Secrets of Central America

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of a one-day visit of San José, Costa Rica's capital city considered among the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. Known as "Chepe" by all Costa Ricans, this metropolis is teeming with culture and history, exquisite architecture, a bustling nightlife and friendly locals. This programme will be a perfect conclusion to your cruise. This programme will be a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - San José

Meet at the airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will then be transferred by coach to the Gran Hotel Costa Rica 4*.

Check-in.

Dinner and rest of the day at leisure.

Day 2 - San José/Puntarenas

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Begin your day with a guided exploration of the heart of San Jose, where the bustling streets come alive with the vibrant energy of daily life. Traverse through the city's historic and contemporary landmarks, gaining insights into its evolution.

Following your city adventure step into the exquisite world of the National Theatre, a cultural gem that reflects the grandeur of Costa Rica's artistic heritage. Marvel at the architectural splendour and immerse yourself in the theatre's storied past, appreciating the fine craftsmanship and cultural significance it holds.

Your journey will continue at the Museo de Oro, where pre-Columbian treasures unveil the rich history of the region. Engage in a fascinating exploration of golden artifacts and learn about the indigenous cultures that once thrived in Costa Rica. The museum provides a captivating glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship and symbolic meaning behind these ancient treasures.

Later, indulge your senses with a delightful chocolate tasting in an artisanal chocolateria, nestled in the heart of San Jose. This chocolate factory encompasses a rich tapestry of experiences, inviting you to explore the captivating world of chocolate. You'll have the unique opportunity to delve into the intricate process of chocolate-making at an artisanal chocolate factory. Delectable in an apt characterization of this experience, immersing you in the aroma and flavours of artisanal chocolate crafted directly on site, using seeds sourced directly from Costa Rican farmers.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

You will then depart for Puntarenas (approximately a 2-hour drive) to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel :

Located in the heart of San José, the Gran Hotel Costa Rica 4* is surrounded by national museums, plazas and walking boulevards, within 5-minute walk of San José Cathedral and the National Theater. Enjoy the charm of this 1930’s building, a historical-architectural monument of Costa Rica, that offers contemporary urban interiors and 79 sophisticated and spacious rooms. You could workout at the fitness center, enjoy music at the piano bar or grab a bite at the Cultura 5 restaurant, which serves international cuisine. The pleasant staff will help you live like a local with good recommendations of cafés and shops.

Your programme includes :

·        1 night in Superior room at the Gran Hotel Costa Rica 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your arrival flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        This programme is suitable for people with reduced mobility, upon request.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel :

Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection By Hilton

2nd Ave. between streets 1 and 3
San Jose, Costa Rica
+506 2103 9000

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of two days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, to visit the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.

Day 1 – Colón/Panama City

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h drive).

You will first do a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. You will also visit the orchiderarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

You will continue your day with a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).

You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. You will get the chance to explore on your own the neighbourhood of Casco Antiguo with its colonial style government buildings, old churches and grand plazas. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

You will be transferred to the Hilton 5* hotel.

Check-in and dinner at leisure.

Day 2 - Panama City

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out at noon and day at leisure.

If you wish to vacate your room after the official check-out time, you can book a late check-out with your travel consultant as an option and at an additional cost; any on-site requests will be subject to hotel availability.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

The Hilton Panama 5* is a few steps away from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks away from the Financial District. Guest rooms offer views of the Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. They feature contemporary design and modern amenities including Wi-Fi access and a HDTV. You will find at your disposal a fitness centre, a spa and a top roof pool.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Ocean View room at Hilton Hotel 5* (or similar) including breakfast.

·        Lunch as described in the programme with beverage package (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on Day 1.

·        The late check out on day 2

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note :

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel:

Hilton Hotel

Balboa Avenida & Aquilino de la Guardia

Panama City, PANAMA

Telephone: + 507 280 8000

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of four days to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre, the natural beauties and visit the Gehry Museum of Biodiversity, not forgetting the monumental canal and the famous locks opening the passage to gigantic ships from coast to coast. This programme will be an ideal conclusion to your cruise.

Day 1 – Colón/Panama City

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

You will depart the pier by coach for Gamboa (approximately a 1h drive).

You will first do a boat trip through the Panama Canal waterways to visit the islands that once upon time were mountains and were created when the area was flooded to form the Gatun Lake. You will also visit the sloth sanctuary, orchidarium, butterfly house, fresh water aquarium and snake house.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch and a transfer to Panama City, you will visit the Old Panama Ruins, first European city built in the Pacific coast of the Americas.

You will then be transferred to the hotel Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5*.

Check-in and dinner at leisure.

Day 2 - Panama City

Breakfast at the hotel.

You will start your day with a sightseeing tour of Panama City. You will be taken first to Miraflores locks, the so-called “Eighth Wonder of the world”. Panama Canal is one of the most celebrated human achievements on the planet. Upon arrival at Miraflores Visitors Centre, you will visit the exhibition halls and learn about the Panama Canal’s history, its impact on international trade, how it works, its close relationship with nature and the Canal Expansion. From one of Miraflores observation terraces, you will be able to watch the lock gates open and close as vessels begin or end their transit, and you may observe transiting vessels from a distance of only a few meters while you learn about the various operations of the Panama Canal (cannot be guaranteed depending on Panama Canal timetable).

You will then discover the turbulent past of Panama City, in Casco Antiguo (or Casco Viejo) which is the historic part and the cultural gem of this vibrant metropolis. After the destruction of the first Panama City by pirate Henry Morgan, Casco Antiguo became the second Panama City. It was established around 1673 by French colonialists, the Catholic Church and other settlers. This is where much of the impressive colonial and Baroque architecture remains today. The modern, cosmopolitan areas of Panama City add a third layer to this historically rich city. Casco Antiguo has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

You will continue with the visit of the Mola Museum that opened in 2019. It was created to give relevance to the ancient culture of the Guna people represented in the mola. The mola is an indigenous textile art sewn into panels with complex designs, beautiful colours and multiple layers using a reverse appliqué technique that identifies the Guna community in Panama, you will enjoy beautiful display of many pieces at this small one floor quaint museum.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, take part to a private Mola workshop with a Guna woman and artisan who through her art safeguards the traditions of her people and pays tribute to their culture, inspired mainly by the biodiversity of Panama. The workshop has a duration of 2 hours, starting with the history and meaning of the Molas in Panama, and continuing with the project that consist in the creation of a handkerchief.

Walk back to the hotel.

Time and dinner at leisure.

Day 3 - Panama City

Breakfast at the hotel.

Start your day at the Biomuseo, also called the Gehry’s Museum in honour of its world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The building is designed to recall the creation of the isthmus of Panama which linked two continents and changed the planet’s biodiversity forever. The event that would change natural history for both continents occurred around three million years ago. Species from both continents mingled as northern animals went south and southern animals went north. The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square metres describe the country’s rich biodiversity.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Continue with the Agua Clara Locks is 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 Centre of the Canal Expansion.

The new Observation Centre 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 centre, 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.

Way back to your hotel, time and dinner at leisure.

Day 4 - Panama City

Breakfast at the hotel.

Check out and day at leisure.

If you wish to vacate your room after the official check-out time, you can book a late check-out with your travel consultant as an option and at an additional cost; any on-site requests will be subject to hotel availability.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight, or any other flight (please make sure to previously communicate your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

The Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* is located in the heart of the Casco Antiguo of Panama City, a UNESCO protected site and declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. It enjoys a privileged location facing the sea, facilities that blend historical heritage with modernity and impeccable service. It is an architectural beauty, built in the Bay of Panama City with important buildings around such as the National Theatre, the San José del Altar de Oro Church and a few minutes from the Biomuseo. The hotel features 3 restaurants and cafés, 2 bars and the largest outdoor pool deck in Casco Antiguo.

Your programme includes:

·        3-nights accommodation in Ocean View room at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo 5* (or similar) including breakfast.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        Services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your departure.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinners.

·        Late check out on day 4.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note :

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        The Miraflores Locks Visitor Center is under renovation and may not be open during your visit.

·        This programme involves walking on uneven and paved terrain, walking uphill in the Old Town.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel:

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo

Calle Primera Oeste, San Felipe, Casco Viejo
0843 PANAMA CITY
PANAMA
Telephone: +507 302-4300

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.