Silversea Luxury Cruises To FUERTE AMADOR (Panama City)

This tour was designed for you to step aboard a time machine and travel back more than 600 years; to a Central America only few have had the privilege of experiencing. More than a tour, this is a journey into the lives of the Embera Indian Tribe. A proud people, who have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyle as it was before the Spaniards colonized the region. Start out the expedition aboard an air-conditioned vehicle where a knowledgeable guide will give you an overview of Panama on the way to the jungles of the Central Region. Your host will prepare you for the cultural feast you are about to experience by sharing the history and customs of the Emberá Indians who are the keepers of the Rainforest and Chagres River. When you arrive at the Chagres National Park, you will leave the comfort of your vehicle to board the dug out canoes that will take you to the Emberá Village. Although not the most luxurious, these dug outs are sturdy and worthy craft which were critical in the conquering of the jungle and in establishing supply lifelines for both Indians and Spanish. After motoring up river, you will see the village emerge from the jungle as if by magic. Keep your eyes open along the way, as the region offers abundant wildlife that is particularly active along the river's edge.

In the Village, the Chief will welcome you with traditional Emberá hospitality. A series of dances have been arranged to add to this cultural exchange.

Feel free to wonder the village, ask questions or interact with these quiet people. Please remember that we are guests in their home and a good measure of common sense and sensitivity towards their privacy is appreciated.

The Embera men and woman are spectacular craftsmen have produced some beautiful items, which will be available for purchase as souvenirs or keepsakes of this unique experience.

All too soon, it is time to return to your century, where the bliss and tranquility of older days has been all but forgotten.

The image conjured by Panama is generally that of the spectacular Canal, considered by many as one of the eighth wonder of the world, and rightly so. The Panama Canal cuts through one of the narrowest saddles of the Isthmus of Panama approximately 80 kilometers long, joining North & South America with the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans, bisecting the Continental Divide in short; The Land Divided, The World United.

Your first stop will be the Panama Canal Expansion the largest project at the Canal since its original construction that created a new lane of traffic along the Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling the waterway's capacity, be a witness of this major undertaking by visiting the New Observation Center of the Canal Expansion.

The new Observation Center of the Canal Expansion, located in Colon Panama, is a park style concept based on open platforms and roofed terraces, built in an area of four hectares, 400 visitors, simultaneously, will be able to enjoy in this new center, the construction of the new locks of the Panama Canal in the Atlantic, at the same time, from its privileged location, visitors see the majestic Gatun Lake, where ships continue their transit through the waterway.

After visiting the new locks, you will have a unique opportunity to traverse on board a comfortable air-conditioned motor coach and travel from Atlantic to Pacific on a similar route once used by the Spanish Conquistadors and the 49ers seeking a short cut in search of Gold in the West.

At Miraflores Locks, take this opportunity to pause and view the gargantuan ships that make their way through the Panama Canal and visit the four exhibition halls, organized by themes that constitute the heart of the Miraflores Visitors Center.

Experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Panamanian rainforest in an exciting new way during this unforgettable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Fuerte Amador, Panamanian Rainforest, Gamboa Resort, Soberania National Park, Aerial Tram

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Gamboa Resort, located deep in the heart of the Panamanian rainforest amidst the approximately 55,000-acre (about 22,258-hectare) Soberania National Park. Upon arrival and after a comfort stop, board the Aerial Tram. Each gondola on the tram can accommodate up to five-six passengers, and enables you to explore the spectacular flora and fauna of this beautiful park from a truly unique perspective. In addition, each guest is provided with audio-guide equipment throughout the tour.

Forest Floor, Understory, Upper-Forest Canopy, Frog Exhibit, Orchid Garden

During this visually-stunning adventure, discover the secrets of the Panamanian rainforest as your Aerial Tram takes you from the shadowy forest floor, through the understory and into the sun-drenched, upper-forest canopy. Take in a bird's-eye view of a thousand hues of green, interspersed with the fluorescent exclamation points of flowering trees, along with diverse birdlife, sloths and several species of monkeys. In addition, stops are made at the frog exhibit and orchid garden to see and hear the flora and fauna of the rainforest in its picturesque natural setting.

Observation Tower, National Park, Indigenous Communities, Chagras River, Panama Canal

Following your Aerial Tram tour, ascend the approximately 98-foot-high (about 30-metre-high) Observation Tower. From the top, take in breath-taking, 360-degree views of Soberania National Park, the Embera Indigenous communities nearby, and the famous intersection where the Chagres River feeds the Panama Canal, subsequently filling Gatun Lake to enable the passage of ships. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

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Embrace the sights and sounds of the Panama Canal and jungles of Gatun Lake from up-close during this panoramic, half-day canal and jungle excursion via boat.

Fuerte Amador, Panamanian Rainforest, Gamboa Resort, Soberania National Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Gamboa Resort, located deep in the heart of the Panamanian rainforest amidst the approximately 55,000-acre (about 22,258-hectare) Soberania National Park. This exceptional locale is an excellent way to experience the sights and sounds of the jungle from up-close. Throughout this immersive jungle and canal adventure, your naturalist guides help you to spot the abundant wildlife, and educate you about it and its habitat.

Boat-Ride, Panama Canal, Cargo Ships, Gatun Lake

Upon arrival and after a comfort stop, embark your awaiting boat for the approximately 30-minute, high-speed ride through the heart of the Panama Canal. Along the way, see cargo ships transiting Gatun Lake, one of the largest manmade lakes in the world.

Islands, Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans, Birds, Caimans, Crocs, Turtles, Butterflies

Your boat then slows down upon entering the labyrinth of jungle-covered islands of Gatun Lake. In this protected area, the wildlife is plentiful, and you are likely to encounter capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, various kinds of toucans and other bird life, as well as caimans, crocodiles, turtles and wealth of butterflies. Following your cruise, return to the Gamboa Resort, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Old Panama City "Panama Viejo

Board your air-conditioned transportation and get ready to explore the ruins of Old Panama City. This tour lets you experience Panama while onboard of your transportation and two guided walking tours. Arrive at Old Panama City, the place where the previously devastated city was located and is still in ruins, which has become known as Panama Viejo, or "Old Panama".

Casco Antiguo

Relax and take in the sights and sounds at this historic location. After visiting Panama Viejo, continue on to Casco Antiguo, the old colonial city. Casco Antiguo displays a mix of architectural styles, which in turn reflect the cultural diversity of the country. Continue on to your final destination, Las Bóvedas. Las Bovedas in Casco Viejo is the sea wall of the Spanish Fort on the point of the peninsula. A stroll along the top of the wall provides a unique view of Panama City across the bay. At this amazing site, you'll have a quick stop to refuel and enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant! Take advantage of free-time to be spent in Colonial Panama (Casco Antiguo) after lunch and then you will head back to your Ship in Fuerte Amador,

Take a drive from your Ship to the fascinating city of Old Panama. The city played a crucial role in expeditions and has established its vocation as a commercial maritime city. Panama also became a terminal for the only route between the two oceans and a vital communication link between Spain and its colonies in the Pacific. Your guided & panoramic tour begins with a visit to Panama Viejo (Old Panama). Founded in 1519, the city was a crucial port for treasure-laden Spanish ships. This scenic, yet acquainted excursion takes you to the ruins of the churches, colonial palaces, bridges and military buildings that attest to country's grand past. Panama Viejo is where the main city originally stood until destroyed by a band of pirates under buccaneer Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. As you sightsee the area your guide will share Panamanian history and legends and point-out significant facts.

At the completion of your panoramic tour of Old Panama, rejoin your coach for a scenic tour of Panama City; sit back and relax as you travel along the Cinta Costera 3 and the busy waterfront boulevard known as Avenida Balboa, which offers great views of the Bay of Panama and Casco Viejo (Colonial Panama), which is the Panama City's historic district.

Last but not least, re-board your transportation and pass through the Modern sites of Panama City as you are transferred to Amador Area for a visit and photo stop. Amador is conformed by four small islands by the pacific entrance to the Panama Canal; they are linked to the mainland via a causeway, made from rock extracted during the excavations from the Panama Canal. You will then return back to your ship filled with knowledge of this amazing city!

Experience the Panama Canal in a unique new way during this captivating, half-day excursion to the Miraflores Locks Visitor's Centre and IMAX Theatre.

Fuerte Amador, Miraflores Locks Visitor's Centre, Ships, Panama Canal Museum

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Miraflores Locks Visitor's Centre. Located adjacent to the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal, this is the first IMAX Destination in Panama and among the largest IMAX screens in the world. Upon arrival, view the gargantuan ships that make their way through the Panama Canal Museum and visit the four exhibition halls, organized by themes that constitute the heart of this centre.

IMAX Theatre, Panama Canal in 3D: A Land Divided, A World United Documentary

Next, head to the nearby IMAX Theatre to enjoy an informational-rich canal documentary narrated by actor Morgan Freeman. Through the magic of 3D and IMAX cameras, take an incredible trip through one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Modern World' in Panama Canal in 3D: A Land Divided, A World United. This captivating, approximately 45-minute documentary takes you through the locks and mechanical operations of the canal, and how the process transitions vessels. Glide airborne over Panama, the railway and the country. Discover the unexpected tropical rainforest beauty and wildlife in a native canoe.

Panama Past-and-Present, Current Panama Canal Expansion Efforts, Free Time, Shopping

The film sweeps you from the days when Conquistadores struggled through a water-soaked quagmire, to the American engineering achievement that revolutionized shipping and tropical medicine. It shows the visionary present of Panama and their efforts to expand the 100-year-old waterway to accommodate post-Panamax ships. The film concludes with a fusion of old-and-new Panama; its skyscrapers, culture and growing economic temper as a leader in Central America. Following the movie and a comfort stop, some free time is made available at the IMAX Theatre for independent shopping and exploration. At the conclusion of this unique experience, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the pre-Colombian history, culture and traditions of Panama during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Fuerte Amador, Old Panama, Ruins of Nearly 100 Buildings, Old Panama Visitor's Centre

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Panama Viejo (Old Panama), the oldest city in Panama and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. Along the way, take in the sights and sounds at this archaeological site and historic location whilst walking through different monuments. See the ruins of nearly 100 churches, Colonial palaces, bridges, and civic and military buildings that once served as the headquarters for conquistador Francisco Pizzaro, and attest to the country's grand past. Your guide recounts the history behind the structures, and escorts you to a stop at the Old Panama Visitor's Centre.

Reprosa Factory & Museum, Artefacts, Shopping, Artwork, Jewellery, Casting, Sandblasting

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Reprosa Factory & Museum, where Panama's ancient civilisations, cultural traditions, and natural treasures come to life in gold and silver. During your visit, explore artefacts from the ruins of Panama Viejo and pre-Columbian treasures. See how pre-Hispanic masterpieces are made utilising the same 'lost-wax' process employed by the ancient goldsmiths, and browse art and jewellery crafted on site. Following a video presentation, walk a catwalk to a casting demonstration and try your hand at the sandblasting process, a highly-recommended experience. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier via Casco Antiguo (Colonial Panama), an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Bristol Hotel is centrally located in Bella Vista, walking distance from Via Espana the main &thoroughfare of Panama City. Just a short distance from the National Shrine of the Heart of Mary, under the auspices of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, otherwise known as Claretian Missionaries, their presence here dates from 1923. The Bristol, a 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Multicentro Panama and Multiplaza Pacific Mall.

The Bristol Hotel is centrally located in Bella Vista, walking distance from Via Espana the main throrughfare of Panama City. Just a short distance from the National Shrine of the Heart of Mary, under the auspices of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, otherwise known as Claretian Missionaries, their presence here dates from 1923. The Bristol, a 5-star hotel is within close proximity of Multicentro Panama and Multiplaza Pacific Mall.