Historic Ghana and Egypt 13 Days

DAY 1 - Thursday - DEPARTURE Depart New York for your non-stop flight to Cairo, Egypt

DAY 2 - Friday - ARRIVE CAIRO Arrive Cairo late morning; This afternoon sightseeing begins at the world-famous Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Highlights include the treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamon and the fascinating Mummy Room; Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 3 - Saturday - CAIRO Visit Memphis, capital of the old kingdom and one of ancient Egypt's most important cities, Continue to the necropolis of Sakkara, whose surviving monuments include the famous Step Pyramid, the world's oldest stone structure. After lunch, we drive to the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, a highlight of any Egyptian itinerary, and also visit the nearby Solar Boat Museum.

DAY 4 - Sunday - CAIRO - ALEXANDRIA After breakfast, transfer to Alexandria, the "pearl of the Mediterranean," to explore the Alexandria National Museum and the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa. After a lunch, a visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandria, built on the believed site of the old Library of Alexandria, and view the massive pink granite Pompey's Pillar before returning to Cairo. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 5 - Monday - CAIRO After breakfast, tour the Islamic monuments of the city, including the Sultan Hassan and El-Refaai Mosques, and the Citadel's alabaster mosque of Mohammed Ali. There's also time to explore the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where shopping is an exotic, rewarding experience. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 6 - Tuesday - CAIRO / GHANA Depart Cairo early afternoon to Accra, Ghana. Arrive Accra late evening. You will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel. Relax, refresh. Overnight at Novotel Accra.

DAY 7 - Wednesday - ACCRA Full day sightseeing tour of Accra. Visit galleries, markets, museums and other points of interest. Test your bargaining skills on the vendor. Welcome dinner with traditional naming ceremony.

DAY 8 - Thursday - ACCRA / CAPE COAST Depart for Cape Coast and Elmina, arriving late morning for a brief tour of the city of Cape Coast and transfer to hotel. Tour Elmina Castle, a World Heritage site where slaves were held before being sent to the New World—followed by a walk through the town of Elmina. In the afternoon, visit the Volta Fisherman Community, a coastal village with traditional industries and Volta style houses. Overnight at Coconut Grove Resort.

DAY 9 - Friday - CAPE COAST After breakfast, drive to Kakum National Park for a Nature Walk in the Rain Forest and the Aerial Canopy Walkway giving you a birds-eye view of the Forest Floor. Return to Cape Coast. Tour of Cape Coast Castle, a World Heritage Site. Overnight at Coconut Grove Resort.

DAY 10 - Saturday - CAPE COAST/ KUMASI Depart to Kumasi the realm of the Ashanti Kingdom, arriving at noon. We pass through Obouasi, the location of the Ashanti Goldfields one of the richest mines in the world. In the afternoon, take an excursion to the village of Bonwire, the locale where the famous Royal Kente Cloth is made. Overnight at Miklin Hotel or similar.

DAY 11 - Sunday - KUMASI Visits to the craft villages of Pankrono (pottery), Ahwiaa (woodcarving), and Ntonso (adinkra) cloth. Visit the Kumasi Cultural Center In the afternoon, an excursion to the Kumasi Central Market the largest in West Africa followed by a visit to Manhiyia Palace for an audience with the Ashanti King or members of his Royal Court. Overnight at Miklin Hotel or similar.

DAY 12 - Monday - BUADENG FIEMA MONKEY SANCTUARY - KUMASI Depart Kumasi for Buabeng Fiema where sacred monkeys live in harmony with the community. You will have the chance to play with the monkeys. In the evening drive to Lake Bosomtwi where you will cruise on the lake. Overnight at Miklin Hotel or similar.

DAY 13 - Tuesday - KUMASI / ACCRA Return to Accra, arriving early afternoon in Aburi for lunch and a visit to the 100 year-old Aburi Botanical Gardens. Mid-afternoon: Visit the woodcarvers and drum makers of Aburi before continuing to Accra with a brief tour of the campus at University of Ghana at Legon. Evening at leisure. Before late night departure to the U.S. connecting in Cairo.

TOUR INCLUDES:

Admission to all sites in Egypt and Ghana

Ground transportation in Egypt and Ghana

English speaking tour guide in both Egypt and Ghana

Accommodations in properties listed

Meals indicated by B, L, D

Not Included: International flight to Africa, airfare between Egypt and Ghana, travel insurance, visa fees, gratuity to drivers and guides