After breakfast goes on a full-day tour of Accra highlights will include: Independence Square, see the enclosed flame of African liberation, which was lit by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1961. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is the final resting place of Ghana’s first president. Set in attractive gardens, there is an adjoining museum, which contains photos, artifacts, and insight into Dr. Nkrumah’s life. Adjoining the park is the National cultural center, which is Ghana’s largest outdoor arts and crafts market selling traditional crafts from all over West Africa. The “Brazil House” learns about the seven Afro-Brazilian families who returned to settle in Ghana in 1836. Familiar Brazilian/Portuguese last names such as De Souza, Palmares, Azumah, Amorin, Da Costa, Santos, De Medeiros, and Olympio are abundant in this section of Accra.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Lancaster Accra Hotel

After breakfast, drive to Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom. Visit Manhiya Palace, official residence of Ashanti Kings (Asantehene) until 1974, now a museum containing treasured items relating to the Ashanti Kingdom. 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 Lancaster Kumasi Hotel

After breakfast, visit the Ashanti craft villages: The woodcarving village of Ahwiaa is 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. The Village of Ntonso where artisans hand-stamp patterns on a 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. The 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 visits 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, and handmade crafts.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Lancaster Kumasi Hotel

After breakfast, drive to Cape Coast; with a stop at the Gold mine town of Obuasi and Assin Manso, the burial site of two former slaves from the U. S. and Jamaica. Visit the “Slave River” where captured Africans bathed before being confined in the Slave Castles to await shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean. This evening go on a guided tour through the ancient town of Elmina. At the harbor view the colorful fishing canoes getting ready to go to sea for another night’s task of fishing. This is a picture-perfect opportunity for photographers.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Lemon Beach Resort

After breakfast, visit Elmina Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1482. This castle was the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. In the afternoon 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 into slavery in the Americas. The castle is home to the “Door of No Return”.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight at Lemon Beach Resort

After breakfast, visit Kakum National Park. Kakum is one of Ghana’s most famous parks. Take a brief walking tour on the forest floor; 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. 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 the ground. In the afternoon return to Accra; en route visit the village of Abandze, the ancestral home of Louis Armstrong, the famous American jazz musician. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meal(s) Included: Breakfast