Panama Canal Cruise - from Tampa - 119389

Tampa, Florida's health resort and port at the Gulf of Mexico, today has a population of several hundred thousand and is a city full of contrasts. Visitors can find glittering sky-scrapers as well as the traditional university and the historic Cuban district Ybor City. Sights worth visiting include the Children's Museum of Tampa, the Museum of Art, the Museum of Science and Industry and the History Center. We also highly recommend a visit to the cigar factory "Tampa Rico Cigar Company" as well as 'Busch Gardens', an African-themed funpark with shops and restaurants. 'Water babies' will love the huge water funpark, 'Adventure Island', and the Florida Aquarium.

Santa Marta, founded in 1525 making it the oldest city in Columbia, lies by the highest coastal mountain range in the world, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. The snow-covered peaks of Pico Colon and Pico Bolivar are 5,775 m above sea level and just 45 km from the tropical beaches of the National Park Tayrona. Thus, the city is the ideal starting point for mountain trecks, trips to the beach and to archaeological sites such as Pueblito and Ciudad Perdida. Santa Marta is where the most famous South American ever, Simon Bolivar, died. His dream of a united Spanish-speaking nation was never realised.

Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredias, a Spaniard and companion of Columbus, as a naval port. The historic old town and the harbour are listed and have been a World Heritage Site since 1984. Due to the flourishing trade in gold from Peru, silver from Bolivia and emeralds from Muzo, the city developed quickly and magnificently. Today, mainly oil coffee and platinum are exported and the city has been able to make a name for itself as one of the most beautiful colonial cities of South America. Sights include: the Gold Museum, the cathedral dating from the 16th/17th century and the San Felipe de Barajas fort with its amazing system of tunnels.

In the middle of Central America lies the tropical region of the Panama Canal with its lush vegetation and rainforests. The Panama Canal is a technical masterpiece and one of the most important waterways in the world. It takes just a day to travel along the canal, but visitors are sure to remember the trip for many a long year.

'Acapulco is a Mexican harbour town on the Pacific coast. The "Costa Miguel Aleman", the town's splendid boulevard is home to countless shops, restaurants, bars and discos. Local sights include the "Casa de la Cultura", the Historical Museum and the cliff-divers at the cliffs of "La Quebrada", who plunge into the ocean from a height of 40 metres. Acapulco is the only place in Mexico with a submerged statue of its patron saint, the Virgin of Guadaloupe, which can be viewed from one of the popular glass-bottomed boats. The glass-bottomed boats also provide a breathtaking view of the magical underwater world. Sun-worshippers will be spoilt for choice with the Playa Icacos, Playa Hornos, Playa Revolcadero, Playa Diamante and Barra Vieja beaches all providing the perfect spot to relax for a few hours.

Seattle is also called the "Emerald City". The largest city in the state of Washington lies on the shores of Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, a sea inlet similar to a fjord with countless islands and arms of water. From here you can enjoy a fabulous view of the Cascades and Mount Rainier. The 'Seattle Center' with the city's trademark, the famous 'Space Needle' was built for the World's Fair of 1962. The coffee city is also the home of the popular 'Starbucks' chain and in Seattle there is a branch on almost every street corner. Those in the know meet at Pike Place Market for a stroll and to buy freshly-caught fish. The waterfront with its countless souvenir shops and fish restaurants is perfect for a leisurely walk. Sights include: the Pacific Science Center, the Space Needle, the University of Washington, the Japanese Gardens, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Chinatown, the Monorail and Smith Tower.