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Colón to Oranjestad

This Panama and Colombia cruise delights with unique seven-day itinerary to beaches and cities the southern Caribbean. Sail from the thriving city of Colon, Panama's capital, to the isolated natural beauty of Isla Aroma in the San Blas Islands. Learn firsthand the local art of cooking Arepas--dense corn pancakes stuffed with beans, meats, and cheeses--along with colorful salsa toppings, baked fresh fish wrapped in Bijao tree leaves, and sweet tropical pie in Cartagena's Old Town. Cartagena is an overnight port stay for you, so linger late among the cafes and local shops in one of South America's most scenic cities. Glide down remote and meandering Aruba donkey paths on a mountain bike tour, or mount up and trot across white sand beaches and into gentle surf on a friendly horse outing that's just a horseshoe toss from Oranjestad's cafes, shops, and lounges.

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Day 1: Colón

Explore the inner workings of the Panama Canal, head into the jungle to meet with Embera Indians, or take an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy.

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Day 2: San Blas, Panama

The San Blas Islands of Panama is an archipelago comprising approximately 378 islands and cays, of which 49 are inhabited, some by the Kuna people. Scattered over an area of about 100 square miles, the islands are the number 1 vacation destination in Panama although the Kuna work hard to protect their land against overwhelming tourism and keep the islands healthy and lovely, unique and untouched by culture. These white-sand and palm tree lined islands are encompassed by a coral reef and warm, crystal-clear water that is perfect for snorkeling and is home to a variety of marine life including dolphins, sharks and giant manta rays.

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Day 4: Cartagena

Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.

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Day 5: Cartagena

Welcome to the sparkling city of Cartagena, where the gold and jewels of the Spanish Main awaited shipment across the Atlantic. No pirate could resist, nor will you be able to when you visit this historic city. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by 400-year-old walls and contains a plethora of churches, fortresses, and restored colonial mansions. Outside the walls are more treasures: Climb the massive Castillo de San Felipe to investigate its maze of hidden tunnels, or shop for the perfect emerald.

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Day 6: Santa Marta

Romantic Santa Marta has it all: history (Colombia’s oldest city), natural beauty (from gentle bays and beaches to the highest coastal mountain range in the world), and its very own celebrity. Simon Bolivar (“The Liberator”) is known as the George Washington of South America, and this was his Mount Vernon. Visit his beautiful estate or head to one of the two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves nearby.

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Day 8: Oranjestad

Known for having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this Dutch port makes it easy to just … take it easy. Walk through town to choose your favorite carved wooden door, or spend the day like the Arubans do playing dominos at a beachside table.