Zwischen Panama & Karibik

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between the port of disembarkation and the airport.

Fort-de-France

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

First you will be taken to Morne Savon, a hilly suburb of Balata where is located the church of Balata. The church of Balata is a small replica – scaled down to a fifth of the original monument - of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Paris. The pure white Dome and bell tower contrast with the lush vegetation of its surroundings. Built in 1925, its offers an impressive panorama over the city of Fort-de-France. If the church is opened and there is no mass celebrated, you will get the opportunity to visit its interior during this photo stop.

You will them spend about one hour at Balata Botanical Garden created in 1982 by the expert botanist Jean-Philippe Thoze. Inspired by his journeys, this garden is an epic floral works of art made out of roses, hibiscus, orchids, and many other plants. Today it contains about 3,000 varieties of tropical plants from around the world. It is organized around the family house built in a typical creole style. You will experience a nice stroll in the quiet, shady paths lined with colorful flowers appealing to the eyes as much as to the smell.

You will continue your exploration to the village of Le Francois for the visit of the Habitation Clement. The Habitation Clement stands an important place in the architectural and industrial patrimony of Martinique. It has been recognized as a Historic Monument by the Ministry of Culture. The term ‘Habitation’in its Creole sense, describes a property and its structures dedicate to agricultural or commercial purpose. You will get the chance to visit the domain, the main house and the distillery. At the end of your visit, enjoy a Rum tasting.

You will then join the restaurant where your lunch will be served. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes :

• Lunch with beverage package: mineral water + 2 glasses of wine + 1 coffee or tea, served at Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa (or similar).

• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Access to leisure amenities (including the outdoor swimming pool) at Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa 4*, is restrictive to overnight stay.
• Tips for the driver and local guide.
• Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note :

• To visit the Church of Balata, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees). It is not permitted to visit the church during masses.

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 one day to discover the richness of Panama City's historic centre 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 a pleasant prelude to your embarkation.

Day 1 - Panama City

Meet at the airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT. You will be transferred directly to the hotel Hilton Panama.

Check-in your room.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 - Panama City/Colon

Breakfast and check-out.

You will depart this morning for 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).

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 this 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.

Your tour will continue 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.

You will proceed to the restaurant for lunch.

You will then be transferred to the port of Colon to embark aboard your ship.

Your hotel:

The Hilton Panama is steps from the ocean front walkway, and two blocks 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 Bay View room at the hotel Hilton Panama (or similar).
• Full board (one breakfast, one lunch and one dinner included).
• Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 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.
• Tips for the driver and local guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Personal expenses.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.

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.