Silversea Expedition Cruises À TAKORADI

Commence your approximately 90 minute drive from Takoradi Port to Elmina fishing village.

Upon arrival, visit a resident Cultural Troupe at the National Centre to participate in a drumming and dancing class which affords you the opportunity of getting closer to the many types of African drums, the beat, rhythms and dance steps. This is your opportunity to learn a few steps or hit a few beats that are authentically African. Enjoy also a cold local refreshments with the cultural group.

After approximately 20 minute drive, reach to Elmina Castle. Arrive for photo opportunity of the exterior of the Elmina Castle which was built by the Europeans (Portuguese in 1471). Of interest also are the local fishing Harbour with its numerous dugout Canoes and the Elmina Castle the first structure of its kind built by substance on African soil. This was built by the Portuguese in1482 and later used as a slave auction market.

Enjoy a short scenic drive to Coconut Grove Beach Resort for Lunch and relaxing time.

Afterwards, commence your 90 minute drive back at Takoradi pier.

The climate is hot & humid, therefore a risk of dehydration - guests are encouraged to drink plenty of water.

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, sandy, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, many steps at the sites visited and some extended periods standing during demonstrations and sightseeing. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be aware that equipment and guides may not be up to Western standards but are the best available in this particular area; air conditioning in tour vehicles cannot be guaranteed. We recommend comfortable shoes, light layered clothing, sun hats, sun glasses and sun lotion. No photography of police/army at check points is allowed. Restrooms at all stops are the best in the area, but may not be up to Western standards. We recommend comfortable shoes, light layered clothing, sun hats, sun glasses and sun lotion. No photography of police/army at check points is allowed. Local souvenir shop accepts local currency, US Dollars, Pounds and Euros. Credit cards are not accepted. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover traditional peoples and ancient, historic sites on this fascinating tour that explores village culture and the history of the Gold Coast African slave trade. Drive approximately 90 minutes via coach from Takoradi Port to visit a traditional fishing village typical to this region. The first thing to do upon arrival at the village is to pay a courtesy call on the Chief and his elder; then you are free to interact with the rest of the community.

Observe the villagers go about their daily business, including Gari processing; Gari is a staple food in West Africa made from cassava a root crop which is cultivated commonly in the region and matures between 4 and 6 months. The matured tubers are uprooted, peeled, washed and grated squeeze out the starch and heat dried. It can be stored for up to 6 months.

Also observe the century-old methods the villagers use for smoking the fish they catch; learn about the Chorkor smoker, a rectangular or circular earthen structure molded with clay with an open top and side. Wood is arranged and burned at the opened side for smoking the fish.

There is also the opportunity to visit the community school to watch a brief performance. Interact with the students for a bit before making your way to the next destination.

Drive 20 minutes to the Cape Coast Castle to receive a guided tour of this castle and museum (the West African Historical Museum). The castle was built by the Swedes in 1652 and was later taken over by the British. It served as the seat of the former colonial administration of the then Gold Coast (Ghana's former name) until 1877 when it was relocated to Accra. The Castle also houses the West African Historical Museum, where your guide takes you to see the slave quarters and Palaver Hall, where slaves were bargained for and sold.

Next drive to the Coconut Grove Beach Resort for lunch and cultural entertainment before continuing on to Elmina Castle. Built by the Portuguese in 1482, Elmina Castle was eventually the headquarters for a slave auction market. See the slave dungeons and condemned cells where slaves who attempted to escape were incarcerated. View its interior and exterior architecture.

Though this region is full of dark and difficult history, it is set amidst stark natural beauty. Enjoy panoramic views of the Fishing Harbor and Old Township from the castle. Return to the pier.

The climate is hot & humid, therefore a risk of dehydration - guests are encouraged to drink plenty of water.

Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, sandy, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, many steps at the sites visited and some extended periods standing during demonstrations and sightseeing. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Guests must be aware that equipment and guides may not be up to Western standards but are the best available in this particular area; air conditioning in tour vehicles cannot be guaranteed. Restrooms at all stops are the best in the area, but may not be up to Western standards. We recommend comfortable shoes, light layered clothing, sun hats, sun glasses and sun lotion. No photography of police/army at check points is allowed. Local souvenir shop accepts local currency, US Dollars, Pounds and Euros. Credit cards are not accepted. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover the panoramic beauty and history of Sekondi and Takoradi during a half-day sightseeing excursion to the Twin Cities.

Takoradi

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 30-minute drive from Takoradi to Sekondi. En route, drive through Takoradi Port and learn about the history of the port's railway. From here, take a panoramic drive past Monkey Hill and the adjoining wetlands. In the centre of the metropolis, see the unique virgin forest, which is inhabited by monkeys and birds.

Sekondi and Fishing Harbour

Your drive continues past Regional Hospital and along the beach road before reaching Sekondi. Upon arrival, take a sightseeing drive through the city. Learn about the history of Sekondi whilst passing such historic landmarks as Fort Orange, built by the Dutch, European Town, old Colonial buildings, High Court, commercial and old residential buildings, and the historic Railway Station with its wall clock. Next, a stop is made at the Bosumtwi Sam Fishing Harbour. Here, observe the loading and unloading of fish, mending of nets, boatyard, and women buying and preparing fish.

Market Circle and Cultural Show

Afterward, drive past Takoradi Market Circle and through the main commercial streets, including John Sarbah Road and New John Sarbah Road, before taking a guided stroll through the colourful, bustling Market Circle. Your tour concludes with a cultural show and refreshments at a local hotel. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the brief drive back to the port and shopping at the Harbour Bazaar before returning to the ship.

The climate is hot & humid, therefore a risk of dehydration - guests are encouraged to drink plenty of water.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 383 yards (350 metres), with open drains and uneven surfaces at Bosumtwi Sam Harbour, and a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility however not for guests who utilise a wheelchair. Restrooms at all stops are the best in the area, but may not be up to Western standards. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sunglasses, hat and sun protection are recommended. Expect heavy crowds at Bosumtwi Sam Harbour. Local souvenir shop accepts local currency, US Dollars, Pounds and Euros. Credit cards are not accepted. Space on this tour is limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.