Silversea Luxury Cruises A Colon

Panama City, Embera Indian Tribe

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.

Rainforest, Chagres River

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.

Indian Village, dances, cultural exchange

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, respect and privacy is appreciated when exploring their home.

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.

Experience the legacy and flavours of Colonial Panama during this picturesque, full-day excursion to the Old Quarter, and a unique dinner at a famous restaurant.

Colon, Casco Antiguo, Diverse Architectural Styles, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theatre

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the old Colonial city of Casco Antiguo, the 'Old Quarter' and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. Casco Antiguo displays a mix of architectural styles, which, in turn, reflect the cultural diversity of the country. Caribbean, Republican, Art Deco, French and Colonial architecture mix in this historic area. Most of Panama City´s main monuments are located in Casco Antiguo. During your walking tour, see the Paseo Esteban Huertas, Metropolitan Cathedral, National Theatre and Simon Bolivar Plaza, among other historic buildings.

Casa Casco Restaurant, Three-Course Meal on Different Floors, Drinks at the Rooftop Bar

Following your tour, proceed for dinner and drinks in a unique new way at the famous, four-storey Casa Casco restaurant. During this unforgettable repast, visit each storey for a different course. An appetizer is served on the first storey, dinner is served on the second story and dessert is served on the third storey. After dinner, head to the rooftop bar for drinks and splendid views over Colonial Panama. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Experience the beauty and grandeur of the Agua Clara Locks and Gatun Lake in an active new way during this invigorating, half-day kayaking excursion.

Colon, Agua Clara Locks & Visitors Centre, Expansion Observation Platform, New Traffic Lane

Depart the pier for the short drive to the new Panama Canal locks, the Agua Clara Locks. The Panama Canal expansion is currently the largest engineering project in the world. Upon arrival at the Agua Clara Visitor Centre, head to the Expansion Observation Platform. Here, you can see and learn about how the canal has been expanded through the addition of a new traffic lane. This new lane created two new sets of locks, one on the Pacific and one on the Atlantic, which doubles the canal's capacity, and enables longer and wider vessels to transit.

Melia Hotel, Gatun Lake, Panama Canal Rainforest, Canal Zone

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Melia Hotel, located on Lago Gatún (Gatun Lake), the largest manmade lake in the world. The Panama Canal rainforests are some of the most accessible green zones in the world. With over 50,000 acres (about 20,234 hectares) of pristine rainforest, this natural gem hosts an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds, and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. The canal requires a vast rainforest watershed to feed water to its lock system, which uses millions of gallons each day. Since the rainforests are so important to the national economy, the Canal Zone has had to actively preserve its natural resources, providing pristine green areas and excellent photo opportunities.

Comfort Stop, Gatun Lake Kayaking, Rainforest Ecosystem, Monkeys, Toucans, Sloths

Upon arrival at the Melia Hotel, proceed for a comfort stop. Afterward, receive your safety and kayaking instructions and gear, then embark your kayak for scenic, approximately one-hour kayaking journey on Gatun Lake. Along the way, look for monkey, toucans and sloths whilst your guide explains the rainforest ecosystem and points out sights-of-interest. Gatun Lake is a large, artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships during their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. The geography of the area was ideal for the creation of a large lake. Following your kayaking session, return to the hotel for some free time and snacks by the pool area, then commence the drive back to the pier.

Experience the Panama Canal, its rainforest and native Indian denizens during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Colon, Melia Hotel, Gatun Lake, Panama Canal Rainforest, Canal Zone

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Melia Hotel, located on Lago Gatún (Gatun Lake), the largest manmade lake in the world. The Panama Canal rainforests are some of the most accessible green zones in the world. With over 50,000 acres (about 20,234 hectares) of pristine rainforest, this natural gem hosts an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds, and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. The canal requires a vast rainforest watershed to feed water to its lock system, which uses millions of gallons each day. Since the rainforests are so important to the national economy, the Canal Zone has had to actively preserve its natural resources, providing pristine green areas and excellent photo opportunities.

Gatun Lake Eco-Cruise, Rainforest Ecosystem, Monkeys, Toucans, Sloths

Upon arrival at the Melia Hotel, a comfort stop is made before embarking your boat for a scenic, approximately one-hour eco-cruise on Gatun Lake. Along the way, look for monkey, toucans and sloths whilst your guide explains the rainforest ecosystem and points out sights-of-interest. Gatun Lake is a large, artificial lake that forms a major part of the Panama Canal, carrying ships during their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. The lake was created between 1907 and 1913 by the building of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River. The geography of the area was ideal for the creation of a large lake.

Embera Indians, Traditional Songs and Dances, Native Handicrafts

Following your lake-cruise, discover paradise in its purest form during an encounter with the Embera Indians. The Embera are a unique and beautiful people, and this tribe still lives in harmony with their natural surroundings in the rainforest. During your visit, witness traditional songs and dances, along with music performed on handmade instruments. The Embera possess an amazing botanical knowledge, and they are a warm and friendly people. After meeting the Embera and observing their performances, you can browse the native handicrafts for a souvenir of your visit.

Agua Clara Locks, Agua Clara Visitors Centre, Expansion Observation Platform, New Traffic Lane

Leaving Embera Village, re-board your coach and head to the new Panama Canal locks, the Agua Clara Locks. The Panama Canal expansion is currently the largest engineering project in the world. Upon arrival at the Agua Clara Visitor Centre, head to the Expansion Observation Platform. Here, you can see and learn about how the canal has been expanded through the addition of a new traffic lane. This new lane created two new sets of locks, one on the Pacific and one on the Atlantic, which doubles the canal's capacity, and enables longer and wider vessels to transit. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover the splendid history, architecture and landmarks of Panama City during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Old Panama City

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 90-minute drive along the new modern highway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans en route to the ruins of the old capital city. Founded in 1509, it is today known as Panama Viejo, or 'Old Panama'. Upon arrival, take in the sights and sounds of this historic locale.

Casco Antiguo

Next, continue on to the old Colonial city of Casco Antiguo. The city blends Caribbean, Republican, Art Deco, French and Colonial architectural styles, which in turn reflect the cultural diversity of the country. Most of Panama City's main monuments are located in Casco Antiguo. During a guided stroll here, see the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Theatre, among other buildings.

Las Bóvedas

Leaving Casco Antiguo, continue on to your final destination, Las Bóvedas. Located in Casco Viejo, Las Bovedas is the sea wall of the Spanish Fort on the point of the peninsula. The site is named after the dungeons embedded in the wall, which today house an art gallery and restaurant. A stroll along the top of the wall provides a splendid panoramic view of Panama City across the bay. Following your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.2 (about two kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests must be at least six years old to participate on this tour.

Discover the history, operation and expansion of the Panama Canal during this fascinating, full-day excursion to the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.

Colon, Miraflores Locks Visitors Centre, Exhibition Halls, Huge Ships Crossing the Panama Canal

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Miraflores Locks Visitors Centre. Upon arrival, take an opportunity to pause and view the gargantuan ships that make their way through the series of locks on the Panama Canal; a truly fascinating experience to behold. Afterward, visit the four exhibition halls, organized by themes that constitute the heart of this centre.

Agua Clara Locks, Agua Clara Visitors Centre, Expansion Observation Platform, New Traffic Lane

Next, re-board your coach and head to the new Panama Canal locks, the Agua Clara Locks, and enjoy a boxed lunch served en route. The Panama Canal expansion is currently the largest engineering project in the world. Upon arrival at the Agua Clara Visitor Centre, head to the Expansion Observation Platform. Here, you can see and learn about how the canal has been expanded through the addition of a new traffic lane. This new lane created two new sets of locks, one on the Pacific and one on the Atlantic, which doubles the canal's capacity, and enables longer and wider vessels to transit. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

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.

Grande Hotel is for those who want to begin or prolong their Silversea holiday - luxury accommodations, exclusive service and impeccable attention to detail in style. Grande Hotel guests appreciate the finer things in life. These properties have been chosen not only for their prime location but for their outstanding service and their exceptional quality.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel groups that are frequently featured in our program include Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Peninsula or Fairmont to name just a few.

Our Simply Hotel selection is the perfect choice for those who want a centrally located setting from which to discover - or rediscover - the city. Rooms in these 4.5 and 5-star properties are generally Standard Double or King rooms that provide comfortable accommodations and superior service for those who wish to extend their trip with a cultural or shopping experience in some of the world's most iconic cities.

For your convenience, we can easily organise transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel brands that we consistently feature include Intercontinental, JW Marriott, Fairmont or the Conrad Group.

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.