Yankee Trails

April 2016 | The Villages ® Community, FL 352.633.4643 | yankeetrails.com 12 THE PANAMA CANAL & COSTA RICA - EASTBOUND Earth Journeys, created by Tauck and BBC Earth! Combine the magic of a Panama Canal crossing with a Costa Rica cruise and enjoy up-close discoveries of amazing wildlife, fascinating centuries-old cultures and man-made marvels, one night in Panama City and a two- night stay in San José. Day 1: Arrive in San José A transfer is included from Juan Santamaria International Airport to the Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica in the elite Escazú suburb, where you'll enjoy a Club Tower room. Includes dinner. Day 2: Coffee, Waterfalls & Wildlife in Costa Rica Begin the land portion of your Costa Rica cruise with a visit to a working coffee plantation located on the fertile slopes of Alajuela's Poas Volcano. Next, visit a rainforest eco-park known for spectacular waterfalls and flowing white rivers. Residents include toucans, spider monkeys, two-toed sloths and jaguars – to name a few of the 100+ species. Includes breakfast/lunch/dinner. Day 3: San José Gold, Sarchi Crafts & Your Cruise San José city sightseeing includes visits to the 19th-century National Theatre and the Gold Museum, which houses pre-Columbian works of gold crafted by indigenous islanders. Visit Sarchi, an artisans' hamlet outside of San José where workshops display the traditional painted ox carts and other handmade products. In the late afternoon, embark your Windstar yacht in Puerto Caldera for the start of your 7-night Costa Rica cruise and Panama Canal crossing. Includes breakfast/lunch/dinner. Day 4: Manuel Antonio National Park Call on the city of Quepos, a perfect jumping off point for your excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park. Go on an exciting river float trip on the Savegre River before your yacht sets out for Drake Bay. Includes breakfast/lunch/cocktail reception/dinner. Day 5: Exploring Drake Bay & Corcovado National Park Explore Corcovado National Park, the heart of Costa Rica's amazing biodiversity. After a wet landing by Zodiac, join a local guide and Tauck naturalist on a walk in Punta Marenco. A horseback ride along the shore can also be arranged. Later, return to the beach for sunning and swimming before the ship sets sail for Puerto Jimenez. Includes breakfast/lunch/dinner. Day 6: Dolphins, Chocolate & Zip Lining in Costa Rica After transferring to Puerto Jimenez on the Golfo Dulce shore, set out on a morning dolphin watch adventure. Later, you have a choice of fun: go zip lining through the treetops of the rainforest canopy or learn about chocolate on a visit to a local cacao farm. Includes breakfast/lunch/dinner. Day 7: A Beach Party in Coiba National Park Get set for a day of fun in the sun in Coiba National Park, a remote archipelago of 38 islands, rich with sea life and bird species. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and sunning after a wet landing by tender or Zodiac raft. Includes breakfast/lunch/dinner. Day 8: Biodiversity Museum & Casco Viejo Transfer ashore at Balboa, Panama and visit the Biomuseo, the biodiversity museum designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Then head to Panama City for a guided visit to its historic district, Casco Viejo ("Old Quarter"). Later, you may spend time exploring on your own or return to the ship. Includes breakfast/lunch/dinner. Day 9: The Canal Zone & Your Panama Canal Transit Sightsee in "neighborhoods" of the former Panama Canal Zone, including Ancon Hill and check out the canal's workings at the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center. After you return to your Windstar ship, she'll begin to position for her transit of the Panama Canal. Includes breakfast/lunch/dinner. Day 10: Disembark & Explore the Gamboa Rainforest Arrive at the port of Colón, where you'll disembark and bid your ship and its crew farewell. Once ashore, visit the Panama Canal Expansion Observation Center before travelling to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, where you'll choose between an aerial tram ride or a boat cruise along waterways. In the afternoon, continue on to your hotel in Panama City and share favorite moments at the farewell reception. Includes breakfast/lunch/dinner. Day 11: Journey Home Your memorable Panama Canal and Costa Rica cruise ends in Panama City. A transfer from the Hilton Panama to Tocumen International Airport is included. FROM PER PERSON $ 6970 DAYS 11 Interested in this tour? Contact Julie Burns, our agent from The Villages! 352.633.4643 ext. 226 | jburns@yankeetrails.com Thursday-Friday, February 9-17, 2017

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