Love Returns 11-Day Journey to Ghana, West Africa, August 2 - 13, 2024

Questions? Email us at info@signaturetours.com

You are invited to join me on this incredible journey to Ghana in August 2024. This expedition will take you on an ancestral trail through Black heritage. Revisit history as you visit the same waters the ancestors took their last baths and tour the slave dungeons where captured, enslaved African people spent their final days before the ships and the Middle Passage. Pay homage to some prominent figures in Black History by visiting monuments and relics built in their memory, including the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park—constructed in honor of Ghana’s first president. Reclaim your African name in a Traditional naming ceremony amidst the elders and people of an entire village. Explore the legend of the famous Ashanti Kingdom at the Palace Museum and learn about their amazing history that dates back to the 1700s. Sign up immediately, as space is limited. I look forward to being with you and sharing this transformational experience in these historic places.

- Linda Alston

ITINERARY

11-Day Journey to Ghana

DAY 1 (AUGUST 2): DEPART USA Leave New York or Washington DC and begin the journey of a lifetime to Ghana in West Africa.

DAY 2 (AUGUST 3): ARRIVAL ACCRA Upon arrival in Accra, Ghana you will be greeted, assisted with your luggage, and taken to your hotel.

DAY 3 (AUGUST 4): ACCRA CITY TOUR — JAMESTOWN WALKING TOUR Begin the day by meandering through the administrative and economic districts of Accra, the capital of Ghana, on a sightseeing tour of the city. This 137-year-old city has a unique blend of colonial and modern architecture summarizing her distinct history. Visit the W.E.B. Dubois Centre for Pan African Culture, Independence Arch in Black Star Square, and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Use your bargaining skills to shop for artifacts from Ghana and West Africa as you peruse the open-air market at the Arts Centre. End the day with a visit to the vibrant neighborhood of Jamestown, composed of the Tabom people, the Afro-Brazillian descendants of former slaves who returned to Africa after the abolition of slavery in Brazil. About seventy Afro-Brazilians of seven different families arrived in South Ghana and Accra in the old port region of Jamestown in 1836. See Brazil House, the former home of the Tabom people that has been transformed into a museum honoring their history. Dinner and overnight in Accra. Lunch provided.

DAY 4 (AUGUST 5): NAMING CEREMONY & ELMINA CASTLE: Following breakfast, experience a traditional naming ceremony, a cornerstone of Ghanaian cultural heritage. During the naming ceremony, you will be captivated by the customary drumming and dancing and bestowed with a traditional African name as you are welcomed into the local community by the chiefs and townspeople. Watch a pottery-making demonstration where you will learn more about the main occupation of the women in the village. Depart for Cape Coast to embark on a poignant tour of Elmina Castle, also known as St. George’s Castle, built by the Portuguese in 1482. Designated as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, Elmina Castle is an important symbol of the traumatic history of the Trans–Atlantic slave. While exploring the castle, learn how the legacy of the slave trade has shaped Africans and the African Diaspora for generations. View the colorful harbor nestled below Elmina Castle, full of pirogues preparing to go to sea. Dinner and overnight in the port city of Elmina. Lunch provided.

DAY 5 (AUGUST 6): KAKUM NATIONAL PARK & CAPE COAST CASTLE Journey to Kakum National Park, one of West Africa’s surviving tropical rain forests. Extending over 360sq km, Kakum is home to over 40 large mammals and 400 bird species, as well as many species of butterflies, flora, and fauna. Get a birds’ eye view of the exquisite jungle by traversing the Canopy Walkway, made up of seven bridges extending 330m, suspended 30m (100 feet) above the forest floor. (Optional) Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring forest as you enjoy a nature walk through the wide variety of exotic floral species and discover the medicinal values they offer. Next, visit Cape Coast Castle, built by the Swedes in 1653 as a trading post and later taken over by the British and used to imprison slaves before their journey across the Atlantic. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a somber memorial to the millions of Africans who were victims of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. The castle also houses the West African Historical Museum established by the Smithsonian Institute in collaboration with the Ghanaian Government in 1994. Dinner and overnight in Elmina. Lunch provided.

DAY 6 (AUGUST 7): ELMINA – ASSIN MANSO Visit Assin Manso, the location of Donkor Nsuo (Slave River), a riverbank that functioned as a slave market and final transit point for a large number of enslaved Africans during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Assin Manso serves as the final resting place for four ancestors whose mortal remains were returned from Barbados, Jamaica and the USA to be reinterred in Ghana. Dinner and overnight in Elmina. Lunch provided.

DAY 7 (AUGUST 8): ACCRA: This morning following breakfast, we return to Accra. Check into your hotel. Have some rest and reflections. Have dinner and overnight.

DAY 8 (AUGUST 9): COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT: The day begins with a visit to a Montessori School to bring art supplies to the children. Later in the day, we will visit the Tema Cocoa Processing Company later in the day. Established in 1965, Tema Cocoa Processing Company is situated in the picturesque port city of Tema on the Greenwich Meridian (Longitude 0°). The company produces a variety of products using premium Ghana cocoa beans, as well as semi-finished commodities used in the production of chocolate and other cocoa-based food products. Dinner and overnight in Accra.

DAY 9 (AUGUST 10): AKOSOMBO BOAT CRUISE: Depart to Akosombo Port to cruise on the second largest man-made lake in the world. Dodi Island is situated on the beautiful banks of the Volta Lake (the second largest man-made lake in the world) and the Akosombo Hydro Electric Dam in Akosombo where nature awaits you with multifold excitement. Dodi World offers a memorable voyage experience on board its 150-capacity pleasure boat the famous MV Dodi Princess II to Dodi Island located 14.6 nautical miles off the shore of the Volta Lake which provides visitors and holiday makers an opportunity to experience nature and the indigenous life of its inhabitants as well as enjoy the daring thrills on varied watercrafts. At Dodi World, the love for entertainment is heightened by grooving to some authentic and contemporary live music on board the MV Dodi Princess II. Aboard the “Dodi Princess” you will dance to the sweet sounds of live highlife, reggae, Calypso, hip life and many more music played by the cruise boat resident band. Enjoy the calm of the lake and bask in the beauty of the mountain scenery and surrounding. *Meals will be served on board.

DAY 10 (AUGUST 11): ASHANTI & AKAN HISTORY: Travel to the Akuapem Hills to explore the picturesque Aburi Botanical Gardens. Drive by the Peduase Presidential Lodge (The Camp David of Ghana), The Rita Marley Foundation and Music Studios and other landmarks and important institutions. Visit the Aburi Botanical Gardens - this eco-paradise created in 1890 is home to a variety of tropical and sub-tropical plants and trees. Marvel at the artistry of the “Tree of Life” and take in the splendor of Ghana’s native beauty. The oldest tree on the grounds is older than 155 years old, which has survived through the British Colonial Era. The cool mountainous weather of Aburi makes it a destination for people who love the cool side of life. The garden covers a total land area of about one hundred and sixty (160) acres. However, only three (3) acres were developed, and the remaining is serving as a botanical reserve. After lunch, your tour will take you to the wonderful Woodcarvers’ Village, a great place to pick up that special souvenir from your trip. Next, immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of Ghana discussing Akan tribal history. Learn of ancient African cultures, customs, and traditions. Soak in the legacy of the Ashanti Kingdom, dating back to 1700, through a compelling story told with relics and artifacts. Visit the Shrine to explore the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Akan people. Dinner and overnight in Accra. Lunch provided.

DAY 11 (AUGUST 12): DAY OF LEISURE - RETURN TO USA – This morning following breakfast, we visit the Arts Centre – a large arts and crafts market where you can find handicrafts from all over Ghana and West Africa; here you will have the opportunity to use your bargaining skills. Pick-up last-minute souvenirs and other African arts and craft products. Later in the day, we return to the hotel for rest and relaxation and finalize your packing. In the evening, transfer to Accra Airport for your return flight with your heart full of memories from the unforgettable experiences of your heritage tour.

DAY 12 (AUGUST 13): USA - Arrive early in the morning to the US.

NOTE: Schedule is subject to change due to various factors and the tour guide’s discretion.

PRICING:

• $5,495 per person based on double occupancy.
• Single room supplement $1,295
• PAYMENT PLAN: $500 per person with registration to secure space.
• 50% of the total amount is due on or before February 1, 2024
• Balance due on or before May 1, 2024

FLIGHT SCHEDULE:

• UA 996  02AUG  IAD ACC 0650P 0905A 03AUG
• UA 997  12AUG  ACC IAD 1130P 0620A 13AUG

* Flight times, flight numbers, equipment, gates, and seats are subject to change. For the most current information check the airline website.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE REGISTERING

PASSPORTS: Passports must be valid with an expiration date of at least six months beyond the return home date of the tour. Participants with non-US passports are responsible for country-specific entry requirements. If you do not have a valid passport or need to renew your passport, enter "RENEWING" or "APPLIED FOR" when completing registration.

VISA: A Tourist Visa is required for Ghana. If you want Signature Tours to apply for your Visa on your behalf, please select this option when registering. Signature Tours can only apply for visas for participants with USA passports.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The $500 per person deposit is nonrefundable. Other payments exceeding the $500 per person are refundable in full up to ninety days prior to departure. After this date, refunds for unused accommodations and services will be limited to the amount received from and/or credited by all carriers, sightseeing operators, and hotels. All funds, including the deposit, are non-transferable.

AIR: The Standard Tour includes round-trip, economy-class airfare from the departure city listed in the itinerary. All group seating is assigned by the airline and cannot be changed by Signature Tours. Seat changes can only be made during check-in at the airport. Upgrades such as Comfort, Premium, Business, or First Class are not available with the standard tour. Participants who wish to upgrade or purchase a specific seat should choose the Land Only option when registering. Frequent flyer, TSA Precheck, and Global Entry numbers can only be added at check-in.

LAND ONLY: Participants who wish to arrange their own air should choose the Land Only option. $1000pp will be deducted from the standard tour price when selecting this option. Participants arranging their own air should notify Signature Tours at least 6 months prior to the departure date. Land Only Passengers arriving with or before the group are welcome to join the group bus at no additional charge. For those not traveling with the group, Signature Tours can provide contact information to arrange a private transfer.

GROUND/TRANSFERS: The group will be met by a Signature Tours representative and transferred to the hotel/airport. Land Only participants are responsible for scheduling ground transfers.

HOTELS: Superior first-class hotels throughout. Priced based on two people per room with a private bath and shower.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A limited number of single rooms are available at additional supplement prices. Signature Tours and/or the group leader will make every attempt to pair single participants requesting a roommate. However, the single supplement fee will be charged for each person occupying a single room, whether by choice or circumstance.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. Lunch is provided on days as noted in the itinerary. 

SIGHTSEEING: Entrance fees to all places listed in the itinerary are included, as well as an expert English-speaking guide.

LUGGAGE: Space is limited on the tour buses. Participants are allowed one suitcase weighing 50lbs or less and will be transported in storage under the bus. Participants are allowed one backpack/daypack or personal bag to carry on the bus during the tour. These requirements will meet most airline carrier restrictions. See the carrier website for airline-specific baggage restrictions and requirements. Medical devices are not included in these restrictions. 

TIPS, SERVICE CHARGES, AND TAXES: Tips, service charges, and taxes ARE INCLUDED in the selling price. Taxes, as imposed by national and/or local governments, that are not included at the time of booking are the responsibility of the participant.

NOT INCLUDED: Excess baggage fees, passport fees, visa fees, food or drink items not listed on the regular table menu for included meals, and items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, etc. Any service not indicated in the itinerary and/or the above list of included features.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: This tour requires a substantial amount of walking. Many of the sites are not accessible by wheelchair, and the uneven terrain is not feasible for rollators. Signature Tours reserves the right to refuse individuals who may require special attention beyond what the tour guide and tour host can provide. All travelers coming into Ghana are required to have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever at least Ten days before arrival.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Travel Insurance is not included in the purchase price. For your convenience, we offer travel insurance through Travelex Insurance Services. For more information and rates, please review the product flyer or Click Here to enroll in the plan.
* Travelex Insurance Services, Inc CA Agency License #0D10209. Insurance coverages underwritten by Zurich American Insurance Company (NAIC # 16535).

Signature Tours
PO Box 956817 Duluth, GA 30095
info@signaturetours.com