Overview
Special Offer Details
Discover the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Ghana, from historic forts to bustling markets. Enjoy exclusive savings when you book your 2026 Highlights of Ghana journey today
This 9-day Ghana vacation takes you across the country from the capital Accra to the historic castles and forts of Elmina and the remnants of the Ashanti Kingdom in Kumasi. It features first-class accommodations and private tours.
Your journey begins in Accra, the Ghanaian capital which sits on the Gulf of Guinea. Get to know this busy city that blends colonial fortifications and mansions with bustling markets and beaches. A city tour will take you from the 17th-century colonial castle of Christiansborg to Independence Square, where the Black Star monument celebrates the nation’s independence. At the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, you’ll learn about the nation’s first president, before ending your day at the Arts Centre, where you’ll get to practice your bargaining skills as you shop for local arts and crafts.
Head down the coast from Accra and reach Kakum National Park, home to one of the last rainforests in West Africa. Stroll along the canopy walkway to see butterflies, hornbills, and monkeys in the trees. After descending to the earth, continue to Cape Coast to learn about the infamous slave history of the region. You’ll visit Cape Coast Castle, a 17th-century Swedish fortification, before continuing to Elmina to see the white-washed Portuguese castle of Elmina, the first European structure built in sub-Saharan Africa. Afterwards, you’ll continue your exploration of the colonial past with a walk-up Jago Hill to reach Fort Saint Jargo, which helped the Dutch assault Portuguese fortifications in the region.
Continue your journey along the coast and reach the Slave River near Assin Manso, where slaves were transported to ships along the gulf. Reach Kumasi, the former center of the Ashanti Kingdom, which ruled the region in previous centuries. Explore the city and visit the Manhyia Palace Museum to learn more about this important kingdom and its legacy across the country. You’ll also learn about the Ashanti’s cultural legacy with visits to three craft villages where you can shop for local fabrics and textiles in addition to learning about unique artistic practices.
Turn back towards Accra and stop at a Besease Shrine in the town of Eljisu, where you can visit 10 shrines dedicated to different spirits and gain valuable insight into the ancestral religious traditions of the area. Reach Accra, where you’ll spend your final two nights. On your final full day, head into the Volta Region to take part in a traditional naming ceremony, joining a musical celebration along with local elders and villagers.
At the end of your stay, head to the airport to connect back home.
Highlights
Explore the heart of Ghana on this Journey, from Accra’s bustling markets and historic landmarks to the poignant castles of Elmina and Kumasi’s rich heritage
Departures
From Accra:
Departs Daily
Trip Includes
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers
- 4 nights in First Class accommodations in Accra
- 2 nights in First Class accommodations in Elmina
- 2 nights in First Class accommodations in Kumasi
- Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle throughout itinerary with professional driver
- Private English speaking guide day 1 through 9
- Included Entrance fees:
- Dubois Centre
- Nkrumah Park
- Kakum National Park
- Cape Coast Castle
- Elmina Castle
- Elmina Walking Tour
- Assin Manso Slave River Site
- Manhyia Museum
- Prempeh Jubilee Museum
- Ashanti Craft Villages (Ahwiaa, Ntonso, Bonwire)
- Besease Shrine and Village Experience
- Breakfast Daily (excluding day 1)
Trip Excludes
- Travel insurance
- International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees, if applicable
Summary
Terms and Conditions
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
Akwaaba (Welcome)! Upon arrival at Accra International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and explore on your own.
Lancaster Accra Hotel
Welcome to Lancaster Accra! Lancaster Accra is a 4-Star Superior First Class hotel with a lovely ambiance and delightfully landscaped in style over spacious grounds with lush vegetation. The hotel has 238 rooms and offers diverse room types (Standard room, superior room, junior suite, premier suite, Executive Suite, 1 bedroom chalet, and 2 bedroom chalet for both business and leisure travelers. We are easily accessible with only 5 minutes (2km) drive from the Kotoka International Airport and 10 minutes' drive to the city center. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service for the convenience of guests. From our amazing Food & Beverage dining experiences to our Outside Catering services we have the special touch that makes any event truly memorable.
After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will pick you up for your sightseeing tour of Accra. The capital of Ghana since 1877, has a blend of colonial and modern architecture that summarizes the history of this capital city. Visit the W. E. B. Dubois Centre for Pan African Culture, before heading to Independence/ Black Star Square with its many monuments dedicated to Ghana's independence struggles including the Independence Arch and Black Star Gate. Next, head to Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to prominent Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah. End your tour at the Arts Centre where you will have an opportunity to use your bargaining skills to shop from an open-air market for artifacts from Ghana and West Africa before returning to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Meal
Breakfast
Lancaster Accra Hotel
Welcome to Lancaster Accra! Lancaster Accra is a 4-Star Superior First Class hotel with a lovely ambiance and delightfully landscaped in style over spacious grounds with lush vegetation. The hotel has 238 rooms and offers diverse room types (Standard room, superior room, junior suite, premier suite, Executive Suite, 1 bedroom chalet, and 2 bedroom chalet for both business and leisure travelers. We are easily accessible with only 5 minutes (2km) drive from the Kotoka International Airport and 10 minutes' drive to the city center. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service for the convenience of guests. From our amazing Food & Beverage dining experiences to our Outside Catering services we have the special touch that makes any event truly memorable.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and drive 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 30m (100 feet) above the forest floor. Enjoy a 2 km nature walk through this forest to discover the wide variety of exotic floral species and the medicinal values they offer. Afterward, embark on a tour of the infamous Forts, Castles, and Slave Dungeons of Ghana. History will unfold the story of the slave trade, of which the impact is still felt beyond the shores of Africa today. Visit the Cape Coast Castle, which was 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.
Meal
Breakfast
Ridge Royal Hotel
Situated in the perfect location to explore the Cape Coast and surrounds, the Ridge Royal Hotel offers all the modern conveniences with spacious air-conditioned rooms with balcony - the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Serving International and Ghanaian cuisine, the hotel restaurant is sure to tantalize your tastebuds with its a la carte and buffet themes for lunch and dinner.
After an early morning breakfast, depart the hotel for your visit to the Elmina Castle built by the Portuguese in 1482. Also known as St. George's Castle, Elmina Castle was the first European structure built in Sub - Saharan Africa. The colourful harbour nestled below, full of pirogues preparing to go to sea offers one of West Africa’s greatest photo opportunities. After a break for lunch (on own account), this afternoon you embark on a guided walking tour of Elmina, which was the first point of European contact in Sub-Saharan Africa and was once the most cosmopolitan city in Tropical Africa. What better way to appreciate it than to immerse oneself in its main industry – fishing! Meet with local fishermen to learn the intricacies of their trade and the challenges they face in their day-to-day work. Next, meet the fish mongers in the village who will demonstrate the various stages of smoking the fish in earthenware ovens. This is a unique way to experience one of Ghana’s oldest and important trades.
Meal
Breakfast
Ridge Royal Hotel
Situated in the perfect location to explore the Cape Coast and surrounds, the Ridge Royal Hotel offers all the modern conveniences with spacious air-conditioned rooms with balcony - the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Serving International and Ghanaian cuisine, the hotel restaurant is sure to tantalize your tastebuds with its a la carte and buffet themes for lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, this morning, check out of your hotel and depart on your drive through the forest zone as you head towards Kumasi, the seat of the Ashanti Empire to explore the legends of the famous Ashanti people, whose legacies are still evident today. En route, stop in the town of Assin Manso, where you will visit the site of 'Donkor Nsuo', the former Slave River and market, as well as the final transit point for a large number of enslaved Africans. This is the final resting place for two ancestors whose mortal remains were returned from the USA and Jamaica and re-interred there. Afterward, continue to Kumasi where you will visit the Manhyia Palace Museum to obtain firsthand information on the legacies of the Ashanti kingdom, with a regal history that dates back to 1700 and is told with relics and artifacts. Enjoy a drive through the city with monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people. Your city tour on this day will also include a visit to the famous Kejetia market, the National Cultural Centre which features the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, and various studios of the brass makers, potters, and batik makers.
Meal
Breakfast
Lancaster Kumasi City
Lancaster Kumasi City is a premier African-style business hotel nestled in lush tropical gardens in the heart of the historic Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi. Blending contemporary comfort with rich cultural heritage, the hotel offers a dynamic and immersive experience that reflects the vibrant spirit of the Ashanti Kingdom. Perfectly positioned with direct access to the central business district, the hotel also boasts a prestigious location next to the Royal Golf Course and just two minutes from Rattray Park - a modern recreational oasis. Whether you're in town for high-level meetings or cultural discovery, Lancaster Kumasi City is the ideal base. From refined accommodations to warm Ghanaian hospitality, the hotel invites you to experience luxury, convenience, and authentic African charm at the heart of Kumasi.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for your day's sightseeing. Enjoy visits to three craft villages where you will have the opportunity to see how African crafts are made and to buy directly from the artisans who make them if you are so inclined. First up is Ahwiaa, a village noted for their woodcarvings along with other handicrafts. Next is a visit to Ntonso, the home of Adinkra cloth. Here you can see the Adinkra cloth made from scratch. The Adinkra was originally only worn Ashanti Region for funerals and made primarily in black or brown, however, nowadays it is made in various colors and used throughout Ghana. Our last stop of the day is Bonwire, the Kente weaving village. Here you will be able to see how these colorful fabrics are made. Afterward, return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Meal
Breakfast
Lancaster Kumasi City
Lancaster Kumasi City is a premier African-style business hotel nestled in lush tropical gardens in the heart of the historic Ashanti regional capital, Kumasi. Blending contemporary comfort with rich cultural heritage, the hotel offers a dynamic and immersive experience that reflects the vibrant spirit of the Ashanti Kingdom. Perfectly positioned with direct access to the central business district, the hotel also boasts a prestigious location next to the Royal Golf Course and just two minutes from Rattray Park - a modern recreational oasis. Whether you're in town for high-level meetings or cultural discovery, Lancaster Kumasi City is the ideal base. From refined accommodations to warm Ghanaian hospitality, the hotel invites you to experience luxury, convenience, and authentic African charm at the heart of Kumasi.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart for Accra. En route, stop at the Besease shrine, a fetish shrine (a traditional religious shrine commonly found in Ghana, Togo, and Benin) and world heritage site located near the town of Ejisu. Each of these 10 shrines is a home for a particular spirit, called obosom that mediates between mortals and the supreme god Nyame. Observe the unique architecture and experience the mode of ancestral worship to the ancient gods before continuing back to Accra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Meal
Breakfast
Lancaster Accra Hotel
Welcome to Lancaster Accra! Lancaster Accra is a 4-Star Superior First Class hotel with a lovely ambiance and delightfully landscaped in style over spacious grounds with lush vegetation. The hotel has 238 rooms and offers diverse room types (Standard room, superior room, junior suite, premier suite, Executive Suite, 1 bedroom chalet, and 2 bedroom chalet for both business and leisure travelers. We are easily accessible with only 5 minutes (2km) drive from the Kotoka International Airport and 10 minutes' drive to the city center. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service for the convenience of guests. From our amazing Food & Beverage dining experiences to our Outside Catering services we have the special touch that makes any event truly memorable.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning. Depart Accra on a scenic drive to a beautiful village located in the Volta Region. Here you will have the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Chief and elders before participating in a traditional naming ceremony, where a Ghanaian name is given to participants and a gift presented as a part of celebrating a new identity as a Ghanaian and member of the local community. Afterwards, return to Accra for overnight.
Meal
Breakfast
Lancaster Accra Hotel
Welcome to Lancaster Accra! Lancaster Accra is a 4-Star Superior First Class hotel with a lovely ambiance and delightfully landscaped in style over spacious grounds with lush vegetation. The hotel has 238 rooms and offers diverse room types (Standard room, superior room, junior suite, premier suite, Executive Suite, 1 bedroom chalet, and 2 bedroom chalet for both business and leisure travelers. We are easily accessible with only 5 minutes (2km) drive from the Kotoka International Airport and 10 minutes' drive to the city center. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle service for the convenience of guests. From our amazing Food & Beverage dining experiences to our Outside Catering services we have the special touch that makes any event truly memorable.
Another delicious breakfast at your hotel this morning followed by time at leisure. Later, you are transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Meal
Breakfast
