Panama Canal: Curacao & Aruba

Puerto Plata (or officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata) is the ninth largest city in the Dominican Republic and the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. For spectacular city views, take a ride up the Pico Isabel de Torres mountain which stands over 2,600 feet high. History buff? Visit Fortaleza San Felipe, which was built in the 16th century and served as a prison under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Or head to the Amber Museum, a museum filled with a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber which is semiprecious tree sap that has hardened for millions of years capturing many fossils of plant and insect life.

Situated off the southeast corner of the Dominican Republic, uninhabited Catalina Island truly is a slice of paradise. You won't find towering resorts or strip malls lining this island. Groves of mango, coco, dwarf oak, palm trees and more fan out from the island's centre to expansive beaches where soft white sands dip into tranquil waters. Colourful coral reefs that are home to an abundance of marine life encircle the island. From bird watching and water sports to lounging on pristine beaches and savouring fresh local seafood, get ready to dip into relaxation.

Walk around this quaint harbor town and you'll think you've travelled back in time to Old Amsterdam. Admire the colourful Dutch architecture and take advantage of the excellent shopping. Relax on 17-century veranda with a drink made with the famous Curaçao liqueur.

Incredibly white sands and cobalt blue seas make the small island of Aruba a popular destination. In the bustling freeport town of Oranjestad, sherbet-coloured Dutch colonial buildings, draped in bougainvillea, oleander and hibiscus are simply picturesque. Small, but informative museums relate the island's history.

Experience one of the world's best short cuts! Journey 40 miles through the Panama Canal for an unforgettable experience. Witness first-hand one of the world's manmade short cuts that has changed travel and the transport of goods worldwide.

A vibrant metropolis, historic city and your gateway to tropical adventures - Panama City has it all and it's all waiting for you to discover. Founded in 1519, Panama City is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement on the Americas' Pacific Coast. Lose yourself in the region's dramatic past whilst touring historic sites intertwined amongst the buzzing cosmopolitan atmosphere. Visit the world-famous Panama Canal or feel a world away lounging on a pristine beach or hiking amongst lush rainforest that's home to an assortment of colourful flora and fauna.

Peppered with classic French and Spanish architecture, you can roam as far as your eyes can see in decadent Fuerte Amador. And be sure to make your way through Panama's verdant rainforests, visit secluded villages, and purchase handmade crafts in the city. Once you've worked up an appetite, sample a tamal de olla, a local speciality containing chicken with corn-stuffed cornmeal, vegetables, olives and raisins.