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Tour Overview

  • Roundtrip airfare
  • All transportation between cities and within the itinerary
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast each morning at hotel
  • Five dinners
  • Guided walking tour of Casco Antiguo
  • Admission to Panama Canal Museum
  • Visit to the Mola Museum
  • Hike in Metropolitan Nature Park
  • Visit to Amador Causeway
  • Admission to BioMuseo
  • Admission to Punta Culebra Nature Center
  • Admission to Panama Viejo
  • Excursion to Isla Taboga
  • Admission to Panama Canal cruise including lunch onboard
  • Admission to Portobelo and San Lorenzo
  • Visit to beach
  • Free Tour Leaders 1 Per 15 paying students
  • Zoni Tour Manager

Day 1: Exploration of Casco Antiguo and Metropolitan Nature Park

Morning:
Arrive in Panama City.

Meet your Zoni Tour Manager at the hotel for luggage drop off.

Afternoon:
Have lunch at a local restaurant on your own.

Take a guided walking tour of Casco Antiguo (the Old Town), exploring its historic streets and colonial architecture. Take in the famous golden altar at the Iglesia San José and check out the views from Paseo Esteban Huertas.

Visit the Canal Museum to learn about the countries that have had a hand in the construction and operation of this engineering marvel.

Explore the Mola Museum where you will discover the art and culture of Panama's indigenous Guna communities. Using a form of reverse applique, the Guna create lush textiles with beautiful geometric designs which are incorporated into their everyday attire as well as decorative items.

Take a leisurely stroll in the Metropolitan Nature Park for a taste of Panama's biodiversity. Panama City is the only world capital with a rainforest within its city limits. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in this urban oasis.

Evening:
Eat dinner at a local restaurant where you'll be introduced to Panamanian flavors.

Return to the hotel and rest for the next day's adventures.

Day 2: Amador Causeway, Biodiversity, and Panama Viejo

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Head out on a walking tour of the Amador Causeway, enjoying views of the Bridge of the Americas. This Causeway was built using the stones that were excavated in the construction of the Canal. Today, it's a perfect place to take a walk, do some shopping, and watch the ships prepare to enter the Canal.

Visit the BioMuseo where you'll learn to appreciate the impact of the isthmus of Panama on the world. Here, north meets south and Pacific meets Atlantic creating a hotbed of biodiversity that is virtually unparalleled.

Afternoon:
Enjoy lunch at a local eatery on your own.

Head to the Punta Culebra Nature Center home to the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, where students can experience Panama's coastal ecosystems, observe marine life, and enjoy interactive exhibits. If you're lucky, you'll spot a sloth or an armadillo!

Continue the educational journey with a visit to Panama Viejo, the ruins of the original Panama City. Explore the historic grounds and learn about the founding of the area.

Evening:
Enjoy dinner with a view at a local restaurant.

Return to the hotel and relax after a long day.

Day 3: Isla Taboga

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Take a ferry to Isla Taboga. This tiny island boasts connections to pirates, saints, and French painters. Prepare for a day of stunning natural beauty. Start with a hike up Cerro Vigia for panoramic island views and encounter wildlife on your way up.

Return to the town to visit the second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, Iglesia de San Pedro.

Afternoon:
Have lunch in town on your own before heading to the beach for some swimming and sunbathing.

Evening:
Return to Panama City.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel.

Day 4: Panama Canal Cruise

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for the highlight of your trip: a Panama Canal Cruise.

Afternoon:
Opened in 1914 after ten years of construction, the Panama Canal is a marvel of engineering that changed the world forever. Every day, 32 ships pass through this famed thoroughfare and today you will be among them. Over the course of this trip, you will journey through the Miraflores Locks, Miraflores Lake, Pedro Miguel Locks, the Corte Culebra, and Lake Gatún. Take in Panama's stunning landscape as you cruise from bustling Panama City through rainforests and mountains to the Caribbean city of Colon where you will disembark.

Evening:
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Return to Panama City by bus and arrive at your hotel to rest.

Day 5: Fort San Lorenzo, Portobelo, and Beach Visit

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Depart for Fort San Lorenzo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the historical fort, learn about its significance, and enjoy panoramic views of the Chagres River and the Caribbean Sea.

Continue to the historic town of Portobelo, known for its rich history and well-preserved colonial architecture. Founded in 1597, Portobelo served as one of the principal routes for the shipment of riches from Peru to Spain and was the site of many pirate battles.

Afternoon:
Enjoy a delicious lunch on your own at a local restaurant.

Explore more of Portobelo's historic sites, such as the famous Church of San Felipe, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, head to a nearby beach and spend the afternoon relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery.

Evening:
Return to Panama City.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant.

Return to the hotel for a final night in Panama.

Day 6: Departure

Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel.

Check-out from the hotel.

Afternoon:
Depart for the airport.

Board your flight and return home remembering everything Panama has to offer.

Must Know

Educational Enrichment: This itinerary offers a well-rounded educational experience, combining visits to museums, historical sites, and natural wonders, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of Panama's culture, history, and biodiversity.

Cultural Immersion: Students will interact with local communities and explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation.

Adventure and Exploration: From hikes in lush natural parks to navigating the Panama Canal's iconic locks, this itinerary provides opportunities for adventure and hands-on learning, making it engaging and memorable for students.

Diverse Experiences: This tour offers a mix of historical, ecological, and recreational activities, catering to a wide range of interests, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable experience for all participants.

  • Spanish is the official language of Panama, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Basic Spanish phrases can be helpful and are appreciated by the locals.
  • Panama has a tropical climate with a wet season (May to November) and a dry season (December to April). Weather can vary widely depending on the region you're visiting and the altitudes. Be sure to pack layers so that you can stay comfortable throughout your tour.
  • The standard voltage in Panama is 120 volts AC. This voltage is supplied at a frequency of 60 Hz and is the same as what is available in the United States, so you won't need an adapter. Be advised, however, that while power quality in Panama is generally reliable, occasional power outages can occur, especially in more remote areas.
  • The official currency is the Panamanian balboa (PAB), but the US dollar (USD) is widely accepted and used interchangeably. It is advised that you carry a small amount of cash in the local currency when you travel, but you will also have access to cash through ATMs throughout the country. Contact your bank before traveling to prevent problems.
  • Panama is culturally diverse, with influences from Indigenous, African, European, and Asian cultures. Embrace the local culture and engage with locals in a polite and respectful manner.

  • Travel time to and from various parts of the country may modify these itineraries.
  • Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.
  • It is your responsibility to determine if you need a visa to enter Panama, and ensure you have the necessary travel authorizations.
  • Itineraries are fully customizable.
  • Flexible payment plans are available.

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General Information

General information regarding student tours and field trips.

We offer a wide variety of customized educational itineraries based upon your curriculum requests and budget.

Tour inclusions vary depending on your itinerary, but all include transportation, accommodations, venue admissions, and most meals (as outlined in your proposal).

Visit www.zoni.edu Tours page and select Plan Your Own Trip, call us at 888-495-0680, or email us at tours@zoni.edu.

Yes. All itineraries are fully customizable based upon your desired destination, curriculum requests, and budget needs.

Because we fully customize every itinerary, we can offer tours to any and every age group.

No, Zoni educational tours are not limited to school students alone. They can be arranged for college students, adult learners, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, language organizations, home-school co-ops, cultural schools/organizations, businesses, or individuals with an interest in acquiring knowledge and exploring new environments.

Absolutely. We cater to various group sizes, including homeschoolers, with fully customizable itineraries.

We require a minimum of ten paying passengers per group. We have no maximum group size.

Planning should begin as soon as possible. International travel is typically planned 12-18 months before departure.

Zoni Educational travel tours have trained Tour Managers and Tour Leaders accompanying the group. For domestic travel there will be one Tour Leader for every 10 students and for international travel, there will be one Tour Leader for every 6 students.

The Tour Leader is a representative from your school. The Tour Manager is affiliated with Zoni Tours and is well versed in the destinations visited.

Yes, for domestic travel we offer one free tour leader per ten paying passengers. For international travel, we offer one free tour leader per six paying passengers.

The itineraries listed on our website include examples of destinations that we travel to, but we are happy to customize a tour of any destination you wish to visit.

While many of our domestic tours are two-night/three-day itineraries, we can customize a tour for any desired length of time.

Your transportation needs will be provided by Zoni Tours, unless otherwise noted in your proposal.

Full names, dates of birth, emergency contacts, dietary restrictions, and any other relevant information needed for your itinerary.

Students and tour leaders will be responsible for securing traveler documents and information. Zoni will keep digital copies of passports and visas for international travel in case of emergency.

All forms are signed at registration along with terms and conditions. Documentation required by your school or organization may vary.

No. Group travel is secured under one booking.

No, seats will be assigned at the time of booking.

While not guaranteed, Zoni Tours will do everything possible to accommodate this request.

Flight changes are available at your own expense, subject to group leaders' approval.

Zoni Tours will accommodate special needs per ADA and section 504. We can secure accommodations in motorcoaches, hotels, and most eateries. However, elements of certain itineraries are not accessible to wheelchairs and other devices. Please make your Educational Group Tour Coordinator aware of any special needs when you begin your travel planning.