Panama Adventure!

April 17-24, 2010
8 Days/7 nights

         Our trip includes Panama City and its rich history, an educational visit through the famous Panama Canal locks, visit an Indian village cultural experience, stay at a rainforest lodge, and end your vacation at an all-inclusive beach resort that offers all kinds of activities and adventures!

This trip to the fascinating Central American country of Panama will include so much that you’ll understand why it is becoming a popular vacation destination.  If you loved Costa Rica, you’ll love this country!
                Panama is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Colombia and Costa Rica. While Panama is known mostly for its famous canal, the country's natural attractions offer an irresistible lure to the exotic traveler- you’ll find an abundance of wildlife in many national parks; many white sandy beaches and incredible rainforests; hundreds of islands and calm, tranquil reefs and coves; the Panama Canal and a fantastic quantity of fresh seafood!  Panama also has more flora and fauna species and more land set aside for preservation with far fewer tourists and the country offers some of the finest birding, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing in Central America.
Panama has a cosmopolitan capital city, lots of history, wonderful shopping, and traditional arts that reflect its ethnic mix including wood carving, weaving, ceramics and mask-making.  It is a proud and prosperous nation that honors its seven Indian tribes and its rich Spanish legacy and it welcomes visitors enthusiastically.

Come join us and discover all that Panama has to offer Our groups love this destination! including transportation (listed in day-by-day itinerary)

Price includes…..
7 nights accommodations in nice 3 star properties/resorts

• 1 night Panama City – Toscana Inn Hotel                                                   
• 3 nights- Melia Panama Canal Hotel
• 3 nights- Royal Decameron All-Inclusive Beach Resort

• 7 breakfasts
• 4 lunches
• 3 dinners at the resort

Available: Download Itinerary Now) (Acrobat Reader required - Please allow time for file to download completely)

Itinerary

Day 1, Sat, Apr 17, 2010                   Arrival Into Panama City                                    
On arrival into Panama City, you will be transferred to our hotel.  Depending on the arrival time, the day is at leisure to start exploring until our early evening welcome get-together.  After the meeting, maybe dinner together or with new friends from the group and the evening is at leisure to explore the nightlife!  
Overnight at the Toscana Inn Hotel.

Day 2, Sun, Apr 18, 2010  Partial Panama Canal Transit/Panama City Tour/Colon          
After breakfast, we have a very interesting day ahead of us with our local guide which includes seeing what Panama is famous for--its’ locks in the canal!  Many visitors are surprised how much of the canal looks like a wide, slowly flowing jungle river instead of a highly mechanical system of pumping stations and locks.  You’ll know how the locks work after your canal tour and visiting the Miraflores visitor center.
Lunch is included and we’ll also have a city tour of the cosmopolitan capital city-- Panama City. We start our tour to see some of the most important sites of Panama City such as Casco Antiguo and the ruins of the original Panama, “Panama La Vieja”, founded in 1519, the first city and Spanish settlement on the Pacific Ocean, capital of “Castilla de Oro” and center of operations for the conquest of South America. This city was built during the 16th century and was later partially destroyed in an attack by the pirate Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. See many other local sights and get a panoramic view of this beautiful city.
Overnight at the Melia Panama Canal Hotel. (B,L) 
Hotel: Melia Panama Canal Hotel(3 nights)
Our hotel is on the shores of Gatun Lake, just 10 minutes from the Free Trade Zone in Colon, and it is the former "Escuela de las Americas" which has been transformed into a nice hotel offering elegance and comfort in its facilities and a treasure chest full of flora and fauna for nature lovers. The surroundings of Meliá Panama Canal offer the perfect scenery to explore and take part in the eco-tourism of the region. Take adventure tours through historic regions and tourist sites, enjoy the beaches of the Caribbean, deep-sea fishing, shopping and much more.

Day 3, Mon, Apr 19, 2010                Canopy Tour
Today we are in for another adventure…our canopy tour at La Granja takes us ‘zipping’ through the tops of the cloud forest.  It is an experience not to be missed! The rest of the day is at leisure for local activities, including hiking, swimming, exploring and other active adventures!
 Overnight at Melia Panama Canal hotel. (B)

 Day 4, Tues, Apr 20, 2010                Embera Village Tour        
After breakfast we find paradise in its purest form as we journey to the jungles of Chagres National Park to visit the Emberá Indians. Our adventure begins with a dugout canoe transfer up the Chagres River. Along the way, we will negotiate rapids and discover the jungle’s many splendors.
The Emberá are a unique and beautiful people. They live much as they did when Columbus arrived in the 1500's. You will soon forget the outside world as you are immersed in their cultural dance and music. We’ll explore the area’s abundant variety of birds and wildlife during a jungle trek that includes a visit to local waterfalls. During our visit, we will see that the Emberá possess amazing botanical knowledge – most will be surprised to learn of their contributions to modern pharmaceuticals. We are welcome to paint our bodies as the Emberá do, with a natural fruit dye called Jagua and enjoy the famed Emberá handicrafts.
Also included is refreshments: cooler with water, soft drinks and fruits, and a local lunch of fish and plantains from the village.
All in one day we get a peaceful ride in a dugout canoe, a trek through the jungle, and the opportunity to learn from a magical culture......
Overnight at the Melia Panama Canal Hotel.  (B,L)

Day 5, Wed, Apr 21, 2010                Transfer Colon-Hotel Royal Decameron
After breakfast we transfer by coach with an English speaking guide from the Melia Panama Canal Hotel to Hotel Royal Decameron Resort and Casino for a total of 3 nights of fun, relaxation and loads of activities! 
This all-inclusive resort has so much to do; you can start exploring after check-in!  After dinner there is always the disco too! (B,D)
Hotel: Royal Decameron Beach Resort & Casino (3 nights)
The Royal Decameron Resort enjoys the best microclimate of the country (more sunny days each year) and offers you a great variety of services and facilities, together with fun, sports and recreational activities, on an extensive and relaxing sandy beach fronting the Pacific Ocean.   It has 600 tropical style rooms with balconies, air conditioning, satellite TV and telephone.
For recreational and sporting pleasures you are offered unlimited use of all non motorized water sports, a game room, horseback riding, tennis, volleyball, soccer, introductory scuba classes, and daily activity programs.
The beach is walkable for miles the resort has all the water toys: including kayaks, paddle boats, sailfish, wind surfers, and snorkel gear, no extra charge. Towels and chairs for the beach and swimming pool are provided.
 International shows and live music every night, as well as a discotheque onsite and open every night till 2:00am. 
Other services at additional cost: safety deposit boxes, laundry service, massage, car rental, jet ski rentals, bicycle and all terrain motorbike rentals, excursions, city tours, sport fishing and deep sea diving.
Dining is at either of the resort's two buffets, or at any of the six specialty restaurants, offering everything from Steak to Japanese cuisine.  There are three snack bars, three beach bars, two poolside bars, and two lobby lounges, at the resort. There are also two boutiques.

Day 6, Thurs, Apr 22, 2010             Leisure Resort Day
                Breakfast and then a free day today to enjoy this resort area.  Our social escort will assist with organizing activities for the group if wanted.  Lots of water sports and adventures available, (optional cost on some), enjoy walking the beautiful beach or relax with a good book! 
Overnight at Hotel Royal Decameron Beach Resort & Casino.  (B,L,D)

Day 7, Fri, Apr 23, 2010                   Leisure Resort Day                                 
Another leisure day at this all-inclusive resort.  Spend the time the way you want-enjoy the sports and water activities, take a tour, enjoy the beach or pool, get a spa treatment or massage, or maybe relax with your new friends from the group at the bar.  This evening let’s enjoy our included dinner as our farewell dinner and then maybe hit the disco!  Yes, sadly it really is time to head home tomorrow!
Overnight at Hotel Royal Decameron Beach Resort & Casino.  (B,L,D)

 Day 8, Sat. Apr 24, 2010  To Airport and Flight Home
Yes, it’s time to go home! If taking our group transfer, please make your flight after 11:00am out of the Tocumen airport in Panama City.  (B)

Added value only available when you book with Singles Travel Company’s group...

• Only single travelers in our group
• Coordinated single get-togethers & activities as the group travels together throughout the week
• Past and new Singles Travel Company travelers from our years of past cruises and trips
• Socializing every day within our singles group
• Roommate matching to avoid the single supplement
• Singles Social Director Host (restrictions apply)
• Meeting new and fun single friends……and so much more!!!

Price
$1299.00               land only, per person, double occupancy, (remember we can assign a roommate)
$  499.00               want a room to yourself? -add to above rate-VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY!!

Airfare –Fly into & out of Panama City (PTY). You can book your air on own or we can assist.
Airport transfers – $30 roundtrip per guidelines below:
Arrival transfer- $15.00 –arriving anytime on April 17. 
Departure transfer- $15.00 but only if you are taking a flight out after 11:00am on April 24, departure day, from Panama City airport. We will be going to the airport directly from the resort in the early morning.  If taking your own transfer back to the airport from the resort (it is a little less than a 2 hour distance) you can purchase a transfer-but pricing is based on the number of people in the transfer and can be pricey.

Travel Insurance is highly recommended for many reasons but also because this trip will include some adventure  activities. Inquire when signing up for the trip and an insurance pamphlet will be mailed with your deposit invoice. Please review it and call the insurance company directly to sign up. Price ranges from $66- $173 depending on your age and price of the trip being covered + a $5 processing fee per the insurance company. 

A valid passport is required for travel for U.S./Canadian citizens and the expiration date for U.S. citizens should be at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Non-U.S. citizens check with your consulate for entrance requirements.

Health requirements: There are no required immunizations, however, check with your medical doctor or  travel clinic for any recommended immunizations/ meds for travel to Belize. The CDC website is www.cdc.gov/travel/ Phone (404) 639-3534.

Panama airport departure tax of approximately $20 (subject to increase) to be paid in cash at your departure from Panama airport.

Activity Level: This is an adventure trip with lots of walking, as much hiking as you want, zip-lining and water sports.

Price does not include items of a personal nature- i.e. phone calls, laundry, etc., meals where not included, alcoholic and other beverages are not offered with included meals, tips to guides and drivers, travel insurance, Panama airport departure tax-approx $20.

Fine Print – Panama April 17-24, 2010 
Your payment for a reservation on this trip constitutes consent and acknowledgement of all the provisions in this Fine Print listed below and in the Singles Travel Company General Terms and Conditions. Make sure you read both of these important pieces of information and call us with any questions.  Please fax/mail/email us the Reservation Form found on our website with your reservation.
Payments by credit card or check (payable to Travel Advisors of Los Gatos) are accepted.
 
Payments        A deposit of $200.00 is due with your reservation. Final payments due 65 days prior to the trip. 
Cancellation Fee and Refunds     All cancellations must be in writing. Cancellations 91 days or more prior to the trip will receive a full refund of your deposit, less a $50 cancellation fee applied to your credit card.  Any cancellations within 90 days of departure, no refund will be provided.  No refund on unused portions of the trip. After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy, usually no refund and changeable with a fee.
Travel/Trip Cancellation insurance is highly recommended

Download full Terms and Conditions (PDF)

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