Apple Vacations

OLD & NEW–THREE CITIES IN ONE Discover amazing diversity in this crossroads of the world, where colonial charm meets modern-day luxury. From the ruins of Panama Viejo, to the trendy art district of Casco Viejo, to the vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere of Panama City, Panama is a destination like no other. PANAMA VIEJO (OLD PANAMA) Located in the southwest of the city, the historical district of Panama Viejo, the "first" Panama City, is home to ruins of fortresses, cities and other jewels from a time when pirates were the rulers of the oceans. Once surrounded by walls to provide protection from pirates, Panama Viejo was built by the Spaniards in the 1670s to relocate the city destroyed by Sir Henry Morgan. CASCO VIEJO The "second" Panama City, a 28-block area with a massive, historic sea wall built to escape the fate of the Old City, dates back to the 17th century and is an architectural gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beautifully restored and authentically unrestored buildings line the cobblestone streets along with trendy plazas, shops and restaurants, creating a bustling street life. From here, the sweeping ocean views of Panama Bay's modern skyscraper skyline provide an amazing contrast between old and new. MODERN PANAMA CITY There's no "hotter" destination than the "third" Panama City. Set on a beautiful bay with a Manhattan-like skyline, this contemporary city boasts a booming business district, first-world infrastructure, world-class casinos, great restaurants, attractive neighborhoods and the only rainforest in the world within city limits in the Metropolitan Park. Located near the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal at the crossroads of the world, it is a shopper's paradise with goods available from every corner of the world. PANAMA CANAL–THE EIGHTH WONDER OF THE WORLD Have you ever seen 5,000,000-ton vessels rise in the water, only to drop more than 50 feet as they cross from one ocean to another? If you visit Panama, you can. The Miraflores Visitors Center brings you up close to the Panama Canal, one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects of our age. Completed in 1914, it took more than a decade and 250,000 people from all corners of the earth to build. This feat of ingenuity is currently under the final stages of a massive expansion. Once complete, the waterway's capacity will double, allowing more and larger ships to transit and greatly reduce their travel time between oceans. Two new sets of locks are being added: one on the Pacific side and the other on the Atlantic side. Work began in the Fall of 2007, and is projected to be fully complete in April 2016. Visit Panama this year, and witness history in the making! 5

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