Day 1: ACCRA
Arrival in Accra (Ghana) and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: AFRICAN METROPOLIS 
Accra, the capital of Ghana, has kept its unique identity despite the fast-paced development of the last decades with its modern buildings and large avenues. The luxuriant administrative area, punctuated with elegant villas built during the first half of the 19th century, reminds us that this was the most flourishing colony in Africa.
We explore James Town’s historic neighborhood, inhabited by the Ga people. Facing the ocean, this is where the daily life of local people fully unfolds: a village surrounded by the city! Here economic activities follow very different rules from the ones governing the city, just a few hundred meters away. We continue with the visit to a workshop that specializes in Fantasy Coffins. These unique handcrafted coffins can reflect any shape: fruits, animals, fish, cars, airplanes, etc., the only limit being imagination! Started in Accra, these flamboyant coffin designs are now collected worldwide and showcased in museums.
Drive to Sogakope.

Day 3: VOODOO
We are in the land which is the cradle of voodoo. In a remote hidden village, we will join a Voodoo ceremony: the frenetic rhythm of the drums and the chants of the adepts help call in the voodoo spirit who then takes possession of some of the dancers. They fall into a deep trance: eyes rolling back, grimaces, convulsions, insensitivity to fire or pain. Sakpata, Heviesso, and Mami Water are just some of the voodoo divinities who can show up. In this narrow village, surrounded by the magic atmosphere of the ceremony, we will finally understand what people mean when they say: “In your Churches, you pray to God; in our voodoo shrine, we become God! ”
Continuation to the region of the Krobo people.
The area of ​​Krobo is famous all around the world for its beads. Here they are produced and used for cults and aesthetic purposes. We will visit a factory specialized in the production of those beads and even follow the process of making one!
The craftsmen have now been making beads following the same long-lasting traditional technique for centuries. They use scrap glass that they ground into a fine powder. The glass powder is then meticulously made into patterns and placed into hand-made clay molds covered in kaolin. The beads are cooked, then decorated, washed, and eventually strung.

Day 4: ASHANTI 
Departure in the morning towards Kumasi, with a stop near Ejisu to visit the Temple of Besease, an important place of worship for the Ashanti people for over three centuries. Recently restored with the help of the French Cooperation, it represents a particularly beautiful example of traditional Ashanti architecture.
Kumasi is the historical and spiritual capital of the old Ashanti Kingdom. The Ashanti people were one of the most powerful Kingdoms 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 splendor and strength. With nearly one million inhabitants, Kumasi is a sprawling town with a unique central market, one of the largest in Africa. Every kind 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 to the Ashanti Cultural Center: a rich collection of Ashanti artifacts 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: thanks to this ceremony the deceased return as an ancestor and will protect his family. Relatives and friends gather, socialize, and celebrate his / her memory of hers. The chief arrives surrounded by his court of him under the shade of large umbrellas while drums give rhythm to the dancers whose intricate moves are highly symbolic of war and erotic meanings.
Swinging Africa: optional night city tour, live bands, high life, and local contemporary music.

Day 5: GOLD AND POWER  
An Ashanti chief, wrapped in traditional cloth, will welcome us in his courtyard for an interesting chat about the customs and traditions of his people. We also will visit the Royal Palace Museum – hosting a unique collection of gold jewels worn by the Ashanti court – and a few nearby villages specialized in weaving the traditional Kente cloth, praised by the socially important people and used to make special ceremonial stools.

Day 6: SLAVE TRADE CASTLES 
In the morning drive back to the coast. Cape Coast castle was built by the Swedish in 1653. From 1657 to 1664 it changed hands many times as it was conquered by the Danes, the Dutch, the Fanti (a local tribe), the Swedes, and finally the British. Today, it hosts a museum on the history of the slave trade. In Cape Coast, we will also visit Fort William, hosting a lighthouse. From the top of the castle, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the town.

Day 7: FOREST
A few kilometers north of the coast, in the middle of a rainforest, we will discover the Kakum National Park. This park gives you a great opportunity to observe the forest from above as Kakum has a canopy walk hung high up in the trees. The Kakum canopy walkway is the longest and highest rope bridge in the world. Walking between 120 to 150 feet above the ground, you will enjoy an incredible view of the rainforest. At this height, instead of revealing their trunks, the trees offer a breathtaking view of their canopies and look as if they were trying to touch the sun and sky above.
The coast of Ghana (formerly known as Gold Coast) has more than 50 ancient forts and castles. By vehicle, we reach Elmina and visit castles and dungeons, reminiscent of the ancient gold, ivory, and slave trade. Elmina is the oldest and largest European building in Africa and links the history of Africa to world history. In 1482 Christopher Columbus and Bartolommeo Diaz arrived with ten caravels to build a castle under Portuguese authority. The story of Elmina started: with a castle, a port, and a village in contact with Europe and the Americas for more than five centuries, long before the start of colonial rule. The Castle of Sao Jorge da Mina is rich in history; it was subsequently ruled by Portugal, Holland, the United Kingdom, and now Ghana. The castle has been used as a warehouse to trade gold, ivory, and eventually slaves. What we visit today is the outcome of successive extensions and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Facing the castle and the ocean, a unique fishing harbor with hundreds of large colorful canoes that every day defy the waves and currents. In the old town with its vivid atmosphere, we discover the Posuban: shrines of the “Asafo companies”: ancient warriors’ companies, still existing, and pouring libations onto statues. The atmosphere in the ancient alleys harkens back to a time when Elmina was a busy Atlantic trade citadel. shrines of the “Asafo companies”: ancient warriors’ companies, still existing, and pouring libations onto statues. The atmosphere in the ancient alleys harkens back to a time when Elmina was a busy Atlantic trade citadel. shrines of the “Asafo companies”: ancient warriors’ companies, still existing, and pouring libations onto statues. The atmosphere in the ancient alleys harkens back to a time when Elmina was a busy Atlantic trade citadel.

Day 8: GOLDEN BEACHES
Free time to relax on the beach or go for walks to explore villages and meet fishermen.
In the late morning drive to Accra and in the evening transfer to the airport for the flight out.