Day 1:

ARRIVE IN CASABLANCA/RABAT

After an early morning arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco; meeting and assistance at the airport. On your orientation drive through this lively city, you’ll view United Nations Square, the Royal Palace, the Medina and the Corniche, with its many seaside cafes. Continue past the impressive seaside Hassan II Mosque. This afternoon we continue to the Imperial "garden city" of Rabat; check in to your hotel for dinner and overnight

Meal(s) Included: Dinner

Overnight at Hotel Chellah Rabat Or Similar

Day 2:

RABAT/MOULAY IDRISS/VOLUBILIS/MEKNES/FEZ

This morning’s tour in Rabat includes the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the walls of the Mechouar surrounding the Royal Palace, onto Hassan Tower, magnificently situated on the crest of a hill. Visit to the Mohammed V Mausoleum, housing the tomb of the late Kings. Continue to the holy city of Moulay Idriss, where the founder of Islam in Morocco is buried. Stop at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis before continuing to Meknes. See the monumental gates of Bab Mansour and the Mellah. Drive to Fez for dinner and overnight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Royal Mirage Hotel Marrakech Or Similar

Day 3:

FEZ

Full-day sightseeing in Fez acquaints you with Morocco’s oldest Imperial City. Fez is the spiritual, cultural and educational center of the country. Visit the quaint medieval Medina, the Karaouine Mosque with its roof of emerald green tiles, and the splendid Nejjarine Fountain. In the afternoon, walk along the winding cobblestone lanes of the ancient souk. Stop to see the Dyers’ Tanneries — the view is memorable! You will likely find incredible bargains on a variety of crafts and jewelery. Dinner at the hotel.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Royal Mirage Hotel Marrakech Or Similar

Day 4:

FEZ/BENI MELLAL/MARRAKESH

Morning departure from Fez. Full-day drive via the Middle Atlas region with its beautiful cedar forests; you’ll see scenic villages and the charming resort town of Ifrane, nestled amidst towering forests. Stop in Beni Mellal before continuing to Marrakesh. Suddenly, you’ll notice the changes in scenery — the earth becomes red, the sky is clear blue and lush green palm groves are scattered everywhere. Check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Marrakesh

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Royal Mirage Hotel Marrakech Or Similar

Day 5:

MARRAKESH/CASABLANCA/DAKAR, SENEGAL

Morning at leisure then travel to Casablanca to board your flight to Dakar.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Le Ndiambour Or Similar

Day 6:

DAKAR CITY TOUR

After breakfast we will embark on a tour of Dakar and vicinity. The tour will include colorful markets including Tilen Market, famous for a variety of medicinal herbs and traditional healers. Visit the National Art Gallery, the Presidential Palace and the picturesque residential district of Medina.

Overnight at Le Ndiambour Or Similar

Day 7:

 

 

GOREE ISLAND

After breakfast transfer to the ferry for the short cruise to the World Heritage Site of Goree Island. The tour includes "the Door of No Return" and a visit to the ethnographic museum and a lecture by the curator on the history of Goree Island. After lunch on Goree we will return to Dakar or continue the tour the island before returning to Dakar.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Le Ndiambour Or Similar

Day 8:

PINK LAKE AND FULANI VILLAGE

After breakfast, go on a tour of Pink Lake, a rare natural phenomena caused by a unique combination of micro-organism and high concentration of salts which gives the lake its pink colour. Interact with the women harvesting salt and visit the nearby Fulani Village where you will be welcomed by the Chief and his wives. Explore the dunes in 4×4 vehicles. Return to Dakar for overnight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Le Ndiambour Or Similar

Day 9:

DAKAR/ACCRA

Early morning arrival in Accra where you will be met assisted and transferred to your hotel. Later, tour of Accra and vicinity including the W.E.B. Dubois Center. Visit Black Star Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial. Pass by Independence Arch-Accra's ceremonial grounds.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Africa Royal Beach Hotel Or Similar

Day 10:

ACCRA/KAKUM/CAPE COAST

After breakfast, depart to Cape Coast, stopping at Kakum National Park. Kakum Park is one of Ghana’s most famous parks, an original old growth rain forest that is home to several species of primates, antelope, forest elephants, unique species of butterflies and more than 200 species of birds. Though it is unlikely you will see any of the mammal species, birds are plentiful. Kakum is also home to Africa’s only aerial walkway through the tree canopy, a 1000-ft long, seven-bridge walkway with viewing platforms that reaches heights of over 150 ft above ground. After trying the aerial walkway, depart for the short drive to Hans Cottage “Boatel” for Lunch. The “Boatel” features walkways and platforms over a small lagoon where you can see monkeys, crocodiles and many bird species. After lunch we continue to Elmina Beach Resort.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at  Coconut Grove Beach Resort  Or Similar

Day 11:

CAPE COAST

After breakfast, tour Elmina Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1482. This castle was the first European structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Continue to Cape Coast Castle and the Castle Museum for a guided tour. Cape Coast Castle is another restored UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was one of the departure points for Africans being sent to the Americas. The castle is home to the infamous Door of No Return.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Coconut Grove Beach Resort or Similar

Day 12:

KUMASI

After breakfast depart to Kumasi, the realm of the ancient Ashanti Kingdom of Gold. En route we stop at a village school to make a presentation consisting of school supplies among other items. We will interact with the students and teachers before continuing to Kumasi where we arrive late afternoon. Time permitting; we will visit the facilities of Anglo-Ashanti Goldfields before checking into Miklin Hotel for dinner and overnight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Noda Hotel Or Similar

Day 13:

KUMASI/ACCRA

Visit the home of Nana Yaa Asantewaa, the legendary female general who led Ashanti Armies against British Forces in 1900 Also visit to Manhiyia Palace and museum to learn about the history of the Ashanti People. This afternoon we depart to Accra stopping at points on interest including the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Arrive in Accra early evening.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Africa Royal Beach Hotel Or Similar

Day 14:

ACCRA/DEPART

Morning at leisure then depart for home.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

 

Tour Dates 2013:

April 7, 2013 – April 20, 2013

 

Tour Price Includes:

Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure, round trip airport to hotel transfers, assistance with airport departure formalities, hotel accommodation in the properties listed, tours in private vehicle, experienced tour guide, admission to all listed sites, luggage handling, meals indicated

Tour Price Does Not Include:

International flight to/from Africa, travel insurance, cost of visa and immunization, tips to driver and guide.

Single Room Supplement is the additional amount paid if only one person is occupying the room.