EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

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.

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

Become immersed in the Garifuna culture by watching a folkloric performance and enjoying traditional dishes that reflect the Afro-Indigenous heritage of this unique ethnic group. The Garifuna language, dance and music is so valued and culturally important that UNESCO added it to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, so you can expect the experience at La Hacienda del Cielo farm to be thoroughly enlightening. The show will feature energetic and joyful Punta music that relies heavily on drums and dances that celebrate the Garifuna way of life. It will be a moving and festive performance and you will be welcome to participate. You can also be a volunteer and help the Garifuna cooks prepare some of the foods for the meal. The main dishes will likely be machuca – an island favorite made with mashed plantains in a rich coconut milk – and fish soup served with coconut bread. During free time, you might browse the Garifuna handicraft shops.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain insight into the Garifuna culture at a farm in the nearby countryside.
• Watch a captivating music and dance performance and join in if you like.
• Dine on Garifuna fish soup and a traditional dish made with plantains.
• Shop for Garifuna handicrafts such woven baskets and jewelry.

HELPFUL HINTS

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