Panama, Costa Rica - Central & South America - Voyages Jules Verne World of Wonders - January 2012

Panama City - 2 nights Chitr� - 1 night Boquete - 2 nights Golfito Area - 2 nights Carara N. P. - 1 night San Jos� - 1 night Flight - 1 night key vJv features � VJV Sightseeing Programme � Reduce Prices (selected dates) � Upgraded Flight Option � Extension Option � Walking Content: 3 (see page 145) � Group Size: 6 � 25 per person in a twin room Iberia from Heathrow ne 10 nights from �2149 w pr �x �5 x0 x ic e s sh ow PANAMA COSTA RICA P s re ri a d c v u e e c s u e P d to n in re d PAnAMA CAnAL Panama To coSTa rica Along the legendary Pan-American Highway with an extension to Nicaragua 2012 � Wednesdays Feb 15 ....�2345 Sep 26 ......�2249 Mar 7 .......�2295 Nov 7 ........�2249 Apr 25 ......�2195 2013 � Wednesdays Jan 16 ......�2199 Feb 27 ......�2249 Feb 13 ......�2299 Apr 3.........�2149 Single supplement..�325 (2013 �365) Iberia Business Class ..............�2225 4 nights ................ �825 (2013 �875) Single supplement .......................�95 5 nights (Feb 15) .......................�895 Single supplement .....................�115 T Supplements per person Extension � Nicaragua Price includes Air travel, UK departure taxes, transfers, 9 nights' accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels, breakfast daily, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. Not included Travel insurance, overseas departure taxes, optional excursions, tipping (see page 145), any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication. he construction of the Panama Canal was an engineering feat of vast proportions, connecting the Caribbean with the Pacific. To witness the operation of the Miraflores Lock is unforgettable but the scale of the endeavour is best appreciated by a train journey along its banks. Ironically, this `Path between the Seas' cuts across another man-made wonder, the Pan-American Highway, the longest road in the world stretching from Alaska to Argentina albeit with a small break from the canal to Colombia. Travelling north along this legendary highway the landscape gives way to untamed rugged, natural beauty, virgin rainforest and stunning landscapes. Mighty volcanoes, unspoilt beaches, lakes, rivers and coffee plantations dot the slopes of the Cordillera de Talamanca mountain range, home to one of the highest peaks in Central America. With such a diverse natural environment, exotic species thrive and one particularly revered resident is the Quetzal bird, its metallic green plumage, crimson breast and incredible streamer-like feathers, a vibrant symbol of the ecological splendour. This amazing bird is also seen in Panama, most frequently at Boquete, a notable centre of eco-tourism whilst the Piedras Blancas National Park boasts an incredible biodiversity and is home to many endangered mammals including jaguars, pumas and countless endemic species. Day 8 This morning there is a gentle hike in the Golfo Dulce Wildlife Refuge or the Piedras Blancas National Park. Continue to the Carara National Park for an overnight stay at the Hotel Punta Leona. Day 9 Visit the Carara National Park with its unique eco systems. Continue to San Jos� and overnight at the Hotel Villa Tournon or alternatively leave for a fascinating trip into Nicaragua. Day 10 Fly via Madrid to London Heathrow. Day 11 Early morning arrival in London. Independent Arrival (see page 144) Notes Price reduction .............. deduct �700 Feb 15: the itinerary is 11 nights with one extra night at Carara National Park and the extension is five nights with one night in Leon. On occasion hotels of a similar standard may be substituted. ItInerary Day 1 Fly from London Heathrow via Madrid to Panama City. Transfer to Country Inn & Suites Hotel for a two-night stay. Day 2 A morning tour of Panama City including the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal. Day 3 Take the train along the historic Panama Canal railway to Col�n. Continue to a traditional Ember� Indian village before �Tikal departing for the Azuero (5 hrs) and Flores � overnight at Gran Hotel Azuero in Chitr�. Day 4 Morning visit to the Livingston G UATEMALA � traditional colonial villages of the �Cop�n HONDURAS Azuero Peninsula before taking Panajachel � Antiquin � �guATeMALA CITy the Pan-American Highway to sAn sALvADor � �Perquin Boquete (5 hrs) and two nights at NI CARAG UA Finca Lerida which stands amidst its Leon � � own private coffee plantation. MAnAguA Day 5 Visit the coffee plantations before taking a tour ometep Island granada � � to view the Quetzal and a wide variety of hummingbirds. rincon � Day 6 Cross the border into Costa Rica and travel to the Golfito Arenal volcano Panama to Costa Rica area. Stay two nights at Casa Roland in Golfito or the Esquinas COSTA RI CA �sAn Jos� Grand Tour of Central America Carara national Park � Rainforest Lodge in the Piedras Blancas National Park. � Col�n esquinas � Day 7 Drive through the rainforest for a motorboat ride � PAnAMA CITy rainforest � along the Golfo Dulce with its deserted beaches and � Chitr� Boquete PANAMA dolphins. Later visit Casa Orquideas Botanical Garden. extensIon � nICaraGUa Day 9 Visit the Carara National Park with its unique eco systems. Drive across the mountains to Costa Rica and overnight at Canon de la Vieja Lodge. Day 10 Cross the border to Nicaragua and take the ferry across Lago de Nicaragua to Ometepe Island, dominated by two active volcanoes both over 1,000 metres high. Overnight at Charco Verde Hotel. Day 11 Morning island tour before continuing to Granada for a two-night stay at Patio del Malinche Hotel or El Almirante Hotel. Day 12 Morning visit of this colonial gem named after its Moorish counterpart in Spain, and then a tour of the Pueblos Blancos culminates with sunset over the Masaya volcanic crater. Day 13 Fly to San Jos� and overnight at the Hotel Villa Tournon. Day 14 Fly from San Jos� via Madrid to London Heathrow. Day 15 Morning arrival in London. 142 0845 166 7008 www.vjv.com

Central & South America contd… Panama, Costa Rica