Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

There's so much to see in this spectacular area of Panama, where do you begin? This five-hour guided tour offers a comprehensive look at the many colorful sights and sounds of Panama City, as well as a look at how artisans have revived the lost art of goldsmithing. Be sure to wear light, comfortable clothing and shoes and don't forget to bring a camera along to capture every sightseeing treasure.

Your adventure begins as soon as you board air-conditioned transportation and head towards Panama Viejo, the site of the original city. As you travel north from Fuerte Amador, your on-board guide will share with you the area's history and legends and will point out significant sights.

Founded in 1519, Old Panama was the country's first major settlement and a crucial port for treasure-laden Spanish ships. Pirates attacked and destroyed the city in 1671 and all that remains today are crumbling ruins. A brief drive brings you to the Old Panama Museum, which holds archeological finds of the pre-Hispanic and Colonial era. Overlooking the bay of Panama, the museum is the perfect setting to admire the lovely collection of artifacts, paintings, and photos.

Your next destination is Reprosa, Panama's renowned handicraft boutique and showroom. Since 1975 Reprosa has been dedicated to the promotion of Panama's history, cultural traditions, ecological beauty and ethnic diversity. So exquisite is the detailed work that it creates the shop was exclusively commissioned to reproduce pre-Columbian artifacts from the National Museum of Anthropology. On a workshop tour you'll learn about the "lost wax" process, a signature trademark in artisanship that ancient goldsmiths used to produce their art pieces. This award-winning facility features both a workshop and showroom and you may view a number of distinct collections. Don't miss the famed gold Orchids of Panama, and discover the secret to making Panama's national flower come alive in precious metals. Later, you'll have the opportunity to acquire a beautiful piece of jewelry at the gift shop.

A photo stop awaits you at Plaza Quinto Centenario, which celebrates the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's first voyage to the Americas. Then, you'll continue on for a sightseeing tour through Panama City's historic quarter known as Casco Viejo, which was built after Panama Viejo's destruction. During your tour you may pass by Iglesia de La Merced. Erected in 1680, this charming church is one of the city's oldest structures. Also on your route is the Plaza Mayor where the Cathedral is located .

The route back to the pier will take you past the town of Balboa. Founded by the United States during the construction of the Panama Canal, Balboa was the administrative headquarters of the Panama Canal Zone. Once called the zone's unofficial capital, this one hundred-year-old neighborhood boasts many buildings that have been untouched by time.