Euphoria Travel Alliance

Jennifer & Emmanuel

Ghana Adventure: Be Moved

Jul 22, 2020 to Aug 1, 2020


"Come and experience a specially curated tour of Ghana. From traditional art practices that are the bedrock of jazz, to the technological innovations of today's youth, be a part of the continent's ever expanding influence on the Diaspora. It will be a delight to share the majesty of Ghanaian culture and its historical relationship with the Diaspora so critical to my work  these past 15 years.
~ Dr. S Ama Wray


AKWAABA! 

African arts and their aesthetics are at the heart of jazz: this is music, dance and the intrinsic sense of community. JazzXchange is creating a new opportunity for audiences to participate in an international tour to Ghana. It is developed to vitalize the connection between the Americas and West Africa. Join us for an unforgettable dive into Ghanaian culture, arts and history. Upgrade your knowledge of Ghana as the choice destination for experiencing contemporary West Africa. 


Trip Highlights:


Imagine being welcomed to the Motherland in an Akwaaba ceremony then being whisked away to an exclusive African couture fashion show and expo with selected tailors and dressmakers.  Continue on your journey through the capital city of Accra and explore the National Museum, Kwame Nkrumah National Park & Mausoleum, Independence Square & Arch, W.E.B. DuBois Center & home, and Art Galleries then kick back and share an experiences with members of the African American community who have successfully returned and resettled in Ghana.  Perhaps envisage yourself on the dance floor experiencing  night life in Accra or relaxing at the poolside with a cold beverage in hand....can you see it?





Now,  hear the sounds of the Asante Kingdom, listening to the narrative of a several centuries-old kingdom at the King's Palace. Discover the legend of the Okomfo Anokye Sword and then meander your way around Asante craft villages immersing yourself in the rhythm of the Kente cloth weavers and the visual artistry of wood carvers.  You are just in time to dive into the Akwasidae festival in the Asante kingdom! Can you hear the drums? Have an exclusive audience with Asante royalty. Engage with the local community through donations and inspire through motivational speeches. Continue your journey with an African traditional Naming ceremony. The ancestors are calling out to you....do you hear it?




Feel the moist soil beneath your sandals  as you travel the ancestral walk to the "Nnonko Suo" riverside with a special Solemn Homage ceremony. Traverse the Elmina and Cape Coast Castles (UNESCO World Heritage monuments) and enter the "Door of No Return." Thankfully, that is not your end. Touch the thick coiled ropes on the Kakum canopy walk in the rainforest while you stand above the treetops.  Ghana is embracing you....do you feel it?


What's included in this trip:
  • Round trip flights from New York, JFK. 
  • Domestic flights in Ghana.
  • Best-rated hotels - A mix of 5, 4 and 3 star rated hotels; the best in each city.
  • Two meals daily: Daily breakfast and daily lunch or dinner. 
  • All excursions detailed in the itinerary, with knowledgeable local guides and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles.
  • Entrance fees to all sites visited. 
  • Luggage handling at hotels and airports.
  • Transfers to/from airport.
  • Special commemorative T-shirt designed to celebrate the journey.



What's not included:

  1. Domestic flights in the U.S.
  2. Travel insurance (please accept or decline below).
  3. Visas (Euphoria Travel can assist with visas for a fee).
  4. Recommended tips of $10 pp per day for driver and Tour Guide.
  5. Personal expenses.
  6. Excess luggage transfer service fees.
  7. All items not stated on the itinerary.
  8. Applicable transaction fees (Credit Card: 4%. Bank Transfers: 2.5%).




Itinerary

Day 1: Wednesday July 22, 2020

Check-in and depart from JFK, NY on a flight to Accra

Late evening departure.


Day 2: Thursday, July 23, 2020 - Akwaaba! Welcome to Ghana!

Arrive in Accra, capital of Ghana. This is as "geographically" close to the center of the earth as you will get! You will be welcomed by our rep after you have completed arrival formalities and transferred to your hotel. Check in and be entertained with a traditional welcome ceremony.

Relish an evening fashion show and expo by selected tailors and dressmakers. Shop for exclusive African couture designs. (Tailoring also available in Kopeia Village).

Celebrate your arrival at a festive welcome dinner with a member(s) of the JazzXchange extended family of artists and academics,  esteemed members of the social, academic and cultural communities as well as members of the African American ex-patriate community living in Ghana.



Day 3: Friday July 24, 2020 - Kopeia Village Experience: the birth place of embodiology

Breakfast

Set off on a specially planned day-trip to Kopeia Village. Discover the source of Dr Wray's embodied knowledge and scholarship which led to the development of Embodiology®. Exchange greetings in a traditional welcome ceremony with the elders and leaders of the community. Visit the Dagbe Arts Center is a central beacon amongst the local people and creative artists in the tradition of the Anlo-Ewe people. You will spend the day engrossed in artful living, ceremony, creative commerce and communication. Donate school supplies and any other materials to the Dagbe Arts Center for use by the children in the village.

Lunch
After lunch, you will have an opportunity for a traditional African naming ceremony. Compare stories and acquisitions on the the return drive to Accra. Get ready for your departure to Kumasi in the morning.

Dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Optional: Up for some night life? Dance to the rhythm of the Motherland infused in the dynamics of jazz rifts and chords in a local night club.




Day 4: Saturday, July 25, 2020 - Kumasi: the garden city tour

Breakfast and hotel checkout.

Meet the esteemed Ghanaian Art historian, Dr. Sela Adjei, for a specially curated deep dive lecture on presentation on African Art. This lecture will guide you to understand a society through it's cultural expression and creative output. This lecture will set the aesthetic table for the remainder of the tour. 

Depart on domestic flight to Kumasi. Arrive in time for lunch.

Welcome to the home of the Asante empire and Ghana’s second largest city, Kumasi. Be whisked away to the mystical sword of Okomfo Anokye which is central to the founding of the Asante empire. Identify the seven clan staff of the Akan, hear the roaring war drum that caused mayhem among Asante enemies and gaze upon a replica of the golden stool believed to have descended from the sky at the Prempeh II Jubilee Museum.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy a glass of wine.

Dinner on your own.


Day 5: Sunday, July 26, 2020 - Akwasidae Festival Celebration | The Way of Kings & Queens

Breakfast

If you have already secured your traditional garb, today would be the perfect day to wear it!  Tread where Asante Kings have tread, in the halls of Manhyia Palace. Remain poised! You may just see the King of the Asante Kingdom strolling across your path.

Lunch is on the go! You are just in time for the Akwasidae Festival. Enjoy the colorful procession of chiefs at the Akwasidae. Greet Asante royalty. Receive the traditional blessings bestowed by the pouring of libations. Let the ancestral rhythm of the drumming flow over your body while witnessing living local history through the dance. Be free to take photographs as you experience Asante culture at its peak.

Dinner on your own.




Day 6: Monday, July 27, 2020 - Kumasi Artisans Villages

Breakfast.

Begin your journey to the Ashanti craft villages. Wrap yourself in the timeless, hand-woven fabric of kings and queens at the looms of Bonwire, home of the colorful Kente cloth. Speak the language of cloth at Ntonsu, the home of the hand-stamped Adinkra cloth. Try your hands at creating your own patterns to take with you (for a nominal fee).


Lunch at a local restaurant.

Carve out time to admire and perhaps select from a wide variety of royal stools, drums, staffs and fertility dolls among others in the wood carving village of Ahwiaa. 

Dinner on your own.

Relax by the poolside or visit a local pub in the evening.



Day 7: Tuesday, July 28, 2020 - Walk of the Ancestors: Kumasi-Elmina/Cape Coast

Breakfast and hotel checkout.

Travel on the ancient trade routes to the coast. Stand upon the banks of the notorious Assin Manso River where captured Africans were allowed their last wash before being marched down to be confined in the Slave dungeons along the coast to await shipment to the Americas and the Caribbean.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

March the path of the enslaved African ancestors through the dungeons of the UNESCO World Heritage monument. Reflect on the gift of freedom while you enter through “The Door of No Return” from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Venture into the over 600 years old Dutch influenced township of Elmina and check into your hotel. Rest of day is free to meditate on the beach front.

Dinner on your own.

Check into your hotel.



Day 8: Wednesday, July 29, 2020 - Day at Leisure


Breakfast


Free day to relax on the beach.


Optional: Stroll into the fishing port of Edina/Elmina. See the boats preparing to go out to sea. Mingle with the local people and learn traditional methods of fish preservation. 


Enjoy a warm welcome at One Africa Health Resort and Restaurant. This is owned by one of the pioneer African American families who settled in Ghana.


Dinner on your own.




Day 9: Thursday, July 30, 2020 - Kakum Rainforest & Return to Accra

Breakfast and hotel check out.

Take an early morning jaunt to the Kakum National Park, home to Africa’s only aerial tree canopy walkway to enjoy panoramic views on top of platforms that reach heights of over 150 feet above the forest floor. Connect with Mother Nature on a brief guided walk of the “Kuntan Trail” with its countless trees with medicinal properties. Dare to cross the seven rope canopy bridges, a spiritual walk for many.

Enjoy a packed lunch.

Relax for a scenic coastal drive to Accra, Ghana’s capital city for over 143 years. 

Check in at your hotel.

Dinner on your own. 

Optional: Enjoy night life in Accra



Day 10: Friday July 31, 2020 - Exploring the Capital City, Accra


Breakfast
 

Experience old and new Accra. March through Independence Square with the enclosed flame of African liberation and the statue of the unknown soldier. Stroll around the exquisite Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, final resting place of the first president of Ghana. Get a personal and poignant behind the scenes look into the life of this Black liberation icon in an adjoining museum. 

Connect with a movement at the W.E.B. DuBois Center, home of the eminent Pan-Africanist and author, Dr. DuBois. 

Lose yourself in an amazing collection of high quality artwork from all over Africa – especially Ghana and Nigeria in the sea-side three-story Omanye House, Artist Alliance Gallery. 

You’ll never feel more alive than when you pop in at a unique casket workshop to admire the expert craftsmanship and unique design of caskets that honor the life, belief and aspirations of the indigenous Ga people. 

Try your hand at bargaining at the Arts and Crafts market, Ghana’s largest outdoor traditional West African craft market. 

Lunch and dinner on your own.





Day 11: Saturday, August 1, 2020 - Heading Home


Breakfast


Enjoy a free morning to relax on the beach or explore the city of Accra for last minute shopping and visiting friends (on your own). 


Lunch on your own.


Late check out of your hotel available.


Bid the ancestors adieu in a festive farewell dinner.


Transfer to the airport for departure.




Accommodations


Labadi Beach Hotel | Accra



Welcome to Ghana's premier 5* hotel and resort, about 10 minutes drive from the airport and city center. Set amidst tropical landscaped gardens, the hotel overlooks one of Ghana’s most popular and beautiful beaches, La Pleasure Beach. It boasts a well maintained private beach with 24 hours security surveillance offering colorful cocktails and bites as you watch the tropical sunset. It features a modern Spa treatment in the serene ambience of beach gardens, an outdoor lap pool as well as a leisure pool, floodlit tennis courts and an outdoor running space  within the expanse gardens filled with coconut trees. It is renowned for its food and the unique spirit of Ghanaian hospitality. Foodies have the luxury of 24 hours a la carte Lounge Bar, the al Fresco Terrace Bar overlooking the swimming pool, the Lagoon Bar on the preserved spiritual and cultural Lagoon of the local community of La, as well as the Akwaaba Buffet Restaurant. 

Labadi Beach Resort continues too be the hosts for Kings, Queens as well as Presidents, the diplomatic, Business and Leisure community. We stand for quality.



Golden Tulip | Kumasi


Experience luxury at Golden Tulip Kumasi City, a first class African-style business hotel set in lush tropical gardens at the heart of historic Ashanti Regional Capital of Kumasi. With prime access to the central business district and prestigiously located by the royal golf course, Golden Tulip Kumasi City provides a dynamic holiday experience amid the rich culture of the Ashanti Kingdom.

Escape the tropical heat at our cosy Lounge Bar, have drinks and toast to successful business deals at the Drive VIP Bar; your entertainment options are varied. You’re welcome to laze by our pool with breath-taking views sipping exotic cocktails and nibbling snacks, or play a round of golf or tennis while your children have fun at the kids club.  Enjoy fusion cuisine from some of the highly trained chefs in the world at our Adinkra Restaurant. Watch the African sun set over the city as you move to the titillating sounds of live band music reverberating nightly by the poolside.

Whether you choose to explore the exciting history of the Ashanti Kingdom while indulging in rich golden trinkets of African art, decide to, or stick to negotiating business deals, Golden Tulip Kumasi City offers unparalleled solutions to your travel needs.


Coconut Grove Beach Resort | Elmina


Warm smiles and friendly service is our hallmark. Coconut Grove Hotels in Ghana offers for an impeccable vacation for anyone and everyone seeking a beach holiday or to use as a home base to explore the rich cultural heritage of Elmina or the fascinating natural charm of the Kakum National Park in Cape Coast. 

Coconut Grove Beach Resort is a multiple award-winning resort which has become an important land mark in Elmina, the town that has the historic world heritage Elmina Castle & St Jago Fort. Nestled in the cool shade of coconut trees, it exudes tranquility with its beautifully curated grass lawns. It offers an 18-hole golf course, horse-back riding, tennis and basketball courts. It is the hotel of choice for rest and relaxation by personalities such as the Crown Prince of Holland, the Secretary General of the U.N., Will Smith, ministers of states from the neighboring countries, heads of missions and other distinguished guests.



“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous

Travel Essentials



Click Here to Secure Your Visa or Renew Passport

* Visas are required for entry to Ghana. **Check passport for expiration date beyond 6 months travel.

Click Here to Safeguard Your Trip

* The quote provided from this link is based on individual (not group) metrics. 



CANCELLATION POLICY

If you need to cancel, you must notify EUPHORIA TRAVEL ALLIANCE in writing! All cancellations will be processed and refunded less initial deposit and applicable penalties. Cancellation fees: Up to 120 days prior to departure = Non-refundable deposit of $500. Between 119 – 45 days prior = Non-refundable deposit + cost of airline ticket; between 44 - 36 days prior to departure = non-refundable deposit + $375 + cost of airline ticket; 35 days up to departure date = 100% of the total cost of package + cost of airline ticket. 


*Please note that traveler bears the additional cost of single supplement fees where their cancellation affects the accommodation of their roommate at the hotel(s).

NAME CHANGES
Name changes up to 100 days are acceptable for a $150 administrative fee. From 99 days until day of departure, name changes will be considered as a cancellation. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend you to secure travel insurance to protect your investment on this trip. Travel insurance covers the cancellation fees for medical reasons, as well as, medical expenses overseas, accidents, lost or damage of luggage, etcEUPHORIA TRAVEL ALLIANCE will assist you to secure insurance through our trusted suppliers. The cost is always dependent on age and destination. Please let us know if you require such assistance.

RESPONSIBILITY
EUPHORIA TRAVEL ALLIANCE and/or its agents only represent the passenger concerning the hotels, transportation (air, sea, or motorized) trips and other services, and it declares free of liability for any loss, damages or delays incurred by sickness, strikes, war, quarantine or any other cause out of control. We reserve the right to change/alter the itinerary, when it is in the interest of the group. In addition, the airlines utilized with connection to this tour, are not liable/responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board the airline equipment. EUPHORIA TRAVEL ALLIANCE does not assume responsibility for errors or omissions contained in the brochure. Price and taxes are guaranteed only upon receiving full payment and issuing airline tickets. Taxes may be increased by the airline due to increase in fuel cost until tickets are issued.

PAYMENTS

A non-refundable deposit of $500 per person is required with registration (open up to March 15, 2020) to secure a spot. Additional payments may be made at one time or in suggested installments as elected by traveler upon registration. Final payment is due by June 7, 2020 to avoid late charges. FULL NON-REFUNDABLE FINAL payment is due no later than 45 days before departure (June 7, 2020)! Transaction fees apply for all payments. (Credit Card: 4%. Bank Transfers: 2.5%).
Early-bird rates and payment installment options are available. Please see booking site for more details.

PASSPORTS

Your passport must be valid six months after your return. This means if your passport is due to expire before February 1, 2021, you will need to apply for a new passport!


VISAS 

A visa is required to visit Ghana for US passport holders. This trip will require an entry visa! Passport holders from other countries, please email EUPHORIA TRAVEL ALLIANCE at info@euphoriatravelalliance.com for confirmation of visa requirements or check on the various countries’ website. All visa processing information will be provided upon registration. EUPHORIA TRAVEL ALLIANCE will provide visa processing services for a fee.


INOCULATIONS

Yellow Fever Vaccination is required for travel to Ghana. We encourage you to consult your Health Care Provider regarding vaccination and malaria prophylaxis before signing up for this tour. 


Available Packages

Black Friday Special - ENDS 11:59 PM TONIGHT - Woforo Dua Pa
Unavailable as of November 30, 2019

$4,865.00
Deposit: $2,432.50 per person

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Round trip flight from JFK, New York to Accra • Domestic one way flight • Double occupancy accommodation in top star rated hotels  Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch/dinners  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels • Entrance fees to all listed sites • Special Commemorative T-Shirt  

First 10 Bookings Only! - Super Early Bird Discount - Pay in Full | Over $600 in Savings
Unavailable as of December 7, 2019

$4,865.00
Deposit: $4,865.00 per person

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Round trip flight from JFK, New York to Accra • Domestic one way flight • Double occupancy accommodation in top star rated hotels  Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch/dinners  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels • Entrance fees to all listed sites • Special Commemorative T-Shirt  

Early Bird Discount - Pay in Full | Over $500 in Savings
Unavailable as of December 7, 2019

$4,970.00
Deposit: $4,970.00 per person

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Round trip flight from JFK, New York to Accra • Domestic one way flight • Double occupancy accommodation in top star rated hotels  Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch/dinners  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels • Entrance fees to all listed sites • Special Commemorative T-Shirt  

Early Bird Discount - Pay Half Now | Over $350 in Savings
Unavailable as of December 7, 2019

$5,094.00
Deposit: $2,547.00 per person

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Round trip flight from JFK, New York to Accra • Domestic one way flight • Double occupancy accommodation in top star rated hotels  Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch/dinners  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels • Entrance fees to all listed sites • Special Commemorative T-Shirt  

Early Bird Discount - Installment Plan | Over $250 in Savings
Unavailable as of December 7, 2019

$5,222.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Paid over the duration of 6 months

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Round trip flight from JFK, New York to Accra • Domestic one way flight • Double occupancy accommodation in top star rated hotels  Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch/dinners  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels • Entrance fees to all listed sites • Special Commemorative T-Shirt  

Starting Dec 8th | Regular Rate - Pay in Full | Over $200 in Savings
Unavailable as of March 15, 2020

$5,220.00
Deposit: $5,220.00 per person

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Round trip flight from JFK, New York to Accra • Domestic one way flight • Double occupancy accommodation in top star rated hotels  Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch/dinners  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels • Entrance fees to all listed sites • Special Commemorative T-Shirt  

Starting Dec 8th | Regular Rate - Pay Half Now | Over $100 in Savings
Unavailable as of March 15, 2020

$5,348.00
Deposit: $2,674.00 per person

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Round trip flight from JFK, New York to Accra • Domestic one way flight • Double occupancy accommodation in top star rated hotels  Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch/dinners  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels • Entrance fees to all listed sites • Special Commemorative T-Shirt  

Starting Dec 8th | Regular Rate - Installment Plan
Unavailable as of March 15, 2020

$5,480.00
Deposit: $500.00 per person

Paid over the duration of 6 months

ALL PACKAGES INCLUDE: Round trip flight from JFK, New York to Accra • Domestic one way flight • Double occupancy accommodation in top star rated hotels  Meals: Daily breakfast and lunch/dinners  • Luggage handling at airports and hotels • Entrance fees to all listed sites • Special Commemorative T-Shirt  

Extra Options

Single Supplement Add On
Unavailable as of April 7, 2020

$935.00


Additional surcharge applied for traveler who requires a room without a roommate through the duration of the tour.