Forts and Castles Tour

Arrive in Accra, Ghana. Transfer from airport to your hotel. Welcome drink and orientation. (Depending on time of arrival, you will be welcomed with cultural drumming and dancing). Overnight at your Hotel in Accra.

After breakfast, depart for a sightseeing tour of Accra, capital of Ghana. Drive through the administrative and economic districts of the city to experience the flavor of this over 100 year-old city, which features a blend of colonial and modern architecture. Visit the W. E. B. Dubois Center for Pan African Culture, Independence/Black Star Square and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.

Your tour will end with a visit to the Arts Centre in Accra where you will have an opportunity to use your bargaining skills as you shop for artifacts from Ghana and West Africa. Overnight at hotel in Accra.

After breakfast, depart for a drive to the Central Region to tour the infamous Forts, Castles and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. History will unfold the story of the slave trade, the impact of which is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. Visit the Cape Coast Castle built by the Swedes in 1653 and was later taken over by the British. This castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994.

Later, visit the Elmina Castle built by the Portuguese in 1482 and is also known as St. George's Castle. This castle was the first European structure built in Sub – Saharan Africa. The colorful harbor nestled below the Elmina Castle, full of pirogues preparing to go to sea offers one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities. Overnight at hotel in Elmina

Breakfast at hotel. Early morning departure for a drive through the historic Denkyira Kingdom to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Extending over 360sq km, Kakum is the home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species as well as many species of butterflies, flora and fauna. The most popular attraction is the Canopy walkway which is made up of seven bridges extending 330m, hanging 40m above the forest floor.

Choose between a 2 km nature walk through this forest to discover the wide variety of exotic floral species and the medicinal values they offer or take a walk on the canopy walkway. Later, visit Fort St. Jago built by the Dutch in 1665 on St. George Hill. It is from this vantage point that the Dutch launched their successful land attack on Elmina Castle in 1637. The fort was built primarily to provide military protection to the Elmina Castle and to serve as a disciplinary institution for European convicts. Overnight at hotel in Elmina.

Breakfast at hotel. Depart for a drive along the coast to Sekondi, Takoradi in the Western Region. Check into your hotel and visit forts St. Sebastian and Fort Orange at Shama and Sekondi built as a Dutch lodge in 1526 and 1640 respectively.

In the afternoon, drive through the city of Takoradi to experience the bustling Market Circle environment, the harbor and visit the woodcarvers’ village where one can find a vast selection of the best quality wood products you will find anywhere. Overnight at hotel on Busua Beach

Departure after breakfast for a drive to Beyin. Visit Fort Appolonia one of the less-travelled forts where you will get the real feel of the haunting history. It was built by the British in 1770 and was later bombarded in 1873. The fort was reconstructed between 1962 and 1968 by Ghanaian government. Also visit Fort Metal Cross at Dixcove built by the British in 1697 and was later taken over by the Dutch. Overnight at hotel on Busua Beach

After breakfast check out and depart your hotel for a scenic drive through the forest zone to Kumasi, seat of the Ashanti Empire to explore the legends of the famous Ashantis, whose legacies are still evident today. Upon arrival visit Manhyia Palace Museum, the home and office of former Asante’s kings. A regal history that dates back to 1700 is told with relics and artifacts. Visit Fort St. George built by Nana Osei Tutu Kwamena in 1820 with the assistance from the Dutch and now serving as the Military Museum. Later, enjoy a drive through the city to see the many monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people. End the day’s tour at the National Cultural Center which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum and various studios of the brass makers, potters and batik makers. Overnight at hotel in Kumasi.

This day is devoted to visiting the three famous craft villages in Ashanti - Ahwiaa, the wood carvers’ village, Ntonso, the home of Adinkra and Bonwire, the Kente weaving village. You will have the opportunity to see how African crafts are made and to buy directly from the artisans who make them. Overnight at hotel in Kumasi.

Depart for a drive through the forest zone to Accra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Accra.

Transfer to the airport for check-in and departure back home.