August 1, 2003 -- While Panama is known primarily for its famous canal, the nation has much more to offer travelers than just its reputation as a key commerce point. Panama is home to some of the best beaches, wildlife, snorkeling in all of the Americas. The country's location and diverse ethnic makeup also acts as a bridge between Central and South America, making it a worthwhile stop for any traveler.
And today, some of our providers are going to make that stop a little easier to get to. General Tours' "Panama Breezes" package is 5 days and 4 nights package to Panama City starting at just $599 from August 16 to December 13, 2003. For that price you receive roundtrip air from Miami (additional gateways available for an add-on fee) and four nights accommodations at the Superior Tourist Class Suites Ambassador. After you arrive, you'll also receive a tour of Panama City where you can see Old Panama, Casco Antiguo and the Panama Canal. Also included is access to "General Assist", a toll-free 24 hour-a-day emergency on-tour assistance line, roundtrip transfers and luggage handling, and a General Tours document folder and luggage tags.
If you're a nature fan, General Tours also offers a "Treasures of Nature in Panama", which also runs for 5 days and for nights $649. The package is very similar to the "Panama Breezes" package with two exceptions: your 4 nights accommodations are at the Deluxe Gamboa Rainforest Resort and instead of touring Panama City, you tour various rainforest attractions, highlighting the flora and fauna.
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to availability. A charge of $71 covering U.S. Departure Tax, Customs, Federal Inspections Fees and other costs imposed by airlines and the Government is not included. Any applicable foreign departure taxes are not included. For reservations and information, head over to www.generaltours.com or call them at 800/221-2216, fax 603/357-4548.
Looking for a beach getaway? Tara Tours also has a 7 days/6 nights package for those with visions of white beaches dancing in their heads for $853. That price is offered during July and August and gives you roundtrip air on American Airlines from Miami with other gateways also available for an add-on fee. Some sample add-ons include $40 from Dallas or Houston; $80 from New York; $170 from Chicago; and $270 from LAX and SFO. Also included are 6 nights accommodations at the Royal Decameron Hotel and Beach Resort, meals, drinks and most activities (including sailing, gliding, and tennis), and taxes and tips. And here's some more good news: if you choose to go during September, October or November, the price starts even lower at $799.
Rates are person based on double occupancy and Wednesday or Thursday departure. For departures Friday through Monday, add $60 per person. Insurance, airport departure taxes ($79-88 from the US, $20 from Panama), tourist card ($5) are not included. To get the complete scoop, drop them a line at tara@taratours.com, on the web at www.taratours.com, or on the horn at 800/327-0080.
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