Sun. 23rd July 2023 (Day 1)

Arrival – Accra

Upon arrival at the Kotoka International airport, a representative of Blastours will meet guests for a hoteltransfer.

Overnight at the Roots Hotel (or similar) in Accra

Mon. 24th July 2023 (Day 2)

Accra

In the morning, we visit the Osu Castle (Christiansborg), which was originally built by the Danes was a trading entrepot during the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The castle which is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site has been converted into a presidential museum, which houses artifacts, papers, waxworks of our
presidents and also on display are personal possessions of past leaders like books, artworks and items of clothing to allow us to honor appropriately their memories.
Stopover at the Independence square, the location where Ghana was first declared a free country. Here, we will see monuments dedicated to Ghana’s independence struggle.
Visit to the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum (the final resting place of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President). The Mausoleum is surrounded by water which is a symbol of life. Its presence conveys a sense of immortality for the name Nkrumah. It shows that even in death he lives on in the hearts and minds of generations here and generations yet to come.
Also visit the Arts Centre for National Culture (Ghana’s biggest craft market).

Here, we will spend the evening to a live band performance. Overnight at the Roots Hotel (or similar) in Accra (B/L)

Tues. 25th July (Day 3)

Accra

Take a walk through the fishing village of James Town. Situated where the Gulf of Guinea sends tidings from the Atlantic Ocean, Jamestown happens to be one of the oldest settlements full of beautifully disheveled colonial buildings, clapboard houses and corrugated iron shacks – but it remains one of the most vibrant districts in the Accra
Participate in a Ga Welcome Ceremony amidst traditional drumming and dancing by the villagers.
Continue the day with a photoshoot dressed as Royals.

After lunch, we visit the W.E.B Dubois Centre for Pan Africanism, a library to commemorate the late W.E.B
DuBois. The Centre was established in 1985 by the Ghana government to encourage visitors to contemplate
the ideals to Pan Africanism and to reflect upon the work of Dr. Du Bois. Here, we will join in a wreath laying
ceremony with tributes to the Ancestors.

End the day with a traditional live performance on Palmwine music.
Overnight at the Roots Hotel (or similar) in Accra (B/L)

Wed. 26th July (Day 4)

Accra – Kumasi

Depart for the Ashanti Region ‘the Kingdom of Gold’ with a legacy of fine craftsmanship and cultural traditions.
On arrival, we visit the Asante Traditional Buildings, one of the World Heritage Sites in Ghana, comprising of 13 traditionally built buildings from the time of the Ashanti Empire in the area. The buildings were described as “home of men and gods”, and are the last remains of the history and culture of the Asante people.
Stopover at the craft villages of Ntonso, a village famous for adinkra design and Ahwiaa for carving. Also visit the village of Adanwomase (Kente) to interact with locals and to learn the art and history of the craft.
End the day with a visit to a traditional Palace to meet a Queen mother and elders for an interaction.
Overnight stay at the Golden Bean Hotel (or similar) in Kumasi (B/L)

Thurs. 27th July (Day 5)

Kumasi

Start the day with a visit to the Kejetia Market, the largest open air-market in West Africa with women at the helm of affairs. Also known as the Kumasi Central Market, this mammoth market spans a head-spinning 11,000 stalls and runs the gamut from kente, food stuffs, sandals, batik, bracelets, beads, and second-hand clothing among other things. Kejetia is a great space to see a slice of everyday Kumasi life and indulge. The sounds, smells, sights and atmosphere sums up the community that spreads into the margins of the Ashanti region.
Continue to the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Ashanti Kingdom. Its large compound holds statues of past Kings and Queens of the Ashanti Kingdom. This palace remains in use today and houses an interesting history museum.
After lunch, we visit the Kumasi Cultural Centre, which offers a good account of the rich Ghanaian culture, provides evidence of the Ashanti Kingdom’s eminent past. It houses the Prempeh II Jubilee museum, which provides a fascinating collection of Asante’s history.
Overnight stay at the Golden Bean Hotel (or similar) in Kumasi (B/L)

Fri. 28th July (Day 6)

Kumasi – Cape Coast

Set off for the Central Region the former seat of government of the Gold Coast and known for its Slave forts and castles. The Ancestral River Park in Assin manso, where people from the northern parts of Africa and Ghana, were taken for a last bath in the “Donko Nsuo” slave river, before being sent off to the dungeons of our coastal slave castles for shipment to the “New World”. This is also the venue of the annual Emancipation Day celebrations, held in remembrance of the gallant Africans who died during the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and to immortalise their souls.

Overnight stay at the Ridge Royal Hotel (or similar) in Cape Coast (B/L)

Sat. 29th July (Day 7)

Cape Coast

Visit the Kakum National Park, which comprises of undisturbed virgin rainforest to experience a walking tour on the longest and highest canopy walkway in West Africa.
Join Esi Kitchen for a cooking class, where we will have our own cooked lunch.
Continue to the Cape Coast Castle (Fort Carlsborg), which was under Swedish administration. Experience a walk through the Door of No Return. Marking the beginning of a perilous journey of our ancestors. Only this time we will also experience a return through the same doors. Take a walk through the ancestral Cape Coast township.
Overnight stay at the Ridge Royal Hotel (or similar) in Cape Coast (B/L)

Sun. 30th July (Day 8)

Elmina – Sekondi/Essikado

Depart for the Western Region along a coastline marked with Slave Forts and castles.
On arrival, we visit the Bisa Aberwa Museum, dedicated to promoting African values and celebrating Pan-African heroes.
Participate in a naming ceremony amidst traditional drumming and dancing by the villagers and also be given traditional African names.
Return to Cape Coast in the late afternoon.
Overnight stay at the Ridge Royal Hotel (or similar) in Cape Coast (B/L)

Mon. 31st July (Day 9)

Elmina

Experience a guided tour of the Elmina Castle, declared as a UNESCO World heritage site, was built by the Portuguese in 1482 as São Jorge da Mina (St. George of the Mine). It is a well preserved castle with an incredible history and infamous for its pivotal role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Continue with a walking tour through the Elmina township to view some houses built in colonial style, including the Dolphin house, Churches and the Dutch Cemetery. Also visit the Asafo Shrines, where warriors prepared mentally and spiritually before going to war.

In the evening participate in the reverential night at the Cape Coast Castle; candle light processions and vigil to commemorate the Africans who died in the slave trade. There will be a ceremony and re-enactment of the slave passage through the “Door of No Return”. Midnight Declaration of Emancipation Day. This is the highlight of PANAFEST CELEBRATIONS. Overnight stay at the Ridge Royal Hotel (or similar) in Cape Coast (B/L)

Tues. 01st Aug. 2023 (Day 10)

Elmina –Assin Manso

Set off to participate in an Emancipation Day celebration, which will be opened with a Grand Durbar of Traditional Chiefs. Witness this grand ‘colorful’ and spectacular event that showcases the pomp and pageantry of Ghana’s traditional rulers. These festivities are held at Assin Manso, the site of the “last bath” where slave are taken for bath before being shipped to the new world. Return to Accra in the late afternoon.
End the day with a farewell dinner at the Fulani Kitchen. Overnight stay at the La Villa Boutique Hotel (or similar), Accra (B/L/D)

Wed. 02nd Aug. (Day 11)

Accra – Departure

Free day for departures. No overnight stay (B)