PANAMA CITY HIGHLIGHTS & SAILING THE PANAMA CANAL

PANAMA CITY HIGHLIGHTS & SAILING THE PANAMA CANAL

Panama City, Fuerte Amador, Panama Canal, Cartagena, Oranjestad, Fort Lauderdale

Durations

13 Days

Difficulty

Balanced

Min Age

18

About this trip  

This is a packaged small group trip with a pre-arranged itinerary.  You will meet other like minded travelers on this trip when you reach your destination. You will have your own lodging and transportation with shared tour and dining experiences.

If you would like to experience this trip privately select "book this trip and customize it for me" in the trip interest form and our team will share the cost for custom travel planning. 

Discover the best of Panama with our expert curated Panama City Highlights & Sailing the Panama Canal trip package. Begin your journey by exploring the vibrant streets of Panama City, where colonial charm meets modern skyscrapers. Visit iconic landmarks, including Casco Viejo and the Miraflores Locks, to learn about the city’s rich history and the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal. Then, embark on a breathtaking cruise through the canal itself, experiencing firsthand one of the world’s greatest waterways. This expertly curated trip offers a perfect mix of cultural exploration, history, and unforgettable scenery, all in the heart of Central America.

 

Trip highlights 

  • Explore the secrets of Panama City on a private-guided tour of the historic center
  • .Taste local treats as you delight in a culinary tour with the expertise of your private guide.
  • Set sail on your 9-night cruise through the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal.
  • Indulge in sumptuous amenities onboard your luxury cruise liner.
  • Panama Canal cruises operate from December through May. 
  • Departures vary depending on the cruise line.  Request a quote or speak with one of our cruise experts to learn more about the different cruise partners available

The best time to visit

The ideal time to visit is during Panama's dry season, which typically spans from mid-December to mid-April. This period offers more stable weather conditions with reduced chances of rainfall, providing a pleasant environment for sightseeing and canal cruising. 

Within the dry season, the months of January to March are particularly favorable. During these months, Panama City experiences its driest period, with minimal rainfall and warm temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions. 

Planning your trip during these months will enhance your experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the cultural and historical sites of Panama City, as well as the iconic journey through the Panama Canal, without weather-related disruptions.


Starting at

Regular price$3,050.00
/

Ready to book

VIEW THE ITINERARY BELOW

This trip is designed to give you the best possible experience. We prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism practices. 

Welcome to Panama! Upon landing at the airport, an English-speaking guide will be waiting for you outside of Customs, holding a sign with your name on it. After they will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.

Accommodation options

  • Bristol Panama
  • W Panama
  • Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo
  • Waldorf Astoria Panama

Trace back the colonial roots of Panama City on a privately guided tour of the postcard perfect Casco Viejo. Begin with a visit to the ruins of Old Panama and climb up the Cathedral Tower to take in the views of the city. Head to the Old Panama City Museum to get a deeper understanding of this Central American nation’s history. Continue to the old city compound, the famous Casco Viejo, and expose your senses to the characterful colonial architecture as you make your way down the picturesque narrow lanes. Visit the French Plaza and learn about the ill-fated attempt of the French to construct a canal through the isthmus. All the while listen to your guide describe the events that led to the establishment of the capital in its current location. Your tour concludes with a private transfer back to your hotel and evening to spend at your leisure.

Explore Panama’s culinary diversity and fascinating history on a private full-day gastronomy tour through the colonial neighborhood of Casco Antiguo. Join your private guide and visit a local coffee shop to learn about the different types of coffee produced in Panama. Treat your senses to a sample of delicious local chocolate. Stop by a microbrewery to try local artisanal beers and gain insight into their production. Next, walk along Cinta Costera to experience the city's seafood market, home to must-try ceviche. With numerous stands offering a variety of seafood, this picturesque marketplace is a popular place with locals who visit for both the savory delights and beautiful scenery. Top off your experience with a cocktail tasting of locally-produced rum, an indulgent way to end this incredible day tour.

Enjoy a private transfer to your ship in Fuerte Amador, Panama City, with a professional driver and English-speaking guide. As you embark, prepare for incredible views of Panama City bathed in golden sunlight. Explore the Miraflores Canal Museum with its immersive exhibits and observation deck, or stroll through Casco Viejo, Panama’s charming old quarter, with colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant markets. Savor fresh ceviche, paired with salty crackers and a cold beer, or indulge in a cup of the world-renowned Geisha coffee. Whether you’re drawn to Panama’s cosmopolitan skyline or its sandy beaches and lush rainforests, there’s something for everyone.

Aboard the Silver Ray, enjoy superb amenities designed for comfort and luxury. Savor diverse dining options, relax by the pool, or indulge in spa treatments at the Zagara Beauty Salon and Spa. Keep up with your wellness goals at the fitness center or unwind in the Observation Library with stunning ocean views. The Venetian Lounge offers unforgettable nightly entertainment, while duty-free boutiques provide a curated selection of fashion and accessories for discerning travelers.

Your Silver Ray voyage includes thoughtfully curated shore excursions, enriching lectures, and regionally inspired cuisine at the S.A.L.T. Bar, Kitchen, and Laboratory. All meals and beverages, including champagne, fine wines, and spirits, are included, along with 24-hour gourmet dining and butler service in every suite. With unlimited Wi-Fi and award-winning entertainment, your journey combines seamless luxury and immersive experiences at every turn. Stay in style in the Superior Veranda Suite.

Sailing through the Panama Canal is a journey through one of history's greatest engineering marvels. Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, this man-made wonder transformed global trade by eliminating the need to navigate South America's treacherous Cape Horn. As your ship glides through the canal’s towering locks and vast lakes, you’ll gain a true appreciation for the monumental effort it took to construct. Begun by the French in 1881, the project was completed by the United States in 1914, following the route of the 1855 Panama Railway. Today, new locks allow even larger ships to pass through this elevated channel, 26 meters above sea level.

As you sail through Panama's heart, admire the stunning scenery of wide lakes connected by the meticulously carved canal. Don’t miss the Culebra Cut, the most challenging section of the canal’s construction, and marvel at iconic bridges like the Bridge of the Americas, completed in 1962, the Centennial Bridge, and the Atlantic Bridge near Colon. This 51-mile voyage offers an unforgettable blend of history, innovation, and breathtaking views.

Get ready for a burst of color and Caribbean charm in Cartagena, a city that dazzles with its vibrant streets and colonial beauty. Meet your private driver and guide at the port for a four-hour walking tour of Cartagena. Explore the old town, starting at the Puerta Del Reloj and Plaza de los Coches, and hear fascinating stories about the city’s past. Visit Plaza Bolivar, where locals gather, and step inside the Inquisition Palace to learn about its dark history. With an expert guide setting the pace, discover Cartagena’s highlights before returning to the port. Stay in style aboard the Silver Ray in a luxurious Superior Veranda Suite.

Begin your shore excursion with a private guide and driver for a culinary journey into Cartagena’s flavors. Explore Mercado Bazurto, the bustling market featured by Anthony Bourdain, and shop for fresh ingredients alongside a local chef. Head to a private colonial house in the walled city, where you’ll enjoy a hands-on cooking class and prepare a delicious traditional lunch. After savoring your creations, return to the port with new culinary skills and unforgettable memories.Conclude your tour with a transfer to the port.

Today is a day at sea, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind aboard.

Experience the vibrant streets of Oranjestad, Aruba’s colorful capital, where Dutch and Spanish influences blend seamlessly. Bask in the Caribbean sun on Aruba’s pristine white-sand beaches, framed by sparkling turquoise waters and iconic divi divi trees. Whether you prefer relaxing on the shore, snorkeling in shallow waters, or venturing further on a catamaran, Aruba’s beaches promise an unforgettable escape.

Beyond the sand, discover Aruba’s unique attractions, like butterfly and ostrich farms, or shop for treasures in Oranjestad’s boutique-lined streets and local artisan markets. Savor the island’s multicultural flavors, with a fusion of Dutch, Caribbean, and Asian influences creating a dining experience as diverse as the island itself. 

With plenty to do on board, make the most of this day at sea!

This morning you will disembark your ship in Fort Lauderdale and privately transferred from the Fort Lauderdale Cruise terminal to the airport for your return flights home. Safe travels.

Included in your trip package 

  • Travel Insurance 
  • International and/or domestic Flights (Your Bespoke Bookings Co. Travel Advisor can assist you with flight quotes) 
  • Handpicked 5-star hotels
  • Daily breakfasts 
  • Superior dining in top-rated restaurants
  • Professional tour guide
  • Transfers between destinations
  • Entrance fees to museums & sightseeing

Excluded 

  • Visa processing fees
  • Passport fees
  • Meals outside of included dining
  • Personal shopping or incidental expenses
  • Personal travel upgrades
  • Transportation outside of the itinerary

Location: This map is designed to highlight the location of this specific trip experience.

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