Enjoy the sights and contrasts of the city of Cartagena and its beautiful coast. Discover ancient Roman remains and white sand beaches. Leaving the city, you’ll drive to La Manga Del Mar Menor, The Sleeve of the Little Sea, that has an interesting geographical layout – a chain that stretches along approximately nearly 15 miles/24 km from Cabo de Palos to Punta del Mojón. It is the natural boundary of the salt water lake known as Mar Menor - Little Sea.

Stop at the fishing village of Cabo de Palos and pause to take in the views and snap a few photographs. Of specific interest here is the grey stoned lighthouse, its construction began in 1863 and it was lit for the first time in 1865. The monument stands proudly at the southernmost tip of La Manga. From your coach you’ll see the 13 mile long beach and only a thousand feet wide, a popular destination for beach combers and sun worshipers.

Travel back in time when you visit the Roman Theatre Museum, the achievement of architect Rafael Moneo. It was commissioned in 1999 and opened to the public in 2008. Start with the exhibition rooms holding treasures offering more than 2,000 years of history discovered. The theater, discovered in the late 1980’s is one of the largest Roman theaters of Hispania, played a very important role during Roman times with an estimated capacity of 6,000 spectators. You’ll stand in awe as you exit the museum step into the open space of this magnificent theater. Enjoy some free time in the main pedestrian area of Cartagena.

Learn about the history of the area from your guide while you’ll pass by the city’s highlights. You’ll stop at the elegant Riviera del Pacifico, a once dazzling beach resort and casino. The highlight of your tour will be the 25-mile drive to the south for approximately one hour, along the Baja California countryside to scenic Punta Banda.

This area is known for an impressive blowhole called La Bufadora, a natural sea spout that shoots water from 60 to 100 feet into the air, depending on the tide. You’ll have free time to experience the flavors of Mexico at the open air market, with a wide selection of national art. You’ll also visit Ensenada’s main shopping district, offering everything from Mexican handicrafts to imported items. You may return to the ship with your guide or remain and return on your own.

Get acquainted with the highlights of the area with minimal walking and discover one of Spain’s most famous liquors which has gained international recognition. Leaving the city, you drive to La Manga Del Mar Menor, The Sleeve of the Little Sea, that has an interesting geographical layout – a chain that stretches along approximately 15 miles/24 km from Cabo de Palos to Punta del Mojón. It is the natural boundary of the salt water lake known as the Mar Menor - Little Sea.

Stop at the fishing village of Cabo de Palos and pause to take in the views and snap a few photographs. Of specific interest here is the grey stoned lighthouse, its construction began in 1863 and it was lit for the first time in 1865. The monument stands proudly at the southernmost tip of La Manga. From your coach you’ll see the 13 mile long beach and only a thousand feet wide, a popular destination for beach combers and sun worshipers.

Visit the Licor 43 Museum and Factory and learn the history of this famous liqueur and the legend behind it, with a short video and numerous exhibits. You’ll learn about the manufacturing process and have a taste at the chill-out bar. With its light body, and characteristic vanilla and citric sweet flavor, it is one of the most popular liquors in Europe. You’ll also see Experiencia 43, an area dedicated to the past, present and future of this brand with memorabilia including all the versions of bottles and promotional items such as posters and ads. You might want to take advantage of their on­site shop and take something back home.

OVERVIEW

Look into the possibilities of retiring and investing in Panama by exploring upscale residential areas that are thriving and indicative of the robust economy. There are plenty of tax benefits when retiring in Panama and the country’s strong financial environment also makes it a great place to invest. As an introduction to some of the many advantages, you will drive in and around the capital of Panama City. You will stop in three beautifully developed districts, one being the master-planned coastal community Santa Maria. Then, there is the luxury oceanfront neighborhood of Punta Pacifica and Costa Del Este, an exclusive residential area that has also become a regional center for global companies such as Nestlé, Maersk and Panasonic. After touring the areas with a guide and independently, you can meet with local real estate experts and lawyers to discuss the advantages of living in Panama and the peculiarities of running a business in the country.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the idea of retiring and running a business in Panama with real estate experts and lawyers.
• Tour a high-end master-planned community and a neighborhood of oceanfront condominiums.
• Visit Costa Del Este, a residential district that also boasts regional centers for global companies.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Watch a highly entertaining folkloric show in Ensenada’s cultural center after seeing one of Baja California’s most spectacular natural attractions. La Bufadora puts on a nonstop show as the world’s second-largest marine geyser, and you will view the spectacle up close from an outdoor terrace at the Punta Banda overlook. The ocean waves rush in so fast and furiously that the water forced through the blowhole can easily spew as high as 100 feet in the air. An experience of a different sort awaits you at the former Hotel Riviera del Pacifico, a landmark resort and casino from the 1930s that has been meticulously restored and converted into a cultural hub. After being serenaded by a mariachi band in full costume, you will be treated to a performance of traditional songs and dances associated with the region. Time will also be allotted to shop and browse the enlightening museum on site.

HIGHLIGHTS
• See ocean water spew high into the air at marine geyser La Bufadora.
• Watch a performance of traditional songs and dances in Ensenada’s cultural center.
• Spend free time exploring the venue, a former hotel and casino from the 1930s.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes as there is uphill walking at La Bufadora.