The Panama Canal & Costa Rica

January 28 ~ February 8, 2020

Escorted by John O’Regan

Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-788-7885

Welcome to San Simeon Travel's Escorted Panama Canal and Costa Rica Trip Planner!

Many of our guests tell us that one of the must-do experiences on their "Top Ten" list is crossing the Panama Canal, one of mankind’s most incredible feats of engineering. Nothing compares to making the full transit aboard one of Ponant's Explorer Class small ships on our 12-day The Panama Canal & Costa Rica – one of Tauck’s Earth Journeys featuring on-tour film vignettes custom-made for Tauck by BBC Earth natural history experts and when the opportunity arises, the use of field equipment.

Ponant’s small ship cruises are all-inclusive, which means virtually every cruise expense is included in one upfront price – no options sold. Tauck Tour Directors provide warm, caring, thoughtful service throughout your cruise, taking care of every detail so you connect ashore with people and places, cultural traditions, and daily life.

In addition to the transit through the Panama Canal, highlights of your cruise include explorations of Manuel Antonio National Park and Carara National Park in Costa Rica; the remote Darien region and the San Blas Islands off Panama's Pacific coast; land stays in San José and Panama City; and more.

Tauck has carefully choreographed each and every day on The Panama Canal & Costa Rica to provide you with cultural exploration on all-included shore excursions – locally guided in-depth sightseeing, a taste of regional cuisines – and of course a seven-night cruise aboard your sleek Explorer Class yacht.

In this Trip Planner, you’ll find just about everything you need to know to make your decision to visit The

Panama Canal & Costa Rica with Tauck & San Simeon Travel. You’ll find a day-to-day itinerary, destination information, hotel details, practical tips, useful advice to prepare for your trip, and more – Tauck’s expertise is right at your fingertips.

I encourage you to make your reservation soon – as space is filling quickly! Call your San Simeon Travel at 800-266-3359.

Sincerely,

John O’Regan, CTC, Owner San Simeon Travel

Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-788-7885

YOUR PERSONALIZED QUOTE

The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound

Earth Journeys, created by Tauck and BBC Earth! The Panama Canal & Costa Rica joins our Earth Journeys collection featuring custom-made BBC Earth on-tour film vignettes plus other select BBC Earth touches. Combine the magic of a Panama Canal crossing with a Costa Rica cruise on our 12-day The Panama Canal & Costa Rica and enjoy up-close discoveries of amazing wildlife, fascinating centuries-old cultures and man-made marvels, and two-night stays in Panama City and San José. A 7-night voyage aboard Ponant's new Explorer Class yacht – Le Dumont d'Urville – featuring a complete transit of the Panama Canal, and an opportunity for cultural exchange with locals in Panama and along Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Explore the rich interior and its abundant wildlife with our expert naturalists. Go swimming or snorkeling, land on islands via tender or Zodiac craft, visit a gold museum in San José and learn how coffee beans are harvested and brewed to perfection. Experience the pleasures of Tauck small ship cruising on a Panama Canal and Costa Rica cruise!

Room 1 - Double - Deluxe Cabin - Deck 3, LE DUMONT D’URVILLE Tour Cost: From $7,890 USD per person Cruise Protection Plan: $599 USD per person

Note: Above quote was compiled based on the information available to us at the time you ordered this Trip Planner. It is not an offer to sell you the tour at the quoted price. Although not expected, prices in this quote may be subject to change due to unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of quote; availability, tour details and other components may also be subject to change. Your quote does not include airfare to and from the tour start and end locations. Tauck's terms and conditions apply upon booking and depositing. Space is limited.

D E P A R T I N G O N J A N U A R Y 2 0 T H , 2 0 2 0

Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-788-7885

ITINERARY

The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound

● All gratuities to Tauck Directors, local guides, naturalists and ship staff

● Tauck’s private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,130

● On-tour film vignettes custom-made for Tauck by BBC Earth natural history experts plus other select BBC Earth touches

● 7-night cruise aboard one of Ponant's new Explorer Class yachts

● Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non- Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions

● Full small-ship transit of the Panama Canal with onboard commentary by a local expert

● 4 nights’ hotel accommodations with guided sightseeing in San José & Panama City

● Tauck's experienced naturalist, Tauck Director and local guides join the cruise aboard ship, leading excursions ashore to enrich your experience of the jungle, water and flora & fauna

● Visits to Manuel Antonio National Park and Carara National Park in Costa Rica, the Darien and the San Blas Islands

● Aboard ship – alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available throughout the day aboard ship including house wines and spirits; premium spirits and wines are available at extra cost.

● Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted

● 30 meals (11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners); applicable fuel surcharges, service charges, porterage and most taxes

Day 1 - Bienvenidos a Panama Tauck's Panama Canal cruise and Costa Rica tour begins at the Hilton Panama or InterContinental Miramar Panama at 6:30 PM. Welcome to Panama! A transfer awaits to take you from Tocumen International Airport to the Hilton Panama or InterContinental Miramar Panama. Meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening at your hotel. Meals: D Lodging: Hilton Panama or InterContinental Miramar Panama

Day 2 - Exploring Panama City Begin today’s exploration of Panama City in its key historic district, Casco Viejo; a walking tour will show you this walled cobblestoned city, built in the 1670s at the foot of Ancon Hill, to provide safety from attack. The area is a gem of Spanish colonial architecture in various stages of redevelopment, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; you’ll also have free time to explore on your own. After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the former Canal Zone, driving through Ancon Hill, a lush residential enclave that was home to US military facilities until a 1977 treaty granted Panamanian sovereignty over the “Zone;” Albrook, a former US Air Force Base; and Clayton, once a US Army base. Then enjoy a fascinating visit to the exhibits and gardens of the Biomuseo, the Panama City biodiversity museum designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The evening is yours to spend as you please in Panama City. Meals: B, L Lodging: Hilton Panama or InterContinental Miramar Panama

Day 3 - Gamboa Rainforest, cross the Isthmus & embark cruise From Panama City, start across across the Isthmus of Panama; during a stop at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, you’ll choose between an aerial tram ride with a naturalist through the rainforest at eye-level with exotic birds and animals (aboard the only gondola of its kind in Panama), or a boat cruise along waterways leading to hidden islands, where you might spot monkeys at play. After lunch at a local restaurant, learn more about the Panama Canal on a visit to the Agua Clara locks. In the late afternoon, arrive at the pier in Colón to board your Explorer Class yacht for 7-night Panama Canal cruise. Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Le Dumont d'Urville

T A U C K V A L U E I N C L U D E S

Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-788-7885

ITINERARY

Day 4 - The Guna people of the San Blas Islands Your yacht arrives in the archipelago of San Blas today, where you’ll transfer by Zodiac for a wet landing at Holandes Caye. Here, you’ll visit Guna Indians, whose language and customs reflect lives with few outside influences, women sell handmade molas – reverse- appliquéd fabrics with brilliant images of fish, birds and jungle animals – and fishing is still done by canoe. After your visit to a Guna village, you can spend a leisurely afternoon swimming and snorkeling before returning by Zodiac to your ship. This evening, your Explorer Class vessel begins preparations for tomorrow’s entrance into the Panama Canal. Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 5 - Transiting the Panama Canal Opened in 1914, and considered an engineering marvel of the 20th century, the Panama Canal opened trade to the Americas by creating a transit path between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Thanks to the canal, today ships traveling from New York to San Francisco save over 7,000 miles by not having to chart a course around South America. Early this morning, your ship will arrive at Gatun and position outside the canal for her full transit from the Atlantic to the Pacific. We'll welcome aboard a canal pilot, the local navigation professional who will guide our ship into the Gatun Locks, Lake Gatun and into the narrow Gaillard cut. Later, we transit the Pedro Miguel locks before finally clearing Miraflores locks and passing beneath the Bridge of the Americas to the Pacific Ocean at Balboa. Your Tauck Director, Tauck Naturalist and an official of the Panama Canal Authority will provide both technical and historical information about this engineering wonder. The process may take approximately eight to ten hours; while passing through the three locks, your yacht will be be raised up a total of 85 feet before reaching the Pacific Ocean! Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 6 - The Embera people of the Darien Today you’ll stop in the beautiful but remote Darien region of Panama, calling on Play del Muerto for a wet landing by Zodiac craft to visit an indigenous community of the Emberá people, whose lifestyle remains largely unaffected by modern times. You’ll meet the locals, watch them perform traditional dances, see how they live, and perhaps purchase some of their “Cocobolo” wood or “Tagua” vegetable ivory carvings. Return to the ship for lunch; enjoy a naturalist lecture this afternoon. Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 7 - Day at sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea on the Pacific Ocean today, taking advantage of your Explorer Class ship’s many amenities. Throughout the day, your Tauck Directors and naturalist guides will circulate about the ship answering questions – sharing their experiences and scanning the horizon for marine mammals and pelagic birds – and will also offer compelling lectures. Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 8 - Manuel Antonio National Park Call on the city of Quepos this morning, a perfect jumping off point for your excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park, where you’ll find coral reefs and white sand beaches, considered among the most beautiful in Costa Rica, lined with rainforest. Your choices here include a walking tour of the park with your local naturalist guide; an exciting river float trip* on the Savegre River (which will include lunch either before or after the trip); or a horseback ride through a mountain forest. Back aboard the ship, enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight, as your yacht sets out from Quepos. Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Le Dumont d'Urville

Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-788-7885

ITINERARY

Day 9 - Carara National Park & Pura Vida Gardens Your ship arrives at Playa Herradura for a choice of shore excursions offering a range of eco-activities. One includes a walking tour and a mangrove cruise in Carara National Park with a local naturalist guide. Following your jungle walk through the park, enjoy a local lunch before learning about various coastal bird and wildlife species on a mangrove boat tour. Another choice features a visit to Tropical Forest Sky Walk near the boundary of Carara Biological Reserve, where you’ll hike across suspended cable bridges skimming the top of the rainforest, up to 126 feet above the ground; from your lofty perch, you’ll see the marshlands of the Tarcoles River and views of the ocean in the distance. Your guide will point out species of birds, monkeys, butterflies and other mammals that you may encounter. Still another possibility is a visit to the spectacular Pura Vida Gardens, whose beautifully manicured gardens are bordered by one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Pura Vida is home to over 60,000 flowering plants, including 60 varieties of heliconia, ten varieties of ginger, and orchids; look for butterflies, macaws, parrots, parakeets, toucans, kingfishers, birds of prey, and waterfowl. After your tour, enjoy a traditional lunch in the garden restaurant. You’ll also stop at the Tarcoles Bridge for a chance to observe an immense population of crocodiles that live just several meters below the bridge. Join us for the Captain’s farewell dinner tonight, as your yacht sails to Puerto Caldera. Meals: B, L, D Lodging: Le Dumont d'Urville

Day 10 - Ox carts in Sarchi & gold in San José As your cruise ends in Puerto Caldera, bid farewell to your Explorer Class ship and her crew, and set off to discover Costa Rica’s fascinating interior en route to the capital city of San José. Visit the artisan village of Sarchi, known for the production and painting of the traditional ox carts (carretas) and other handmade products seen all over the country, bearing the colorful starburst designs that have become a symbol of Costa Rica. Continue on to Costa Rica’s capital city, San José. Here, sightseeing includes a visit to the National Theatre, an ornate symbol of civic pride dating back to 1897; the theatre’s interior shines with Baroque gold and Carrara marble. You’ll also take in the Museo del Oro Precolombino (Pre-Columbian Gold Museum) and its collection of pre-Columbian works of gold. After lunch at a local restaurant, arrive and settle in at your hotel; the evening is yours to spend as you wish in San José. Meals: B, L Lodging: InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall or Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José

Day 11 - Coffee, waterfalls & rainforest wildlife Coffee has long been one of Costa Rica’s most important exports. Today you’ll visit the Doka Coffee Plantation, located on the fertile slopes of Alajuela’s Poás Volcano, where the soil and altitude make for ideal growing conditions. Your guide explains how the beans are produced and roasted and how different microclimates affect the taste. Also explore and have lunch at La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a private rainforest eco-park and wildlife refuge known for spectacular waterfalls and flowing white rivers; this protected reserve buzzes with the sounds and sights of wildlife including toucans, butterflies, spider monkeys, two-toed sloths and red-eyed leaf frogs – to name a few of the 100+ species. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at your hotel in San José. Meals: B, L, D Lodging: InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall or Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José

Day 12 - Homeward bound Your Panama Canal cruise and Costa Rica tour ends in San José, Costa Rica. Transfers from the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José or InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall to Juan Santamaría International Airport are included. Allow 3 hours for check-in formalities. Meals: B

Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-788-7885

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound

Hilton Panama or InterContinental Miramar Panama Night 1, 2 - Panama City, Panama

Hilton Panama Situated at Balboa Avenida and Aquilino de la Guardia, Hilton Panama enjoys an ideal location in downtown Panama City just steps from the oceanfront walkway... and just minutes from designer shopping, both fine and casual restaurants, numerous historic sites and, of course, the Panama Canal. Neutral hues and a sharp design bring calm to your stay at this recently built Hilton property, which opened in 2014. Each well-appointed guest room offers gorgeous views of the city or Panama Bay, and features amenities including air conditioning, 42-inch HDTV, alarm clock/radio with iPod dock/MP3 connection, arm chair with ottoman, laptop-sized safe, minibar, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, black- out curtains, duvet covers, work desk with adjustable lamp and ergonomic desk chair, coffee maker, and iron/ironing board. Dining options at the Hilton Panama include the world-famous Ruth's Chris Steakhouse – the first in Latin America; an authentic Panamanian dining experience at the Society Café; and modern cocktails at BAR Blue. Other amenities include a casino at the hotel entrance, open 24 hours; the full-service Eforea Spa for massages, treatments and aqua therapy; a 24-hour fitness center with a steam room and sauna; and a heated outdoor rooftop pool, whirlpool and sundeck. InterContinental Miramar Panama The InterContinental Miramar Panama is beautifully set on the shores of Panama Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Welcoming guest rooms offer a minibar, electronic safe, TV with local

and international networks, iron and ironing board and amenities such as bathrobes and the finest shampoos, lotions and bath gels. Leisure facilities include a lighted tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool with a great view of Panama Bay. Enjoy a nightcap while you listen to live music in the Sparkles Bar.

Le Dumont d'Urville Night 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 - Cruising the Panama Canal

Sophisticated styling, innovative “green” technology, and welcoming, attentive service are all hallmarks of Ponant's new limited-capacity Explorer Class yacht (boasting 92 staterooms and suites) debuting for Tauck in 2019 Le Dumont d'Urville. Like her sister ship Le Lapérouse, this luxe mega-yacht features six passenger decks, a choice of two dining venues and all-included bar and restaurant beverages throughout the day aboard ship, including house wines and spirits. Their environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside offer the perfect atmosphere for a truly unique cruising experience. These yachts’ facilities and observation areas make your time at sea a pleasure; they include two

restaurants and several lounges with access to the open decks and evening entertainment. A state-of-the-art theatre provides an intimate space for lectures and entertainment, while a spa and fitness center provide for travel with ease. Decorated by French designers, staterooms have sea views (most with private balconies), and offer individually controlled air conditioning; two twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed; video on demand; flat-screen TV with satellite channels; electronic safe; hair dryer; iPod Dock, and minibar.

Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-788-7885

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound

InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall or Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José Night 10, 11 - San José, Costa Rica

InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall Set in the elite San José suburb of Escazú, the InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall is the epitome of modern, understated elegance. The hotel is located within Multiplaza, the city’s most important mall, where you will find a variety of stores, bars and restaurants. Spacious guest rooms feature soundproof windows, soft bedding with 300- thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets and feather pillows, individually controlled air conditioning, iron / ironing board, 37-inch LCD TV with cable and satellite stations, a multimedia connector, a spacious work desk, radio with CD player, coffee maker, minibar, bathrobes, hair dryer and a scale. There’s a cool outdoor swimming pool complex surrounded by tropical gardens, tennis court, the largest Urban Spa of Central America, and a fully equipped, state-of-the-art Health & Fitness Centre. You’ll find three trendy concept restaurants from which to choose – Factory, Alfredo Trattoria Italiana, and The Market. And if you’re in the mood for an exotic aperitif, sample one of the 50 sake cocktails at the Nau Bar. Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José Revolutionize the way you vacation at Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José…showcasing hacienda-style architecture and nestling you within a 30-acre coffee plantation in Costa Rica’s capital city. Guest rooms and suites feature contemporary style and furnishings for your utmost comfort, including luxurious pillowtop beds dressed with duvets, and flat-panel TVs with international cable; many offer serene mountain and skyline views from outdoor

balconies. After exploring the hotel grounds and the surrounding area, pamper yourself at the full-service spa, offering massages, facials and more. Dining and drinking options include Hacienda Kitchen, evoking the ancient traditions of Costa Rican cusine; Bar 10, blending the relaxed atmosphere of an American sports bar with a decidedly trendy restaurant vibe; La Isabela, specializing in Peruvian dishes; Casa del Cafe, a coffee house where you can sip some of Costa Rica's finest blends; and international fare at La Castilla, featuring live music, fresh sushi made right in front of you and exotic cocktails crafted by expert bartenders. And to keep fit throughout your stay, visit the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José’s fitness center, outdoor pool and Sport Court®.

EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY

The Panama Canal & Costa Rica - Westbound

Many Tauck travelers prefer arriving at their destination a day before their Tauck journey begins, or often extend a stay at the end of their trip. As a service, Tauck will make hotel reservations before and after your journey. Rooms are reserved on a space- available basis, and the cost is added to your tour cost. Call your travel agent or Tauck at 800-788-7885 to book your hotel with Tauck.

Arrive Early: Hilton Panama or InterContinental Miramar Panama Panama City, Panama

Hilton Panama Situated at Balboa Avenida and Aquilino de la Guardia, Hilton Panama enjoys an ideal location in downtown Panama City just steps from the oceanfront walkway... and just minutes from designer shopping, both fine and casual restaurants, numerous historic sites and, of course, the Panama Canal. Neutral hues and a sharp design bring calm to your stay at this recently built Hilton property, which opened in 2014. Each well-appointed guest room offers gorgeous views of the city or Panama Bay, and features amenities including air conditioning, 42-inch HDTV, alarm clock/radio with iPod dock/MP3 connection, arm chair with ottoman, laptop-sized safe, minibar, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, black- out curtains, duvet covers, work desk with adjustable lamp and ergonomic desk chair, coffee maker, and iron/ironing board. Dining options at the Hilton Panama include the world-famous Ruth's Chris Steakhouse – the first in Latin America; an authentic Panamanian dining experience at the Society Café; and modern cocktails at BAR Blue. Other amenities include a casino at the hotel entrance, open 24 hours; the full-service Eforea Spa for massages, treatments and aqua therapy; a 24-hour fitness center with a steam room and sauna; and a heated outdoor rooftop pool, whirlpool and sundeck.

InterContinental Miramar Panama The InterContinental Miramar Panama is beautifully set on the shores of Panama Bay and

the Pacific Ocean. Welcoming guest rooms offer a minibar, electronic safe, TV with local and international networks, iron and ironing board and amenities such as bathrobes and the finest shampoos, lotions and bath gels. Leisure facilities include a lighted tennis court and an outdoor swimming pool with a great view of Panama Bay. Enjoy a nightcap while you listen to live music in the Sparkles Bar.

Stay Later: InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall or Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San José San José, Costa Rica

Le Dumont d'Urville sports six passenger decks that include the elegant, panoramic main dining room serving French and international cuisine on Deck 4; the casual restaurant serving grilled specialties, salads and desserts on Deck 3; a main lounge offering a bar with evening entertainment, and a 188-seat theatre hosting informative lectures and entertainment and featuring the latest sound and lighting technology, both on Deck 3; a panoramic lounge forward on Deck 6; a spa and fitness center on the top deck (Deck 7); and multiple observation areas. Elevators serve all passenger decks. Staterooms (ranging in size from 204 to 296 sq. ft.) and suites (ranging in size from 296 to 484 sq. ft.) have ocean views; 95% have private balconies. Staterooms are decorated by French designers, offering individually controlled air conditioning, twin beds converting to a queen-size bed (or one queen-size bed), DVD / CD player, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, electronic safe and minibar.

Deluxe Prestige Prestige Prestige Deluxe Suite Prestige Prestige Privilege Grand Deluxe Privilege Cabin - Cabin - Deck Cabin - Deck Cabin - Deck - Decks Suite - Deck Suite - Deck Suite - Deck Suite - Deck 5, Suite - Deck

Deck 3 4 5 6 3,4,5,6 5 6 5,6 6 6 $7890 $8590 $8890 $9090 SOLD

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