS
Relax on the breathtaking San Blas archipelago for two nights. Scattered along Panama's Caribbean coast, thise beautiful islands are home to the Kuna Indians. Our hotel, Akwadup Lodge, boasts just six cabins perched on stilts over the sea.

DAY 7 – CHIRIQUÍ TO PANAMA CITY
Fly from Chiriquí to Panama City. Transfer to the San Blas Islands and check in at Akwadup Lodge (3 star) for two nights including breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 9 – PANAMA CITY TO HEATHROW
Transfer back to Panama City and fly Iberia to Heathrow via Madrid, arriving the next day.