Arrive Accra; meet assist and transfer to 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  or Golden Tulip 
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 Pan­Africanists who chose to live and work in Ghana. Visit Independence Square, Accra's open­air 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. 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 from whom you can order custom made outfits will be in attendance.

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  Noda Hotel Or similar 

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 1888­1931) and Prempeh II (ruled 1931­1970). 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.

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. Our next stop is the village of Ntonso where artisan’s hand­stamp patterns on cotton cloth to make Adinkra textiles. Black­on­black and black­on­red 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. Our final village is Bonwire, where the famous Kente cloth is handmade on looms in a time­honored 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 visit the Kumasi Central Market (also known as Kejetia Market), the largest open­air 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.

Photo: Bonwire - Kente cloth weaving, Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Noda Hotel or Similar

After breakfast, depart for Cape Coast. 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 re­interred 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 Slave Castle, Barry Williams

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at The Coconut Grove Beach Resort or Similar

After breakfast; visit Elmina Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1482. This castle was the first European structure built in sub­Saharan Africa. This afternoon we will visit the Cape Coast School for the Deaf. You will be welcomed by the students with traditional cultural performance. The students at Cape Coast School for the Deaf have put their disability aside in keeping the African traditional cultural performances alive. They will excite you with African traditional drumming and dancing skills. After the Welcome ceremony you will get to meet the students as individuals. After a leisurely lunch 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.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Novotel Accra City Centre Hotel or Similar

After breakfast drive to Teshie, to view fantasy coffins; they are made by the famous Ga coffin carpenters; in Accra. In traditional  or Golden Tulip 
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

Your driver and guide will be available to accompany you throughout the day.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Novotel Accra City Centre Hotel or Similar

TOUR INCLUDES :

• Airfare to/from Ghana ( Departing City : JFK , New York) 
• 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, 5 dinners)

TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE :
• Cost of visa
• Meals not listed
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuity to driver and guide
• Personal items such as laundry, internet and telephone