We’re thinking about a trip around the weekend of August 22-23 to PTY. I’ve read through the forum and I’m hoping that if I provide a lot of specifics, I’ll get some great ideas. Here are the pertinent basics:

1. We’re an active couple in their late 60’s.
2. Neither of us speak Spanish.
3. We prefer to visit places rather than do a straight MR which is the basis for this trip.
4. We don’t do cruises so this is the only way and time that we’ll see the Canal.
5. We have a beach home on a beautiful quiet beach so beaches aren’t a high priority unless they’re really special.
6. Our winter home is in the French Quarter of New Orleans and we both love old Spanish and French Architecture and walking tours. My family is from Quebec and I’ve spent lots of time touring Montreal and Quebec City. We would like to see the ‘Old City’.
7. We plan on travelling down on a Thursday and returning on the following Monday or Tuesday. The route is EWR-IAH-PTY on CO (we’re both Leisure Plats on CO).
8. According to what I’ve found so far, the only Canal Transit tour that weekend is a half tour on Saturday.
9. We’re open as far as hotels are concerned and don’t really have major points in any hotel programs. Lots of AMEX points.
10. We’d rather hire a car and English speaking guide than drive ourselves.
11. Shopping isn’t a priority for me but my wife won’t pass up a bargain.
12. We’re not birders but we both enjoy relaxing nature tours.

Our thoughts are:

Thursday – fly down.
Friday – tour Old City and shop
Saturday – Canal tour and whatever else fits with that (Locks @ Miraflores too)
Sunday / Monday – do interesting things
Monday or Tuesday – fly home

That gives us 3 or 4 full days to do an see things.

Your suggestions and recommendations please and TIA for your thoughts and help. Hotel(s), restaurants, activities ( I really enjoyed a great post by cz4ever in January).