The Grenfell Record

What a kaleidoscopic burst of destinations

Folklore dancers in traditional dress, Puerto Vallarta. Picture Shuttestock
Folklore dancers in traditional dress, Puerto Vallarta. Picture Shuttestock

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If you have dreamed of exploring New Orleans, Central America and the Panama Canal but never done it, this fully escorted tour by sea and air could get you there.

Join Travelrite and The Senior Newspaper aboard the Island Princess from May 8 to 24 in 2024, to cross out a few items on your bucket list.

Arriving in Los Angeles, see the main attractions including the Walk of Fame, Sunset Boulevard and Santa Monica.

The following afternoon set sail on the Island Princess to enjoy her amazing facilities for a couple of days.

First port is Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to be immersed in the colours and swagger of this exotic city.

After a day at sea, arrive at Huatulco, Mexico, a beach town on the Pacific known for its nine spectacular bays.

Again, an overnight sea trip brings you to San Juan del Sur in Nicaragua. Walk the cobblestoned streets and marvel at the colonial buildings, ancient Spanish fort and restored churches.

Sitting on a long, narrow peninsula,Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is the Central Pacific's largest city. A boat ride on the Tarcoles River uncovers local bird and plant life as well as the local wildlife, including crocodiles.

The next stop is Fuerte Amador, Panama, a man-made peninsula at the entrance to the Panama Canal.

Colorful Spanish colonial buildings inside the walled city of Cartagena, Colombia. Pictures Shutterstock
Colorful Spanish colonial buildings inside the walled city of Cartagena, Colombia. Pictures Shutterstock

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Panama City including the old town and later the Miraflores locks where ships transit the Panama Canal. Take in the history of this man-made wonder at the Canal Museum.

A highlight of the tour is the 77 km cruise along the Panama Canal from the Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean, a journey that takes between 9 to 10 hours.

Cartagena, Colombia, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, is reached on the other side. Inside San Felipe's fort, built in the 1600s, is the Old City, a treasure trove of colonial architecture.

After two nights at sea the cruise component comes to an end at Fort Lauderdale where a flight takes the group to New Orleans.

New Orleans is steeped in charms including its French heritage and local jazz.

Explore the sights of the French Quarter including Jackson Square, Royal Street, Audubon Park and the Mississippi River.

Head out of town the following day for the swamp country to enjoy an airboat tour. Discover moss-covered bayous and the unique wildlife of this exotic area. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner aboard a paddle steamer on the Mississippi River.

For more call 1800 630 343 or go to Travelrite Escorted tours Central America.

This is branded content for Travelrite.