8 days from £2,095This holiday includes a full transit of the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea on the motor cruiser Discovery, combined with some land-based excursions to some of the highlights of this evocative and under-valued destination. It is a relaxing way to experience the many attractions of Panama: native Indian cultures, pristine white sand beaches, the canal, its lush abundant rainforests, and history that dates back to the days of Christopher Columbus.With full board included and a first class hotel, this is a good value, comfortable holiday.
There are northbound and southbound itineraries on different dates, where what you do and see is very similar, but you make the excursions in a different order. Here we feature the northbound holiday, contact us for a southbound itinerary. Suggested Holiday ItineraryDay 1: Arrive Panama City. 3 nights at hotel.
Day 2: Chagres River canoe trip, visit the Embera indians.
Day 3: Visit the Soberania National Park.
Day 4: Visit San Lorenzo Fort and Portobelo, board MV Discovery, 3n.
Day 5: Gatún Lake and the Panama Canal Expansion Project.
Day 6: Panama Canal Transit and Taboga Island.
Day 7: Tour of historic Panama City. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8: Transfer to airport.
Owing to many clients' preference for flexibility, and the variation in flight price according to season and availability, the price quoted excludes the cost of international flights, which we will happily arrange for you. Flights to Latin America can be daytime or overnight, while the return flight is always overnight, so you will need to add at least one day to arrive at the total length of your holiday. View detailed itinerary >> Our Comment
On our cruise, we found the communal areas on the main deck to be very well kept and spacious with comfortable seating areas, a bar and a large dining table. The food was well prepared, well presented and of high quality. The large windows allow excellent views wherever the boat may be. The double hull means the motion is minimal, the actual engine noise is pretty much non existent.
Margot Chard, Consultant, Tailor-made Holidays. |  The Discovery, a 12-cabin catamaran
 Kayaking on Gatun lake
 Embera Indians View more images |