On arrival in Ghana you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel.

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: No

Overnight at Novotel Accra City Centre Hotel or Similar

This morning there is orientation which includes a lecture/discussion on African culture. After orientation, we begin the city tour including a visit to the W.E.B. Du Bois Center honoring the life of one of the most prominent Pan-Africanists who chose to live and work in Ghana. Visit Independence Square, Accra’s open-air ceremonial grounds where all national celebrations are held. Continue to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Museum, a tribute to Ghana’s first president. This park, formally called the Polo grounds, is where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah declared the independence of Ghana. The remains of Dr Nkrumah as well as that of his wife rest on this premise. You will see various personal items used by Osagyefo, as well as books he authored together with several of his personal belongings.

This evening there is a welcome dinner with entertainment. Tailors and dressmakers will be in attendance to take your orders for custom made outfits.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Novotel Accra City Centre Hotel or Similar

After breakfast,  we will travel to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom of Gold. On the way, we will stop at Mampong Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine. The center conducts research in the use of plant medicine in the cure of various ailments. Continue to Kumasi, arriving early afternoon. On arrival in Kumasi, we will visit the Manhiya Palace. The Manhiya Palace was built by the British in 1925 to receive Asantehene (ruler of the Ashanti people) Prempeh I when he returned from exile in the Seychelles to resume residence in Kumasi. It was used by the Ashanti kings until 1974. It now serves as a museum, containing a range of items relating to the Ashanti Kingdom, particularly Prempeh I (ruled 1888-1931) and Prempeh II (ruled 1931-1970).  Visit the nearby Okomfo Anokye Sword, an important symbol of Ashanti unity that marks the spot where the Golden Stool “descended from the sky” and has been in place for 300 years. Legend says the Ashanti Kingdom would collapse should the sword ever be removed.

Manhyia Palace Museum, Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Noda Hotel or Similar

After breakfast, visit the Ashanti craft villages starting with the woodcarving village of Ahwiaa, known for the talented craftsmen who fashion royal stools, walking sticks and fertility dolls from wood. You will have the opportunity to purchase hand carved items of all kinds. Our next stop is the village of Ntonso where artisan’s hand-stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make Adinkra textiles. Black-on-black and black-on-red Adinkra cloth is worn for funerals and other solemn occasions. You will learn how the black dye is made in the village from the bark of trees, and create your own Adinkra sash to take home. You may also purchase large pieces of Adinkra cloth handmade in the village. Our final village is Bonwire, where the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. You will see the Kente weavers in process of creating Kente cloth in various styles, and have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs or gifts. This evening you may visit the Kumasi Central Market (also known as Kejetia Market), the largest open-air market in West Africa, where more than 10,000 vendors sell their wares. Here you will find just about everything, food, fabric, beauty products, handmade crafts and even large animals.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Noda Hotel or Similar

After breakfast, depart for Cape Coast. You shall transit the rich Gold mine town of Obuasi. On the way, you will stop at Assin Manso, the burial site of two former slaves from the U. S. and Jamaica whose remains were re-interred in August 1998 during Ghana’s first Emancipation Day Celebration. You will see the “Slave River” where captured Africans were washed before being confined in the Slave Castles to await shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean.
This afternoon, we will visit Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum for a guided tour. Cape Coast Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was one of the departure points for Africans being sent to slavery in the Americas. The castle is home to the infamous “Door of No Return”.

Photo: Elmina Castle, by Nii Markwei

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at The Coconut Grove Beach Resort or Similar

After breakfast, visit Kakum National Park. Kakum is one of Ghana’s most famous parks. Take a brief walking tour on the forest floor where you will learn how our ancestors lived in the forest. See birds, butterflies, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the forests over 40 species of mammals including monkeys and the reclusive forest elephant. Proceed to the canopy walk. Kakum is home to Africa’s only aerial walkway through the tree canopy, a 1000 foot long and seven-bridge walkway with viewing platforms that reach heights of over 150 feet above ground.
This afternoon we will visit Elmina Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1482. This castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. This evening we will travel to the nearby village of Mesomagor and see the Bamboo Orchestra at their musical best. The youth at the village of Mesomagor have revived a traditional art, by performing with bamboo percussion instruments to music and dance. This is a contagious dance performance you have not seen anywhere else.

Canopy Walkway at Kakum National Park, Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at The Coconut Grove Beach Resort or Similar

After breakfast in Cape coast we will return to Accra. On the way, we will stop to visit the village of Abandze, the ancestral home of Louis Armstrong, the famous American jazz musician. This evening is at leisure for individual activities.  This afternoon we will visit Teshie, to view fantasy coffins. They are made by the famous Ga coffin carpenters in Accra. In traditional Ga culture you are buried in a coffin that reflects how you earned your living and lived your life. These coffins are sold at higher than normal prices. The coffins are shaped like animals or an object that symbolizes the life style or profession of a deceased. These hand sculpted wooden coffins or decorated chests have been featured by National Geographic. Those of you who ordered custom made clothing will go for fittings and adjustments. You will still have time to shop. You can visit The National Cultural Center and the popular Arts & Crafts Market if you like aggressive bartering, or the African Market in Osu if you prefer fixed prices.

After returning to the hotel with the great bargains you have secured, prepare for this evenings farewell dinner.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Novotel Accra City Centre Hotel or Similar

Today’s activities will depend on the time of your departing flight.

Transfer to airport for your flight home. Leave with a sense of appreciation and love for the people of Ghana.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Included:

    * Meeting and assistance upon arrival
    * Assistance at departure on final day
    * Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
    * Hotel accommodation in the indicated properties for 7 nights
    * Transportation in private vehicle to suit the size of the group and luggage
    * Experienced tour guide
    * Admission to all listed sites and events
    * Meals indicated (7 breakfasts, 6 dinners)

Not Included

    * Cost of visa
    * Meals not listed
    * Airfare to Ghana
    * Travel Insurance
    * Gratuity to driver and guide
    * Personal items such as laundry, internet and telephone