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Madera Chamber of Commerce presents:
Exploring Panama
Day 1: Thursday, June 02, 2011 Panama City, Panama - Tour Begins
Welcome to Panama, a country of lush rainforests, rich history, diverse wildlife and spectacular coastlines. Your tour begins in cosmopolitan Panama City.

Day 2: Friday, June 03, 2011 Panama City
Meet your fellow travelers for a welcome breakfast before embarking on a city tour. Visit Panama Viejo Visitors’ Center and Cathedral Tower, exploring the ruins of the oldest Spanish settlement on the Pacific. Next, stop at two local markets specializing in fresh produce and seafood for an introduction to the specialty foods of Panama. Continue to Casco Antiguo, the Old Quarter – a UNESCO World Heritage site. A short walking tour down its cobblestoned streets showcases the Plaza de la Independencia, the Presidential Palace, the National Theater and restored colonial churches and monuments. Enjoy lunch at leisure. Tonight, relish Panamanian cuisine at a special welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. (B, D)

Day 3: Saturday, June 04, 2011 Panama City
Today you may choose to explore Panama City on your own or board the Pacific Queen for an optional partial transit through the Panama Canal. Enjoy lunch on board and pass through two locks as you revel in a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this incredible engineering feat first hand and learn all about its construction and operation. (B)

Day 4: Sunday, June 05, 2011 Panama City - Gamboa
Head to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center to watch ships traverse the locks and learn about this engineering marvel’s rich past, present and future. Visit a local handicraft market and peruse artisan souvenirs made by indigenous peoples, including the “mola” embroidery of the Kuna Yala. Ascend to Cerro Ancon’s peak for a captivating view of Panama City. Continue to the Gamboa Rainforest Resort – your home for the next three nights. Here your options are many: enjoy the resort’s pool and spa, soak in the sights and sounds from the hammock on your balcony, or take an optional aerial tram ride, kayak trip in the Panama Canal, or nighttime safari boat ride. (B)

Day 5: Monday, June 06, 2011 Gamboa
This morning your guide leads a nature walk through your resort’s forest and gardens to view its abundant bird population. A day at leisure provides you with opportunities for many excursions. Perhaps travel to an Emberá indigenous village…board dugout canoes for a scenic ride up the Chagres River to a settlement of Emberá, known as the “Keepers of the Rainforest.” You may also choose an optional tour to Gatún Locks and the historic Portobelo Fort, which played a crucial role in the trade routes of Panama’s past and the pirate’s routes of plunder. This evening, learn about the tradition of folklore dance in Panama during a private salsa lesson! (B)

Day 6: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 Galeta Marine Laboratory-Colon Free Zone-Panama Canal Railway-Gamboa
This morning learn more about Panama’s delicate ecosystems at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute’s Galeta Marine Laboratory as a staff biologist brings this breathtaking setting to life. Stroll through mangrove boardwalks, spot species of indigenous birds, and learn about the Collette Foundation’s support of Galeta’s outreach programs for local children. Continue to Colon and enjoy an interesting visit to the Free Zone, the second-largest in the world and the commercial hub of the Americas at the Atlantic gateway to the canal. At the train station in Colon, climb aboard the historic Panama Canal Railway and relax in elegance as you are whisked past stunning scenery in perfectly restored cars. Tonight soak up the ambiance at the oceanfront Amador Causeway where you will relish a delicious seafood dinner while enjoying views of the lights of Panama City’s skyline sparkling on the water. (B, D)

Day 7: Wednesday, June 08, 2011 Gamboa - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today. (B)




June 02 - June 8, 2011
7 Days • 8 Meals
6 Breakfasts • 2 Dinners
Highlights: Panama City, Panama Viejo, Casco Antiguo, Local Markets, Miraflores Locks, Gamboa, Salsa Dance Lesson, Smithsonian Galeta Marine Laboratory, Colon Free Zone, Panama Canal Railway
"Value Tours" provide all the key destination attractions and core benefits of a standard Collette tour, including the services of a professional Tour Manager. These lower-priced packages feature 3-4 star hotels that may be less centrally located. They also offer more free time, allowing guests to pursue a wider choice of independent sightseeing and dining options.

Rates Per Person
Double: $1759, Single: $2159,
Triple: $1739
*Included in Price: Round Trip Air from Fresno Air Terminal,Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $110 (subject to increase until paid in full),Hotel Transfers.
*Not Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $175 per person.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 - 3 Hotel El Panama, Panama City
Day 4 - 6 Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Gamboa
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Essential Experiences
  • Ride the historic Panama Canal Railway from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
  • Watch ships traverse the Miraflores Locks and learn about this engineering marvel at the Visitor Center.
  • Enjoy three relaxing nights in a deluxe river view room – complete with balcony and hammock – at Gamboa Rainforest Resort.
  • Try your own steps at a salsa dance lesson and learn about Panamanian folklore music.
  • Learn about tropical ecosystems during a special visit to the Smithsonian Galeta Marine Laboratory.
For more information call
 Debi Bray
Madera Chamber of Commerce
(559) 673-3563
cmindt@maderachamber.com
Included Meals Key
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

AVAILABLE OPTIONS:
No options exist for this tour.
CANCELLATION WAIVER:

Worry-Free Cancellation
Our industry-leading cancellation waiver offers travelers a full cash refund for the price of the tour, right up to the day prior to departure, minus the small cost of the waiver. Travel worry-free knowing if anything changes, you're protected.

Plus, you're covered on tour.
Our cancellation waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation, suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or more, you're covered.

Cancellation Waiver and Insurance is just $175 per person.

Click here for complete details.

TRAVEL TIPS:
Exploring Panama
Listed below is important information to assist you in preparing for your upcoming trip. This information provided will help you have a more enjoyable experience while you are on your tour.
Accommodations
On some programs, there are a limited number of single and triple rooms. Double rooms usually consist of 2 beds. Triple rooms are normally a standard double room with 2 beds. A cot or rollaway bed may be added to the double room at some hotels, based on room size and fire codes. When triples are not available, appropriate charges for single and twin accommodations will be assessed. We make every effort to accommodate your specific requests and forward them to the hotels. These requests cannot be guaranteed as hotels may not always be able to honor them. Check-in times are set by individual hotel properties and vary by hotel. Depending on your arrival time, there may be a delay in gaining access to your room as most hotels offer afternoon check-in. We ask guests to observe check-out times at all properties as designated by the hotel. Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. Hotel membership programs are not applicable. In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than standard U.S. accommodations. Please be assured that we use high quality properties throughout each country.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants. Persons requiring individual assistance must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member who has special mobility, dietary or other like needs.
Arrival Day Suggestions
Due to varied flight schedules and different arrival times of our tour guests, your tour will not have any scheduled activities prior to dinner on Day 1. Should your flight schedule allow for an earlier arrival time that day, enjoy the great opportunity for some independent exploration.
Clothing & Packing Tips
As you prepare to explore Panama, enjoy a casual dress style and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes with traction. It is recommended to bring clothing that may be worn in layers that may be added or removed as the temperature changes. Long sleeves and pants are recommended for those individuals who are sensitive to both sun and insects. Rain gear is also strongly suggested, especially a poncho or raincoat and a sturdy pair of shoes that you won't mind getting wet. As it can be quite sunny in beautiful Panama, it's a good idea to pack sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. Film, batteries, toiletries, and insect repellent are highly recommended for this trip as well. Don't forget your swimsuit as every hotel on your tour of Panama has a swimming pool. Please see additional packing and travel tips for the optional tours offered at Gamboa on the specific tour descriptions.
Bring a camera, film, and batteries and be sure to bring enough photography supplies for your entire trip. If you have a video camera, bring an extra battery, plus proper recharging equipment. Due to security screening, we recommend storing your equipment in your carry-on luggage. Bring a travel alarm clock, travel sewing kit and an alcohol based gel hand sanitizer when soap and water is not accessible. Pack items that may leak in plastic bags. In many cases, laundry services are available to you at the hotel, for an additional charge. Do not pack any articles of value in your checked luggage. As a precaution, we suggest that you divide the contents of your suitcase with your traveling companion. Avoid over packing and leave room for souvenirs that you plan to take back home. You may opt to pack wash cloths as they are not readily available in international hotels.
If you are taking prescription medication, please be sure to take an adequate supply for your tour and a few additional days, in original prescription containers. Medication should be packed in your carry-on baggage. Do not place it in your checked luggage. You may want to carry an extra prescription in a separate bag in case medication is lost.
Collette Foundation
The Collette Foundation is currently supporting the Victoriano Lorenzo School. The school is located near the indigenous village of Embera and serves the local community. Nearly half the children reside in the nearby indigenous community and others are from small surrounding farming communities. The Collette Foundation is funding the renovation of their very modest cafeteria, allowing for a clean place to prepare lunch and a comfortable space for the students to eat. Many travelers have inquired about in-kind donations. The Collette Foundation does not accept in-kind donations directly, however, if you would like to bring items the children are in need of, below is a list of suggestions: • pencils • paper • soap • washcloths • basic first aid supplies (no medicine, please) For more information about the Collette Foundation please visit www.collettefoundation.org.
Currency
Your personal bank card may work at local ATM machines in the destination you are traveling to and would dispense local currency. Please contact your bank to determine if this option is available, that your PIN number will be accepted, to inform them that you are traveling and to determine if any charges apply for each transaction. You may exchange your money at airports, banks, exchange bureaus, and at most hotels. In most cases, a commission charge will be assessed to exchange your money. At the hotel or in the city usually offer a better currency exchange rate than airports. We recommend carrying only a few major credit cards. Credit card purchases often provide an extra guarantee on your purchase (check with your specific credit card company for details and fees). It is advisable to contact any credit card company you intend utilizing while on tour before you depart to notify them where you will be traveling, to avoid any rejection of services. The US dollar is the only paper currency in circulation in Panama. Panama also uses its own coin currency, the Balboa, which is equivalent to one US dollar. You may use US dollars in Panama without any problem, however, change in coins may be in US currency or in Balboa. Balboa coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents. Small bills will be needed for lunches, gratuities and small items such as postcards and postage. Please note that bills cannot be very old, torn or marked on or they will not be accepted by local banks or institutions. If optional tours are made available to purchase, please note that credit cards must have an expiration date of greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.
Electricity
An adaptor (which changes the physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current) are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
The highest elevation on this tour is at Cerro Ancon peak, 654 feet above sea level. Most time on this tour is spent at sea level.
Helpful Hints
Bring a copy of your passport/identification and pack it separately from the original. Leave a copy of your tour itinerary at home with your emergency contact and a copy of your passport. Remember when flying you can only take one quart size bag with no more than 3 ounces of any one liquid. Liquids that do not fit in the one quart size bag and are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Remember to hydrate and get up and stretch while flying. If you are considering using your cell phone while traveling internationally, you should check with your cell provider concerning their access and charges for overseas calls, texting and emailing for the specific destination you are traveling to.
Included Features
The following are included in your tour package: transportation via motorcoach, accommodations, hotel luggage handling, meals, sightseeing, admission charges (as outlined in your itinerary), and applicable gratuities for bellmen, doormen and dining room wait staff. Customary gratuities for hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, drivers and tour managers have not been included.
Luggage
Please consult with your scheduled airline as luggage fees and restrictions vary by carrier and destination. Due to the limited motorcoach capacity, one checked luggage (62 inches in length, height and width; weight not to exceed 23kg/50lbs) is allowed on tour. We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17" x 12" x 10", allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches. If you exceed the limit of 2 bags, we cannot guarantee that your additional luggage will be able to fit in the touring vehicle. Storage or shipment of additional luggage will be at your own expense. If we are able to accommodate your additional luggage, we will assess a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. Please remember to label your luggage and important items with your name, home address and telephone number. We recommend labeling your luggage on both the outside and inside of the bag. Please attach only the plastic luggage tag included in this mailing to your checked luggage before checking in for your flight. Your paper luggage tag is to be attached at the first hotel. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is in your best interest to have adequate insurance (such as our comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection”) to cover these eventualities.
Meals
Most meals are included as indicated in your document itinerary. Guests with special dietary requirements must advise their travel counselor at the time of booking and also the tour manager upon joining the tour. When information is provided, every effort will be made to accommodate these requests. Please be advised that the average cost of meals (not inclusive of tax and gratuity) that are not included in your tour are as follows: lunch 10 to 15 USD and dinner 20 to 40 USD. Tipping in Panama is a customary 10-15%, which you can add when paying a restaurant bill if it does not already include a service charge. In Panama it is recommended for travelers to drink purified or mineral bottled water, though tap water is considered safe in most areas. Water can be easily purchased at hotels and local convenience stores.
Name Badges
Collette Vacations provides name badges to our travelers in order to facilitate conversation among fellow travelers. The name badge also ensures that a Collette Vacations representative can easily recognize you, especially at airports upon arrival.
Reading List
Interested in reading about your destination before you depart? We have pre-selected travel guides, novels and books on history, nature and art to help enhance your total vacation experience. You can access the complete list by typing the following into your web browser. Select the region of the world to find your tour: http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/d/676/r/CV/mcms.html
Shopping
One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. As you explore Panama, be on the lookout its most famous products -- coffee; rum; wood and tagua nut (“vegetable ivory”) carvings; brightly colored mola (reverse-stitched embroidery of the Kuna Yala indigenous people); baskets made by the Emberá indigenous people; leather goods; ceramics; other handicrafts; jewelry; posters; and t-shirts with nature and wildlife themes. You're sure to find anything and everything here! Panama City is truly a modern and cosmopolitan shopping center, famous in Latin America for duty-free and luxury goods. World-famous fashion boutiques and department stores in megaplex shopping malls can be found all over Panama City. If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment, check to be sure they are compatible with your PC or other home equipment.
Smoking
Smoking Restrictions: Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please alert your agent upon tour booking. Please be mindful of locations where smoking is prohibited: the motorcoach, at dining venues and other restricted areas on tour including most hotels. Customers are responsible for any fines incurred for failure to comply with smoking restrictions.
Time Zone
Panama is on the same time as US Eastern Time, and does not honor Daylight SavingTime. Therefore, Panama is one hour behind U.S Eastern Time when the U.S honors Daylight Saving Time.
Tour Manager
We pride ourselves on having the best-trained and most experienced tour managers in the industry. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary basis and should be in direct proportion to the level of professionalism and personal service extended to you throughout the tour. Past experience has shown that a guideline of 4-6 USD per person for each traveling day is a customary amount for the tour manager. A customary amount of 3-5 USD per person per day is suggested for the driver.
Transportation
Transfers We are pleased to provide you with complimentary airport to hotel, and hotel to airport transfers at the beginning and end of an escorted tour when you purchase an air-inclusive vacation. Land-only clients who have purchased round trip transfers will be accommodated at the same times as air inclusive clients. Arrival meeting locations and transfer departure times are provided on your document booklets. On some programs there may be a waiting period at the airport due to varying flight schedules of other arriving passengers. If you have secured your own transfer, you may meet your tour manager at the hotel. Motorcoach Information: We do not own or operate vehicles. We charter quality coaches that are temperature controlled vehicles. Coach size may vary based upon the number of tour patrons. In certain countries, lavatory equipped motorcoaches are not available or the lavatory is for emergency use only. Frequent stops will be made en route for comfort and convenience. Seat Rotation: Seats are rotated for the benefit of our tour guests. This fosters communication and enables our guests to enjoy a variety of vantage points on the motorcoach. Guests will rotate seats at least once a day, as directed by the tour manager. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.
Flight Information, Departure Taxes & Fees Land Only Vacations: If you chose to purchase a land only vacation, pay particular attention to flight segments that occur during the tour which are not included in your land only rate. You must purchase these internal flight segments and the schedule must match the flights that we utilize on the group tour. Please provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour six weeks prior to departure so we may secure services if you purchased transfers from us, as well as maintain emergency contact. Air Inclusive Vacations Air inclusive vacations cover air transport to and from your origin gateway as well as all internal air segments on tour. In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, all passengers must provide full name, date of birth and gender at time of reservation. Your airline ticket must match the name on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID to be shown at the airport (including middle name, first or middle initial). If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, provide the number upon booking and retain the passenger copy of your ticket and boarding pass to ensure that you receive proper credit of your mileage. Some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual. Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you on tour in local currency.