Arrival in Accra, Ghana and transfer to the hotel. Free time to relax.  Overnight LABADI BEACH HOTEL

Accra, the capital of Ghana, has maintained its unique identity despite the fast paced development currently underway in this intriguing African city. The luxuriant administrative area, punctuated with elegant villas built during the first half of the 19^th century, reminds us that Ghana was one of the most flourishing British colonies in West Africa.  The program includes a visit to the National Museum (if open), one of the first works of independent Ghana – the idea inspiring the Museum is to relate Ghanaian art to the rest of the continent and to prove the existence of an African history as part of the general history of humanity. We explore the old quarter of James Town, inhabited by the local population known as the Ga. On the Oceanshore is where local native people life fully unfolds: a village surrounded by the city! Here all economic activities follow very different rules from the ones governing “the city” (business area), just a few hundred meters away. Our tour continues with the visit of a workshop where they specialize in building fantasy coffins. These special handcrafted coffins can reflect any shape: fruits, animals, fish, cars, airplanes…. the only limit being imagination! Started in Africa, these flamboyant coffin designs are by now collected worldwide and exposed in museums. OVERNIGHT LABADI BEACH HOTEL

Morning depart for the Kumasi Region.  Kumasi is the historical and spiritual capital of the old Ashanti Kingdom. A city proud of its past as much as it is of its present: a flourishing economy thanks to the exploitation of its gold mines and its forests. The Ashanti people were one of the most powerful nations in Africa until the end of the 19th century, when the British annexed Ashanti Country to their Gold Coast colony. The tribute paid today to the Asantehene (=King) is the best evidence of their past splendour and strength. With nearly one million inhabitants, Kumasi is a sprawling city with a fantastic central market – one of the biggest in Africa. Every type of Ashanti craft (leather goods, pottery, Kente cloth) is found here, along with just about every kind of tropical fruit and vegetable. The program includes a visit of the Ashanti Cultural Centre: a rich collection of Ashanti artefacts housed in a wonderful reproduction of an Ashanti house. In the afternoon we participate – if available – in a traditional Ashanti funeral, attended by mourners wearing beautifully red or black togas. We say “funerals” but it means a “festive” celebration: the deceased in fact is believed to be still with his/her family and through this ceremony he/she becomes an ancestor. Relatives and friends gather, socialize and celebrate his/her memory. The chief arrives surrounded by his court under the shade of large umbrellas while drums give rhythm to the dancers whose intricate moves are highly symbolic.  OVERNIGHT OAK PLAZA HOTEL

Early breakfast.  Check out of hotel for trip to Mole Park.  En route visit the ancient Islamic village of Larabanga.  This is a memorable Sudanese architecturally designed and historic Mosque which was built by the Moorish traders.  It is the oldest mosque in |West Africa.  Close to the mosque is the Mystic Stone.  The villagers will be more than happy to explain the myth surrounding the stone.  Continue with a drive to Mole National Park for an afternoon trek to view West Africa’s big game Park: elephants, antelopes, monkeys and more.  The Park offers a great safari-like experience and is one of the biggest elephant sanctuaries in Africa.  Overnight a Mole Motel/ZAINA LODGE

Early morning safari.  Return to hotel for breakfast.  Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the Motel.  Overnight Mole Motel/ZAINA LODGE

Check out of Motel for return journey to Kumasi. On arrival in Kumasi, visit the craft villages in Ashanti – Ahwia, the wood carver’s village, Ntonso, the home of Adinkra cloth and Bonwire, the Kente weaving village.  There will be the opportunity to see how African Cultures are carved.  Ashanti Adinkra wax prints are made and how the famous Kente cloth is woven using an amazing traditional technology.  You will also have the opportunity to buy directly from the artisans who make them.  Overnight OAK PLAZA HOTEL.

In the morning drive back to the coast. Cape Coast Castle was built by the Swedes in 1653 but from 1657 to 1664 it changed hands many times, as it was conquered by the Danes, the Dutch, the Fanti (a local tribe), again the Swedes and finally the British. Today, it hosts a museum on slave trade history. OVERNIGHT LEMON BEACH RESORT

In the morning, we will experience the thrill of a “canopy walk” right in the deep forest of the Kakum National Park: one of the world highest suspended rope bridges held by steel cables. Perched 37 meters (120 feet) above the earth, you will enjoy a stunning view of the rainforest – instead of unveiling their trunks, trees will reveal their tops!  In the afternoon visit of Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in Africa, erected by the Portuguese in the 15^th century. At different times the castle has been used as a warehouse to trade gold, ivory and, eventually, slaves. The castle we visit today is the result of successive extension works and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Outside the castle, a wonderful village with lots of large colorful fishing boats – every day these canoes are guided by skilled fishermen across strong ocean waves and currents, “fighting” to earn a living. In the old town we will see the Posuban, the shrines of the old “Asafo companies” – the warriors who used to put their offerings on the large colorful statues. The alleys in the old town have a very lively atmosphere, bringing us back to a time when Elmina was a busy colonial town. OVERNIGHT LEMON BEACH RESORT

Participate in cultural workshops (cooking and drum/dancing workshop).

Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel.  OVERNIGHT LEMON BEACH RESORT

Free time to relax on the beach or go for walks to explore villages and meet fishermen.

In the late morning drive to Accra.  On arrival in Accra spend the rest of the day relaxing. OVERNIGHT LABADI BEACH HOTEL

Breakfast at hotel.  Check out at 11.00 a.m.  Spend the rest of the day for last minute shopping.  Evening transfer to the airport for departure flight.

Your English-speaking tour guide will pick you up at approx 9am and will take you through Accra for the best 8 hours of your life. Activities on either side of a lunch break include trips to W.E.B Du Boi centre, Makola market, Independence Arch, Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and finally the Arts Centre to shop for African arts and crafts.

Blend the beach with culture on this tour, which takes you outside the capital city into Cape Coast, Elmina and Takoradi. Apart from pristine beaches and boutique hotels, sites on this tour include visits to the Kakum Rainforest, Mankessim War Shrine, Atatakyi Crocodile pond, 400 year old slave castles and Nzulezo – the Village on stilts.

Spend 10 days fully immersing yourself in Ghana’s History, by spending time in 4 major regions on this tour. Think of it this way: Independence Arch and Colonial Forts in Accra meets the Beach and Slave castles in Cape Coast, followed by visits to the Ashanti Kingdom and the Golden Stool in Kumasi before finishing off the tour on Safari in the northern Region.