2017 - APT South America

87 LUXURY OCEAN CRUISING Day 6. Fort Amador, Mogo Mogo (Pearl Islands). Le Soléal arrives today at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal, docking at Fort Amador. Grab your camera and take a moment to appreciate the incredible panoramic views of Panama City's skyline rising up around the bay. Here, you'll have some time to wander around the marina, with its specialty shops and restaurants. Or, you can join an excursion to the Miraflores Lock and visitor centre, followed by a tour of the Frank Gehry-designed BioMuseo (own expense). Afterwards, you're in for a treat as you sail to the exotic Pearl Islands, so named after the unusually large pearls that are so often plucked from the waters. Spend the afternoon relaxing as you coast through turquoise Panama Bay, punctuated with hundreds of tropical isles. The uninhabited island of Mogo Mogo calls this afternoon, with tender vessels ready and waiting to transport you to the white sand beach, which you may recognise from the reality television show Survivor. Enjoy a free afternoon to swim, snorkel off the shore or recline with a book on the deserted beach. BLD Day 7. At Sea. Awake to a relaxing day at sea as you cruise south along the coast of Columbia. With a host of superb amenities at your disposal and on board lectures on offer, you're sure to enjoy every moment. BLD Day 8. At Sea. A further day at sea provides you with the chance to recharge your batteries in preparation for your next destination. No doubt you've slipped into the leisurely rhythm of life on board Le Soléal, with everything you need at arm's length. BLD Day 9. Guayaquil (Ecuador). Sprawling over gentle hillsides on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and an important commercial hub. The waterfront promenade, Malecón 2,000, is somewhat of a new public space which quickly became one of the city's best-loved attractions, lined with trees, gardens, sculptures, restaurants and shops. If you please, join a guided city tour which includes a visit to a Panama hat workshop (own expense). Though the hats have been handwoven in Ecuador since 1630, it wasn't until 1906 when Theodore Roosevelt wore one when viewing the Panama Canal under construction that its popularity soared and it became known as the Panama hat. BLD Day 10. At Sea. Open the curtains to another relaxing day on board your ship. You're free to spend your time just as you wish. BLD Day 11. Salaverry (Peru). Onwards and the Peruvian port town of Salaverry graces the horizon. There's real adventure to be had on a mesmerising optional excursion today. This is your chance to explore some of Peru's most spectacular sites, including the world's largest mud city – World Heritage-listed Chan Chan – as well as the impressive friezes at the Temple of the Dragon – a 1,100-year-old adobe pyramid whose walls are decorated with images of human figures and rainbows. You'll also watch local fisherman craft caballito de totora (narrow reed boats) by hand in the holiday town of Huanchaco and take a pleasant stroll through the colonial Plaza de Armas in the city of Trujillo (own expense). BLD PERU ECUADOR PANAMA Guayaquil Cusco Arequipa Lake Titicaca (Puno) Lima Callao Salaverry Sacred Valley Machu Picchu 3 1 2 2 2 Colca Canyon 2 Cruise Flight (included) Rail Coach No. of nights Le Soléal 9 Panama City 3 3 Colón Fort Amador Mogo Mogo Discover the historic architecture of Arequipa Sail between the stunning Pearl Islands

• Cover