Historic Transformational Journey
We hear the phrase “I See You” but how can you see the whole person without understanding their culture. Engaging Professional Learning means immersing yourself in a cultural experience unlike any other. Not only will this experience change you, but you will be challenged to create a learning experience for others.
If we want to change the world, we need to see more of it to understand it.
Tour Overview
Friday, July 2
Flight from St. Louis to Dullus Airport, Dullus to Ghana via overnight flight
Saturday, July 3
Upon arrival in Accra, proceed through immigration, reclaim your luggage and exit the airport. You will be met by your expert Tour guide at the entrance of the arrival hall and be transferred to the hotel. En route, our expert cultural guide, who will be accompanying you for the duration of your stay, will offer you Akwaaba (Welcome). This evening, we will attend a welcome dinner that will include orientation and a discussion on Ghanaian history and culture. Tailors and dressmakers will in attendance to take for those interested in Custom -made Traditional outfits. Meal(s) Included: Dinner
Sunday, July 4
After breakfast go on a full day City Tour of Accra, highlights will include:
The W.E.B. Du Bois Center honoring the life of one of the most prominent Pan- Africanists who chose to live and work in Ghana.
The Independence Square, Accra’s open-air ceremonial grounds where all national celebrations are held.
Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Museum, a tribute to Ghana’s first President. This park, formally called the Polo grounds, is where Dr. Kwame Nkrumah declared the independence of Ghana. The remains of Dr. Nkrumah as well as that of his wife rest on this premise. You will see various personal items used by Osagyefo, as well as books he authored together with several of his personal belongings. Golden Tulip Accra
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Monday, July 5
Following breakfast and check out, we depart for Central Region today. Enroute, we will visit the Morning Star International School.
Arrive in time for lunch (on your own account).
Late afternoon, we enjoy a tour of the ancient town of Elmina. Elmina’s rich history is captured in its buildings. Visit the colorful Asafo houses, which were used as a place for warriors to prepare mentally and spiritually before going to war. They are wonderful examples of how art is used in daily lives of Africans. We will further take a Tour of the Elmina Harbor and observe the colorful fishing canoes getting ready to go to sea for another night’s task of fishing – wonderful opportunity for the photographers in the group.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tuesday, July 6
After breakfast, visit Elmina Castle a Slave Castle now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Portuguese in 1482, go on a guided tour of Elmina Castle explore the grounds and rooms full of haunting history, at the beach perform a Memorial Ceremony by throwing beads into the water in memory of The Ancestors, a will be placed into Ocean and a moment of silence will be observed in remembrance of those who died in Middle Passage before arriving The Americas.
We continue on short drive to Cape Coast Castle home to “Door of No Return” a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, we attend a naming ceremony, participants a requested wear white and bring a white candle.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wednesday, July 7
After breakfast and check out, travel through the historic Denkyira Kingdom to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Kakum is 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, made up of seven bridges extending 330m, hanging 30m (100 feet) above the forest floor. You may 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 the more challenging walk on the canopy walkway. Drive to Kumasi with a stop at Assin Manso, the final point for enslaved Africans and the burial site of two former slaves from the U. S. and Jamaica. Visit the “Slave River” where captured Africans bathed before being confined to the Slave Dungeons awaiting shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Thursday, July 8
Kumasi may surprise you, being the most dynamic marketplace in WA and the second-largest city in Ghana with a population of almost three million. It is a vibrant commercial center, visited by traders from all over. Kumasi has quite a collection of British colonial buildings and it is the heart of the Ashanti culture. After a well-deserving night and breakfast, we set out and enjoy a drive through the city with monuments dedicated to the memory of the great Ashanti people.
We will have the opportunity of visiting the Holy Trinity Lutheran School.
We continue to Manhyia Palace, which remains in use by the Asantehene (the ruler of the Ashanti people) today and houses a small historical museum. At Manhyia Palace, disputes are still settled in accordance with centuries-old customs where the King has the final word. In the afternoon visit the Okomfo Anokye Sword, an important symbol of Ashanti unity that marks the spot where the Golden Stool descended from the sky and has been in place for 300 years. Legend says the Ashanti Kingdom would collapse should the sword ever be removed.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Friday July 9
After breakfast, we further explore the authentic rich culture of the Ashanti Kingdom to the 3 Ashanti craft villages of the surrounding lush countryside which is sharp contrast of the modern-day Kumasi city. Our first visit takes us to the Woodcarving Village of Ahwiaa, known for the talented craftsmen who fashion Royal stools, walking sticks and Fertility Dolls from wood; with the opportunity to purchase hand carved items of all kinds. We will continue to the village of Ntonso where Artisans hand-stamp patterns on Cotton cloth to make Adinkra Textiles. Black-on-Black and Black-on-Red Adinkra Cloth is worn for funerals and other solemn occasions; learn how the Black Dye is made in the village from the bark of trees and creates your own Adinkra sash to take home. You may also purchase large pieces of the Adinkra Cloth handmade in the village.
Finally, we end our day’s tour at Bonwire village where we’ll see how the famous Kente Cloth is handmade on looms in a time-honored tradition passed down through generations. See the Kente styles and the opportunity to make purchases. We may pay a courtesy call to the paramount chief of this community amidst drumming and dancing or see their cocoa farms. Return to your hotel; rest of the day is at leisure.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Saturday, July 10
After breakfast return to Accra with a stop at The Bead Making Factory to observe the intriguing bead making process. Watch the centuries-old process of bead making from start to finish. In Accra those who have ordered custom made outfits can go for fitting and any needed alterations. We shall enjoy a night out with a Farewell dinner.
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Sunday, July 11
Day at leisure last minute shopping and packing; fitting on custom made traditional outfits. Transfer to airport for evening flight back to Dullus to connect to St. Louis.
Experience Includes
Economy Class Airfare from Dullus to Ghana
Meeting and assistance upon arrival and departure
Roundtrip airport/hotel transfers
8 nights Hotel accommodation in the indicated properties
Transportation in private motor coach
Experienced English-speaking Tour Guide
Admission to listed sites
Meals indicated (Breakfast daily, 8 dinners)
Assistance with visa application
Timeless experience and forever-changed mindset
Does Not Include
St. Louis to Dullus flight
Cost of Visa
Meals not listed
Travel Insurance
Immunization
Gratuity to driver and guide
How to reserve your spot:
Complete this documentation and submit your deposit:
Deposit to confirm the reservation by Aug. 28, 2020 $500.00
Second payment Oct. 30,2020 $ 450.00
Third payment Dec. 28,2020 $ 750.00
Fourth payment Feb. 28,2021 $ 750.00
Final payment Apr. 30, 2021 Balance Due
Price per Person, Two per Room: $4,870.00
Resources:
Questions
Contact Carole McCown Royal Ambassador Travel 281-376-9932 or Tony Neal Education Equity Consultants twn4justice@yahoo.com
For inspiration and a conversation about how excited you are contact: chris@clstl.org